Japaneseculture
Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima Prefecture is a striking daimyo‘s (feudal lord) garden dating back to the early 17th century. It’s a historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into Japanese history. Unfortunately, during the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945, it was completely destroyed. However, the garden has been restored to its former glory. This garden is an exceptional example of a traditional Japanese garden that showcases the beauty and elegance of Japanese aesthetics. Miniaturized SceneriesOne of the most notable features of Shukkeien Garden is its miniaturized sceneries, designed to...
GaijinPot
Have you ever wanted to travel to Tokyo without actually traveling to Tokyo? These Japanese web shows will offer you a free tour of the city! Although seeing Tokyo in person is an unforgettable experience, web series today capture the city’s essence well. Through the lens of the characters, you will not only get a virtual tour of Tokyo but will also get to see a raw and unfiltered side to it. From comedies to dramas and thrillers, this list of Japanese web shows set in Tokyo has a little something for everyone. Tokyo GirlJapanese actress, Asami Mizukawa, plays the role of Aya in Tokyo Girl. In...
Savvy Tokyo
Situated in the heart of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture, lies Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The Shinto shrine is over 1,500 years old. It is a popular destination for those seeking help with matrimonial happiness and matchmaking. Kawagoe Hikawa ShrineThis shrine has an impressivetorii (shrine gate) that stands at 15 meters tall. The gate is painted in a bright orange color and is believed to be one of the largest wooden torii in the country. Walking under this magnificent gate is sure to be an exciting experience for anyone visiting the shrine. A highlight of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the main shrine b...
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Japan could be said to be a country of yokai (ghosts). Often called goblins in English, yokai are much more varied than that poor translation suggests. These folklore beasties, like European fairies, can be scary, weird and benign. We often think of them in the summer when scary Obon season comes, but they’re present for all seasons, including the fall harvest season and winter’s dead cold. In this article, we’ll be talking about the Japanese yokai of spring. Spring yokai tends towards natural phenomena, like plants and animals. After all, spring is when the natural world comes alive again aft...
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Some of the scariest Japanese urban legends, like those in this bone-chilling list, are intertwined with reality. Whether from cautionary tales, mysterious occurrences or eerie happenings, these legends possess a disturbing semblance of truth. More than just Japanese ghosts and monsters, urban legends’ creepiness, strangeness and unnerving plausibility leave an indelible mark of fear on those who dare to delve into their depths. 1. The Cow HeadThe legend of Gozu, the Cow Head, instills fear in all who dare to hear its complete tale. The story is believed to bring dire consequences to those who...
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With Lake Suwa nearby, Suwa Taisha’s four main shrines have been standing amongst the forests and in veneration of Mount Moriya for over a millennium. For a trek through some of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, earmark a day for a pilgrimage in the heart of Nagano Prefecture. As with many shrines in Japan, the origins of Suwa Taisha are murky. Although it has the honor of being mentioned in Japan’s oldest historical texts from the eighth century, how far its roots stretch back is unknown. According to legend, Maemiya Shrine was the first of the four shrines to be founded by Takeminakata, a deity...
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Shirahone Onsen is located in the quiet and peaceful Chubusangaku National Park in Nagano Prefecture. This hot spring resort in the northern Japanese Alps may be small, but its unique milky waters rich in calcium and magnesium and beautiful scenery are worth a special trip. While the village of Shirahone has a four centuries-long history, it is thought that the hot springs have been in use since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Because of the special milky-white waters, villagers in the area noticed that the hot springs were effective at treating ailments, such as sore muscles. By the mid-nine...
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Toyama Castle in the center of Toyama City, was originally built in 1543 by a powerful feudal lord named Sassa Narimasa. However, the castle keep was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and reconstructions, the latest in 1954. Today, the castle is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan’s feudal history. Toyama Castle Ruin ParkToyama Castle, which is now part of the Toyama Castle Ruins Park, features a beautiful green lawn, a Japanese garden and an art museum. The current castle-kee...
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Tsuwano, a small town in western Shimane Prefecture, is known for castle ruins, a major Inari shrine and rich cultural traditions. Cherry blossom viewing season (from late March to mid-April) is one of the most popular times to visit Tsuwano because of the annual Yabusame Festival—a demonstration of traditional mounted archery held on a course lined with cherry blossom trees. Typically held on the first Sunday of April, this is one of the most famous festivals in Tsuwano. A Samurai Heritage and Shinto RitualMounted archery is over 1,000 years old in Japan. It was an essential skill for samurai...
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Soba; a delicious, healthy alternative to ramen. A relatively easy-to-make dish, soba (蕎麦, そば) noodles are one of the most famous traditional foods found in Japan. Archaeological evidence shows that buckwheat has been cultivated in Japan since the Jomon Period (about 10,000 years ago). In the simplest terms, soba is made from finely ground buckwheat mixed with water into a dough, cut into long, thin noodles, then boiled. It’s essentially the same process as making pasta. Soba is then served with tsuyu(つゆ), a soup base made from dried bonito and kombu kelp dashi (stock) and soy sauce, and other...
Savvy Tokyo
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