culture
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Machiya, Kyoto | Beautiful old-fashioned architecture with natural materials
A ‘machiya’ is a traditional wooden house that is especially typical of Kyoto city. It was the artisans and merchants of the cities who lived in machiya.
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Nara Mantoe Matsuri Festival | Fantastic atmosphere with beautiful lighting
On August 15th, an annual event called Mantoe matsuri is held at night in the Todaiji temple in Nara. This festival commemorates our ancestors with lit-up lanterns.
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Todaiji Temple, Nara | The world’s largest and most beautiful wooden structure
The Todaiji Temple is located in the famous Nara Park and is the world’s largest wooden structure. Discover more about its long history!
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Gion | Travel back in time to the Edo period
Gion is the place where the famous geisha, the cultural symbol of Japan, are still doing their work every night. Geisha literally means ‘artist’, although in Kyoto they are called ‘geiko’ which means ‘woman of art’.
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto | Experience the beautiful seasonal precincts and the god of learning
The shrine of Kitano Tenmangu was built in the 10th century by the emperor of the time in honor of a scholar and politician. Now, it is especially known for its popular flea market.
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Toji Temple, Kyoto | Five-story pagoda and beautiful scenery
Toji means Eastern Temple, and this temple in Kyoto has a very long history. The religious foundations of Kyoto were laid here, and Buddha has protected the city from where Kukai founded the temple since 796.
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Kyoto City, Kyoto | A city full of beautiful nature and Japanese history
Kyoto is often called “the heart of Japan” and it is said that it would be impossible to get to know the country without visiting this wonderful city.
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Nomura Samurai Home, Kanazawa | Would you like to take a peek into the life of the Samurai?
In Kanazawa, you can find the old home of the samurai Nomura clan. The building is almost intact and is a good example of how the samurai warriors who protected the city lived at that time.
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Ouchijuku, Fukushima | Time travel to the Edo period!
If you are interested in Japan’s history and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Edo Period, you should consider adding old post town Ouchijuku in Fukushima to your itinerary.
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Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima | Kingdom of Agriculture
Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima is especially known for its delicious sake and long history of samurai culture.
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Tono City, Iwate | Michinoku’s three best cherry blossom viewing spots
Tono City in Iwate is not on the tourists’ Golden Route in Japan, but if you love horses or folk tales, it is a must-see destination. Not far from there is a park that’s one of the best cherry blossom spots in the country.
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Yamagata City, Yamagata | A city surrounded by beautiful and magnificent nature
Yamagata City is a centrally located town within a short distance of famous sightseeing areas like Mt. Zao with its onsen, hiking spots, winter sports areas, and Yamadera.
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Funeral Rites Unique to Japan
A funeral in Japan is held in Buddhist style. There are a wake, farewell service, cremation, ensepulcher, etc. You are supposed to bring condolence money to attend the ceremony.
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Unique Japanese Weddings
Japan has its own customs surrounding weddings. Learn more about the interesting mix of cultures that makes up Japanese weddings!
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Removing Shoes in Japan | One of the unique rules of Japan
Removing your shoes before entering a house or building is not only hygienic, in Japan, it is much more than a simple custom. Learn more about the history behind this rule, and the right way to go about it.
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Happy Coming of Age Ceremony
You can do a lot of things once you become an adult, so many young people look forward to this event. In Japan, it is no different, and there is even a special day for new adults. Read more about what it means to turn of legal age in Japan.
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Shinto Goddess Amaterasu Omikami who is considered the Creator
Amaterasu is the incarnate goddess as the Sun that governs the Universe and the main deity of Japanese Shinto. It is believed that the royal family of Japan descends directly from this important goddess.
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5 Most Surprising Things in Japan
When someone comes to Japan for the first time, the contrast or the great cultural differences that exist between Japan and their own culture creates many surprising moments!
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Happy Culture Day in Japan
November 3 is Culture Day in Japan. On this day, festivals are held around the country, celebrating traditional Japanese art. What can you expect to see if you are in Japan at that time?
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Shinto Shrines with a uniquely Japanese flavor
Whether you are in a large city like Tokyo or in a small village in the countryside, a Shinto shrine is never far away in Japan. What are the rules when you visit a shrine?