Culture and Tradition

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...Read More

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...Read More

Most people that come to Japan don’t visit Nagoya because they have heard that there is nothing interesting to do.  However, you would be surprised by all the things you can experience here! Let us, local foreigners living in Nagoya, surprise you with the top seven things you can do in Nagoya. Are you ready?...Read More

Toyokawa, a city located in the east of Aichi Prefecture, is home to one of Japan’s most marvelous shrines: Toyokawa Inari. A must-visit destination when visiting Japan. Toyokawa Inari is considered one of Japan’s Big Three Inari Temples and it is a place worshipped by millions of visitors every year. Toyokawa Inari, officially named Enpukuzan...Read More

Nestled in the heart of Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Hachiman is a charming castle town that remains one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Though often overlooked in travel guides, this hidden gem offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal day trip destination. If you are looking for a day trip...Read More

Every year in autumn, the Nishikawa Ryu, one of the most influential traditional dance schools in Japan, puts on a colorful show called the Nagoya Odori (Nagoya Dance). At the Nagoya Odori, you can enjoy the impressive visual art and impeccable choreography of classic Japanese dances, as well as traditional Japanese tales in the form...Read More

For over 1300 years, local fishermen in Japan have used an unusual technique to catch river fish during the summer. Japanese cormorants, called “u” in Japanese, are trained for up to three years by their owners to help catch fish. Known as “ukai” in Japanese, cormorant fishing is a unique traditional method that is rare...Read More

Sumo wrestling is an integral part of Japan’s culture and has been practiced in one form or another for around 2000 years. In part 1 of this series, we shared everything you need to know if you are new to Sumo, and want to attend the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. If you haven’t read it...Read More

When people think about Japan, one of the first things they think of is Sumo Wrestling. So when people plan their trips to Japan, they often want to see a Sumo tournament. But what most people don’t realize is that getting to see a Sumo tournament or even a morning Sumo practice is normally quite...Read More

Ever wondered what a typical Japanese breakfast is like? If you have traveled to Japan before, you might have noticed that it could be very different from your usual breakfast. Some of the common Japanese breakfast items could be considered more suitable for lunch or dinner in other countries. Typically, a traditional Japanese breakfast consists...Read More