So, you’ve heard about Japan’s famous sunakku, or snack bars. Maybe you’ve seen them in movies or read about their recent revival. But what exactly are they? Are they like a regular bar? An izakaya? Or something else entirely? For…
Step into a narrow alleyway in Tokyo, away from the dazzling glare of Shibuya Crossing, and you might stumble upon a discreet doorway with a simple sign: 「スナック」 (sunakku). For decades, these small, intimate bars were the cherished domains of…
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…
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…
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 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…
Date: 2025-12-26 (JST) Visiting a Japanese shrine during the New Year period is a memorable experience, but many foreign travelers find the customs around Hatsumōde (the year’s first shrine visit) confusing. Questions about proper etiquette, when to go, and what…
Current date: 2025-12-23 (JST) This article provides a practical guide to navigating business closures during Japan’s New Year holiday. It is not a list of events, but a manual for understanding which services shut down and how to plan around…
