Arigato Travel Weblog
10 Years of Arigato Travel: A Love Letter to Japan, Our Team, and Everyone Who Traveled With Us
Ten years. When I say it out loud, it still feels a little unreal. Arigato in Japanese means THANK YOU, and that is where this story starts, with gratitude. When I joined Arigato almost at the very beginning back in 2016, none of us could have […]
Read More
The Essential Guide to Nabe: The Heartwarming Components of Japan’s Winter Hot Pot
When the chill of winter sweeps across Japan, few dishes capture the warmth of the season quite like nabe (鍋, hot pot). Families and friends gather around a steaming pot, cooking together at the table and savoring the blend of comforting broth, fresh ingredients, and shared […]
Read More
Traveling with Kids in Japan During Wintertime
Winter in Japan is a season full of charm with snow-covered mountains, warm hot springs, and cheerful festivals that light up Japan from December to February. For families traveling with kids, it is one of the most enjoyable times to visit. Whether you are making snowmen […]
Read More
All About Aizome: History, Roots, What it is, Patterns, and What they Symbolize
Indigo blue and the dyeing process (Aizome) are such an instrumental part of traditional Japanese culture that I never once doubted that they originated in the country. However, I later learned that Japan actually learnt it from China in the 7th century, and that it had […]
Read More
Celebrating Coming of Age Day in Japan: A Milestone Embracing Tradition, Community, and New Beginnings
Coming of Age Day, known in Japan as Seijin no Hi (成人の日), is one of the country’s most heartwarming annual celebrations. It honors young adults stepping into adulthood, traditionally at age 20. Since April 2022, the legal age of adulthood in Japan has been lowered to […]
Read More
Ski, Skate & Soak: Sports Adventures in Japan’s Winter Wonderlands
Snow, Sports, & Tradition When venturing to Japan, many typically plan for either the blossoming time of spring’s sakura or the hot yet vibrant summer. The season that many keep to the sidelines, but deserves more love, is wintertime; a time to bundle up, enjoy some […]
Read More
5 Things to Eat in Ibaraki
Ibaraki, located northeast of Tokyo, is filled with abundant nature and is home to some famous Japanese staples, such as natto (fermented soybeans), chestnuts, and melons. Mostly known for its gardens, Ibaraki is blessed with fertile land and abundant waters that allow this prefecture to offer […]
Read More
Meet Jessica: The Marketing Mind Helping You Discover Authentic Japan
Born in Paris but with a heart fully captivated by Japan, Jessica brings her passion for Japanese culture, music, and food to life as Arigato Travel’s Marketing, Sales, and Business Development Director. After over six years in the gaming industry, she courageously left it all behind […]
Read More
12 Spots You Can’t Miss This Winter Season in Japan!
Japan is a country known for offering its own uniqueness in each of its four seasons! While cherry blossoms bloom in Spring, festivals fill the streets in Summer, and the fall foliage appears in Autumn, the Winter months of Japan provide beautiful landscapes and special experiences […]
Read More
Flowers in Japan Throughout the Year
Japan is a country that truly celebrates the changing of seasons, and nothing reflects this more beautifully than its flowers. From cherry blossoms in spring to bright chrysanthemums in autumn, each season has its own floral charm. Whether you’re visiting gardens, temples, or just strolling through […]
Read More