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Winter Solstice Traditions to Keep Warm in Japan
The winter solstice in Japan is called Toji, which usually falls around December 21st or 22nd. Toji is not only the year’s shortest day but also the time when the sun’s power begins to return, symbolizing a shift from yin to yang or cold to warmth. […]
A TEA CEREMONY CELEBRATING WINTER’S DEPTHS: YOBANASHI 夜話
If you’re reading this post in late winter and happen to be in Tokyo, today you’ve enjoyed fewer than 10 hours of daylight. Where I’m writing from, mid-Coast Maine, the sun sets very early, at an alarming 4:30 pm, offering up fewer than 9 hours of […]
Explore Tohoku With Us Part 1: The Story Behind the Michinoku Coastal Trail
Have you heard of the Tohoku region? Perhaps you might remember it from the tragic earthquake and tsunami back in 2011. But the area is so much more than a simple tale of tragedy and destruction. It’s a place with a rich and deep history, where […]
The Spirit of Yamanashi Aboard the Hamanashi Houseboat: An Interview
When people think of dining with a view, few would think of a meal on a lake with an iconic landmark in the background. But imagine enjoying a fine dining experience of meals curated using locally sourced food and wines, while drifting seamlessly across Lake Kawaguchi, […]
Pre-Arrival Checklist: Getting Ready for Your Adventure in Japan
So you’ve decided to go to Japan! The excitement is bubbling, the Pinterest boards are full of sushi and sakura, and you might even be wondering if you packed enough socks. Before you let your imagination run wild through Kyoto’s alleyways or Tokyo’s neon streets, there […]
Strawberry Season in Japan: The Sweetest Time of the Year
Winter in Japan is not just about the snow and hot springs, but it is also the season for one of Japan’s most famous fruits, strawberries! From December to May, farms across Japan open their land for ichigo-gari (いちご狩り), or strawberry picking, letting visitors in to […]
Omotenashi Selection 2025: Second Session Lineup
The moment has arrived for the second biannual OMOTENASHI Selection announcement, bringing the year to an exciting close in the world of Japanese craftsmanship and hospitality. This session spotlights outstanding recipients from across Japan, whose products embody the spirit of omotenashi, Japan’s unique ethos of selfless […]
Botany Painting, Bringing Nature and Art Together: An Interview
When we think of Japanese art inspired by nature, we might first picture the elegant, minimalist art of ikebana (flower arrangement) or the bold strokes of sumi-e (ink painting). These forms capture the spirit and impermanence of nature. However, there is another art form, one that […]
Winter Japanese Drinks (and Soup) to Warm You Up
Winter in Japan hits differently – crisp air, cozy cafés, and enough steaming cups to keep your hands (and soul) warm. Picture yourself wandering through a quiet street after a day of temple hopping, snowflakes melting on your scarf as the smell of roasted tea and […]
2025 Holiday Giveaway – Your Chance to Win Japanese Treasures This Holiday Season!
The festive season has arrived, and we’re thrilled to bring back our Annual Holiday Giveaway for 2025! Following last year’s great reception, we’ve packed this giveaway with even more wonderful prizes and partners to celebrate the holidays with our wonderful community. We’ve once again had the […]