Winter in Japan is magical — sparkling illuminations, relaxing hot springs, powder snow, New Year traditions, and warm seasonal foods.But if you’re visiting from the UK, you might be surprised by how cold some parts of Japan can get , especially compared to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Northern and inland regions, such as Hokkaido, Nagano, and Tohoku, can reach –5°C to –15°C , with heavy snowfall.Even cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are generally colder and drier than most p

For many people in the UK, sumo is something they’ve only seen in photos, cartoons, or short social media clips. Two huge wrestlers. A small ring. A fast, dramatic push. But recently, London hosted a special sumo performance , and it surprised many visitors who thought they had little interest in the sport. People said things like: “It’s so much more exciting than I expected!”“The rituals are beautiful.”“I didn’t know they moved so quickly!” Whether you saw the London event,

What Is Onomatopoeia in Japanese? If you’ve started learning Japanese, you might have noticed words that “sound” like the feeling they describe — words such as dokidoki , kirakira , or wanwan . These are called onomatopoeia  (オノマトペ), and they’re everywhere in daily Japanese! Unlike English, which uses sound words mostly for noises (like buzz  or bang ), Japanese onomatopoeia covers a much wider range — sounds, feelings, actions, even silence. That’s why they’re often called “

The Allure of Japanese Art Japanese art has long fascinated people from around the world for its unique harmony of simplicity, nature, and emotion. Unlike Western art, which often focuses on realism or grandeur, Japanese art expresses beauty in subtlety — through empty space, balance, and impermanence. From delicate ink paintings to bold woodblock prints and contemporary installations, Japanese art captures both the visible and the invisible. It reflects a philosophy that bea

Why Shichi-Go-San Is So Special If you visit Japan in November, you might notice families dressed in colourful kimonos visiting shrines with their children. This heartwarming celebration is called Shichi-Go-San (七五三), which literally means “seven-five-three.” It’s a cherished traditional festival celebrating the healthy growth and happiness of children aged three, five, and seven. Families visit Shinto shrines to give thanks, offer prayers, and take commemorative photos. It’s

Introduction Japan boasts four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences. Visit in spring for cherry blossoms, summer for...

Introduction: Sharing My Real Japanese Experience Hello, I’m Risako! In this article, I’ll share how I spent the New Year holidays in...

Introduction New Year in Japan blends ancient traditions with modern customs. Unlike the lively New Year’s Eve parties in the UK, it’s a...

Introduction Christmas in Japan is a unique celebration that differs significantly from how it’s celebrated in the UK. Instead of a quiet...

Introduction Japan is a country filled with unique traditions, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. For visitors, learning even a...

Introduction Japan, with its unique culture and breathtaking landscapes, draws countless tourists each year. However, Japan also has...

Introduction Japan is famous for its onsen (hot springs), offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience deeply rooted in the country’s...

Japan is renowned for its stunning summer fireworks festivals, which illuminate the night sky and draw crowds from around the globe....

After the dreary rainy season, it's time to open the beach in Japan! Unlike tropical countries where people can go to beaches throughout...

Before the summer starts in Japan, there is a rainy season called 梅雨/つゆ/Tsuyu. It is also read as ばいう/Baiu. 梅雨(Tsuyu) starts at the...

May 5th is a national holiday in Japan called こどもの日/こどものひ/Kodomo no hi/Children’s day. Children’s day is to respect the personality of...

Today’s article is about the Japanese cultural event 雛祭り/ひなまつり/Hinamatsuri/Doll’s festival. It takes place on March 3rd every year and...

Today’s article is again about Japanese cultural event, 節分 (Setsubun). The word 節分 (Setsubun) ordinally indicates the dividing line of...

What is 成人式/せいじんしき/seijinshiki? The age of becoming an adult varies from country to country. In many of the Western countries, it’s...

Unlike in Europe and the U.S., where companies and schools start immediately after the New Year, in Japan, New Year's is a big, important...