You often see cute knot ornaments like the one in this image in Japanese gift stores.
The graduation season in Japan
Late March marks the beginning of the graduation season. Instead of starting a new school year in September as in many countries, the new school year in Japan starts in April, so many graduation ceremonies are held at the end of in March.
White Day
I’m sure everyone is familiar with Valentine’s Day, but have you heard of White Day? This is a unique holiday to Japan that takes place on March 14th, one month after Valentine’s Day. In western countries, Valentine’s Day is a…
How to celebrate the “Girl’s Day”?
I thought the International Women’s Day on March 8 is probably the most well-known anniversary for women, but after coming to Japan, I learned that there is an annual event in Japan called Hinamatsuri (Gril’s Day/Doll’s Festival), which celebrates the growth of girls from far back in time. I feel that this one is more well-known in Japan.
The Eastern Valentine?
February 14th is known as Valentine’s Day, but did you know that in Eastern cultures, there is also a day for lovers that corresponds to Valentine’s Day? In fact, the 15th day of the Chinese New Year is the Chinese…
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Around the Christmas season, it is popular in the US to bake and decorate Christmas cookies. All kinds of cookies are popular around the Christmas holiday season, but especially sugar cookies in fun Christmas shapes, decorated with colored frosting. I’ve…
Let’s walk to Skytree
This autumn, with few typhoons and lots of sunny days, it’s the perfect season for a holiday stroll. I have recently discovered a new walking route from Asakusa, one of the most popular tourist spots, to Skytree, which I would like to share with you.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is considered a major holiday in the United States (and Canada) but did you know that Japan also has a Thanksgiving holiday? Japan’s Thanksgiving day is a national holiday observed on November 23rd. Although it is a bank holiday,…
Day trip to Nagatoro
Last week I went on my first autumn leaf hunting trip of the year. I’d like to introduce Nagatoro in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, a lovely place where we can easily go day trip from Tokyo!
Halloween in Japan
It’s almost Halloween season. In Japan, it is popular among young people to celebrate Halloween. However, the way they spend it in may be completely different than in the countries where Halloween is origin. If you are a foreigner living in Japan, I’m sure you have been confused about it.