Articles in To Know category

To Know

Where to admire the cherry blossoms in spring

Japan is renowned for its distinct and beautiful seasons. One of the most eagerly awaited is undoubtedly spring, with the blossoming of the sakura cherry trees.

Original melon pan at Kagetsudo

Street food in Asakusa: Indulge in culture and cuisine

One of the most iconic locations in Eastern Tokyo is Asakusa, largely cited as the main hub of Tokyo’s “Shitamachi.” Shitamachi refers to one of the two major historic districts of Tokyo, and the n

ryokan onsen

Onsen: a short guide to proper etiquette

Onsen (hot springs) and sento (public baths) are great places to relax. They are distinct communal areas with very precise rules of good conduct and etiquette.

Sakura au sanctuaire Senso-ji à Tokyo

Cherry blossoms in Japan - Forecast 2024

The blossoming of cherry trees, called sakura in Japanese, heralds the arrival of spring. Embodying the ephemeral, they reveal their beauty for just two weeks.

L'artisanat traditionnel du Tohoku - les poupées Kokeshi

Traditional Arts & Crafts of Tohoku

Located north of the main island of the Japanese archipelago, the northern part of Honshu known as Tohoku has its own cultural identity and traditions passed down from generations for years.

Summer in Japan: Furin

5 tips for surviving the Japanese summer

With its temperatures reaching 40°C in the sun and its humidity... the Japanese summer can be unbearable when you are confronted with it for the first time.

Kanazawa, Japan

The Food Specialties to try in the Japanese Alps

Within the literal heart of Japan exist a series of mountain ranges that bisect the main island of Honshu.

SIM Card cover

Should I get a SIM Card when travelling to Japan?

Prepaid SIM cards allow for high-speed data usage during travels to Japan, but whether or not purchasing one is the best option for an upcoming trip depends on the individual.

Torii Gates

Shinto & Shrines

A guide for travellers to Japan on Shintoism and visiting shrines with information sourced from a 17th generation Shinto Priestess. 

Cherry Blossom in Tokyo

When to visit Japan to see the cherry blossoms?

The ever-popular blossoming of cherry flowers, Sakura, is a national event in Japan. However, the transience of flowers and unpredictability of the nature make forecasting difficult.

Personnages de L'Attaque des Titans

Attack on Titan

A real phenomenon since its release, Attack on Titan , or Shingeki no Kyojin in Japanese, is one of the most universally recognized manga of the last decade.

Personnages de Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter

Extremely popular action-adventure shonen, despite the numerous interruptions it was subjected to to preserve its author's health, Hunter x Hunter is a real reference of the genre.

Aomori apples

The food specialities to try in Tohoku

Bridging Japan’s major hub of Kanto and the most northern island of Hokkaido, the Tohoku region boasts some of the main island of Honshu’s most celebrated attractions, its unique culinary culture e

Affiche de Dragon Ball avec san Goku

Dragon Ball

Whether you are a fan of manga or a total stranger to this universe, the name Dragon Ball will sound familiar to your ears.

Personnages principaux de Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

A true phenomenon of the new manga/animated generation, Demon Slayer is a staple of Japanese pop culture.

Bleach

Bleach

Bleach is a popular manga, which has just made its comeback to present its final arc (a narrative arc is characterized by a plot developed over several episodes) in an animated ver

Naruto

Naruto

As a timeless manga that has marked several generations, Naruto has revitalized the action-adventure genre in shonen.  Here is a quick overview of this intern

One Piece équipage

One Piece

Today considered as one of the greatest mangas in existence, while also being one of the most popular, One Piece has influenced several generations.  Here is an overview of what One Piece is a

Noël à Roppongi Hills, Tokyo

Christmas in japan

Year after year, the Christmas spirit has managed to find its place in a Japan that worships gifts.

Mont Fuji winter

Top things to do in winter in Japan

In addition to being the season when you will have the best chance to see Mount Fuji thanks to clear weather, winter in Japan has many surprises in store for you.

The Japanese cherry trees, a symbol of the Rising Sun.

Five tips for a successful hanami

A blue tarp, a cooler full of beer, a park and cherry trees: tips for a successful hanami under the sakura.

Homme avec son sac à dos devant un temple japonais

Things to take to Japan

For a short journey or for a long vacation, prepare your bag properly to have a successful trip! 

Here is a list of the essentials to have in your bag in Japan.

 

Neige au Japon

The best Japanese winter scenery

In Japan, winter is a season as beautiful as spring, summer or autumn.

Yamagata, Tohoku

Things to do in Tohoku

The Tohoku region is famous for its modern and traditional activities, which allow discovering the vastness of the region.

Kiyomizudera in Kyoto, Japan

10 Things to check before leaving

Your trip to Japan is coming up and you want to be sure you do not forget anything? Here is a checklist of the 10 essential things to prepare before the big departure! 

 

Kansai Thru Pass

Kansai Thru Pass

The Kansai Thru Pass allows unlimited travel on buses, trains, and subways in the Kansai region in western and central Japan.

Château à Fukushima

Tohoku Guide

The Tohoku region consists of the north east part of the main island of Honshu including the six prefectures of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi and Fukushima.

Plusieurs générations assises à côté dans un métro à Tokyo

Using the metro in Tokyo

It is impossible to do without the subway to explore a city as large as Tokyo.

Autumn in Japan

Autumn Leaves Viewing Places

This fall, Japan Experience shares its selection of the best places to enjoy the Japanese phenomenon of kōyō, when the natural landscape is transformed and the leaves turn red.

Famille japonaise

Japanese surnames

In Japan, there are more than 100 000 different family names! This is much more than in China and Korea, even though they are Japan's neighbors.

Interior of a Japanese train with the driver

The words to know to take the train in Japan

As an essential means of transport, the train will take you to the four corners of Japan safely, quickly, and punctually... as long as you choose your route carefully.

Le Bakeneko, un chat pas ordinaire

The bakeneko, the legend of the "monster cat"

At the origin of a centuries-old superstition, the bakeneko or "monster-cat" is both feared and celebrated...Its long tail allows it to stand up, and it is even said to have the gift of ra

Tokyo street by night

The different types of roads in Japan

Before you get behind the wheel, learn more about the different types of roads in Japan.

Japan Visitor - kaiseki20181.jpg

Japanese Food Glossary

Here is an A-Z glossary of Japanese food words and phrases.

Le nouveau train GSE 70 000

Hyperdia

As of April 2023, Hyperdia has stopped updating its timetable details on route search service, and is thus not the recommended app for train travel anymore. 

 Hanami in a park in Mitaka, Tokyo.

