Category: Winter

Setsubun: Welcoming Good Fortune and Driving Away Bad Luck in Early February

After the New Year celebrations come to an end, Japan marks another important seasonal turning point: Setsubun (節分). Usually held around February 3 or 4, Setsubun symbolizes the transition from winter to spring according to the traditional Japanese calendar. While it is not a public holiday, it is widely observed across the country in homes, […]

How to Enjoy Hatsumōde: Japan’s First Shrine and Temple Visit of the Year

As the New Year approaches, one of the most meaningful Japanese traditions begins: Hatsumōde, the first Hatsumōde: Experiencing Japan’s First Shrine or Temple Visit of the New Year As the New Year approaches, one of Japan’s most meaningful annual traditions begins: Hatsumōde (初詣), the first visit to a shrine or temple of the year. For […]

Bear Encounters in Japan: What Travelers Should Know Before Exploring Nature

Japan is widely known for its vibrant cities, reliable public transportation, and rich cultural heritage, but beyond the urban areas lies a vast natural landscape of forests, mountains, national parks, and rural countryside. For travelers interested in hiking, countryside walks, or exploring less-touristy regions, Japan offers incredible natural beauty throughout the year. However, these natural […]

End-of-Year Customs and Rituals in Japan: Traditions That Prepare the Country for a New Beginning

As December approaches, Japan enters one of its most meaningful cultural periods. The final weeks of the year are filled with traditions that blend spirituality, cleanliness, hospitality and renewal. These rituals are not just symbolic; they shape how households, businesses and entire communities welcome the coming year. For visitors, experiencing these end-of-year customs offers an […]

Warming Up with Flavor: Japan’s Best Winter Street Foods and Drinks

When winter arrives, Japan’s streets transform into a cozy paradise of comforting smells and nostalgic flavors. From steaming sweet potatoes to rich broths bubbling under red lanterns, winter street food captures the warmth and joy of the season — best enjoyed with cold air on your face and something hot in your hands. The Heart […]

Warming Up in Japan: Winter Teas and Comforting Hot Drinks

As the air turns crisp and the first snow begins to fall in parts of Japan, the season of warm drinks officially arrives. In winter, tea shops, cafés, and even convenience stores across the country start offering special drinks meant to bring comfort and warmth. Beyond the famous green tea, Japan has a wide variety […]

Warming Up to Winter in Japan: Discover the Comfort of Oden and Nabe Season

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, Japan slowly transitions into one of its coziest and most heartwarming seasons. While the summer months are filled with lively festivals and fireworks, winter brings a slower rhythm — one marked by the inviting aroma of simmering broths and the soft chatter of people […]