Tag: japanese culture
Kanazawa Itinerary: A One-Day Tour in this Historic City
For lovers of Japanese culture and history, a visit to Kanazawa is a must. Although its location is a bit remote, the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo and express trains from Kyoto make a side-trip here quite feasible. Catch all the historic highlights in...
The Teahouse Districts of Kanazawa
Kanazawa is famous for its history, beauty, and unique Japanese culture. These elements all come together in the city's three well-preserved teahouse districts: Higashi Chaya, Nishi Chaya, and Kazue Machi.
Higashi Chaya: The Big One
Of...
Geisha in Kanazawa: Where to Go
Ah, Kanazawa, the lovely city known as “Little Kyoto” for its historic teahouse districts. If you walk around these areas during the day, you are apt to see countless women dressed in kimono. But don’t get too excited, as they are surely...
Heat, culture, chaos: the real Gion Matsuri.
Kyoto is a city that many consider to be the perfect embodiment of the truest 'Japanese sensibilities.' Refinement, subtlety and a restrained aesthetic create a type of harmony that permeates all facets of life in Japan. Minimalism, restraint and the beloved 'wabi-sabi' are all forms of a distinctly Kyoto-esque identity. Enter the Gion Matsuri: a night of hot air, cold beer and a touch of ancestral transcendence.
Shopping locally made artisanal products at Akihabara’s 2k540
Are you on the hunt for Japanese souvenirs that are high quality and made in Japan? Look no further than 2k540. Just a few minutes’ walk from Akihabara, this shopping arcade is located under the train tracks and contains almost 50 specialty...
Behind the Scenes at the Silver Pavilion
Colloquially known as the Silver Pavilion or Ginkaku-ji, Jisho-ji is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist destinations. It dates back to the late 15th century and was designed by the then-shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. It is beloved for its wooden pavilion and gorgeous...
These Adorable Knitted Hats Are Unmissable on Miyajima
A popular tourist destination in Japan is Itsukushima, a small island near Hiroshima City. Known colloquially as Miyajima, its claim to fame is the iconic giant torii gate that seems to float when the tide comes in and submerges the base of...
Noren, No Life: An Everyday Element of Japanese Culture
If you’ve spent any length of time in Japan, you’ll notice many doors with large rectangular pieces of fabric hanging in front of them. Some are colourful and some aren’t. Some have Japanese characters or words written on them, while others simply...