Temples and Shrines to Visit on New Year's Holiday
Monday December 31, 2007
The first visit to a temple or shrine in the year is called hatsumoude. Hatsumode during New Year's holiday is a tradition for many people. This is a list of ... Read More
Purchases of Facial Products in Japan
Friday December 28, 2007
A member of Japan for Visitors forum asks, "I need some help whether if i can purchase any facial products (e.g. mask or lotion) in bulk (e.g. 1 to 2 ... Read More
About Japanese New Year
Wednesday December 26, 2007
January 1st is called gantan and is a national holiday. January 1st to 3rd are called shougatsu in Japan, and shogatsu is the most important holiday in Japan. How do ... Read More
New Year's Eve Events
Monday December 24, 2007
Japanese New Year's Eve is rather quiet. Temple bells are solemnly rung 108 times around midnight. It's called joya no kane. It is said that we all have 108 attachments ... Read More
Winter Holiday Travel
Friday December 21, 2007
Traveling around Christmas Day in Japan isn't as bad as it's in western countries. Traveling during the last few days of December and the first week of January is worse. ... Read More
Japanese New Year Cards
Wednesday December 19, 2007
Do you send holiday cards every year? Sending New Year's greeting postcards (nengajo) is an important custom in Japan. Nengajo should arrive on New Year's Day. Learn more about the ... Read More
Holiday Illuminations in Japan
Monday December 17, 2007
Cities in Japan are filled with colorful illuminations in December. Christmas tree decorations are usually taken down after Dec. 25 in Japan, but holiday illuminations can be viewed in many ... Read More
Biking in Japan
Friday December 14, 2007
A member of our forum posted a message. "My friends and I are planning a bike trip across Japan... the long way, about 1800 miles (2896 Km) from Kagoshima to ... Read More
Popular Christmas Sights in Tokyo
Wednesday December 12, 2007
Are you spending this Christmas season in Japan? There are so many Christmas sights to see in Tokyo. For example, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi are filled with Christmas lights. Here ... Read More
Christmas in Japan
Monday December 10, 2007
December 25th is not a Japanese national holiday. Unless it is on weekend, people go to work or school on Christmas Day. What is Christmas in Japan like? Christmas in ... Read More
Should I Buy a Rail Pass?
Friday December 7, 2007
People often ask me this question. It depends on where you are visiting while you are in Japan. Here is how to find out the answer.
Should I Buy a Rail ... Read More
Join the Pop Japan Tours
Wednesday December 5, 2007
About.com guide to Manga, Dev Aoki, introduces a Pop Japan Tokyo Tour as the ultimate gift to otaku. The Japan tour features special events designed for Japanese pop culture fans. ... Read More
Japanese End of Year Gift Giving
Monday December 3, 2007
In Japan, it's a custom to give gifts periodically to people, such as co-workers, bosses, relatives, teachers, friends, and so on. The giving of end of year gifts is ... Read More