culture

: The Custom of Removing Shoes in Japan: Tradition, Manners, and Practical Tips

Manners

For many foreigners visiting Japan for the first time, the custom of removing shoes might seem both intriguing and unique. This article will explore the cultural background behind this tradition, explain where and when you need to remove your shoes, and offer tips on how to do so properly to respect Japanese customs. Cultural Background: Harmony with Nature and the Sanctity of the Home In Japan, cleanliness and harmony with nature are highly valued cultural concepts. The practice of removing shoes is a part of this tradition. Historically, Japanese homes were built with natural materials such as tatami (woven ...

: Relax and Recharge: 5 Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan

Onsen

Japan is home to countless hot springs (onsen), each offering unique healing properties and beautiful surroundings. Whether you're new to hot springs or a seasoned visitor, this guide will introduce you to five of the most famous onsen in Japan. These destinations are perfect for relaxation and recharging your body and mind, with easy access from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. 1. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) Access from Tokyo Distance: Approx. 85 km Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train (Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku) Key Features and Recommendations Hakone Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring destinations ...

: A Complete Guide to Enjoying Japanese Hot Springs

Onsen

Japan is a country blessed with an abundance of hot springs, known as "onsen." These natural baths offer more than just relaxation—they provide a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned onsen enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your onsen experience, covering essential etiquette, how to enjoy the hot springs, and recommendations for top onsen destinations. What is an Onsen? An onsen is a natural hot spring bath, heated by geothermal energy from the earth. The mineral-rich water in onsen is known for its various health benefits, ...

: Chopstick Etiquette: 13 Common Taboos Adults Should Avoid

Understanding chopstick etiquette is essential for respecting Japanese culture and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Here are 13 chopstick taboos that adults should be particularly mindful of. Common Chopstick Taboos Chopstick handling taboos are known as "kiraibashi" in Japanese, and there are surprisingly many of them. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key taboos that adults should be particularly mindful of. 1. Reversing Chopsticks (Kaeshi-bashi) When serving from a shared dish, some people reverse their chopsticks to avoid using the end that touched their mouth. However, this means using the part your hands touched, which is unhygienic. Additionally, ...

: Shiohigari : Clam Digging In Japan! What to bring and Tricks

Clam digging is one of many popular outdoor activities for all generations in Japan from April to the end of June. May and June are the most popular months of the year to go clam digging - (Shiohigari in Japan). Once I went clam digging in Egawakaigan-Shiohigarijo in Kisarazu, Chiba with some of my friends from back home in Europe, and they had a blast!. It took about one hour for each member to dig about 2 Kilos of Asari clams (Japanese littleneck clams). Clam digging is very popular in Japan so locations can get very crowded on holidays and ...

: History and Basic Rules of Shogi: Exploring the Charm of Japanese Chess

Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, is a two-player strategy board game in the same family as Western chess. "Shogi" means "game of generals" and has been played in its current form since the 16th century. Its earliest predecessor was Chaturanga, built in the 6th century in India. A unique feature of shogi is the rule that allows captured pieces to be reused, enhancing strategic depth. The History Of Shogi - Shogi in its present form was played in Japan as early as the 16th century. It is not clear when chess was brought to Japan. The earliest generally ...

: Sumo Wrestling: It's both a Shinto Ritual and a Sport

Sumo wrestling or Sumo is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a rikishi (wrestler) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or the Dohyō or into touching the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally It is generally considered a Gendai-budō (a modern Japanese martial art), however, this definition is misleading, as the sport has a history spanning many centuries. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use ...

: Maneki Neko: Cat That Strongly Invites Good Luck

The Maneki-Neko (literally "beckoning cat") is a common Japanese figurine (lucky charm, talisman) which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. In modern times, they are usually made of ceramic or plastic. The figurine depicts a cat (traditionally a calico Japanese Bobtail) beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in—often at the entrance of—shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. The Maneki-Neko is sometimes also called the welcoming cat, lucky cat, money cat, happy cat, raging cat, beckoning cat, or fortune cat in English. Various Types Maneki-Neko comes in different colors, styles and degrees ...

: The Japanese Work Culture – Over Time Working

The Japanese government has announced measures to limit the number of overtime employees can do – in an attempt to stop people literally working themselves to death. The Japanese may finally get to spend less time at work, but that doesn't mean they'll use it for shopping. The government is taking aim at the workforce's reputation for long hours, proposing fresh legislation limiting over time, potentially to 45 to 60 hours a month. While working to the point of collapse is associated with Japan, the phrase death from overwork has burrowed into the languages of other Asian countries where employee ...

: Fuji mountain climbing: Not easy but worth the experience

Fuji

Mount Fuji at 3776 meters, is Japan's highest and most prominent mountain. The mountain itself may look more attractive from afar than from close up, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing through the early morning hours among hundreds of equally minded hikers from across the world are very rewarding and definitely worth trying once. Mountaineering season Early July to mid-September is the official climbing season when the trails and mountain facilities are open. During this period the mountain is usually free of snow, the weather is relatively mild, access by public transportation is easy, ...

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