All About Japan

A Beginner's Guide to Japanese Tea Ceremonies

Thinking of taking up the classical art of brewing Japanese tea while wearing a kimono, but don't know where to start? Not a problem. Just take a look at this handy guide for some helpful hints!

Read 141 GB of Ancient Japanese Texts Online

Access ancient Japanese texts at a click of a button with a new database courtesy of The National Institute of Japanese Literature.

How to Purify Yourself at a Japanese Shrine

Purify yourself in 15 (not-so-complicated) steps!

3 Fun Facts About Japanese Incense

A quick teaser for those of you who are relatively new to the world of Japanese incense!

Kicking It Old School

If you happen to be in Kyoto around the turn of the New Year, you won't want to miss this spectacle of men and women dressed in Heian-style robes playing their version of soccer.

What's a Furisode?

While you may have seen many kimono in anime or around Japan, you may also have seen a furisode and not have even realized it!

Share a Gorgeous Passion for Otsu

Osamu Hasegwa is one of our favourite filmmakers, and in his latest film, “Passion for Otsu—Youngest Mayor in Japan: Naomi Koshi,” he combines his stylistic technique with a vivid storyline.

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 is The Wonder 500™?

The Wonder 500™ aims to discover unique Japanese local products that are unfamiliar outside of Japan, and introduce them—and the values they represent—to the rest of the world.

2016 Designer New Year’s Cards

Each year Spoon & Tamago selects a handful of its favourite "nengajo," or New Year’s cards, created by Japanese designers, illustrators and other creatives.

3 Ways to Worship Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is an object of faith for Japanese people, and a place their hearts draw support from, as expressed by the official name under which it's registered as a Cultural World Heritage Site: 'Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.'

Visiting the Cradle of Japan

Miyazaki occupies a special place in Japanese history for a mountain town called Takachiho. For it was here the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth.

Searching for the Imperial Regalia of Japan

Japan's Imperial Regalia have only ever been seen by a select few. Here we try to demystify these national treasures, hunting down the sites where they are said to be located.

The Biggest Temple You've Never Heard Of

While many regions of Japan are world-renowned for their shrines and temples, sometimes it's the ones you've never heard of that leave the biggest impression.

Konbu Road: Ancient Route of Kelp & Medicine

Sailing south down Japan’s western coast from Hokkaido, ships brought goods that included the edible kelp called "konbu" to Toyama on their way along the watery route that came to be called Konbu Road.

Personalize Your Stamp with Cats!

Whether you're signing for a package or opening a new bank account, you'll need a "hanko" in Japan. But why settle for drab when you can have kitty-fab!

6 Things You Should Know About Japanese Snow

There are a few unique things about Japanese snow.

6 Differences Between Temples & Shrines

I decided, once and for all, to figure out the differences between a temple and a shrine.

The 3 Most Notable Animals of Shinto Shrines

Visitors at Shinto shrines often see animal statues or motifs near the entrance, inside the shrine or on signs. What do the most notable animals symbolize?

Astro Boy Meets the Rinpa School of Painting

The classic anime characters by Osamu Tezuka that gave birth to modern anime come to life in this exhibit thanks to breathtaking backgrounds provided by the traditional Japanese painting school, Rinpa.

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