Hanami etiquette guide

 

Hanami is very popular with Japanese and tourists alike, but did you know that there's etiquette to follow during these festivities?

Cherry blossoms, an object of contemplation for the Japanese since antiquity

The origins of Hanami

Hanami is a custom that dates back to ancient times. Here's a look back at the history of an emblematic cultural phenomenon of Japan!

Illuminated cherry blossoms at night

Cherry blossoms by night

From Kyushu to northern Honshu, discover the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms... by night! Experience this well-known phenomenon in Japan: yozakura.

Le hiragana "a" dérive du kanji 安 (an) qui signifie "paix"

Hiragana and Katakana : How to learn Japanese ?

Taught to Japanese students in their first year of school from the age of six, hiragana and katakana are the essentials prerequisites for learning the Japanese language.

A miko, Shinto priestess.

Shinto

The original religion of Japan is Shinto, worshiping the forces of nature.

Jean Freund, the author behind the Travel Book : Le Bon Voyage Japan

From the Japanese megalopolis to the vineyards of Alsace, the Chinese countryside and the Mongolian steppes, Jean Freund fills his Moleskine notebooks with his stories. He likes to tak

Shopping at a supermarket

When visiting Japan, you might have to do some shopping at a supermarket, but don't be intimidated! Here's a guide to what to expect when shopping at a supermarket in Japan...

Asakusa street in Tokyo, Japan

Where to park in Japan ?

Given the urban density of most of the cities in Japan, and the speed with which the authorities notice illegally parked cars, it is very unlikely that you will easily find somewhere when 

Japanese car in front of Mount Fuji

Japanese service stations

In Japan, the customer is king, and this is true for drivers filling up their car at a Japanese gas station.

Japanese road under the Sakura

Tips on renting a car in Japan

In Japan, traveling by car is the ideal solution for those who wish to venture off the beaten track or who dream of a  personalized itinerary.

Shinjuku road

Road signs and driving regulations in Japan

Learn all about road signs and driving rules in Japan before you get behind the wheel!

Route japonaise

Japanese motorways

With Japan Experience, discover everything there is to know before taking a highway in Japan and get ready to explore the country!

Tsumago-juku, Nakasendo

The most beautiful Japanese roads

Stroll through rice paddies, tea fields, or pine forests... Wind through the mountains and along the valleys towards the most remote spa towns.

Lake Kawaguchiko Sakura Mont Fuji

The cherry blossoms through art

With the arrival of spring, the streets, gardens and mountains of Japan welcome the cherry blossoms and the whole archipelago is covered in pink for a few days, a few weeks.

Netsuke

Netsuke

From fashionable clothing accessories in Japan during the Edo period, they have become popular collector's items around the world. But what are netsuke and where can you get them?

Tea box with turtle decoration

Ten Japanese Christmas Gift Ideas

Since we are still not able to travel to Japan this year, why not make travel those who dreamed of discovering Japan by giving them Christmas gifts from the Land of the Rising Sun?

Koban at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

Koban

A permanent fixture on the streets of Japan, Koban or police boxes, are there to help bring order to their designated neighborhood as well as help lost tourists.

Sukiyaki hot pot

Japanese Nabe

In Japanese, nabe (pronounced "nah-beh") simply means pot. Nabe ryori (pot cooking) has become a generic term for meals cooked in a pot - vegetables, meat and noodles or rice cooked at the tab

Café à Tokyo

Kissaten, Japanese retro cafes

In the land of green tea, there is no shortage of coffee enthusiasts or "Kissaten", coffee shops. Imported to Japan in the late 1800s and the first cafe opened in the early 1900s.

Neon lights of a pachinko machine

Pachinko arcade

Commonly mistranslated as 'vertical pinball,' pachinko is a noisy, smoky, time-consuming, and hypnotic form of gambling that plays a huge part in the Japanese economy.

US phone charger on a dark background

Electricity in Japan

Plugs, voltages, adapters: Everything you need to know about using electricity in Japan for your trip.

Japanese Yen

Japanese Currency

Find out more about Japanese currency, yen, where to withdraw cash and other tips you need for your trip to Japan. 

The blue pond of Biei

Travel to Hokkaido Island

For the Japanese, Hokkaido is synonymous with wide-open spaces and wild nature.

Neon Karaoke Sign

Japanese Karaoke

A trip to Japan is simply not complete without a visit to one of the many karaoke bars or boxes available. You have not sampled karaoke properly until you have experienced it in Japan.

Obara Fureai park, between sakura and momiji

Autumn and winter flowers in Japan

We often think of sunny days when we talk about flowers, but what about winter? In Japan, flowers grow year-round.

Aso

Kyushu Island in southern Japan

Kyushu offers an endless variety of landscapes from cities to volcanoes, to hot springs and islands.

The historic paths of Kumano Kodo through the forest

Pilgrimage hikes in Japan

The pilgrimage has been a popular exercise in Japan for many centuries.

Hachiman-gu Tsurugaoku

The differences between temples and shrines

Shinto altars in Buddhist temples, Buddhist statues in Shinto shrines, the places of worship of the two great religions in Japan are sometimes mixed.

Mt Tsurugi, Shikoku

Shikoku Island

With its Mediterranean landscapes planted with olive trees along the Inland Sea of Japan (Setouchi), its mountainous landform, rice terraces, lush forests and long white sand beaches, Shikoku deli

Un maneki-neko et son sourire on ne peut plus accueillant !

The Maneki Neko, Japanese lucky cat

With a stoic or laughing air, a malicious cat invites you, with a sign of the paw, to enter such a shop or a restaurant.

Driving in Japan

Put in drive and let the road guide you: driving in Japan is an experience not to be missed when you want to get off the beaten track... provided that you know where your wheels will take you!

unkai-chichibu

The most beautiful natural phenomena of Japan

Besides the blooming sakura and the blushing leaves during the koyo season; events well known to tourists visiting Japan, however, Japan also has many other natural wonders!

The famous Grand Blue Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai Katsushika, after 36 drunk Mount Fuji, is a perfect example of ukiyo-e, or the image of a transient world and floating.

Ukiyo-e, Japanese prints

Ukiyo-e is an artistic movement that reached its peak during the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

Chubu Sangaku National Park

10 of the best national parks in Japan

In Japan, national parks have been classified by the Ministry of the Environment since 1934.

The Japanese language does not know Mr., Mrs. or Miss

15 Interesting Facts About the Japanese Language

Japanese is a fascinating language for a Westerner, made up of multiple ideograms, many homophones and a grammar far very different from other languages.

Kakigori

Summer Foods

The Japanese summer is hot. Very hot! Inside, the air conditioning may offer a break, but outside, you might find it hard to find a corner in the shade.

