How do you read Japanese food and nutrition labels? Imagine you’re shopping in Japan and suddenly you’re bombarded with food labeling words and information you can’t read. You take out your phone to translate the images, and sometimes it’s right and other times it’s…hardly comprehensible.  It might be scary to navigate the food aisles of […]

Primary colors in Japanese seem easy and straightforward, but you’d be surprised by how much culture and history go behind them.

Spring in Japan explodes with the delicate beauty of sakura, or cherry blossoms. This breathtaking spectacle draws locals and tourists to celebrate Hanami, the centuries-old tradition of appreciating these ephemeral blooms. Check out this blog for Japan’s Sakura forecast and recommended places to have a hanami around Tokyo! Sakura Forecast 2026 While dates vary slightly […]

Finding a gym in Japan and having a consistent workout routine is one of the quickest ways to feel at home in a new city. Are you living in Tokyo long-term and looking for a place to exercise? Here’s a quick guide that outlines some popular gyms, how to sign up and cancel, as well as some helpful phrases in Japanese to use along the way. 

Both cities are extremely popular outside of Japan and although they both use the same exact letters, these cities couldn’t be more different. Kyoto was the capital of Japan before that position was moved to Edo or present-day Tokyo. This is why their names are so similar since in Kanji, the 京 (Kyō) in 京都 […]

Japan celebrates 16 national holidays annually, each offering a glimpse into the country’s unique culture, history, and traditions. These holidays are a mix of modern celebrations and centuries-old customs, many of which align with seasonal changes or significant events in Japanese history. In this guide, we’ll explore every national holiday in Japan, explaining their origins, […]

From traditional martial arts rooted in its culture like Judo and Karate to modern sports like kickboxing, Japan is one of the best places to train in combat sports.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Japanese nightlife by venturing into the world of Izakaya, a casual Japanese pub. These bustling establishments offer a delightful blend of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively conversations, providing an authentic glimpse into Japanese culture. Izakaya is usually サラリーマン Sararīman, aka salary man’s favorite place to go for […]

Japanese Rock Paper Scissors In Japan, “rock paper scissors” is referred to as “じゃんけん”(Janken).Although it is called different names in different places, the rules of the game are the generally same in every country.In Japan – Rock, Paper, Scissors – or Janken is used to settle disagreements, select participants, and determine the order in which […]

Summer in Japan is synonymous with 祭り matsuri (festivals), vibrant celebrations illuminating the country with color, music, and energy. From the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the serene countryside, these festivals offer a unique window into Japanese culture and tradition. Read this blog for everything you need to know about the natsu matsuri! What is […]