Places & JourneysOnsen: Why Hot Springs Matter in Japan
Beppu Onsen, Oita Pref.Introduction: A Family Trip to BeppuNext February, I will travel to Beppu Onsen with my wife and ...
Japanese culture
Places & Journeys
Seasons & TraditionsBo-Nen-Kai（忘年会）: Japan’s Year-End Party to Forget the Year
Learn what a Bonenkai is, why Japanese people celebrate it, and how this year-end tradition began. A simple guide to Japan’s unique “forget-the-year” party culture.
Words & SpiritTai-an (大安): The Day When Everything Goes Well
Discover Rokuyō, Japan’s six-day fortune calendar used to decide lucky or unlucky days for weddings, funerals, and daily events. Learn its history and meanings.
Religion & RitualsHow to Draw Omikuji at Sensoji Temple – Japanese Fortune Slips Explained
Learn how to draw Omikuji (Japanese fortune slips) at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Discover their meanings, origins, and what to do if you get bad luck during your visit to Japan.
Religion & RitualsJanuary 1st and the Beginning of the Year – The Japanese Spirit Reflected in the New Year’s Days
Explore Japanese New Year customs including Hatsu-Moude, Kito, Omamori, Osechi-Ryori, and traditional ceremonies, revealing the spiritual heart of Japan.
Religion & RitualsCustoms and Rituals at the End of the Year – Japanese Hearts Reflected There
December in Japan is full of traditional customs to welcome the New Year — from house cleaning and writing New Year’s cards to visiting temples and enjoying warm meals. Discover how Japanese people end the year with gratitude and preparation for a fresh start.
Places & JourneysKoyo (紅葉): Autumn Foliage and the Spirit of Japanese Aesthetics
Discover the beauty of autumn leaves in Japan, where vibrant momiji reflect the Japanese sense of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life.
Religion & Rituals“Shichi-Go-San” 七五三 : Celebration Ritual for Children
Shichi-Go-San (七五三) is a Japanese traditional celebration for children aged three, five, and seven. Families visit shrines or temples, pray for health, dress children in kimono, and take photos. Discover the rituals, history, and how even foreign visitors can experience it in Japan.
Words & Spirit“Itadakimasu” – The Spirit of Gratitude in Japanese Meals
Discover the meaning of “Itadakimasu,” the Japanese phrase said before meals. Learn its history, Buddhist roots, and how it reflects Japan’s culture of gratitude.
Seasons & TraditionsJapanese Annual Events: A Year of Traditions and Celebrations
Discover Japanese annual events from New Year to winter festivals. A guide to traditions, customs, and the seasonal spirit of Japan.