Village Gokayama

5 Japanese Villages to Visit

The image of Japan for many is often futuristic with crowded cities but Japan also has its small ancient villages, a more rural and quiet side of Japan, the heart of Japan.

Calligraphy

The art of Japanese calligraphy

In Japanese, "shodo" literally means "the way of writing". More than an aesthetic, it is above all a true art of living.

Un skieur sur les pistes japonaises de Nagano.

Mountains in Japan

Occupying more than 70% of the territory, mountains in Japan are omnipresent and there are few places from which it is impossible to admire them.

Time difference in Japan

After a long flight, crossing international time zones comes the jet lag... Here are some remedies to sleepless nights. 

 

Un distributeur ATM.

Withdrawing money in Japan: 10 Things to Know

Please note: Most Japanese merchants refuse foreign credit cards ... Some tips for never running out of cash during your trip.

Représentation de buto

Japanese art of Butoh

Born in Japan at the end of the 1950s, the Butoh dance expresses the suffering and problems in the society of the time.

Le Hi no Maru ou drapeau du Japon faisant référence au Soleil Levant.

Japan, the land of the rising sun: meaning and origin

Who has not once asked this question: why do we speak of the land of the rising sun to designate Japan?

Le temple yasukuni

Everything there is to know about the concept of "God / Kami" in Japanese

"GOD" AS REPRESENTED IN THE WORLD OF ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS, A SINGLE BEING, CREATOR OF THE WORLD, TRANSCENDENT, DOES NOT EXIST IN THE SHINTOIST RELIGION.

Tsuke-men_001

the tsukemen

Tsukemen are the ideal dish for anyone who cannot do without noodles during the hot and humid summers of the Japanese archipelago.

Takigyo, l'ascèse de la cascade

Takigyô: "the asceticism of the waterfall"

Spiritual research, challenge or simple curiosity, takigyô or "asceticism under the waterfall", a practice of religious origin which consists of remaining for a few minutes under the jets

Katori Buta

Five not-so-unusual objects to discover

Overseas, Japan is renowned for its unusual objects.

Wabi sabi is also found in the aesthetics of dry gardens

Wabi-sabi, a spiritual and aesthetic concept

Live a simple life, accept and appreciate the imperfection of oneself and especially of the world around us: this is how the outlines of wabi-sabi could be drawn, a Japanese aesthetic and

karaoké

Karaoke, a mass leisure for Japanese music lovers

In Japan, karaoke is more than just entertainment: it is a real institution, a mass hobby, and an extremely popular activity.

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki ryori, Japanese gourmet cuisine

Japanese cuisine is renowned around the world and one of its most refined and sought-after expressions bears the name of Kaiseki ryori , the Japanese gourmet meal comprised of several cour

rakan-Otagi_nenbutsuji

The rakan, the greatest disciples of Buddha

The rakan, the enlightened disciples of Buddha, have been the subject of very popular devotion since the time of Edo.

Le bonsaï n'est pas une espèce mais une pratique. Presque toutes les espèces peuvent être des bonsaïs.

The practice of bonsai in Japan is an ancient art

Originating in China, this 1,500-year-old practice is now considered inseparable from Japanese aesthetics. Her horticulture requires knowledge and dedication.

Shinrin-Yoku

Shinrin-yoku: forest bathing

Silvotherapy ("forest bathing") is now known and practiced in many countries around the globe.

Zen garden

The most beautiful Japanese Zen gardens

The Zen garden is one of the iconic images of Japan: these dry gardens, composed of sand, rocks, moss, are present in many Zen temples in the country.

Restons Zazen  par Jake Adelstein

Let's Zazen, by Jake Adelstein

Who said Zen was only for Buddhist monks? Jake Adelstein, the author of Tokyo Vice who has lived in Tokyo for more than thirty years, shares his practice of mindful meditation, zazen. 

The torii of Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima island

Explore Japan in summer 2020

Japan has closed its borders to many countries and the most popular sites are now deserted. This is a perfect opportunity for the lucky ones living in Japan or who can travel and explore these

Experience a spiritual retreat in Japan

Spiritual retreats in Japan

Far from the religious approach, Zen Buddhism is attracting more and more people concerned about their well-being.

Zazen in Ryosoku-in temple

Recharge your batteries with Zen

Zen Buddhism is known around the world for its relaxation practices. The proper name has even become an adjective in everyday language, synonymous with "calm".

Le cratère fumant du mont Nakadake, dans le massif d'Aso (Kyushu).

In the footsteps of Japanese volcanoes

Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan has 110 active volcanos, such as the renowned Mount Fuji.

100 yen shop

The 100-yen shop in Japan

The "100-yen shop" is an institution in Japan. They cover the needs of daily life for only 110 yen! You can also find very inexpensive stationery and souvenirs to bring back from Japan.

Shelves full of manga, the Mandarake is a paradise for lovers of manga in Tokyo.

Easy-to-read manga for Japanese beginners

Have you been studying Japanese at evening classes? Have you installed apps to test your hiragana and kanji on your commute? Do you have a notebook with lines of words written fiercely?

Umbrella

How to enjoy Japan during the rainy season?

From mid-June to early July, it is the rainy season in Japan (known as Tsuyu). Wind, humidity, and heat, this time of year is often shunned by visitors.

Tea ceremony

Attending a tea ceremony in Japan

The tea ceremony is a real traditional art in Japan, during which you get to try matcha green tea accompanied by a traditional sweet.

My Neighbor Totoro

Travel in the footsteps of My Neighbor Totoro

Many places in Japan have been an inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki's movie "My Neighbor Totoro". From Mei and Satsuki's house, the two heroes of the film, to the forest of Sayama Hills.

The trendy Harajuku is the birthplace of the most unlikely fashion trends.

Japanese fashion

Sometimes crazy but alway trendy and avant-garde, Japanese fashion is a source of inspiration for designers around the world.

Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation film studio.

Avec son enveloppe croustillante et son intérieur moelleux, le melon pan est un en-cas apprécié à tout moment de la journée

The Melon Pan, the Japanese brioche

By its round and generous shape, the melon pan invites you to indulge. Its cracked appearance looks like a melon, but does it taste like it?

Japan Visitor - kyushu-onsen-2020-1.jpg

Kyushu's Best Onsen Hot Springs

Kyushu's Best Onsen Hot Springs: see a listing of the best onsen resorts in Kyushu including Yamada Bessou and Takegawara Onsen in Beppu and Otobaru Waterfall.

Japan Visitor - fukagawa2018.jpg

Top Ten Not So Famous or Hidden Gardens in Japan

Top Ten Not So Famous or Hidden Gardens in Japan: we introduce ten not-so-famous gardens in Japan. These beautiful gardens live in the shadow of the top 10.

