Why “YUNOMI”?

The Japanese tea ceremony is often explained through words such as Zen, wabi-sabi, mindfulness, and ritual. Those ideas are part of its history, but they are not always the easiest way to understand what tea ceremony means in modern Japan. Most Japanese people do not practice tea ceremony in everyday life. We do not normally sit in a tatami tearoom, whisk matcha, or think about Zen philosophy when drinking tea. And yet, something about tea ceremony still feels familiar. When guests visit, we may use nicer cups, place them on small saucers, prepare sweets, or choose a drink that seems ...

Tattoos & onsen in Japan is a topic surrounded by misunderstandings. Some visitors fear they will be rejected, while many Japanese are unsure how tattoos are viewed today. In reality, foreign tattoos are rarely a problem—but the historical context behind Japanese tattoos still influences onsen rules. This guide explains everything visitors need to know: why restrictions exist, how tattoos are perceived culturally, and practical ways to enjoy a hot spring even if you have tattoos. What This Article Covers (Quick Summary) Why some onsen restrict tattoos How Japanese people perceive tattoos today The difference between Japanese tattoos and foreign tattoos ...

On January 7, a very simple dish appears on Japanese tables: rice porridge mixed with seven young greens. It is called nanakusa-gayu (七草粥), or seven-herb rice porridge. Compared with osechi, mochi, sake, sweets, and the other foods and drinks associated with the New Year holidays, nanakusa-gayu can look surprisingly plain. That contrast is part of its role. Traditionally, people eat nanakusa-gayu with wishes for good health in the year ahead. The custom is associated with Jinjitsu no Sekku, a traditional observance on January 7, and developed from older traditions involving the gathering and eating of young greens. Today, the dish ...

Receiving a goshuin is a traditional practice in Japan that records your visit to a shrine or temple through calligraphy and a sacred seal. A goshuin is not simply something to collect. It is given after worship and reflects respect for the sacred place you have visited. This guide explains the correct order for receiving a goshuin, proper etiquette to follow, and common mistakes visitors should avoid.   What Is a Goshuin? A goshuin is a sacred seal and handwritten inscription offered at Japanese shrines and temples. It serves as a record of worship rather than a souvenir. Because of ...

A goshuincho is a special book used to collect goshuin, sacred seals given at Japanese shrines and temples after worship. At first glance, it may look like a simple notebook. In reality, a goshuincho plays an important cultural role, helping preserve the meaning and dignity of goshuin as religious records. This article explains what a goshuincho is, why it exists, and how it is viewed in Japanese spiritual culture, so first-time visitors can understand its purpose clearly.   What Is a Goshuincho? A goshuincho is a dedicated book designed specifically for receiving goshuin. Unlike ordinary notebooks, it is treated as ...

A goshuin is a sacred seal and handwritten inscription given at Japanese shrines and temples as proof of worship. It is often mistaken for a souvenir stamp, but goshuin grew out of pilgrimage culture and carries religious and cultural meaning. In this guide, you’ll learn what a goshuin is, where it comes from, and why it still matters today—so you can understand this tradition with respect and confidence.   What Is a Goshuin? A goshuin is a traditional mark received at shrines and temples after proper worship. It typically includes: Red seals representing the shrine or temple Black calligraphy handwritten ...

Osechi ryōri is Japan’s traditional New Year feast, where each dish carries a symbolic wish for the year ahead. Presented in layered lacquer boxes, these foods blend flavor, tradition, and hope — offering a deeper look into how Japanese people welcome the New Year. Below is a guide to the most iconic osechi dishes, arranged in the traditional order used inside the jubako boxes.   Kazunoko (Herring Roe) Kazunoko symbolizes prosperity and the wish for a family line to continue. Its firm texture comes from strong salt curing, so the roe is typically soaked before eating to remove excess salt. ...

Otoshidama is a beloved Japanese New Year tradition in which adults give money to children in small decorated envelopes called pochibukuro. For kids, it’s the biggest financial event of the year — a chance to buy something special. This article explains the meaning, customs, modern trends, and how digital money is slowly changing the tradition.   What Is Otoshidama? Otoshidama is money given to children by parents, grandparents, relatives, and sometimes close family friends during the New Year. The money is placed in a small envelope called a pochibukuro, often decorated with cute or traditional designs. For children, receiving otoshidama ...

Japanese-made English (wasei-eigo) is a group of English-like words created in Japan that sound familiar to English speakers but carry different meanings or usages. These words are not “wrong English,” but linguistic adaptations shaped by Japanese culture, pronunciation, and social context—so this article explains what Japanese-made English is, why it exists, how it differs from real English, and common examples you’ll encounter in everyday life in Japan.   What Is Japanese-Made English (Wasei-Eigo)? Japanese-made English is a category of words that look or sound like English but were created or reshaped in Japan and are not used the same way ...

Hatsumode is the Japanese tradition of making the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year. Rather than a strict religious obligation, hatsumode is a cultural practice centered on gratitude for the past year and quiet reflection on the year ahead. Understanding hatsumode helps explain why prayer, omikuji, and omamori are so closely associated with the New Year in Japan. This article explains what hatsumode is, when it takes place, what people typically do during their visit, and what visitors should expect.   What Is Hatsumode? Hatsumode literally means “first visit” and refers to the first visit to a ...