Explore a range of topics that define the Japanese lifestyle, from beauty and telecommunications to Japanese food, pets, shopping, sports, and travel attractions. Discover the unique aspects of daily life and leisure in Japan, whether you're looking for the latest trends, exploring new places, or enjoying sports and activities.
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…
This page contains affiliate links. One of the most popular autumn flavors of Japan is sweet potato or satsumaimo in Japanese. Japanese sweet potatoes are very versatile. They can be cooked alone or i…
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…
In Japan, apples are very popular as gifts, especially as souvenirs from apple-growing regions. There are many different types of Japanese apples and they often differ from those available in Western…
Emerging from the tranquil islands of Okinawa, Karate is esteemed as one of the most iconic martial arts worldwide. Renowned for its compelling repertoire, including a symphony of punches, agile kicks, powerful elbow strikes, and artistic open-hand techniques, Karate figureheads the meaning of "empty hand" in Japanese. Japan abounds with authentic Dojos (training halls), passionately preserving the discipline, each with its distinct sub-style—many of these esteemed Dojos open cultural bridges by offering engaging Karate classes in English.
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 manner," emphasizes throws and takedowns. Strikes are outlawed in competition, and the goal is to pin or otherwise paralyze an opponent with a range of joint locks and choke moves.
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 called shinai while wearing armored jackets and helmets. The two combatants strike and thrust at each other with repeated yells and shouts as they duel, attempting to land a strike on defined targets, including the head, wrists, and torso. The first combatant to three points wins the match.
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 have tournaments or fights since the purpose is to work and train together rather than defeating an opponent. Aikido means "way of the harmonious spirit" in Japanese.
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…
This article is contributed by Concierge Bank Co, Ltd. Hiroshima, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima, is located further west beyond the so-called 'Golden Route…
This page contains affiliate links. Mushrooms ("kinoko" in Japanese) play an important role in Japanese cuisine and are widely used in various delicious dishes such as nabe (Japanese hot pot), oden, o…
This page contains affiliate links. Mt. Fuji, the most well-known iconic landmark in all of Japan, lies just to the southwest of Tokyo. Visible from the capital on a clear day as a specter at the v…
This page contains affiliate links. Atami is a picturesque coastal city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is located on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast, facing the Pacific Ocean's Sagami Bay. For ce…
If you are seeking for Zoos and Aquariums in and around Tokyo, this is the right list for you! There is a plethora of zoos and aquariums with many fascinating animals to see and that would be fun to e…
Osaka has a very high international reputation, with Osaka City ranked 10th in the world's most livable cities. Compared to Tokyo, rent is cheaper, people are tend to be more friendly and open, and th…
This article is contributed by Concierge Bank Co, Ltd. Home to renowned hot springs born from abundant natural sources such as Nasu and Shiobara, exquisite local delicacies like the country's top stra…
This page contains affiliate links. The Japan Rail Pass is a joint offer by the 6 Japan Railways Group (JR) companies and is a great value and convenient ticket for rail travel throughout Japan for to…
This page contains affiliate links. For a day trip from Tokyo, few destinations can compete with Kamakura thanks to its rich history, magnificent temples, delicious food, and convenient transportatio…
To the untrained eye, Sumo is a simple pushing and thrusting match between two overweight men in a small ring. Bouts are called when one of the fighters is forced out of the ring. As simple as it gets…
It’s snow season in Japan, and whether you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, or just looking to bring the kids to have some fun in the snow, there are many topnotch ski resorts just a day trip away fro…
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