Japan Visitor - saigoku-pilgrimage-1.jpg

Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage

The Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage is an ancient pilgrimage route of 33 Buddhist temples, centered on Kyoto. It is most probably the oldest pilgrimage in Japan.

Un manga

The different kinds of manga

True phenomenon of pop culture, manga have been able to make a place for themselves on the Japanese national scene, but also internationally.

Senjafuda

Senjafuda: maps of the 1000 temples

Japanese Buddhist temples are known for their sobriety.

tokyo

The Kanto region

A major region of Japan, home to the megalopolis of Tokyo and Yokohama, the Kanto region alone concentrates almost a third of the Japanese population!

Higashi

Wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets

The term wagashi refers to traditional Japanese sweets. Usually small, the size of just a few mouthfuls, they come in many shapes, textures and using various ingredients.

Fuji Mount

7 anecdotes about Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is THE most famous mountain in Japan, its particular appearance of an isolated mountain with symmetrical coasts and a snow-capped crater has made it an emblematic place of the archipelag

Geisha à l'entrée d'une maison de thé dans le quartier de Gion, à Kyoto

Geishas, ​​guardians of Japanese arts

The word geisha literally means "artisan".

Tanabata

The festival of Tanabata matsuri in Japan

Around July 7 or August 7, depending on the region, the Japanese celebrate the Star Festival, during the Tanabata matsuri, born from the fusion of Japanese and Chinese legends.

circle-pillars-jomon

The Jomon period (13,000 BC to 400 BC)

Prehistory is divided into two sub-periods in Japan. The Paleolithic, which begins almost 40,000 years ago BC, and the so-called Jomon period, which begins almost 13,000 years before our era.

Yayoi era storage jar

The Yayoi period (400 BC to 300 AD)

The Yayoi period (400 BC to 300 AD) is a pivotal period in the history of Japan during which Japan starts cultivating rice and the first sedentary communities appear.

Matsumoto Castle

The Sengoku period (1477 - 1573)

The Sengoku period (1477 - 1573) marked a turning point in the history of Japan.

How to say thank you in Japanese

The famous Arigatô gozaimasu is not the only way to say thank you in Japanese. Let's take a look at some expressions that can express your gratitude in Japanese.

yamanote-line

Getting around Tokyo with the Yamanote line

With its circular route connecting all the major stations of the Japanese capital, the Yamanote-sen is the essential line for getting around Tokyo.

Japan Visitor - bamboo-forest-1.jpg

Kyoto Tour Two Days in Kyoto Itinerary

Kyoto Tour: Two Days in Kyoto Itinerary: For those travelers to Kyoto who have just 2 days to see the ancient capital's many sites, what to do? What to choose? What to weed out?

L'architecture du sanctuaire d'Ise

Japanese History: Simplified Timeline

The history of Japan is both rich and old, and it is often difficult to situate the many Japanese historical sites in time. To simplify, here is a simplified chronology of the History of Japan.

5 Famous Japanese Legends

Legends have served as a means of rationalizing the world and providing clarity for the habits and customs of a given culture.

chiffres noirs dur fond blanc

Counting in Japanese

To count in Japan, you have to go beyond learning traditional numeracy, because it all depends on what you want to count. We explain you everything! 

Shikine

The sea in Japan

The sea (海 umi), an element of openness to the world, but also of isolation, has played a fundamental role in the history and development of Japan.

Lake Ashi in Hakone

Mount Fuji in History, Culture and Art

Mount Fuji occupies a special place in the Japanese imagination, for the singular beauty of its symmetrical slopes and its snow-capped top and for the religious activity which developed there.

A handful of salt thrown into the ring as a sign of purification: the rite of kiyome no shio.

Sumo, Japanese Wrestling

Sumo is a paradox of brute force and the height of civilization. A handful of seconds combines well-mastered rituals and extreme violence.

Under the pink petals of cherry blossom, it is good picnic.

Hanami, Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

In Japan, the beginning of spring means hanami - hana 花, "flower", and mi 見, "look".

Japan Visitor - kanazawa20191.jpg

Top Ten Parks and Gardens in Japan

Top Ten Parks and Gardens in Japan: see a listing of the best Japanese gardens and parks including Kenrokuen, Korakuen, Kairakuen, Rikugien and Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa.

Edo Period map, 1840

The Edo period (1603-1868)

This period saw 250 years of peace thanks to a strong political regime, an unprecedented urban development, a flourishing culture and arts of exceptional refinement; this is the Edo period (1603-18

Daimon-ji Gozan Okuribi

Japanese writing: kanas, kanjis and calligraphy

The mystery of the Japanese language, specifically writing, fascinates foreigners for its complexity of composition. Ambiguous yet subtle and delicate...

Les dango

Dango: the kawaii mochi balls

The dango is a small ball of mochi served in a skewer.

murasaki-shikibu-kunisada

The Heian period (794 - 1185)

The Heian period began in 794 with the installation of the imperial capital in Kyoto and ended in 1185 with the birth of the Kamakura shogunate.

Un okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki: A Japanese Omelet

A cross between an omelet and a pancake, cooked with numerous ingredients and drizzled with a thick, savoury sauce. Okonomiyaki is a typical treat of Osaka, Hiroshima and Tokyo. 

Koinobori,carp shaped windsocks

Children's Festivals in Japan

Children hold a very special place in Japanese society. It is therefore natural that several festivals were dedicated to them throughout the year.

The street food stands of a festival

Summer festivals in Japan

Japan is a country that has many festivals and festivals throughout the year, but it is during the summer months that most take place and these are also the most spectacular.

 Niihama taiko festival

Festivals not to be missed in Shikoku

Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands of Japan. Located in the southwest of the island of Honshu, it is bathed by the waters of the Seto Isand Sea (Seto Naikai) and the Pacific Ocean.

Plateau sushi

How to cook sushi?

Sushi is an iconic Japanese delicacy and comes in countless forms today.

dorayaki

Dorayaki, the Japanese "sponge cake"

Dorayaki is perhaps one of the most well-known and popular Japanese pastries.

Du kara-age servi avec du chou et du citron

Karaage, Japanese fried chicken

Karaage (fried chicken) is one of the great classic Japanese dishes which is very popular. You will find this dish on menus in an izakaya or for sale in a konbini.

Des mochi colorés

Mochi, the traditional Japanese dessert par excellence

Very popular in Asia, mochi is a traditional pastry made from sticky rice.  It is also paired or filled with anko (red bean paste) and other ingredients.

Samurai parade during a festival

Samurai: In the Footsteps of Japanese Warriors

The samurai are an ancient caste of Japanese warriors, known worldwide for their recognizable katanas and armor.

