Kyoto is known for its high temperature and humid summers. Today, people use air-conditioning to cool their homes and make it through the hot season of the year. However, needless to say, until the invention of air-conditioners, people had to stand the heat without the use of any electricity what-so-ever. One of their ways of [...]
Schools differ greatly from country and culture, and Japanese schools are no exception. Japanese schools are split into three academic levels; elementary school, junior high school, and high school. Most public schools incorporate uniforms from junior high, and the majority of schools are very strict with how to wear the uniforms. A common rule, is [...]
The architecture of historical Japanese buildings, including temples, shrines, and residential houses, is pact with centuries worth of knowledge. From finding the most durable materials to figuring out a design that would last for hundreds of years, generations of architects and carpenters have established and developed an outstanding architectural field. Their knowledge of architecture and [...]
The famous shrine, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), is located in the heart of Tokyo. Right next to Harajuku station, is the grounds of the shrine. It spreads across 700 square kilometers, with grand trees, rivers, memorials, and of course the shrine buildings. The entrance is marked by a torii, a gate that is seen on [...]
The climate and weather of winter differs across Japan. Depending on the geometry and the latitude of where you are, some prefectures have snow, whereas others are quite warm. For example, Hokkaido prefecture, which is the largest prefecture and located very close to Russia, experiences heavy snow during the winter. The snow does not melt [...]
Shirakawa-Go, a small village in Gifu prefecture, was designated as a World Heritage in 1995 for its beautiful scenery and historical architecture. Its most significant feature is the roofs of the houses. The rooftop looks like two hands meeting at the fingertips, and are therefore called Gasshou, which literally means praying hands. The English term [...]
The ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where you can enjoy natural hot springs, delicious Japanese food, and beautiful traditional housing. Most ryokans are located near mountains or by the sea, and are a great way to escape the busy city life. A "Ryokan" Ryokans have hot spring baths called onsen for guests [...]