Japanese Culture
Explore various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional manners, customs, weddings, funerals, cross-cultural exchanges, history, recycling and reuse, sustainability, and cultural classes that shape life in Japan.
Unagi Kabayaki: A Taste of Tradition: Where to Enjoy Unagi
This article is contributed by Japan Culinary Arts Academy. In Japan, Doyo no Ushi no Hi (the Day of the Ox) is a traditional occasion where people eat grilled eel (unagi) to combat the summer heat an…
Unagi Kabayaki: Exploring the Differences Between Edo Style and Kansai Style
This article is contributed by Japan Culinary Arts Academy. Unagi Kabayaki, a beloved Japanese delicacy, is prepared differently depending on the region, resulting in distinct culinary experiences. Th…
Osechi Ryori: What to Know about Japan’s New Year's Food
This page contains affiliate links. New Year’s in Japan is a time of tradition, symbolism, and fortune. There are many rituals that take place around this time, a lot of which represent bringing good…
Bonsai Basics: Beginner's Guide, Top Trees, Tokyo Picks
This page contains affiliate links. Bonsai is perhaps the most well-known and treasured of Japan’s botanical beauty. What you may not realize, however, is that “bonsai” is not the name of the trees th…
Mercari Japan: How to Shop in English
E-commerce platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree have made it easy to find secondhand items available at a good price. This is no different in Japan, where Mercari has become a very p…
How to Properly Dispose of Cooking Oil in Japan
Proper disposal of used cooking oil from home cooking, such as after making tempura or tonkatsu, is essential for both environmental and sanitary reasons. In this article, we will explain in detail th…
Pet Manners & Etiquette in Japan - Dog Walking, etc.
For many dog owners, pets are like their own children. If that description fits you, then you may be taking your dog with you almost everywhere you go. Recently, many dog owners with their dogs can be…
What is Sakaki and How Is It Used in Japan?
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by 供TOMO. Japan is known for its deep attachment and respect for nature. Shinto, one of Japan’s main religions with Buddhism, is the pro…
What is Shojin Buddhist Cuisine? Try it at Minobusan
This article is contributed by KAKURINBO. Located in Minobu (population approx. 10,000) in southern Yamanashi Prefecture, Minobusan is a Buddhist enclave that is home to Kuonji, the head temple of the…
Welcoming the Obon Holiday: Exploring Japanese Tradition
Japan is well-known for its festivals, especially during the summertime. Fireworks, festivities, and food is the image that comes to mind for most people. However, Obon is a festival with a difference…
The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan: Who Are Shichifukujin?
This page contains affiliate links. Spirituality in Japan is very unique in its wide acceptance and mixing of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, traditions, and customs. However, there are also some traditi…
Prayer Offering Manners at Shrines and Temples in Japan
There are many people in Japan who still get confused about what to do when visiting shrines and temples. While the prayers given at a shrine and temple may be similar, they each have their own proced…
What are shinto offerings?
This page contains affiliate links. This article is contributed by 供TOMO. Shinto is an important part of Japanese culture and one of the main religions. If you live in Japan or if you have ever had th…
What is Chonaikai (Neighborhood Associations) and How can Foreigners Join?
In Japan, each district has an organization run by local residents called a Chonaikai or Jichikai (means neighborhood association or residents’ association), which holds events, disaster prevention dr…
Mago wa Yasashii: Japanese Key to Healthy Eating
This page contains affiliate links. Japan is known for its rich cultural traditions, technological advancements, as well as delicious and healthy food. However, it would be a mistake to assume that al…
Train Etiquette in Japan: What to Expect as a Foreigner
The Japanese train system is renowned throughout the world for its speed, efficiency, and punctuality. What may be commonplace to Japanese residents is often impressive and surprising for foreigners c…
Japanese Cooking Classes in Tokyo: Learn How to Cook Japanese Food
No Japanese, no problem—there are a wide variety of English-friendly cooking classes available throughout Tokyo that can teach you how to make all your favorite Japanese foods, from sushi and ramen to traditional home-cooked meals.
By PLAZA HOMES
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…
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…
What to Know about Japanese Noodles and Etiquette
This page contains affiliate links. When talking about Japanese cuisine, it is inevitable that noodles will enter the discussion at some point. As one of the staple foods of Japan, noodles have been s…