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu, Japanese breaded pork

Tonkatsu, a Japanese culinary specialty, is a very common Japanese dish, which consists of a piece of fried breaded pork. It is found in different forms in all types of restaurants.

Tonkotsu (Hakata) ramen

Râmen, the famous Japanese noodles

It was love at first sight for the Japanese and the Ramen: A love story that started over a century ago. Served directly at the counter, ramen is king with its undisputed flavors!

Katsudon

Donburi: the unique Japanese dish

Rice and a garnish: this is a simple, hearty, and accommodating dish that can be served universally from one end of the to the other. What are these toppings?

Une table de petit déjeuner

Breakfast in Japan: between tradition and new trends

Whether taken with the family or alone, on the go or in a restaurant, breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Taiyaki, a popular snack at festivals

Taiyaki, Japanese waffles

For the Japanese, this fish-shaped cake, commonly sold as street food, in the shape of tai (sea bream) traditionally filled with red bean paste evokes the f

Matsuri, le festival japonais

Matsuri, festivals of Japan

The matsuri are at the origin of the ceremonies in honor of the Shinto deities. They take place throughout the year across the Archipelago and are of great importance.

Japan Visitor - sasaguri-2020-2.jpg

Sasaguri Pilgrimage

The Sasaguri Pilgrimage is a very popular pilgrimage in northern Kyushu that visits 88 Buddhist temples along a 50 kilometer route set in the countryside and mountains near Fukuoka.

Ikebana, the traditional art of flowers

Ikebana “the voice of flowers”, is an art dedicated to a flower arrangement.

Japan Visitor - tattoo-onsen-4.jpg

Tattoos & Hot Spring Bathing

Tattoos & Hot Spring Bathing: Japan has something of a taboo about tattoos but there are many places where you can soak with inked sink throughout the country.

Heian-jingu Kyoto

The Kansai region

At the center of the political and cultural life of Japan for more than 1000 years, due to the presence of the ancient and illustrious imperial capitals, Kyoto and Nara, the Kansai region enjoys a

L'aéroport international du Kansai est construit sur une île artificielle relié à l'archipel par un pont de 3 kilomètres de long.

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Are you arriving at or wanting to reach Kansai International Airport (KIX)? Japan Experience will guide you through everything you need to know to organize your trip.

 

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Winter in Sapporo

Winter in Sapporo: read a guide to what to do in Sapporo over the winter including the Sapporo Snow Festival, Susukino Ice World, Sapporo Olympic Museum and Lake Shikotsu.

Les daifuku sont traditionnellement garnis de anko mais la couleur du mochi peut varier

Daifuku mochi, the delicious Japanese pastry

Round, soft and sweet, daifuku "great happiness", is one of the most represented in the world of wagashi, traditional Japanese pastries.

La Golden Week, une semaine fériée parfaite pour prendre ses congés.

Golden Week in Japan

The "Golden Week" refers to a week made up of several consecutive holidays, between April 29 and May 5 each year on the archipelago.

The tengu, the long-nosed demon

With its crimson face pierced by a huge nose and its wings glued to the body, the tengu is one of the most famous and important characters of Japanese folklore in Japanese popular culture.

Sashimi

The Art of Sashimi

As simple as it can appear to the naked eye, sashimi is a complex culinary art.

mont-fuji-nuages

How much does the ascent of Mount Fuji cost?

Once at the top, a majestic view awaits ... But consider, everything comes at a cost, here's what you'll pay to climb Japan's highest sacred mountain.

Des billets de 10 000 yens (76€)

What is the cost of living in Japan?

Tokyo has long been at the top of the ranking of the most expensive cities in the world, but what is the real cost of daily living in Japan?

100 yen shop

10 gifts to bring back from Japan

In Japan, the omiyage (souvenir) is a tradition and social obligation. The Japanese give them to family, friends, but also to neighbors and colleagues.

Sanctuaire Inari

The Deity Inari in Shintoism

Deity of rice, harvest, and fertility, Inari is one of Japan's most famous and beloved Shinto deities.

Estampe de zen représentant Dharma et le mushotoku, sans esprit de profit, la règle du zen.

Zen, a school of Japanese Buddhism

Originally from India, Zen or the school of meditation ( dhyana in Sanskrit, chan in Chinese, Son in Korean) is one of the many branches of Japanese Buddhism.

Le Dôme de la Bombe A, dont la structure a survécu à la déflagration du 6 août 1945

Hiroshima: the history of the city

If Hiroshima evokes the memory of the atomic bomb, the city has a rich past, having played an important role since the time of feudal Japan.

A box wrapped in a furoshiki

Furoshiki

A furoshiki is a large piece of fabric, often decorated with traditional patterns, that's been used for centuries to wrap everyday objects in Japan.

Inro-Rijksmuseum

Urushi, japanese lacquerware

"The Japanese excel in this art to the highest degree, because they are extremely skilled at giving a lacquer object the appearance of being made of shiny ivory"

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Kōyō, travel in Japan during fall

The beauty of the colors with which the trees are adorned in autumn is ephemeral, the Japanese have made it a feast of the contemplation of time passing: the momijigari, the kōyō hunt, the blushing

Tsukimi ramen

Udon noodles, typical Japanese dish

But where do these thick, springy noodles come from that are so hard to eat with chopsticks?

Passport or visa to go to Japan?

Business, education, or tourism, visitors to Japan can be diverse and varied as the documents necessary to enter Japan.

Yukata Tanabata Matsuri

Yukata and jinbei: dressing for summer

For several years now, we have seen many Japanese women, but also foreigners from all over the world, strolling through Japanese cities in summer in a yukata.

Kansai's traditional crafts

Japan Experience showcases Kansai craftsmanship through a selection of 6 protected traditional craft industries.

Un hôpital de Tokyo

How to go to the doctor in Japan?

You don't choose the day to fall ill or get injured... Here are some tips in case you have to deal with the Japanese medical services during your trip!

Les Uji soba au thé.

Soba, buckwheat noodles

Along with ramen and udon, soba is the most consumed noodles in Japan, forming an integral part of many dishes.

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The Chubu region

Chubu is the central region of the island of Honshu, nestled between Kanto to the east and Kansai to the west.

Miso soup

This soup is a central element of Japanese cuisine: having a meal without miso soup is almost unthinkable in Japan.

Bouteilles de saké

Sake: the alcohol of Japan

Sake is not only one of the most consumed drinks in Japan, but it is also one of the oldest. From religious rites to feats, sake is an essential part of Japanese culture.

