Although the famed Kusatsu Onsen is perfectly suitable to visit any time of the year, the resort is probably best experienced during Japan’s winter months. The juxtaposition of Gunma Prefecture’s biting mountain air and pristine snow banks matched with Kusatsu’s mysteriously healing hot spring waters is the perfect combination. Located 1200 meters above sea level…

The Amanojaku Taiko school is set to visit Brazil to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the migration of the Japanese to Brazil, a part of history that has resulted in a rich cross cultural set of Japanese-Brazilian traditions. But this historic trip wasn’t cooked up suddenly, the Amanojaku school has fostered the art of Japanese…

Top Trees Gyaruzakura Ichinomiya-cho, Gifu Prefecture, located near Takayama, a one-minute walk from Hidaichinomiya station on the Takayama line. Prime Time: Mid to late April. Named for its unique shape, which resembles a dragon lying on the ground, this tree is over 1,100 years old. Jindaizakura Jissou-ji, Yamataka, Mukawa-mura, Kitakoma-gun, Yamanashi (Jissou-ji Temple: 0551-262-740). Prime…

Most people find it hard to believe considering gloves, scarves and woolly hats are still compulsory attire when venturing outside but February 3 actually marks the last day of winter in Japan. The occasion is celebrated with a nationwide festival known as Setsubun, which is traditionally held to mark New Yearﾕs Eve under the old…

New Year in Japan, as in many nations around the world, is about family, celebrations and looking ahead to the coming 12 months. Traditionally, families would spend the last few days putting their financial affairs in order, cleaning the home, and cooking enough to last them through several days of the shops being closed, prior…

Those living in Japan who love nature, hiking, and natural beauty simply must find the time to visit Yakushima. Yakushima is a small island in Kagoshima prefecture famous for its ancient Yakusugi forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The forests of Yakushima inspired Miyazaki Hayao’s masterpiece Mononoke Hime (“Princess Mononoke”) and are absolutely marvelous….

Buddhism first arrived in Japan via the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century CE, and prompted immediate controversy at the Imperial court. Its proponents (those with connections on the continent) advocated the strengths of Chinese government, culture, and Confucianism. Its detractors (notably military clans, and those involved with Shinto rituals) opposed the alien religion. Despite…

The drink is the color of water, only thicker – fragrant, and intoxicating. The cool alcohol is smooth, yet slightly spicy, and warm in your mouth; the bouquet is lightly fruity and complex. A good sake bears about as much resemblance to the paint-thinner export varieties as a traditional kimono does to a nylon dressing…

Though not yet a household name in Japan, with her stunningly exotic looks and feminine physique it’s easy to draw comparisons to former tennis “It Girl” Anna Kournikova or current tennis beauty queen Maria Sharapova. The fact that she is registered with famed Japanese talent agency Horipro, and models on the side, only reinforces these…

With their massive dark wooden beams, whitewashed exteriors and grass-thatched roofs held together without the support of a single nail, bolt or piece of metal, it’s easy to see why architects from around the world marvel at the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese minka farmhouses. Unlike modern Japanese houses, which typically are around for only 20…