Traditions
Discover Japan’s rich cultural traditions, festivals, rituals, and customs that have shaped its unique identity.
Onsen Etiquette in Japan: Rules and Manners
Nothing beats the soothing effects and cultural experience of visiting a Japanese hot spring (Onsen). A trip to an onsen in Japan is a highly recommended experience appreciated by visitors and new for…
Great Places for 'Hatsumode' around Tokyo during the Japanese New Year
This page contains affiliate links. On the first day of the Japanese new year, you will see many people heading to shinto shrines and temples for "hatsumode," or the first prayer of the year. On this…
Fireworks (Hanabi) Festival in Tokyo 2025
Experience the magic of summer in Japan with some of the most beautiful fireworks festivals in Tokyo. Every year, large-scale hanabi (fireworks) events light up the night sky across Japan—and Tokyo is home to some of the biggest and most popular shows. Here’s a list of the major fireworks festivals scheduled in the Tokyo area for 2025.
By PLAZA HOMES
Karate Dojos & Karate in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Emerging from the tranquil islands of Okinawa, Karate is esteemed as one of the most iconic martial arts worldwide. Renowned for its compelling repertoire, includin…
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. If karate is the most well-known of Japan's empty-handed martial arts, judo comes in second. Whereas karate stresses punches, judo, which is Japanese for "gentle ma…
Kendo Dojos in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Kendo, or the "Way of the Sword," is a Japanese sport descended from the samurai swordsman style. A contest consists of two individuals armed with bamboo swords cal…
Aikido Dojos in Japan
This page contains affiliate links. Aikido is a style of Japanese martial arts that is relatively new. Aikido focuses on defending its practitioners without injuring their attackers. Aikido does not h…
Exploring Ikebana: The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging
Ikebana is the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging, but don’t mistake it for a version of Western-style floral arrangements – there’s a lot more to ikebana than initially meets the eye. With…
Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) classes in Tokyo
This page contains affiliate links. Shodo, or Japanese calligraphy, is a traditional art with much history behind it. Shodo's roots are in ancient China where kanji, one of the major forms of Japanese…
Learning Ikebana: English-Speaking Ikebana Classes in Tokyo
There are several Ikebana schools / classes in Tokyo where you can learn it in English. If you would like to know what Ikebana is, please read Exploring Ikebana, The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging.I…
Experience the Beauty of Sado, the Japanese Tea Ceremony
In a peaceful moment, imagine the design of an elegant kimono, the asymmetrical beauty of a flower arrangement nearby, the contrast of light green tea. Such are the scenes of Sado, the art of the Japa…
Join a Japanese Pottery Class in Tokyo
Japanese Pottery (Tougei) is popular throughout the world. Arita-yaki, Kutani-yaki, Mashiko-yaki, are just three types of Japanese ceramics. Arita yaki is made in and around the town of Arita in Saga…