Les signes du zodiaque chinois

Jûnishi: the 12 signs of the zodiac

Jûnishi, the twelve signs of the Japanese zodiac are borrowed from the Chinese lunar calendar and although the latter is no longer used, the twelve signs of the zodiac rel

Hottarakashi onsen in Yamanashi

5 Onsen with a view

Relax in an outdoor hot spring surrounded by nature, overlooking the sea, forest, or even Mount Fuji. It's a must-try experience.

Unagi, the Japanese eel

Eel is not consumed much out of Asia, being a rather fatty fish. However, the Japanese make it a finger-licking good: unagi is often eaten grilled and brushed with a delicious sauce.

Judo

Japanese martial arts

Martial arts are present in many Asian countries: Taekwondo in Korea, Tai-Chi-Chuan in China, Muay Thai in Thailand ...

Eating Japanese crab

If you're in Japan during winter, you'll no doubt admire the snowy temples and enjoy the various festivals, but make time to try the local specialties! Crab is a staple in winter dishes.

Tofu

Tofu, a Japanese soy specialty

Whether it's cut into small cubes in miso soup or fried, wrapped around inarizushi, tofu is a very common ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

Cerisiers au pic de floraison

The symbolism of cherry blossoms in Japan

Traditionally associated with the hanami festivities, the cherry blossom is a very important symbol for the Japanese.

Metro Japan

Rules to follow on Japanese trains

On Japanese trains, do as the Japanese do! Here are some rules to respect while on the trains and subways in Japan so as not to offend or be thought of as an ignorant tourist.

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Taking the bus in Japan

Day bus, night bus, in town or in the countryside: this network, like a maze of a public transportation network, is particularly well developed in Japan.

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Japanese Masks

Japanese masks can be found in performances of Noh theater, Kagura, dancing, religious ritual and in a variety of festival settings.

Par réflexe défensif, le fugu se gonfle lorsqu'il se sent attaqué.

Fugu, the poison fish

It is rare, expensive, and in principle unfit for consumption. It is not that it is specially tasty, but the moonfish attracts the curious and fans of strong sensations.

Ginzanso

The best onsen in the Tohoku region

The onsen, hot baths created by natural thermal springs, are a classic not to be missed during a stay in Japan.

Tetsuwan Atomu, also known as Astro Boy, marked a revolution in the world of animation and manga.

Manga

Originating from Japan, manga is an umbrella term for comics and graphic novels, and there many different types to discover from romance to fantasy.

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Daikon, the Japanese winter radish

In Japan, it is quite common to see a pair of vegetables, leeks, and daikon, in a shopping basket at a supermarket.

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Noren Curtains

Noren curtains hang outside shops and restaurants in Japan to indicate whether they are open for business or not. They are also found in homes and onsen.

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Byobu Folding Screens

Byobu folding screens divide rooms and protect privacy in traditional Japanese spaces. They serve as a backdrop for other Japanese arts.

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Happi Coats

Happi coats are loose-fitting, colorful, cotton jackets tied with an obi belt. They are usually worn at Japanese festivals and other events..

Aizu-Wakamatsu

The castles of Tohoku

Tohoku is the large region northeast of the island of Honshu. Rural and home to a number of natural and historical treasures, including many castles.

Aka chôchin, la lanterne rouge signalant un izakaya

Izakaya, the Japanese tapas bar

In Japan, it's "Metro-work-bistro": we meet in the izakaya after work, we drink, we eat, we laugh and we discuss aloud, we even sometimes sing. .

Torii au Japon

Torii, the sacred portal of Japan

Japanese shrines often have a door before their door: the torii.

Ski-niseko

The best ski resorts in Japan

Almost 70% of Japanese land is covered by mountains and the best ski resorts listed amongst the world are right here making it a real paradise for skiers!

Le gyoza, délicieux ravioli japonais

Gyozas, Japanese dumplings

Gyoza is one of the most popular dishes in Japan, a country with a huge culinary culture. Gyoza is also already very present around the globe.

Shamisen

Traditional Japanese musical instruments

Asian, and especially Japanese music has its own unique stories and sounds.

Nabe avec du crabe

Winter culinary specialties made with Zuwai crab

There are several varieties of crabs in Japan and winter is the best season.

Les fukubukuro

Fukubukuro, Japanese surprise bags

For many, winter is a long-awaited period and for good reason, it's the ganjitsu sales season, the January 1st sales!

Bento

The Bento: the Japanese lunch box

Compact, aesthetic, and healthy, the bento is the essential asset for a healthy and delicious lunch. The box containing a balanced meal can sometimes appear to be a real work of art.

Particulièrement apprécié, le jardin de Shinjuku attire les japonais, les touristes et les photographes pendant toute la fleuraison des cerisiers.

Where to admire the cherry blossoms this winter?

Emblematic flowers of spring in Japan, Cherry blossoms tint the landscapes of the country with pink each year when the warm weather returns.

Kyoto Yasaka Pagoda

10 tips for a first trip to Japan

Are you soon going on a trip to the archipelago for the first time and you are not sure that you know the habits and customs of Japan well?

Hôtel capsule

Capsule hotels in Japan

Do you like sleeping in a cozy capsule? This is the principle behind Japanese capsule hotels, located throughout major Japanese cities.

Lever du soleil Mont Fuji

Hatsuhinode, a New Year Day tradition

Hatsuhinode means "first sunrise" and it is awaited by many Japanese who, in the early morning of January 1, in the frost of winter, awaits the first sunrise of the New Ye

Les Yuki Monsters de Zaô Onsen

Where to see the Snow Monsters of Japan?

The formation of "Snow Monsters" is due to an exceptional climatic phenomenon that occurs only at the peak of certain Japanese mountains.

Tama-chan

Top 8 of the most famous animals of Japan

Whether it's the deer of Nara or the rabbits of Okunoshima Island, animals have always been part of the Japanese tourist landscape.

The best rotenburo in winter

What's better than soaking in a hot bath after a day of sightseeing and exploring? Onsens are hot springs water from thermal springs of volcanic origin.

Onigiri on the shelves in a konbini

Onigiri: the essential rice balls

Onigiri (rice balls) also called omusubu, are to the Japanese what sandwiches are to the French: a practical, inexpensive snack that sticks well.

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The star of architecture Tadao Andô

From the boxing ring to the most prestigious international architecture prize, this is the extraordinary journey of the Japanese architect, Tadao Ando, who accounts for more than 300 architectural

Fusée parfaite !

The best winter fireworks in Japan

The Japanese are fond of fireworks, called hanabi .

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WWOOF Japan Volunteering

Experience rural Japan and organic farms by volunteering with WWOOF Japan in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, southern Japan.

