天然砥石 – Natural Whetstone
Natural whetstones are very precious. Yōzō Tsuchihashi (土橋要造) is the last miner / artisan family still producing natural whetstones in Japan. Mining …
御神渡り – Omiwatari
Omiwatari is a natural phenomenon that occurs on lakes such as Lake Suwa. In winter the entire lake surface freezes, and, due …
さんじゅーろー – Sanjūrō
Sanjūrō is a cat that was found inside Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城). He stayed in the castle and became popular among visitors. There …
山崎 – Yamazaki Whisky 55
Japanese whisky, Yamazaki, is well-known around the world. Especially, “Yamazaki 55 year old” is known as a rare and most valuable Japanese …
花手水 – Hana Chōzu
There is a temple in Kyoto called Yanagidani Kannon Yōkokuji (柳谷観音楊谷寺) that started decorating chōzuya with flowers and leaves from their garden …
手水舎 – Chōzuya
Chōzuya is a hand and mouth cleansing spot in a Shinto shrine or a Buddhist temple. Usually it is placed near the …
Valentine’s Day 2022
Here are some cute Japanese chocolate for you!
成人 – Coming-of-Age
The government in Japan has decided to lower the age for becoming an adult. Currently the age is 20, but starting 4/1/22 …
寺と神社 – Temples & Shrines
Temples are for Buddhism, whereas Shintō shrines honor Shintō deity. Japanese people often say that you can make a wish at a …
初詣 – Hatsumōde
Hatsumōde is your first visit to a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine in the New Year. You generally wish for health and …