Cultural manners, rules, and everyday etiquette in Japan.
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…
Togakushi Shrine Closes Famous Cedar Avenue Until Spring 2026 NAGANO, JAPAN – In an unprecedented move, Togakushi Shrine has completely closed the iconic cedar-lined path leading to its Upper Shrine (Okusha) until spring 2026. The restriction, effective immediately, bars all…
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…
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: 2025-12-22 (JST) This article explains the practical rules of photography etiquette in Japan. It is not a guide to finding photogenic spots, but a manual for understanding what you can and cannot photograph. We cover the unwritten rules…
This article provides practical, essential actions for foreign travelers in Japan during an earthquake or typhoon. It is not a comprehensive local manual but a focused guide on immediate safety, information sources, and decision-making when your travel plans are disrupted.…
Current date: 2025-12-20 (JST) Overview When planning a trip to Japan, choosing where to stay is a significant decision. A modern hotel offers predictability and freedom. An Airbnb can provide a sense of living like a local. But a ryokan,…
