The first sunrise of the year is called hatsu-hinode in Japanese. In the early morning of January 1, many people go to places like beaches, observatories, or mountains to see ... Read More

Going to hatsumoude is the most popular activity among foreign visitors during Japanese New Year's holidays. Hatsumoude means the first visit to a temple or shrine in the year, and ... Read More

This is a picture of a Japanese New Year's decoration called kagamimochi which consists of two round shaped mochi rice cakes. It serves both as the dwelling place of the ... Read More

Ameyoko is a busy market street near Ueno Station. There are more than 300 small shops in the area, and it's crowded by shoppers who prepare for New Year's holiday ... Read More

Have you visited Hakuba for skiing? We'd love to hear from you. Here is a post in the forum. "We have a group of young professional expats living in shanghai ... Read More

It's a Japanese custom to write and mail New Year's postcards (nengajo) in December. Nengajo mailed by December 25th are supposed to be delivered on New Year's Day in Japan. ... Read More

Things tend to get really hectic at the end of the year. In Japan, December is called shiwasu, which literally means "teachers run around," reflecting the busiest month of the ... Read More

Are you visiting Japan on New Year's Eve? Traditionally, Japanese people spend New Year's Eve at home with families and friends and quietly listen to jyoya-no-kane (tolling bells at temples) ... Read More

Are you looking for romantic places to visit in Tokyo? Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills is a great place to go. Christmas illuminations are displayed on the rooftop observation ... Read More

Kyoto Tourism Council has begun the Kyoto Winter Special campaign to promote winter tourism in Kyoto. During the campaign, visitors are able to experience various Japanese culture activities, such as ... Read More

Tokyo Tower's new illumination named "Diamond Veil" has begun to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its operation. The new illumination takes place on December 15-25 from 8 p.m.-10 p.m., and ... Read More

Do you have a plan to visit Tsukiji Market in Tokyo? It's Japan's largest wholesale market and attracts many tourists. Please note that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced to prohibit ... Read More

Have you ever done a biking trip in Japan? We'd love to hear from you. Here is a post in the forum. "I'm planning on grabbing a couple friends, my ... Read More

Japanese gift-giving at the end of the year is called oseibo. It's not the same as Chrismas gifts. Most of gifts are between 2,000 yen and 5,000 yen, and many ... Read More