culture

: 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, ...

: Staying at a Japanese Ryokan: Etiquette, Traditions, and What to Expect

A ryokan is not just a place to sleep.It’s an experience — a window into Japan’s harmony, simplicity, and hospitality. From tatami floors and futon bedding to kaiseki meals and onsen baths,every detail tells a story of tradition. When you stay at a ryokan, time slows down.You begin to feel Japan’s rhythm — quiet, graceful, and sincere. A Glimpse into History Ryokans began in the Edo period (1603–1868).They were simple inns for travelers on long journeys. Even now, their essence hasn’t changed.A warm welcome, local food, and a peaceful atmosphere remain at the heart of every stay. Modern ryokans may ...

: Do Japanese people have a prejudice against tattoos? History of Japanese tattoos

In Japan, it is common to see "no tattoos allowed" signs at establishments such as restaurants, public bathing areas (Onsen), gyms, public swimming pools. But why is this? Tattooing is the most misunderstood form of art in contemporary Japan. Demonized by centuries of prohibitions and rarely discussed today in civilized circles, people with tattoos are outcasts in their own country — banned from many beaches, pools, and public baths. Reason Ask anyone to explain the reason for this vilification and most will blame the yakuza and their penchant for body ink; better-informed citizens may even trace the roots of ...

: Escalator In Japan: Do Not Ride In The Middle?

Escalators are used around the world in places where elevators would be impractical. Principal areas of usage include department stores, shopping malls, airports, transit systems (railway/railroad stations), convention centers, hotels, arenas, stadiums, and public buildings. An escalator is a vertical transportation device in the form of a moving staircase – a conveyor that carries people between floors of a building. Like vending machines, canned coffee, and convenience stores, escalators seem to be ubiquitous in modern Japan. This is especially true in Tokyo, with its many multi-storied buildings with basements, and if you take public transportation, as you descend (and ascend) ...

: Why Japanese Houses Have Hyousatsu Nameplates at the Entran

When you walk through a Japanese neighborhood, you might notice small plates attached near the entrance of houses. These are called Hyousatsu (nameplates), and they carry the family name of the people living inside.More than just a sign, they are a cultural marker of identity and tradition in Japan. What Is a Hyousatsu? A Hyousatsu is a nameplate that usually shows the family’s surname.Sometimes the first names of family members are added as well.For visitors, postal workers, and delivery staff, the Hyousatsu makes it easy to confirm that the right person lives there. Designs and Materials Traditionally, Hyousatsu were made ...

: Undo-kai: Japan’s Beloved School Sports Day

Every year, schools across Japan hold a lively event known as Undo-kai (運動会) — the school Sports Day.It’s not just about winning races or games.Undo-kai is a day that brings together children, teachers, and families to celebrate teamwork, effort, and community spirit. A Celebration Beyond the Classroom Traditionally held in autumn, Undo-kai has long been one of the most anticipated school events in Japan.With recent climate changes and hotter autumns, many schools now host it in May or June, when the weather is milder. The entire school spends weeks practicing dances, relays, and fun team competitions.Children are usually divided into ...

: Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon-Viewing Festival of Gratitude and Beauty

Jugoya

Every autumn, Japan celebrates Tsukimi (月見) — the moon-viewing festival — to appreciate the beauty of the full moon and to give thanks for the year’s harvest. The tradition dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), when aristocrats would board boats to admire the moon reflected on the surface of the water or in their cups of sake.What they cherished was not the moon itself, but its reflection — a symbol of elegance and refined sensibility in Japanese culture. They composed and recited poems under the pale glow of the moon, expressing gratitude and the fleeting beauty of the season. ...

: Obon is a Japanese religious custom to pray for ancestors

Obon

‘Obon’ is a certain period of time in the middle of August where majority of Japanese will be engaged with ancestor-related rituals, basically in their home town. This is a Buddhist event occurring from the 13th to 16th of August． Obon is said that it’s the time the ancestors come back to visit their family. Actual rituals are totally different depends on the areas and regions. In some Tokyo area, for example, in the evening of the first day of obon period, family visit the ancestor’s grave, holding unlit lanterns. Lanterns are only lit at the grave and carried to ...

: Japan School Uniform: Very important! Uniform design decides School Life

Uniform is common in kindergartens, junior high schools and high schools regardless private or public in Japan. They are usually in the shade of dark colours and often come with the matching bag and hat. Especially, the girl student's school uniform can be one of the issues to be taken into account when they make choice of school to go; girls like to enjoy nice uniform every day. Therefore, schools take it into extra consideration when they designate the uniform because the number of applicants can fluctuate according to the style and design of the uniform! Students mostly enjoy modification of ...

: The Japanese still can't understand English,But still we would like to learn English

English

Despite the known fact that English is largely not understood in Japan, Japanese are very enthusiastic about learning foreign languages, chiefly English. English lesson in official education starts from junior high school when the students are age 13. Private English learning is very common and popular. Parents are keen to raise their children English-friendly. However, the result is as known; Japanese in general does not really understand English. The reason why has been controversial over the years; some attribute to the teaching system which weights much in grammar than practical speaking English. Some say because Japanese are afraid of feeling ...