Blog Masonry
What is Setsubun? Mamemaki? A traditional Bean-Throwing Festival in Japan
Visiting Japan in February? We highly recommend you plan your trip in time with Setsubun. This festive holiday packs together tons of Japanese traditions that are still alive today. Let’s discover together what Setsubun is, and what to expect and learn from this event. What […]
Japan’s New Preclearance System for Travellers for 2025
International travel to Japan has increased for the past few years following the country’s decision to reopen the borders in 2022 due to the pandemic, lessening travel restrictions, and the weakening value of the Japanese Yen. Coming from 4.5 million tourists in a year in 2020, […]
Daruma Burning Ceremonies: Winter Purification Traditions in Japan
The Daruma doll is a well-known Japanese symbol of resilience and good fortune. Inspired by Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, these round, hollow dolls are rich in symbolism and often gifted as a gesture of encouragement. Beyond their role as good luck charms, Daruma dolls […]
SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN) GUIDE: ENJOY JAPANESE OMOTENASHI CULTURE
Do you have trains or bullet trains (Shinkansen) in your country? I live in Lithuania now, and I recently discovered that a train has recently opened from the capital of Vilnius to the neighboring country of Riga, Latvia. The distance is approximately 263km, and the travel […]
Shakotan Spirit: Fire-Infused Gin from Hokkaido’s Volcanic Shores
On the west coast of Hokkaidō, the Shakotan Peninsula has stunning crystal-clear waters and reefs, offering a breathtaking view of the Sea of Japan. On this peninsula, visitors can also find Shakotan Spirit, a craft gin distillery! Shakotan Spirit not only produces distilled liquor inspired by […]
10 Cherry Blossom Varieties Not to Miss in Japan
One of the most anticipated sights in Japan is the annual arrival of the cherry blossoms – or sakura – each spring. Sakura are Japan’s unofficial national flower and hold a special place in Japanese culture. These delicate blossoms come in tons of different colors including […]
Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025: Catch the Early Blooming Dates for the Sakura Season This Year!
It’s that time of the year again! Meteorology companies across Japan, including the Japan Meteorological Agency, have begun releasing their first forecasts for the cherry blossoms of this year. Hanami viewing has always had a very special place in the hearts of the Japanese people while […]
The Power Of Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Skincare Routines
Cherry blossoms have always held a special place in Japanese culture. Each year, a traditional event known as hanami, or “flower viewing” occurs between March and April, to bring people together beneath the cherry blossoms. It is here that the people of Japan come together to […]
A Stay at Park Hotel Tokyo: A Fusion of Art, Culture, and Sustainability
If you’re seeking a hotel experience that is more than just a place to sleep, Park Hotel Tokyo is the perfect destination. Located above Shiodome Metro Station, with Shimbashi JR Station just a short walk away, it is incredibly convenient for exploring Tokyo. My recent stay […]
All You Need to Know Before Attending Sumo
Sumo is a sports competition between two rikishi (wrestlers). It takes place at the dohyo, which is a circular platform formed by partially buried rice straw bales 4.55 meters in diameter and is covered in sand. In order to win the match, the rikishi has to […]