Cultural manners, rules, and everyday etiquette in Japan.
Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel in — once you know the small rules that aren’t in the guidebooks. Since 2024 several practical things have shifted: a tourist card got discontinued, Kyoto closed off private alleys, Mt.…
![Mt. Fuji Huts 2026: Rooms, Meals & Booking Rules [7 Photos]](https://hiddenjapan-gems.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/top2-768x308.webp)
2026 Update: Yoshida Trail gate closes at 4:00 PM. No mountain hut reservation = no entry. Booking opens in early May. Read the full booking timeline below. Every Mt. Fuji climbing guide tells you to book a mountain hut. None…
Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Yunoko in the heart of Oku-Nikko, Kamenoi Hotel Oku-Nikko offers a tranquil escape into Japan’s stunning natural landscapes. During a winter visit, I discovered this hotel is more than just a place to…
Driving through the winding, snow-dusted roads of Oku-Nikko, the last thing you might expect to see is a troop of monkeys foraging by the roadside. Yet, this is a surprisingly common and captivating sight in Japan’s famed national park. During…
For fans of the iconic 90s anime Slam Dunk, the image is instantly recognizable: a small railway crossing, the green and yellow Enoden train gliding past, and the sparkling Shonan coast in the background. This is the Kamakura Koko-mae crossing,…
When you picture Mt. Fuji, you might imagine a vibrant summer climb, surrounded by fellow hikers under a warm sun. But for nine months of the year, from September to early July, Japan’s most iconic peak is a vastly different…
Arakurayama Sengen Park Cancels 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival Due to Overtourism FUJIYOSHIDA, YAMANASHI – The city of Fujiyoshida has announced the cancellation of the 2026 Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival, an event that draws over 200,000 visitors annually to…
Updated Apr 2026 Reopening schedule confirmed. See our companion guide: Togakushi Shrine Reopening 2026 — 9 Dates & Access. Togakushi Shrine Closes Famous Cedar Avenue Until Spring 2026 NAGANO, JAPAN – In an unprecedented move, Togakushi Shrine has completely closed…
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…
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…