Japan has four very distinct seasons, but there is another season that Japan experiences between spring and summer. Tsuyu, is the name of the rainy season that comes during June. Due to the seasonal rain front that crosses Japan from east to west, the whole country experiences two weeks of bad weather. However, like they [...]
The samuri culture was not so promminent in Osaka, my hometown, as it was in Tokyo (Edo region) and other significant cities. Rather than fighting and protecting its territory with weapons and soldiers, the city strengthened its power in commerce business. As a city of merchants, Osaka gained its influence by becoming the country's center [...]
We woke up refreshed and ready for another jam packed day. After having a big Japanese breakfast served by the ryokan, we packed our bags and headed south towards Mount Fuji in Shizuoka. Breakfast at the ryokan Along the way, we stopped by a strawberry patch, where we could pick and eat as [...]
During Golden Week, a one-week holiday during the first week of May, I went on a two-day vacation to Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefecture. Surrounded by rich green mountains, beautiful lakes, and historical sites, these two days were relaxing and fun. We rented a car and headed to the center of Yamanashi prefecture. It was a 2 [...]
Sumo wrestling is one of the greatest and well-known Japanese cultures, that has been enjoyed by many generations. It is not clear when and where the national sport started; however, there are records of it from more than a thousand years ago. Many cultures around the world have similar wrestling-type sports, and Japanese sumo is one of [...]
Traditional Japanese music is used in many scenes, including cultural rituals and traditional entertainment. The instruments that are used originated in ancient China. However, after being brought into Japan, the instruments changed with time, and eventually became an essential part of Japanese traditions and culture. Japanese instruments known as wagakki, include string instruments, wind instruments, [...]
Miyazaki After relaxing and refreshing at Kurokawa Onsen, we resumed our journey through Kyushu and headed west to Miyazaki prefecture. My friend from college had grown up in Miyazaki, and told me about the Takachiho Canyon. We rented a canoe for 30 minutes, and enjoyed the view from the water. There were beautiful waterfalls, and looking at them [...]
There are four main islands that form Japan. Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. I had the opportunity to visit Kyushu last year during this time of the year. The region, that is located below the main land (Honshu) of Japan, has a higher average temperature, and is rich in nature. My friend and I decided [...]
Kanda Matsuri, or Kanda Festival, is one of the three major festivals in Japan. Kanda is a region in Tokyo that prospered during the Edo era, which is also the period when the festival first started. The origins of Kanda Matsuri’s is not clear and specific, as there are no records in primary sources. However, [...]
The practice of Sado is more than just drinking bitter Japanese green tea. It has its own doctrines and philosophies. People learn these principles through the countless rules of making and drinking matcha. Sado that is practiced today, was founded by Sen no Rikyu. He established the traditions and rules of wabi-cha, which focuses on [...]