Make Your Very Own Japanese Paper
‘Washi’ (Japanese traditional paper) is made from wood fiber, making it stronger than today’s common paper made of wood pulp. And the Uchiyama style of ‘washi’ made in northern Nagano’s Iiyama City is especially durable!
3 Historic Fan Shops in Kyoto
Japanese fans are as much about fashion and art as they are about keeping cool, and these traditional shops have really mastered the craft!
A Guide To Hiroshima’s Best Hotels & Airbnb
We've prepared the perfect list of the best accommodations in Hiroshima, with recommendations of both Airbnb homes and modern hotels!
Following Japan's Paper Trail
From money to sliding doors, traditional Japanese paper can be seen all over the country. And one company in Tottori Prefecture has been a leader in making beautiful, natural and even eco-friendly materials.
3 Pottery Trips from Japan's Biggest Cities
We've lined up three famous pottery towns that make easy day trips from Nagoya, Osaka or Tokyo.
4 Incredible Summer Fire Festivals
Temples & Shrines Summer Festivals
These incredible events are sure to get you fired up about summertime in Japan!
The History Behind Japan's 'Janken' Game
Learning Japanese Deeper Japan
Whether resolving a dispute, deciding who pays the check for lunch, or simply passing the time, Japan’s “rock-paper-scissors” culture is simple, and a lot of fun.
How to Properly Wear 'Geta'
Do you know the real Japanese technique for wearing traditional footwear?
The Oldest Paper Company in Japan
Founded in 771, Genda Shigyo makes 'mizuhiki,' the multicolored cords used to decorate envelopes for weddings, funerals and other major life events.
10 Scary Superstitions & Taboos in Japan
Why might Japanese people sometimes hide their thumbs? And which way should you avoid sleeping? For that matter, why is it bad to cut your nails at night? Find out!
4 Useful Supplies for Summer Festivals
You've got your 'yukata' on and you're ready to roll—but don't leave the house before you've grabbed these useful festival items too!
5 Creepy Japanese Children's Songs
Read on for a compilation of seemingly innocuous children songs that, according to urban legends, hide a quite different meaning…
A New Form of Japanese Traditional Art
Merging ‘kyogen’ comedy, ‘nihon buyo’ dance and ‘wadaiko’ drums, 'infinity' aims to merge Japan’s historical traditions and folk art into a new-age form of entertainment.
The Aritayaki Wristwatch
Japanese and Swiss craftsmanship come together to create the beautiful Aritayaki wristwatch.
3 Awesome Ways to Get Good Luck in Tottori
Head to Tottori for bunny-ear 'omamori'—or 'ema' plaques in the shape of spirits from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro'! And if you've got a memory you'd rather put in the past, why not just set it afloat? Find out how!
See Samurai Up Close—On Horseback!
Samurai aren't just in the movies! The spirit of the samurai lives on at the Soma-Nomaoi festival, featuring a horde of armored warriors on horseback!
The Oldest 'Washi' Production Center in Japan
Explore the process of making traditional Japanese paper in Echizen City, known as the oldest producer of 'washi' in all of Japan.
Cheap Kimono Rental & Dressing in Kyoto
Spice up a trip to Kyoto with this special set plan including a kimono, sash, bag and sandals. Choose from a variety of patterns and fabrics to fit your style!
Otoshi: Izakaya's Compulsory Appetizer
Before heading out to an Japanese pub, you might want to read up on the infamous 'otoshi.'
How to Replace the Paper on 'Shoji' Doors
'Shoji' sliding doors are emblematic of traditional Japanese houses. But it's frustratingly easy to put a hole in the paper. When you're tired of patching, how do you just replace the whole thing?
