It's autumn in Japan! Otsukimi season! …but what is otsukimi?
The word “otsukimi” literally means, “to watch the moon”. Otsukimi is held around the day of a full moon from the middle of the September to the beginning of October. At this time of the year in Japan, it is said that the clear air makes the moon look at...
When visiting Japan, there are many types of accommodations both western-style and Japanese-style that vary widely in terms of style and budget. If you want to experience Japanese culture, you should stay at Ryokan!
Ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn. You will find ryokan throughout Japan, especially around onsen (hot spring) resorts in the mountains and by the coast.
Ryokan...
Did you know that for every 23 people in Japan there is 1 vending machine available, which works out to be approximately 5.5 million vending machines in Japan alone!
Vending machines in Japan have played their part since the 50’s providing an interesting array of products ranging from fresh eggs to a pair of running shoes. Everything imaginable has been...
Izakaya（居酒屋）are casual drinking places where people can relax and enjoy the local taste of good food and drink. They are the most commonly known restaurant type in Japan and since the prices are usually more reasonable than those at restaurants or fancy bars, they are favoured by Japanese for the place to grab a couple of drinks after work...
The very first convenience store (Konbini) opened up in Japan in the early 70’s. To date there is now a staggering 52,872 stores throughout Japan. Hence there name “convenient”, but like so many other things we take them for granted. For people who have shopped at Konbini, have you ever thought about what is uniquely different about them, apposed...
In Australia we can only see fireworks on special occasions such as New Year’s or national holidays, concerts or entertainment events in Australia. However in Japan, hanabi (fireworks) are a common display not only in the big cities but also in local areas throughout Summer. They are even available for sale so many families and groups of friends can create...
After the freezing winter has passed the best travelling season is coming, spring! If you are lucky enough to go to Japan in spring, you must do one thing…ohanami!
But wait, What's ohanami?
Ohanami is a Japanese spring custom. This is where we enjoy the transient beauty of sakura (cherry-blossoms) while having a picnic underneath sakura trees. Cherry blossoms typically bloom...
Ever tried to imagine what it would be like to be a ninja in Edo times?
Well thanks to Red Bull and a cast of talented Japanese freerunners and Jason Paul international freerunnners we now know.
Footage was filmed in Edo Wonderland, a theme park dedicated to bringing Edo life to the modern era found in the mountains of Nestled in...
Imagine being able to race your friends in a real life Mario Kart race....wait, now you can!
Check out, http://maricar.com/en/shinagawa.html to race the streets of Tokyo as your favourite Mario character.
