Celebrated Onsen of Japan: From the Three Ancient Springs to Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin
From springs favored by emperors to waters prized for healing and beauty, famous hot springs of Japan each earned a name for a reason.
Culture & History
Understanding Japan
Samurai, ninja, hot springs, shrines and temples... Easy-to-read explainers on the culture, customs and history behind what you meet in Japan, written from first-hand visits.
Demystifying Japanese Onsen Etiquette: A Beginner's Guide to Bathing Rules, Tattoos, Mixed Baths and Hot Spring Culture
Why do people bathe naked? What about tattoos? A complete look at Japan's onsen rules, from bathing flow to photography and family etiquette.
10 Types of Japanese Onsen and Their Benefits, with Recommended Towns to Visit
Japan's 10 onsen types and their benefits explained: characteristics, mineral waters, and recommended towns to visit by purpose.
Japanese Onsen Explained: A Hot Spring Culture Loved by Emperors, Shoguns, Samurai, and Even the Gods
For over a millennium, onsen have captivated the Japanese. Discover the definition, mythic history, and how to enjoy Japan's hot spring culture.
CurryKanazawa Curry Guide: 5 Iconic Restaurants and the History Behind Ishikawa's Soul Food
Kanazawa Curry is Ishikawa's signature regional dish: dark roux on a stainless plate with cutlet, sauce, and shredded cabbage.
Japanese Sword Guide: How to Enjoy Nihonto in Japan — Museums, History, and Buying Souvenir Swords
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.
Haitōrei Explained: The 1876 Sword Abolition Edict That Disarmed Japan's Samurai
The 1876 Haitōrei edict banned samurai from carrying swords, ending centuries of warrior privilege. Learn its causes, impact, and legacy.
ShrineTempleShinbutsu-Shugo Explained: Why Shinto and Buddhism Shared the Same Ground for 1,200 Years
Shinbutsu-shugo blended Japan's two major faiths for over a millennium. Learn its origins, key ideas, and where traces remain today.
ShrineTempleShrines vs Temples in Japan: Key Differences and the Forgotten History That Once United Them
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.
What Is a Ninja? History, Ninjutsu, and the Real Shinobi of Feudal Japan
Black outfits? A kabuki invention. Shuriken as a main weapon? A myth. Meet the real ninja — spies, saboteurs, and survival experts of feudal Japan.
What Is a Samurai? History, Bushido, and the Warrior Culture of 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.
Where to Buy Japanese Whisky in Japan: Best Spots from Specialty Shops to Distilleries
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 Explained: Yamazaki, Hibiki, Yoichi, the 2024 Standards, and Beyond
Japanese whisky from Yamazaki and Hibiki to Yoichi and craft distilleries. History, what makes them unique, the 2024 standards, and NAS.
Where to Find Great Sake in Japan: Best Shops, Breweries, and Tasting Spots Nationwide
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.
How to Read Sake Labels: A Guide to Junmai, Daiginjo, SMV, and 8 Sake Grades
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.
Where to Buy Japanese Knives in Japan: Guide to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Traditional Blade Towns
Your guide to buying Japanese knives in Japan. Top shops in Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto, plus blade-making towns like Sakai and Seki.
Japanese Knife Guide: How to Choose, Sharpen, and Care for Your Blade
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.
Japanese Tea & MatchaHow to Make Matcha at Home: A Beginner's Guide to Whisking Japanese Green Tea
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.
ShrineWhat Is a Tetsudo Jinja? Japan's Unique Railway Shrines and Where to Find Them
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.
Why Did the Battle of Sekigahara Happen? Japan's Greatest Power Struggle Explained
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.
Amano-Iwato: The Japanese Myth to Know Before Visiting Takachiho
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.
ShrineJapan's Guardian Deities: Exploring Sōchinjū and Chinjū Shrines – Sacred Protectors of the Land and Communities
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.
FukuokaHakataHakata Tsunaka: The Ancient Port District That Shaped Medieval Fukuoka's Prosperity
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.
ShrineInari Shrines: Japan's 30,000 Red Gates and Fox Guardians - Complete Guide to History, Famous Sites & Rituals
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.
Japanese Tea & Matcha14 Types of Japanese Tea Explained: Gyokuro, Sencha, Hojicha, Matcha and More with Brewing Temperature Guide
Compare 14 types of Japanese tea: Gyokuro, Sencha, Hojicha, Matcha and more. Side-by-side comparison charts and brewing temperature tips included.
ShrineTempleHaibutsu Kishaku(廃仏毀釈): Meiji Japan's Push for Shinto Supremacy
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.
ShrineJingu, Jinja, Taisha: Know the Difference Before Visiting Japan's Shrines
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.
NiigataNiigata CityMinyo Nagashi Folk Dance: A masterpiece! 1.5 km, a dancing circle of 10,000 people. Niigata City's summer tradition.
Niigata City's Minyo Nagashi Folk Dance is a traditional event that is part of the Niigata Festival, which is held every summer.
Nationally designated Places of Scenic BeautyPlaces of Scenic Beauty(名勝, meishō): A place with beautiful scenery and historical value. A designated type of Japanese cultural property.
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.
ShrineShinsenheihakuryokyoshin Shrines and the Modern System of Ranked Shinto Shrines: When Shrines Were Under State Control
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.