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Original Japanese Castles

There are 12 original Japanese castles including Himeji Castle, Hirosaki, Inuyama, Matsumoto, Kochi, Maruoka, Matsue, Uwajima and Matsuyama.

Takoyaki : petits soufflés de pieuvre cuite, spécialité d'Osaka.

Takoyaki: A Specialty of Osaka

Osaka is known for its many delicious dishes and street foods, the most famous undoubtedly being takoyaki! This is a must-try dish when you visit Japan. 

 

Hachiko, une des mascottes de la Yamanote

Hachikô, faithful dog

The beloved Hachikô is the Akita (Akita-ken) who waited loyally for his deceased master at Shibuya station until his own death.  In Japan, Hachikô is a star.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan 

Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan 

Japan will host the Rugby World Cup this year from 20 september to 2 November. Order your Japan Rail Pass

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Kuchinotsu to Oniike Ferry Amakusa Islands

Kuchinotsu to Oniike Ferry: Shimatetsu ferries ply between Kuchinotsu Port in Nagasaki and Oniike Ferry Terminal on Shimoshima Island in the Amakusa Islands, Kumamoto.

Summer in Japan: Furin

Symbols of summer in Japan

One the beach with parasols, the sun, the sea…For us Westerners, this is the (stereo) typical image of summer. It's very different in Japan.

Vue sur le mont Fuji

The must-see places to visit in Japan

What images come to mind when you imagine Japan? The immensity of the capital, Mount Fuji, the temples...

The Man-Yoshu, first collection of Japanese poems

The first Japanese writings are historically the two collections of Kojiki (712) and Nihon-Shoki (720), where we find the founding myths of the birth of Japan and the mythological origins of the im

Un peu du Japon en Bourgogne

Traveling to Japan in Burgundy

For several years now, the Japanese have had a love affair with Burgundy.

Karuizawa

The most beautiful cities in Japan

Japan is full of beautiful places but it is easy to get lost when planning your itinerary.

"Haruhi Suzumiya's Melancholy" Cosplay

Understanding Otaku Culture

When we start talking about Japan and those who are passionate about this country, a word comes up very quickly in the conversation, "Otaku".

Antique Wedding Kimonos Uchikake

Antique Wedding Kimonos Uchikake

Antique wedding kimonos uchikake are the red, silk, decorative over-garment worn by a Japanese bride in a traditional wedding.

Bordeaux

Traveling to Japan in Bordeaux

Japan aficionados, those impatient before their first trip to Japan, or those nostalgic for their stay will be delighted to be able to find a bit of Japan in Bordeaux.

How to live in a Japanese house

Interested in renting a house in Japan, but first learn the habits and customs. Here is a short guide and glimpse of how the Japanese live daily.

Foujita

The life and works of Tsuguharu Foujita, also known as Léonard Foujita

Tsuguharu Foujita, born in Tokyo in 1886, is a unique Japanese artist. This renowned painter of the School of Paris with abundant works spent more than half of his life in France.

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The Cernuschi Museum in Paris

The small Cernuschi museum is devoted to the arts of the Far East: Japan, China, Vietnam and Korea.

Le monorail du zoo de Ueno

Traveling by monorail in Japan

Unlike other countries, such as the United States, Japan has perfected its rail system, including the monorail, which is more practical due to its fast and economical production, but above all buil

Kyotographie 2016 - Shinichi Suzuki II, Tea Ceremony, Musée Guimet

Enjoying Japan in Paris at the Guimet Museum

Rare or exceptional works of art, everyday objects, tea house or Japanese-inspired garden: Japan is magnificently represented at the National Museum of Asian Arts-Guimet.

Japanese Paper Chochin Lanterns

Japanese Paper Chochin Lanterns

The Japanese paper chochin lanterns were an essential part of everyday Japanese life throughout Japan until the beginning of the 20th century.

Japanese gardens in France

Torii, wave-cut tree, azaleas... All the aesthetics of Japanese gardens invite you to dream.

The Gokaido: the 5 historical roads of Japan

During the Edo period (1603-1868), there were five major roads in the archipelago called the Gokaido.

Coin lockers

In Japan, automatic lockers, called coin lockers, are everywhere and commonly used.

Japan's national parks

Japan is an archipelago of volcanic islands which extends over more than 3000 kilometers from the Russian coast to the island of Taiwan, creating a great diversity of landscapes that have been clas

Japan's 100 waterfalls

Japan has many lists of its natural and cultural beauties, such as the list of 100 Famous Mountains of Japan.

View a tanhokutei, home of the tea ceremony, the temple foams, foams Saiho-ji in Kyoto.

The traditional Japanese house

Wooden structures, tatami rooms, paper walls: in Japan, the houses are enough to disorient Westerners, who are more used to concrete walls and tiled floors.

The story of Kitamaebune and its boats

Japan of the Tokugawa era was a Japan almost closed to the outside world by the shogunal policy of Sakoku.

Ramen

Where to take cooking classes in Japan?

Maki, Tempura, or even Okonomiyaki, all these dishes are emblematic of Japanese cuisine.

Kyo-Butsudan Buddhist Altars.

Kyo-Butsudan Buddhist Altars

Kyo-Butsudan Buddhist Altars function as the most important part of a Japanese family's religious and spiritual life, housing the spirits of the ancestors.

Doraemon chigiri-pan

Kawaii cakes and sweets

As the country that invented kawaii, Japanese cakes and sweets often come in adorable little animals or famous anime characters.

Kyosai_Funayurei

Youkai of the Seto Inland Sea

Demons, Ghosts and Spirits; Dantesque historical battles; pirates and brave warriors, Japanese myths and folklore...

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Pirates of the Seto Inland Sea

Demons, Ghosts, and Spirits; Dantesque historical battles; pirates and brave warriors, Japanese myths and folklore...

Different types of sushi

You probably already know nigiri sushi and makizushi (often just called "maki").

A small fishing village and a view of Kurushima bridge along the Shimanami Kaido.

Traveling by Bike in Japan

Discover the best routes and areas for cycling in Japan, whether you are a professional or an amateur.

Un billet pour assister à un tournoi de sumo.

Sumo tournament in Japan: a guide to witnessing the fights

Sumo is a rare spectacle: six tournaments are organized each year in four cities of the country. Here's a little guide for those interested in watching the match live.

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Revolut and N26 payment cards

Two new generation banks have created ideal credit cards for visitors. Revolut and N26 payment cards are an alternative way to pay directly in yen during your visit.

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Battles and legends in the Seto Inland Sea

Demons, Ghosts, and Spirits; historical battles; pirates and brave warriors, myths and Japanese folklore... The Seto Inland Sea is at the heart of many legends, famous throughout the land.

