Nagoya, like much of Japan, truly embraces the Christmas season with stunning illuminations and festive winter events throughout December. One of the highlights of winter in Nagoya is the breathtaking illuminations that begin in mid-November and often last until January or even February. These light displays create a magical atmosphere that’s hard to miss. In addition to the illuminations, Nagoya hosts a variety of fun Christmas and New Year events...

Many people buy their clothing from the multitude of discount and fast fashion clothing stores that have become the norm nowadays. But, after a visit to Chita, a city south of Nagoya, you will gain a new appreciation for the simplest of textiles – cotton. The craftsmen in the Chita area have specialized in producing and using cotton for the past 400 years. The Not so Colorful History of White...

For many people, making tea is simply heating water and putting some tea into a cup. However, for Japanese people, this is definitely not sufficient! A higher purpose is required, and the straightforward act of preparing a cup of tea is becomes an intricate process involving ceremony, rules, and a whole process for what would otherwise be a simple task. This is the essence of a Japanese tea ceremony. How...

Japan has many spectacular winter illuminations each year, in fact, a lot of great ones can be found in Nagoya. Many have a Christmas theme with Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and raindeers and that’s why they usually end by January.  But one of the greatest winter illuminations in Japan can be found not far from Nagoya and it runs for more than half a year, giving you ample opportunity to...

About an hour away from Nagoya is the small city of Okazaki. People from Okazaki are very proud of two things: The first is that the unifier of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was born in Okazaki in 1543. The second thing they are proud of is that Okazaki is the birthplace of Hatcho Miso!  Hatcho Miso is a strong and dark red Miso that has been produced in Okazaki for over...