The Seasons of Japan There are four distinct seasons in Japan, and they are each a celebrated occasion. Spring, summer, fall, winter in Japanese is haru, natsu, aki, fuyu (or shun-ka-shū-tō). Each season...
Welcome to the latest installment of Bokksu’s Guide to Japanese Monsters, your source for all beings spooky, scary, syncretic folk religious, sneaky, and sometimes even “on your side.” We’ve been...
What makes a Japanese waffle different from a traditional waffle? Keep reading on to learn more about this Japanese phenomenon and how they have become so popular! What is Taiyaki?...
In Japan, it's about quality over quantity. This notion is exhibited repeatedly in daily life, including in Japanese melon growing like Japan's square watermelon. Japanese culture loves high-quality fruits so...
Creamy custard puddings are popular the world over, and many countries have their own version — like British flans in England, the decadently rich ‘creme brulee’ in France, or North...
If you want to cut to the heart of Japanese cuisine, drop your ultra-sharp knife and pick up a ladle. The Japanese chef’s most essential, loyal assistant is called dashi....
What Does Kakigori Mean? Ah, kakigori, Japanese shaved ice of many colors. So, what is it, exactly? In a nutshell: a little mountain of fine shavings light as fresh snow,...
The Japanese Legend of Momotarō, Peach Boy Japanese peaches are literally the stuff of legends. Momotarō, loosely translated as Peach Boy, is a folktale that goes back at least four...
Sure, you could brew a cup of tea by adding a tea bag into hot water. Though, if you're in Japan, you may get a few odd looks! Japan has...
When you appreciate the cuisine of Japan, you can’t help but gradually learn about the varied geography and history of the archipelago. However, without knowing all the names of Japanese...
Regardless of where you travel, you'll find that each culture and destination has its own set of holidays and traditions. Japan, in particular, has many interesting and unique holidays that...
What is a Mikoshi in Japanese Culture? Have you ever seen a picture of an ornate carriage with royalty or royal cargo inside that is transported on people’s shoulders? Many...