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This is a list of articles explaining Japanese history and culture. When traveling in Japan, we will pick up and explain things that you should know to deepen your understanding of the tourist destinations and enjoy them. These articles will also help you choose tourist destinations to visit. Terminology related to Japanese history and culture has a complex intertwined historical background, and there are many types with slight differences, and many of them are difficult to understand. Rather than relying solely on academic expressions, we aim to provide easy-to-understand explanations by using everyday sentences and adding examples.
From springs favored by emperors to waters prized for healing and beauty, famous hot springs of Japan each earned a name for a reason.
Why do people bathe naked? What about tattoos? A complete look at Japan's onsen rules, from bathing flow to photography and family etiquette.
Japan's 10 onsen types and their benefits explained: characteristics, mineral waters, and recommended towns to visit by purpose.
For over a millennium, onsen have captivated the Japanese. Discover the definition, mythic history, and how to enjoy Japan's hot spring culture.
Kanazawa Curry is Ishikawa's signature regional dish: dark roux on a stainless plate with cutlet, sauce, and shredded cabbage.
Nihonto, Japan's iconic sword, is both weapon and art. Learn its types, history, the Tenka Goken, top museums, and how to buy a souvenir.
The 1876 Haitōrei edict banned samurai from carrying swords, ending centuries of warrior privilege. Learn its causes, impact, and legacy.
Shinbutsu-shugo blended Japan's two major faiths for over a millennium. Learn its origins, key ideas, and where traces remain today.
What sets Shinto shrines apart from Buddhist temples? Learn the key differences in gates, architecture, and prayer, plus the story of how Japan's two faiths coexisted for over 1,000 years.
Black outfits? A kabuki invention. Shuriken as a main weapon? A myth. Meet the real ninja — spies, saboteurs, and survival experts of feudal Japan.
Japan's samurai were far more than sword-wielding warriors. Learn how they shaped 700 years of Japanese history, culture, and the Bushido code.
Your guide to buying Japanese whisky in Japan. From specialty liquor shops and department stores to airport duty-free exclusives and distillery-only bottles at Yamazaki, Hakushu, Yoichi, and Miyagikyo.
Japanese whisky from Yamazaki and Hibiki to Yoichi and craft distilleries. History, what makes them unique, the 2024 standards, and NAS.
Consult sake sommeliers at department stores, discover local gems at specialty shops, and taste fresh sake at breweries. A guide to the best sake buying spots across Japan.
Can't read sake labels? Learn 8 sake grades from Junmai to Daiginjo, plus how SMV, acidity, and rice polishing reveal flavor before you buy.
Your guide to buying Japanese knives in Japan. Top shops in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto, plus blade-making towns like Sakai and Seki.
Learn how to choose the right Japanese knife—Santoku, Gyuto, or Deba—and keep it sharp. This guide covers blade types, steel materials, whetstone sharpening, and daily care.
Learn how to make matcha at home with this beginner-friendly guide. From choosing the right tools to whisking techniques, discover how to enjoy authentic Japanese green tea.
Tetsudo Jinja, or railway shrines, are unique to Japan. Built to pray for safe travel or honor railway workers, these shrines dot the country. Learn their history and locations.
Learn why the Battle of Sekigahara happened in 1600. This guide explains the power struggle between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari after Toyotomi Hideyoshi's death.
Learn about Amano-Iwato, the myth where sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave and plunged the world into darkness. Discover the story, the gods involved, and sacred sites to visit in Takachiho.
A yagura-mon is a tower gate with a turret built above the entrance—the most prestigious gate in Japanese castles. Learn its structure with examples from Himeji, Obi, Kanazawa, and Edo castles.
Japanese castles are classified into five major types based on their surrounding terrain: Hirajiro (flatland castles), Hirayamajiro (hilltop castles), Yamajiro (mountain castles), Mizujiro (coastal water castles), and Kojo (lake castles). This guide explains their characteristics and notable examples.
What's the difference between Sōchinjū and Chinjū? Discover Japan's guardian deities through famous shrines like Ise Jingu and Izumo Taisha, and learn about the spiritual protectors deeply rooted in your local area.
Explore Hakata Tsunaka, the historic coastal area from ancient to medieval times encompassing modern Hakata Station, Nakasu, and Gion. Discover how this central trading hub shaped Kyushu's cultural and commercial legacy.
Explore Japan's 30,000 Inari shrines with their iconic red gates and fox statues. Learn the fascinating history, visit famous sites like Fushimi Inari, and discover proper worship etiquette in this complete guide.
Compare 14 types of Japanese tea: Gyokuro, Sencha, Hojicha, Matcha and more. Side-by-side comparison charts and brewing temperature tips included.
Discover the 12 Original Castles in Japan that have survived since the pre-Edo period without major reconstruction. These authentic castle towers are living history and national treasures.
Discover Haibutsu Kishaku, the Meiji government's policy to elevate Shinto and suppress Buddhism. Understand its causes, effects, and its lasting impact on Japan's religious and cultural landscape.
What's the difference between Jingu, Jinja, and Taisha? This guide explains Japan's shrine types and their meanings, featuring 15 must-visit shrines including Ise Jingu and Izumo Taisha.
Learn about otemon, the main gates of Japanese castles. Discover how these gates served as symbols of prestige while also forming a defensive system with masugata enclosures and yaguramon towers.
Masugata koguchi is a square-shaped gate defense found at Japanese castle entrances. Learn how this "ultimate gate" structure slowed enemies and enabled attacks from three sides.
Discover why most Japanese castles vanished after the Meiji Restoration. Learn about the Castle Abolition Order and the efforts to preserve Japan’s historic fortresses.
Niigata City's Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance is a traditional event that is part of the Niigata Festival, which is held every summer.
In Japan, there are places designated as cultural properties called "Places of Scenic Beauty". We will explain what kind of places are designated as scenic spots.
Shinsen Heihaku Ryo Kyoshin Shrines were Shinto shrines that received offerings of sacred food and ritual money from local public entities from the Meiji era until the end of World War II.