Culture

Oct 184 min read

Tokyo Station: The Heart of Japan’s Railway Network Is More Than What You Think

Japan's storied rail network is renowned worldwide for its punctuality, safety, and innovations in train technology—this is the country...

Recent Posts

Nov 153 min read

Threads of Tradition: The Ainu History and the Art of Tattooing

When I moved to Japan about 8 years ago to start graduate school in Tokyo, I was acutely aware of the general attitude towards tattoos in...

Oct 44 min read

Sake (Nihonshu): A Journey of Tradition, Family, and Flavor

Sake, or nihonshu (日本酒, “Japanese liquor”), is much more than just an alcoholic drink in Japan. It holds deep cultural and spiritual...

Sep 63 min read

Living Under Mt. Fuji: A Guide to Local Life and Its Pilgrim Trails

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to reside in the shadow of Japan’s majestic volcano?* Nestled in the shadow of Japan’s iconic Mt....

Aug 233 min read

Hokokuji Bamboo Forest: Discover the Historic Bamboo Grove in Kamakura Just Beyond Tokyo

Kamakura, though often overshadowed by Japan’s more famous capitals—Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto—played a significant role in the country’s...

Aug 93 min read

Otagi Nenbutsuji: The Temple of 1,200 Stories

From iconic Kiyomizu Temple to the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji, there is no shortage of remarkable temples in the ancient...

Jul 193 min read

Discovering the Art of Aizome: A Visit to Konni Aizome Indigo Dyeing Workshop

It's hard to put into words the experience of spending a day with an artisan. Photos and videos barely do it justice. It's one of those...