Japanese food is known as delicious and healthy worldwide. Do you know what traditional special ingredients have played important roles for that? Recently, Japanese food is getting more and more popular as a healthy cuisine with the number of Japanese restaurants around the world expanding rapidly. While there are traditional Japanese dishes that have been loved for over centuries, some modern rec

Miho Shimizu is a Japanese freelance writer settled in Shizuoka with her husband and two rabbits. Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. She also loves to listen to music, draw, and read novels over a cup of green tea. This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may r

Japanese traditional architecture is one of the most distinct features of Japanese culture and you can find unique elements of architecture in castles, temples, shrines, and also homes. But what is the meaning behind it and why the structure has been developed like that? When you understand the details of the traditional architecture, it makes more sense and it will make it more fun to look at the

Harajuku, often described as a heart of Japanese youth culture, attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad for the Kawaii Culture. However, Harajuku has many more reasons for being one of the best tourist spot in Tokyo; colorful sweets, various unique fashion stores and Purikura (photo booth) at Takeshita Street, small boutiques and cafes at Cat Street, luxury shopping at Omotesando and historic

Many tourists come to visit Tokyo from all over the world, but why? From historical sites to pop culture spots, and skyscrapers to nature parks, Tokyo has so many things to offer to whoever is traveling here. The reasons why you should visit Tokyo are numerous, and we’ll break them down into 10 main reasons for you! 1. Cityscape & Scramble Crossing (Shibuya) Shibuya (渋谷) is one of the most popular

During the winter season, many tourists from around the world visit Japan to enjoy the superb snow conditions. The fine and soft snow offers a perfect ski condition for everyone and Japan boasts a number of great ski resorts, many of which are relatively easy to try even for beginners and children. Some famous places also have a kids park for children where they can spend an exciting time while en

Kyoto is widely known as the ancient capital of Japan which boasts a number of beautiful shrines and temples. It attracts an increasing number of visitors from around the world with the unique atmosphere and scenic townscape which are totally different from other big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. While it fascinates visitors with popular tourist attractions, there are some places that have myste

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is normally celebrated around late January till sometime in the end of February. The celebration takes place from the first moon of the year and honors old traditions, customs and superstitions that date back to early Chinese legends. In Japan, although it’s not common to celebrate the Lunar New Year, there are celebrations in the Chukagai (C

「英語を学びたいけど、長く続かない…」という方は多いのではないでしょうか。 言語は机の上で勉強するだけでは身に着かず、使いながら習得していくものです。 楽しみながら定着させることによって、実際に英語を使う場面で自然と話せるようになっていきます。 今回は、映画を使って、楽しく英語を上達させる方法をご紹介します。 生きた英語を学べる、おすすめの映画もご紹介していきますよ。 映画を英語字幕で観て、英語力をあげる方法映画を英語字幕で観ることは、英語学習にとても有効ですが、英語字幕をただ流し見するだけでは、なかなか上達しません。 加えて、内容をあまり理解できないまま観ることは、ただストレスになってしまい、挫折してしまう原因にもなってしまいます。 英語字幕で英語を観る際のポイントと、やるべきことをご紹介します！ 何度も観た映画を英語字幕で観る何度も観て、セリフを覚えてしまっているような映画があれば、ま

Japan has numerous unique traditions and customs that have survived for over centuries and have a strong impact on Japanese people’s lives and thoughts even today. It includes famous ones such as hatsumode (初詣) during the New Year’s holiday and hanami (お花見in spring, but there are also others that aren’t as popular as others or less talked about, for different reasons. Yakudoshi (厄年) is one of thes

Animal cafes are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan among foreign tourists since the cafe first started in 2004. Also many Japanese frequently visit cafes where they can adore the different animals. Visiting animal cafes allows people to interact with animals while having drinks or a snack, something often isn’t possible at home due to the small living spaces and strict regulatio

What is the iconic image of Japan to you? Mount Fuji, the shrines with vermilion torii gates, or hypermodernity in Japan’s urban landscapes? In this article, we introduce some of the best photo spots where you can take iconic beautiful photos of Japan. 1. Kiyomizudera & Gion District In Kyoto, you probably visit many historic temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens. Especially Kiyomizudera Temple a

Fukushima isn’t a place where many tourist go when travelling in Japan. After the infamous events of 2011, a powerful earthquake that triggered a tsunami, that in turn caused the nuclear accident, many think of the Fukushima as a dangerous place. Something that is not entirely true. In fact, Fukushima is the third largest prefecture of Japan, covering a vast area of almost 14,000km², and today onl

Buddhism is one of the main beliefs in Japan, together with Shinto. The religion, which originated in India, was introduced to Japan from Korea by Buddhist monks in the 6th century. Although initially there were a few conflicts with Japan’s native religion, Shintoism, the two beliefs were soon able to co-exist peacefully and complement each other. This blending together of the two religions was ca

Japan has a wide range of traditional clothing of which the kimono is the most well-known. The kimono is also labeled as the national garment of Japan and comes in many different types and accessories. Before WWII, most people in Japan wore kimono and other traditional clothing every day, however, today you see them only on special occasions such as festivals, ceremonies, and weddings or in histor

The award winning winter illumination event Jewel of Shonan or Shonan no Hoseki is an annual event that attracts numerous visitors every year to the small peninsula near Tokyo. The illumination events is famed for its beautiful sceneries created by the mixture of thousands of sparkling lights and the tourist attractions on Enoshima island. Enoshima is a small island about one hour south of Tokyo,

Yokohama is the prefectural capital of Kanagawa prefecture. It is a beautiful port town which is accessible in less than 30 min by train from Tokyo. It boasts a number of popular tourist attractions such as an iconic Chinatown and western influenced architectures and restaurants. While it continues to develop as one of the most urbanized cities in Japan, it features impressive historical sites whi

手水舎の使い方まず、神社を訪れるときに最初に教えてあげたいのが手水舎の使い方です。 手水舎は、参拝者が身を清める場所です。読み方は「ちょうずや」「ちょうずしゃ」「てみずや」「てみずしゃ」など様々ありますが、神社本庁は「てみずや」を採用しています。 では、手水の手順を、英語で説明してみましょう。 Take the ladle with your right hand （ひしゃくを右手で持って）Fill it from the running water and pour it over your left hand （流れている水をくみ、左手にかけます）Wash the other hand （反対の手にかけます）Take the ladle with your right hand again and pour the water over your left hand （ひしゃくを右手に

As winter gets closer, what comes to your mind to warm yourself from the cold weather? It could be sweaters or a cozy blanket but how about the delicious winter foods? It warms you up from inside your body while satisfying your stomach at the same time. Most of them can be found at supermarkets and convenience stores and you can enjoy it at home! Here are our winter food recommendations that you s

Tokyo boasts a number of shopping spots attracting people from all over the world. The different districts each have their own style and specialties, like anime goods, traditional crafts or Japanese food. Tokyo offers everything you are looking for, you just need to know where to go! Each spot features great shops and also restaurants which offer an exciting shopping experience. You can visit some