Ninjas: Honest Guide to Japan’s True Shadow Warriors
As someone who's watched far too many anime, samurai flicks, and even Hollywood blockbusters, I’ve always been utterly fascinated by the concept of ninjas. The silent assassins who move like shadows, throw shuriken with pinpoint accuracy, and vanish into thin...
January in Japan: Snowy Adventures, Traditional Beginnings, and Seasonal Flavours
January in Japan kicks off the year with a mix of cold-weather activities, deep-rooted traditions, and comforting winter foods. From serene temples bustling with New Year rituals to powdery slopes perfect for skiing, January has plenty to offer for travellers and...
A Foreigner’s Complete Guide to Noh: Japan’s Traditional Theatre of Elegance and Mystery
Noh is one of Japan's oldest and most respected forms of theatre, blending drama, music, and dance in a graceful, time-honoured way. It’s rooted in deep traditions and spiritual ideas, with its slow, elegant movements and the use of beautiful masks being key features....
Top 5 Kamakura Street Food For You to Discover
Kamakura, a charming coastal town just an hour south of Tokyo, is rich in history and cultural significance. Once the political centre of medieval Japan, Kamakura is home to historic temples, beautiful beaches, and a lively street food scene that delights both locals...
Types of Sakura: 5 of Japan’s Prettiest Cherry Blossoms
If you're anything like me, the idea of cherry blossoms—sakura—has probably been a long-time fantasy. Growing up with anime, I used to picture sakura as these delicate pink clouds that magically appeared for a fleeting moment in spring before vanishing like a whisper...
Sakura Through Seasons: Year-Round Cherry Blossom Magic
When most people think of Japan’s cherry blossoms, or sakura, they imagine the fleeting beauty of spring—a world transformed into soft pink hues, with petals fluttering gracefully in the breeze. And yes, springtime sakura is iconic, breathtaking, and...
Kendo: Foreigner’s Complete Guide to Japan’s Martial Art
Kendo is a martial art that combines physical skill, mental focus, and long-standing Japanese traditions. For hundreds of years, it has fascinated both participants and onlookers with its fast-paced sparring, use of bamboo swords (shinai), and its deep...
Japanese Shrines: A Foreigner’s Guide to Understanding Shinto Culture and Customs
Living in Japan has been full of surprises, and one of the things that really caught my attention was the number of beautiful Japanese shrines all over the country. At first, I just admired them for their beauty—the red torii gates, peaceful courtyards, and the quiet,...
1-Week Japan Winter Itinerary: Snow, Onsens, and More
One of the things that makes Japan so special, as you'll discover in our Japan winter itinerary, is how distinct and dramatic its four seasons are. Each one has its own personality and charm, and honestly, they all manage to make themselves worth the hype. It’s like...
December in Japan: Enchanting Lights and Year-End Traditions
December in Japan is an exceptional month where festive cheer, seasonal foods, and deeply rooted traditions come together. As the last month of the year, December invites you to experience the wonders of winter amidst vibrant city lights, cosy hot pots, and the...