Welcome to Japan’s cherry blossom season! Hanami (flower viewing) is a beloved tradition, but it comes with unwritten rules rooted in a culture of sharing public spaces. While many parks are quite relaxed, knowing the core etiquette ensures you can…
Japan’s cherry blossom season is a world-renowned spectacle, but the early-blooming Kawazu Sakura in Shizuoka Prefecture offers a unique, month-long preview starting in early February. Unlike the more common Somei Yoshino, these blossoms are a vibrant pink and last longer,…
For travelers planning a spring trip to Japan, the wait is over. The first official 2026 cherry blossom forecast has been released by WeatherNews, providing the earliest glimpse of when to expect Japan’s iconic sakura to arrive. This guide is…
Just steps from the north exit of Kichijoji Station lies Harmonica Yokocho, a maze of narrow alleyways that feels like a step back in time. For travelers in Tokyo looking for an authentic, slightly gritty, and incredibly lively local experience,…
When exploring the culinary landscape of Kyushu, many travelers have Nagasaki-style chanpon on their list. But in the heart of Saga Prefecture, the city of Takeo is home to a beloved local institution that offers a distinctly different take on…
In the quiet, rural landscape of Nakagawa City, just a 30-minute drive from the bustling center of Fukuoka, lies a ramen experience unlike any other. This is NakamuLab, a reservation-only ramen shop run out of a traditional Japanese house. For…
As a powerful winter storm approaches Japan, with forecasts predicting a “once-in-a-decade” level of heavy snowfall around the January 12th holiday weekend, many travelers are understandably concerned. While the images of blankets of fresh powder are beautiful, the reality of…
For ramen lovers visiting Fukuoka, a trip to the Ichiran Headquarters is a pilgrimage. Located in the vibrant Nakasu district, this isn’t just another ramen shop; it’s the heart of the world-famous tonkotsu ramen chain. This guide is for travelers…
I came to Suwa Taisha on a clear autumn morning. The task was simple: visit all four shrines in a single day. This is called yonsha meguri—the four-shrine pilgrimage. It is not a difficult walk, but it is a deliberate…
Current date: 2026-01-06 (JST) What Happened The dates for the 36th annual Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival have been officially announced. The event will take place from Saturday, February 7 to Sunday, March 8, 2026. This festival celebrates the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura,…
