Two Big-Name Shrines for Hatsumode
You can't go wrong visiting your local shrine in the first three days of the New Year to pray for a healthy and prosperous year. But if you're going to go out, why not go big?
The Ryokan Designed After a Moon Princess
Recommended for couples, experience a mysterious, gorgeous stay at this first-rate inn, built to evoke the tale of Kaguya-hime, the princess found in a bamboo stalk who returned to the moon.
New Year's Photos in the Meiji Period
Ever wonder what New Year's would be like in Japan at the turn of the 20th century? Thanks to photographer Kozaburo Tamura, we can take a glimpse into New Year's past!
A One-of-a-Kind Coming of Age Day
From souped up cars to bungee jumping off Japan's tallest bridge, these adults are bringing their own sense of style to Coming of Age Day 2016!
What Exactly Is Golden Week?
Find out about the nation's most popular holiday!
Japanese Festivals: Seijin no Hi
Established in 1948, Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day) is dedicated to those who have reached 20 years of age and are therefore considered adults in Japanese society.
How to Spend your Golden Week in Nagoya
How do you spend four days of holidays in Japan? Try heading to Nagoya!
Japan’s Key National Celebrations
There are a handful of huge festivals and national traditions that are celebrated all across Japan each year.
You Only Turn 20 Once, so Spice It Up!
For some young adults in Japan, Coming of Age Day is a somewhat solemn or drab affair. But in Kita-Kyushu, it's anything but! We have the lively pictures to prove it!
Sweet Osechi
Kill two birds with one stone—satisfying your sweet tooth and buying osechi for New Year's—by heading over to Ginza Cozy Corner for a special turn-of-the-year treat.
15 Unique Festivals Only Found in Japan
There are a variety of interesting festivals in each prefecture of Japan throughout the year.
5 Adorable Holiday Bento Boxes!
Spread holiday cheer with these Christmas-themed lunch boxes!
Top 10 (Non-Chocolate) Valentine's Day Gifts
In contrast to many Western countries, Japanese girls give chocolate to their crushes on Valentine's Day. Besides chocolate, can you guess some of the other fantastic options to give your guy?
Toshikoshi Soba: New Year's Eve Noodles
One of Japan's longstanding traditions is to eat buckwheat noodles on New Year's Eve. But why are they so important? Read on to find out!
'Undo-kai': Sports Day
The opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was held on October 10, which in 1966 became a national public holiday known as Health and Sports Day. Many schools hold athletic events and sports meets on this day.
Top 7 Weirdest Festivals Across Japan
While it's estimated there are 600,000 festivals in Japan, some are decidedly weirder than others!
10 Events to Attend During Golden Week 2016
2016 is a golden year for Japan's big Golden Week holiday. Not only can you catch a few traditional annual Golden Week events, but also some pretty rare ones as well!
Have Yourself a Merry Christmas (by Yourself)
Are you far away from family and your friends too are busy, leaving you on your own this Christmas? No need to succumb to singles' sadness. We've got some helpful advice to help you enjoy the holiday while flying solo.
Autumn is for the Arts in Japan
As the heat and humidity drop and the leaves start to change color in Japan, there’s almost poetry in the air. Autumn is the season of the arts!
