Arigato Travel Weblog
Wear Your Rainbow Cloaks With Pride With Japan Gay Guide
Japan might not be the first name on the list when you think of LGBTQ+ support, but the community is there and growing with the influx of travelers and those looking to live in Japan for the long term. Tempered by increasing support from locals, big […]
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Bonenkai and Shinnenkai: Two Japanese Celebrations for the New Year
With the New Year upon us, let’s learn how Japan celebrates the welcoming of this time of year! Instead of merely celebrating the countdown to midnight, Japan does a bit more than that. By having parties with their company, other students, friends, or family, Japan celebrates […]
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Kanpai! Destination sake breweries to visit in and around Tokyo
Why pick up a bottle of sake from the store, when you can go straight to the source? Imagine sipping on freshly brewed sake while overlooking picturesque landscapes or savoring a carefully crafted dish that perfectly complements the subtle flavors of your drink. Visiting a sake […]
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Hatsuyume: Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s “First Dream” Tradition
What is Hastuyume? Simply put, hatsuyume is the first dream of the new year, believed to occur after December 31st and on January 1st, which can be a message that one will have luck within the upcoming year. This tradition has been around since the early […]
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Decoding the Traditional Japanese New Year Decorations
Ah, New Year in Japan – a time for renewal, reflection, and of course, decoration! It is the time when you stroll through the streets of Japan, and you see all kinds of cool traditional decorations, then you get curious, “What are they for?” Fret not, […]
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Discover the Magic of Winter and Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo
As the holiday season approaches, Tokyo is gearing up to transform into a dazzling wonderland, filled with sparkling lights and festive displays. Christmas and winter illuminations in Japan have become a cherished tradition, evolving over the years from simple decorations to breathtaking artistic expressions. The origins […]
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Toshikoshi Soba: A Japanese New Year Tradition
There are many traditions around the world when the year ends. For Japan, one such tradition is eating toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing noodles.” This simple dish holds a special place in the Japanese New Year celebration traditions as soba noodles bring good luck in longevity because […]
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Annual Holiday Giveaway: Win Amazing Japanese Prizes with Arigato Travel
Seasonal Surprises: Enter Our Giveaways Now! The holiday season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce our BIG Annual Holiday Giveaway for 2024! This is our favorite way to spread holiday cheer and show heartfelt appreciation for you—our guests, readers and supporters. […]
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A HIDDEN GEMS ITINERARY IN KYOTO: STEP INTO ANOTHER WORLD
Lately, my Instagram feed has been flooded with reels showcasing the beauty of Kyoto. If you’ve caught a glimpse of them, you’ve likely been amazed by the amount of tourists visiting this historic city. Kyoto is often known for its temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese charm. […]
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OMOTENASHI Selection 2024 2nd Session Lineup
On December 3rd, the second round of the 2024 OMOTENASHI selection award winners were announced, showcasing the winner’s contribution towards fine craftsmanship and execution of many amazing Japanese products and services. The OMOTENASHI selection is a yearly list of the highest quality products and services produced […]
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