5 Best Spots to See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo

February 20, 2025/in Practical Tips/by Shawn Weldon

Tucked away between massive skyscrapers are some of the best places for cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Read more

Daruma Dolls: Setting Goals and Achieving Success

May 14, 2024/in Best of Japan/by Shawn Weldon

Daruma dolls are a unique and symbolic figure in Japanese culture. These small, round dolls have a rich history and represent perseverance, goal-setting, and good fortune. Read more

The Nagasaki Lantern Festival: A Cultural Display

February 16, 2024/in Featured Events/by Shawn Weldon

Every year, Nagasaki, Japan hosts one of the most illuminating events in the country – The Nagasaki Lantern Festival. The festival is rooted in Chinese tradition and celebrates the Lunar New Year, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and the coming of spring. Read more

Namahage Sedo Festival in Akita

February 4, 2023/in Featured Events/by Shawn Weldon

The Namahage Sedo Festival is one of the Michinoku Five Great Snow Festivals and is held at Shinzan Shrine on the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. The festival is held every year on the second weekend of February and runs from Friday through Sunday. Read more

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023

January 27, 2023/in Japan News/by Shawn Weldon

The first Cherry Blossom Forecast 2023 has been released! This year’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on time, or just slightly earlier than average in most places. They’re expected to be in full bloom at Ueno Park on March 30, 2023. Read more

Arimatsu Shibori Festival

June 21, 2022/in Best of Japan/by Becki Benedict

Indigo Dyeing, called shibori, is a 1300 year old cultural art that involves many techniques. Read more

Yamazaki River Cherry Blossoms

April 8, 2022/in Best of Japan/by Becki Benedict

Today, we’re going to look at some beautiful cherry blossoms. We’re at the Yamazaki River in Nagoya. It is one of the top 100 best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Read more

Baikasai Kyoto Plum Blossom Festival

February 18, 2022/in Featured Events/by Shawn Weldon

The Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival takes place every year on February 25^th at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. The celebration features plum blossoms, an outdoor tea ceremony, and real geisha. Read more

When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

February 12, 2022/in Common Questions/by Becki Benedict

Today we are answering the question, “When is cherry blossom season in Japan?” Read more

Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival

January 21, 2022/in Featured Events/by Shawn Weldon

On the fourth Saturday in January, the incredible Wakakusa Yamayaki event takes place in Nara, Japan. Disputing temples settle a 260-year-old territorial dispute by setting an entire mountainside ablaze. Read more