I think it’s safe to say that pop culture in Japan isn’t like anywhere else in the world. It incorporates an incredible kaleidoscope of things and is somehow both one of Japan’s most defining...
Japan Culuture & Language
Dive into the heart of Japanese culture. These blogs cover everything from ancient traditions to pop culture and language learning.
What is Omakase Sushi? Guide to Japan’s Ultimate Food Experience
We know the feeling well. You duck under the noren curtains, slide open the wooden door, and step into a hushed room. The chef looks up from the counter, and suddenly, you feel a bit out of your...
Ultimate Guide to Otaku Culture in Japan
These days, being an otaku has gone global. Fans and hobbyists all over the world have proudly taken on the title, joining the online community of their particular special interest. But, what does...
15 Anime Places in Real Life (That You Can Visit on an Anime Tour of Japan)
Let’s be really honest, visiting Japan is probably the top bucket list icon for almost every otaku out there. Being able to make the trip to experience everything you’ve watched on screen in real...
30 Cultural Experiences in Japan for a Truly Authentic Trip
I know that getting away from all the tourists to find something truly authentic can be tricky, but trust me, finding authentic cultural experiences is possible. Japan is incredibly proud of its...
Is a Koyasan Temple Stay Worth It? An Honest First-Hand Review & Guide
Our first-hand guide to a Koyasan temple stay. We share what to expect, how to book, and if it’s really worth it.
3 Ways to Experience Sumo in Japan: Tournament, Morning Practice & Interactive Lunch
When travellers ask us for a truly Japanese cultural experience, watching sumo is always high on our list. It’s an incredible mix of power, history, and tradition. Seeing it live is a real highlight...
Kyoto Sake Tasting: A Guide to the Best Breweries of Fushimi & Beyond
When you think of Kyoto, what comes to mind? Probably temples, shrines, and maybe some beautiful old streets, right? While all that is true, there's another amazing thing to do in Kyoto that you...
Japanese Culture, Customs, and Expectations to Know Before You Go
Get to know the everything you need to about Japanese culture to ensure an amazing Japan trip, including traditions, customs, and even pop culture.
Crafts Galore at The Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design
Meta: Travel off the beaten path of Kyoto with an entertaining and educational visit to the Museum of Crafts and Design. Kyoto has long been the cultural heart of Japan. After a thousand years as...
Shamisen Lesson: Unlocking an Authentic Japan Cultural Experience
I recently had the chance to experience firsthand a Shamisen lesson by a professional Master, and it was unforgettable. I didn’t just get to touch the instrument, but also learned how to play an...
Authentic Japan Cooking Class: Make Your Own Tofu Skin (Yuba)
Yuba, or tofu skin, forms on the surface of heated soy milk and has been a key ingredient in Kyoto’s temple cuisine for centuries. Delicate, smooth, and subtly flavoured, it is often enjoyed both...
40 Cool Things to Do in Okinawa: Ryukyu History, Food, and Fun
Okinawa is one of our favourite places in all of Japan because…well, there’s nowhere else like it. The island prefecture boasts stunning tropical beaches, an incredible history, and is rich in proud...
Wagasa: An Unforgettable Experience Crafting My Own Japanese Umbrella
While umbrellas may seem like everyday items, few people realise the sheer beauty and tradition hidden behind the iconic Wagasa, the Japanese traditional umbrella. The Wagasa is an umbrella...
My Authentic Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto
Step into the serene world of Japanese tradition with this immersive tea ceremony experience that goes far beyond sipping a cup of tea. The tea ceremony—chanoyu—is a centuries-old cultural practice...