culture
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Gion Corner, Kyoto | A great chance to experience Kyoto’s traditional performing arts
If you don’t have the budget to see Kyoto’s geisha in action in an actual tea house, Gion Corner in Kyoto is an alternative that gives you a great overview of traditional Japanese performing arts.
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Happy National Foundation Day in Japan
February 11th is National Foundation Day, a national holiday for Japanese people to remind themselves of the nation’s founding and foster their love for the nation.
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Tokyo Mitama Matsuri | Various fun events and beautiful decorations
For the spectacular Mitama Festival, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is decorated with more than 30,000 traditional Japanese lanterns, running all the way from the great torii gate to the main gate of the sanctuary.
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Kyoto Gion Matsuri | Beautiful decorations and flashy events
The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three most famous festivals in Japan with more than 1000 years of history. I’m crazy about this festival which is cool, high-spirited and elegant at the same time.
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Sumiyoshi Taisha | Beautiful architecture and the strongest power spot in Osaka
Shinto shrine “Sumiyoshi Taisha” was founded in 211, making it one of the oldest shrines in all of Japan. It is worth visiting for its picturesque bridge and interesting architecture.
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Naha | An enjoyable trip to Okinawa starts here!
Naha is usually the first place tourists see in Okinawa after touching down in the archipelago. It’s a great place to spend a day or 3, so what is there to see and do there?
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Convenient stay in a capsule hotel
Capsule hotels opened for the first time in 1979 in Osaka in the bustling district of Umeda. They became a popular place to crash for salarymen who missed the last train.
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Fun school life in Japan (0-15 years old)
What does daily life in school look like for kids in Japan? Learn more about the educational system in Japan for kids aged 0-15.
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Origami | Delicate and beautiful art for everyone to enjoy
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper without using scissors or glue to create shapes that can be seen as paper sculptures. Learn more about this beautiful art!
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Gambling in Japan
Although gambling is officially illegal in Japan, there are still ways to enjoy a wager. How do Japanese people enjoy a gamble, and how does that work with the law?
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Japan’s super-aging society among the top in the world
Japan’s population is decreasing, bringing economical problems with it. What is going on, and what is Japan planning to do to remedy this?
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High Tech Toilets in Japan
Toilets in Japan are some of the most advanced in the world. What are the newest functionalities? And what on earth is going on with those sound buttons in public toilets?
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Surgical Masks used for various purposes in Japan
Why have Japanese people been wearing masks even before Covid-19 hit? Besides protecting yourself and others from viruses, there are interesting other reasons as well.
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Secret of High Economic Growth in Japan
The Japanese economy was booming in the mid-20th century. What were Japan’s opportunities that caused this economic boom?
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Hita, Oita | A town that lives with clear water
Hita is a city in Kyushu that attracts tourists with its beautiful old town with 200-year old houses, a float festival, and traditional ceramics. See what this off-the-beaten-path destination has to offer.
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Religions unique to Japan
While Japan’s first main religion is Shinto, the second main religion is Buddhism. How did Buddhism come to Japan, and which influence does it have on daily life in Japan?
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Omamori | Big good luck in a small bag
Small amulets called ‘omamori’ are sold at most shrines and temples in Japan. What is the meaning of this custom?
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Five of the Best Shrines in Japan
It can be difficult to choose which shrine to visit in Japan because there are so many interesting ones to choose from. To help you, we present a list of 5 of the most impressive Shinto shrines to visit during your stay in Japan.
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How to Pray at Shinto Shrine
Shinto means worshiping ancestors as guardians of the family, and it also symbolizes showing respect for the kami, who reside in the natural world and in shrines. How to pray at a Shinto shrine?
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How to Pay a Bill at a Restaurant in Japan
Don’t get surprised by your bill when you get to the cashier at the end of a nice meal! Let us explain all the ins and outs of paying your bill at a restaurant in Japan.