What This Article Explains Current date: 2026-01-02 (JST) Spring in Japan is often marketed as a singular, perfect season of cherry blossoms and mild weather. However, the reality for a traveler on the ground is more complex. This article provides…
Current date: 2026-01-02 (JST) What Happened A strong cold air mass is moving over Japan, bringing heavy snowfall to the Sea of Japan coastline from January 1st through January 5th, 2026. According to weather reports, the snowfall is expected to…
Current date: 2026-01-01 (JST) Akafuku is a 300-year-old confection maker in Ise, with its flagship store on Oharai Street near Ise Grand Shrine. The mochi is simple: a base of white mochi with smooth red bean paste on top. The…
New Year’s Greeting 明けましておめでとうございます。 In Japan, we say:“Akemashite omedetō” = Happy New Year“Kotoshi mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu” = Let’s have a good year together This year, I made a quiet resolution. Not to chase something new, but to reconnect with what…
Date: 2026-01-01 (JST) Japan’s tax-free shopping system allows foreign visitors to purchase goods without paying the 10% consumption tax, but this benefit comes with strict conditions. Many travelers misunderstand these rules, leading to confusion at the store or costly mistakes…
Date: 2025-12-30 (JST) During Japan’s New Year celebrations, you will often see rankings of the most popular shrines for Hatsumōde (the year’s first shrine visit). These lists, topped by famous names like Meiji Jingu with over three million visitors, can…
Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST) What is Hatsumode? Hatsumode is the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in the new year. It is one of Japan’s most important and widely practiced traditions. From New Year’s Eve through the…
Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST)What Is Physically Here Kabukicho is a dense, compact district northeast of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. It consists of two main sections, 1-chome and 2-chome. The area is a grid of streets filled with multi-story buildings. These…
Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST) What This Is About While the first shrine visit of the year (hatsumode) is a central part of Japan’s New Year, the holiday period is also filled with traditional games and activities. These offer a hands-on…
Current date: 2025-12-29 (JST) Nabegataki Falls is not one of Japan’s largest or tallest waterfalls. Instead, its appeal is more subtle. Located in Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, this wide, curtain-like cascade offers a rare opportunity: the chance to walk behind…
