If will be staying in the hotel, taxis can be quite helpful. The hotel staff will help you get in touch with the best. In big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, taxis will get you around easily. Metro is a good option as well, although it is only found in Tokyo. Otherwise, you may hav...
Japanese festivals, called "matsuri" in Japanese, are traditionally held to celebrate and pray to local deities for a wide range of wishes, like abundant harvests, good fortune, self-fulfillment, and protection from disease. Japanese festivals can be passionate and intense or relaxed and peaceful,...
along with the Gion Matsuri of Kyoto and the Kanda Matsuri of Tokyo. The festival started in the 10th century and today takes place on July 24 and 25 every year. The main celebrations are held on the festival’s second day, July 25, including a land procession and ...
There you can enjoy learning the different rhythms and see demonstrations from the teachers. They also have studios in Kyoto and Osaka in case that fits in with your planning better. Alternatively you can try the classes at WAKON in Ryougoku, where you can try a lesson for ¥3,000 or ...
Kyoto GionMatsuri•• July The festival ofYasaka Shrine, theGion Matsuriis ranked as one of Japan's three best festivals, featuring over 20 meter tall festival floats. The highlight of the festival is the parade of floats on July 17, and the festivities in the evenings before the parade...
Each matsuri tells a story, often rooted in ancient traditions, and serves as a way for locals to connect with their heritage and each other. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, these festivals bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared ...
New Year Paper Lamps in Kyoto. Photo Credit: goodmami at Flickr through Creative Commons Licensing. Unlike Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese New Year, Japanese celebrate their New Year on January 1. Most businesses close from December 30 to January 3, and familiesgenerallygather to spend the days...
Yudofu: A Kyoto specialty that’s made up of a mild soup with soft tofu pieces, which are then dipped into a soy or ponzu sauce. Agedashidofu: A deep-fried tofu served in a hot soy sauce broth, topped with green onion and grated daikon (pictured above). Another way to try it is...
these dolls up close. The dolls are ceramic with elaborate kimono clothing in the style from the Heian period, between 794 and 1185 when the capital of Japan was moved from Nara to Kyoto. It’s the golden age of Japan’s Imperial Court, known for its arts, particularly poetry and ...
菅原道真 (845-903 AD) and to Emperor Meiji 明治天応 are the two most prominent examples. Michizane (courtier in the Heian period) was deified after death, for his demise was followed shortly by a plague in Kyoto, said to be his revenge for being exiled. He is commemorated in theGion...