Shizuko's Japan Travel Blog

A member of Japan Travel forum asks, "I am looking for a moderately priced ryokan or minshuku onsen with rotemburo somewhere in Niigata or Gunma along the Joetsu Shinkansen route..."
Any Suggestions?
Japanese Onsen Links

It's wedding season in Japan. You might be invited to a wedding in Japan. A contemporary Japanese wedding is a mixture of traditional Japanese and Western styles. Here are descriptions of typical Japanese wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, and some Japanese wedding etiquettes.
Japanese Weddings
Japanese Etiquettes
Japanese Shinto-style Wedding Ceremony Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima

How much do you know about Japan? Take this Japan quiz and see how you would do. There are ten simple questions. Enjoy!
Begin the Quiz
Japan Facts

Kawadoko are dining decks built above rivers, and various restaurants open them from May to September. It's known as a summer tradition in Kyoto. Customers eat and drinks, enjoying the nice breeze and river views.
Kawadoko Dining in Kyoto
Attractions in Kyoto
Noryoyuka on the Kamogawa River in Kyoto Photo by Junko Kimura / Getty Images

Asakusa Sanja Matsuri is held from May 16 to 18 this year. The main feature of the festival is the parade of about a hundred mikoshi (portable shrines). If you are visiting Tokyo soon, visit this exciting festival in Asakusa.
Sanja Matsuri Information
Japanese Festival List
Japanese Festivals
Sanja Festival Photo by Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images

A member of Japan Travel forum asks, "My cousin in Japan is going to have a baby and I want to bring a gift to her. What do Japanese give to new mothers?"
Any Suggestions?
Japanese Culture

2008 May sumo tournament is held from May 11 to 25 at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan. Tickets are on sale now, and you can possibly buy tickets on the day you go to the game. Visit the Edo Tokyo Museum located next to the Kokugikan before the game starts.
Japanese Sumo
Ryogoku Kokugikan Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Aoi Matsuri is one of the greatest festivals in Kyoto. It's held on May 15 every year. The main attraction is a procession of about 500 people in Japanese ancient court costumes. The procession starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace and goes to Shimogamo Shrine and to Kamigamo Shrine.
Kyoto Aoi Matsuri
Japanese Fall Festivals
Kyoto Imperial Palace Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com

An origami crane is known as a symbol of peace and longevity in Japan. It's a Japanese custom to fold a thousand origami cranes (senbazuru), praying for recovery from illnesses or injuries. It might not be easy for beginners to make an origami crane, but here are step-by-step instructions on how to make one.
How to Make an Origami Crane
Origami Books for Beginners
Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Great Japan Beer Festival will be held in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama this year. The Tokyo event takes place at Ebisu Garden Place on May 5 and 6. There are more than 120 kinds of Japanese craft beers and imported beers available at each event. If you purchase a ticket, you can taste as many kinds of beers as you want. Have fun!
Great Japan Beer Festival 2008
Drinking Beer in Japan
Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com, Inc.