Discoveries from around the archipelago
The craziest time of Japan's travel calendar is almost upon us. Who's ready for Golden Week 2016?? Golden Week is made up of four individual holidays. Starting off the spree on April 29th is Showa Day. This date marks the birthday of the late Emperor Showa (known to most non-Japanese as Hirohito, Japan’s Imperial ruler during... Continue Reading →
It's already October, and halfway through the month at that. How is this year going by so fast?? The holidays will be here all too soon, and I have already begun planning out my stocking stuffers and holiday gifts. Do you have a Japanophile on your list this year? The following is a great selection of... Continue Reading →
Think Japan's holiday travel madness is reserved only for Golden Week? You're nearly right, but every five to six years, a special holiday comes around on the calendar - Silver Week. I have to admit, with the craziness of the move and the trip to Tohoku this past summer, I almost forgot entirely about this... Continue Reading →
Ahhh, it's upon us. The most wonderful - and dreaded - time of the year. No, not Christmas. Not even Obon, the summer holiday that sees Japanese returning to their ancestral homes in droves. Rather, I am talking about Golden Week, the string of holidays that falls between April 29th and May 5th/6th. So, you're... Continue Reading →
Happy Star Festival, fellow Japanophiles! Today, July 7th, is Tanabata, one of Japan's more colorful national festivals. The holiday is officially celebrated on July 7th, but in the weeks leading up to it, bamboo cuttings begin appearing outside shops and in front of department stores, near train stations and next to shrines. People write their wishes... Continue Reading →
Happy Culture Day, everyone! Yes, welcome to the fourth of fall's many three day weekends. I'm taking advantage of this one as much as possible, with a visit to the Karatsu Kunchi (festival). So what's Culture Day all about? Well, interestingly enough, today actually celebrates the current Japanese constitution. "Now, hold on a sec ...",... Continue Reading →
If you're in Japan tomorrow, my advice to you is to hightail it to a shrine. November 15th is Shichi-go-san (literally 7-5-3), a celebration of children aged 3, 5 and 7 and you haven't lived until you've seen adorable toddlers kitted out in full kiddie kimonos.* This colorful holiday was once reserved for samurai... Continue Reading →
Mid-August is a hard time to travel around Japan. It's hot, it's muggy, everything's crowded because the kids are out of school and then - BAM - all of a sudden, it seems that everyone and their brother (which is very nearly the truth) is crowding onto your train to Kyoto! Where on earth did... Continue Reading →
