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Explore our collection of travel stories, practical guides, and off-the-beaten-path destinations across Japan.
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
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
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,
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
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).
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
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,
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,
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,
Current date: 2025-12-28 (JST) This guide is for travelers who want to slow down and truly experience a piece of traditional Japan. We’ll focus on
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