Namahage

If you think Krampus is the only tradition involving frightening figures teaching children to be good people, think again! On the peninsula of Oga on the main island of Honshu in Japan, there are the terrifying Namahage, who come in search of troublesome children and… uh… lazy wives to bring good fortune to the households […]

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Tanabata can fall on one of two sets of dates: Either July 7th or August 7th. One or the other depends on if you follow the solar calendar or the lunar festival. In the northern part of the main island of Japan, an area called Tohoku, there are three famous summer festivals that fall around […]

Akita Kanto Festival

Akita prefecture is known for its Akita dogs, Namahage, and the Kanto festival. Not to be confused with the Kanto Region (which encompasses Tokyo), these Kanto are large poles that carry a large number of lanterns. They require great balance and strength to handle, and when held expertly, provide a stunning sight for onlookers. Every […]

Kawagoe Fireworks Festival

When you go to summer festivals in Japan, you will, more likely than not, see a spectacular fireworks display. Here in Kawagoe, there is a fireworks spectacular that lasts 90 minutes and sees over 6000 fireworks launched into the sky.

Himeji Castle

One of the most famous castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in all of Japan. Its white figure looms over the otherwise normal town of Himeji, bringing in tourists from all across the world to marvel at its splendor.

Kawagoe Million Light Festival

Japan has no shortage of festivals, especially not in a city with lots of history and culture like Kawagoe. Towards the end of July, the city strings up lanterns and other lights all along the historic Coedo (Kurazukuri) district to celebrate the Million Light Festival (Hyakuman Matsuri – 百万灯まつり ).

Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum

Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Shin Kobe station lays one of the most boring-sounding museums out there: Carpentry Tools. However, once you walk up the inspired garden into a very modern and chic building, it soon dawns upon you that this isn’t going to be the boring look at hammers and saws […]

Japanese Fortunes and Luck: Ema and Omikuji

Aside from washing your hands and praying, there are a few fortune-related activities one can partake in at a traditional Shinto Shrine or Buddhist Temple: Hanging an Ema and braving the Omikuji. For your consideration, here is a brief primer on each as they relate to my personal experiences visiting many, many different Shinto shrines […]

Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum

Hot on the heels of fresh, hand-made ramen from around the great nation of Japan we come to what the Japanese once voted as the single greatest invention of all-time: Instant Noodles. In Yokohama, you can venture into the Cup Noodles Museum, where a variety of instant noodle-based fun can be had by people of […]

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan: Moegi House and Weathercock House

Kobe, the city famous for its very expensive, high-end beef, also has quite a few historical sights to see. Contrary to the Japanese aesthetic of Kyoto, Kobe has an entire neighborhood of preserved European-style homes from the 1800s-1900s. The mansions, known as Ijinkan (異人館), were home to many European businessmen and entrepenuers seeking to gain […]