Culture Guides - Page 2 of 3

Goshuin: How to Collect These Beautiful Stamps on Your Japan Trip

20 July 20265 February 2024

Goshuin are hand-drawn designs that you can collect from shrines and temples around Japan – and they make a beautiful souvenir of your trip. But, as with everything in Japan, there’s a little bit of etiquette involved with collecting them – so, here’s what you need to know. What Are Goshiun? Originally, goshuin were stamps … Read more

Why You Should Visit a Standing Bar on Your Japan Trip

20 July 202616 December 2023

Some of the best memories of my last Japan trip came from standing bars – but what are they, why are they so fun – and what do you need to know if you’re going to visit one? Let me explain…

Tourist in kimono looking out at Japanese garden.

Is It Okay to Wear Kimono in Japan?

20 July 20267 October 2023

If dressing in a kimono is on your list of things to do on your Japan trip, you might be wondering if it’s okay to do so. Can foreigners wear kimono in Japan without seeming disrespectful? I have the answer – from some people who live there.

Display of hinamatsuri dolls on steps in Kyushu

Hinamatsuri – Why You See Doll Displays in Japan in March

19 January 20244 January 2023

Hinamatsuri or Doll Day is a celebration that occurs in Japan on March 3rd. It’s celebrated with displays of beautiful dolls that appear in homes, but also in shrines, hotels, and other businesses in February. If you’ve seen this and wondered what’s happening, let us explain.

Why You Need Time for ‘Ma’ on Your Japan Trip

30 July 20266 August 2022

The Japanese concept of Ma loosely translates as a pause in time, a space from which you can develop and grow – and, it’s something that it’s a very good idea to build into your Japan itinerary for a couple of reasons. Here’s what you need to know – and some great ideas to make it happen…

Is This THE Best Drink From a Japanese Vending Machine?

20 July 202619 June 2022

Being able to buy hot drinks from a vending machine is one of the things about Japan that never gets old – especially if you’re traveling in the winter months and you just need to warm up on the move – but among all the cans of coffee and bottles of hot green tea, you’ll also find creamy hot milk tea – also known as Royal Milk Tea. And, in my opinion, it’s THE best drink in a Japanese vending machine. Here’s why…

10 ‘Easy-Read’ Novels Set in Japan

24 July 202615 June 2022

Whether you’re looking for something fun to read before you go to get you in the mood for your holiday, a book for the plane or when relaxing in your room, or you miss Japan and need your fix, this list of novels set in Japan contains the titles for you.

A Beginners Guide to Gachapon in Tokyo

12 March 20254 May 2022

Everywhere you look in Tokyo, you’ll see them. A row of plastic machines with big pictures on the front, a coin slot, and a turning handle. Inside, there are capsules filled with toys. This, my friends, is Gachapon, and if you want an ‘only in Japan’ thing to do on a budget, you’ve found it.