Arigato Travel Weblog
Interview with Mai, a Kumamoto Tour Guide and Sake Expert
Today, we’d like to introduce you to a private tour guide from Kumamoto, Mai san. While offering excellent tours in Kumamoto, located in the Kyushu region of Japan, she is also quite skilled in the world of Japanese sake. In this interview, we will discuss with […]
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Osaka for Coffee Lovers: 5 Kissaten to Add to Your List
Do you know about kissaten in Japan? As you might know, there are many cafes located around the country, but kissaten stand out as unique, with the biggest difference being the atmosphere. Cafes are open and lively, while a kissaten is a retro and quiet place […]
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Hiking the Nakasendo: A Journey Through Japan’s Edo-Era Heartland
Long before Japan’s high-speed trains and expressways, travelers crossed the country on foot along scenic highways that stitched together mountains, rivers, and bustling towns. Among the most celebrated was the Nakasendo, an inland route connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603–1868). Samurai, […]
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Honoring Wisdom: Experiencing Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day
Have you heard of Respect for the Aged Day? This national holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of September across Japan. Known as Keirō no Hi, the purpose of the day is to show respect to the elderly who have contributed to society and to […]
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Matsutake Mushrooms: The Autumn Delicacy That Captivates the Senses
As the crisp air and vibrant foliage of autumn sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, a culinary treasure emerges from the forest floor: the matsutake mushroom. Revered for centuries in East Asia, particularly in Japan, this wild mushroom is more than just a seasonal ingredient. It is […]
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Step into the Ring: A Cultural Feast in Ryogoku
At first glance, Ryogoku looks like a normal part of Tokyo. However, once you dig deeper, you will find its many specialities. From the lives of the sumo wrestlers to Michelin-star restaurants, Ryogoku is sure to offer anyone who visits an unforgettable experience. Sumo legacy in […]
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How to Celebrate Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon Viewing Tradition
If you’ve ever visited Japan in the autumn, you may have noticed people pausing to admire the full moon, often with a tray of round rice dumplings nearby. This is Tsukimi (月見), Japan’s traditional moon-viewing festival, a beautiful celebration of the harvest moon and the changing […]
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Autumn Festivals in Japan You Shouldn’t Miss
Autumn in Japan is more than just foliage; it’s also a time when the country’s cultural spirit comes alive. Across every region, from rural towns to coastal cities, festivals offer bold visuals, deep-rooted traditions, and community energy that sync with the season. Here are some of […]
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Brewing Perfection: Kikkoman’s Craft Soy Sauce
Take a look inside your cupboard. Chances are, you’ll find a bottle of a dark, salty, and savory sauce from this famous, long-standing Japanese company, a perfect complement to rice and countless other dishes. Since the Edo period, Kikkoman has been refining its skills in producing […]
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Japan Autumn Leaves 2025: Save the Best Viewing Dates!
Autumn is just around the corner, and that means it’s time once again to get ready for nature’s beautiful change to welcome in the new season. And this is something especially true in Japan! Although not as well known worldwide, the change of the Autumn leaves […]
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