Tokyo

Rents in Japan

Finding a place to live in Japan is not that difficult, but the rents are high.

The Karin Maru, a symbol of modernity in the Meiji era

After the passage of Commodore Perry's black fleet in 1853, which forced Japan to open up to the world, the country's leaders began to modernize many sectors of the country, including the navy.

The miko

Around Japanese Shinto shrines, it is not uncommon to discover the silhouette of a young girl busy with maintenance tasks.

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The myths of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea

Demons, ghosts and spirits; historic Dantesque battles; pirates and brave warriors, Japanese myths and folklore ...

Family restaurants

Originally created to satisfy a varied clientele, family restaurants are very popular in Japan. What are they and where can you find them?

Un câble électrique japonais 100 volts

Electrical outlets and electricity in Japan

Plugs, voltages, adapters: all you need to purchase and use electrical and electronic equipment in Japan.

Gengo, Japanese imperial era names

Along with the Gregorian calendar mostly used around the world, there is another system used in Japan to count the years based on the reign of the emperor.

Japanese Good Luck Charm

Omikuji Omamori Good Luck Charms

Japanese good luck charms, known as omamori or omikuji, can be found in temples and shrines in Japan. Omamori is a lucky charm made by priests.

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Specified Skilled Visas For Japan

Specified Skilled Visas (SSV): are two new types of visas for workers hoping to work in Japan in industries including nursing and construction.

La Grande Vague de Kanagawa, l'une des "Trente-six vues du Mont Fuji", du peintre japonais Katsushika Hokusai

Hokusai, master of the print

Katsushika Hokusai, born in 1760 and died in 1849, is a major artist in the history of Japanese art.

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The Manyoshu

The Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves) is a collection of 4,516 poems from the Nara Period in 20 volumes covering a wide range of topics.

Logo Tokyo 1964

The Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games

The 1964 Olympics was an opportunity for Japan to fully recover from the devastation of World War II and marked the rebirth of the nation.

Yasuke

Japan during the Sengoku period experienced many upheavals, with newcomers among the petty lords who, took advantage of the lack of central control, expanded their domain, and increased their domai

The Heisei era (1989-2019)

If despite its name, the Showa era (which means "enlightened peace") was not that of peace, the following era, Heisei (1989-2019), that of "the achievement of peace" was peaceful. .

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Yakushima Transport Buses & Car Hire

Yakushima Transport: read how to get around Yakushima by public buses, tour buses, car hire, taxi or bicycle.

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Incredible Japanese houses

Minimalist, transparent, dreamlike, avant-garde… There is no shortage of adjectives when it comes to detailing some of the most extraordinary houses in Japan.

The Showa era (1926-1989)

The Shôwa era (1926 - 1989) is the longest era in the history of Japan, which will have 248 on May 1 next.

The Taisho era (1912-1926)

The Taisho era is less known in the West, yet it represented Japan's first attempt at democratization, aka "Taisho Democracy".

Cerisiers en fleurs à Tokyo

Timeless, but fragile, sakura

Discussion about the love affair between Japan and the Sakura, with the Secretary-general of the Japanese Cherry Association.

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Gachapon

The instructions for the encapsulated toy vending machines called gachapon are simple: insert the indicated amount and then turn the crank.

La Strawaberry Mania débarque au Japon

Strawberry: seasonal specialties

Although strawberries can also be found during summer in Japan, the strawberry season traditionally extends from January to April.

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Kagoshima Airport

Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) is the second busiest airport in Kyushu after Fukuoka and has flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya as well as international flights to China and South Korea.

The different types of Japanese castles

The Japanese castle, with its multi-story guard towers, its wooden architecture, and its huge open gardens has established itself as one of the iconic places in the country.

Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa is a master of Japanese cinema who is celebrated globally. Here's a look back at his works and his life with an enthusiast, Peter Tasker in an interview with Arnaud Régis.

Stade de Baseball de Yokohama

Olympics 2020 - Baseball and Softball

Baseball was introduced to Japan in 1872 and is currently one of the most popular sports in the country. Baseball will therefore naturally return to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

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Akashi to Awaji Island Ferry

Akashi to Awaji Island Ferry: a high speed ferry runs from Akashi in Honshu to the Iwaya Ferry Terminal in the north of Awaji Island.

Neuf festivals de la neige au Japon

Nine snow festivals in Japan

There's something magical about Japan in winter... Especially when it snows, under illuminations, and even fireworks, the first snowflakes are often synonymous with festivities around the country.

Coffee chains in Japan

Straight from the United States, the familiar coffee chains are widespread in Japan. Starbucks, Doutor, Excelsior...

Admiring Irises in Japan

After the sakura season, flowers continues to bloom.

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Shitenno Four Heavenly Kings

Shitenno, the Four Heavenly Kings, are deva (tenbu) and protectors of Buddha deities. They are Jikokuten, Tamonten, Zochoten and Komokuten.

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Joe Hisaishi

"Maestro Hisaishi, Join Me in Creating My Life's Final Work "; is the request made by Hayao Miyazaki when inviting the musician to create the musical theme for the last anime.

Kikuchi Yosai

Kikuchi Yosai is a Japanese artist from the last period of the Edo era (1603 - 1868), a contemporary of the great masters of ukiyo-e, Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai.

Tokyo et Hakone

Preparing your first trip to Japan

Are you planning your first trip to Japan and don't know where to start organizing it? Don't panic, Japan Experience is here to guide you!

Rangaku

Rangaku literally means "Dutch studies".

Admiring Lotuses in Japan

Japanese lotuses are unique with their huge round leaves and flowers having pink, red, or white petals. Open or closed, they are magnificent and give off an intoxicating fragrance.

Matcha soba noodles

Cooking with tea

Whether it's consumed ceremonially, or simply bought in a can from a vending machine or konbini, tea is an essential part of daily life in Japan.

Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The Shogunate

Japan has had an emperor since 660 BC, according to tradition, has belonged to the same family for more than 2500 years.

Glycine Kameido-tenjin

Admire Wisteria in Japan

Wisteria turn heads from mid-April to early May with its millions of small, intoxicatingly scented flowers.

yodobashi

Buy electronics in Japan

It's no secret that Japan is the land of unique and excellent electronic appliances. So where can I find the best deals and what else should know?

Mount Fuji in winter

Japan's 100 Famous Mountains

The "100 famous mountains of Japan" are a list of mountains in the country established by the Japanese writer and mountaineer Kyuya Fukada in 1964 in a book, for which he obtained the Yomiuri P

An outdoor bath (rotemburo) of Osawayama Onsen in the Japanese Alps.

5 amazing facts about onsen

Think you already know everything about the havens of relaxation also known as onsen? We're willing to bet that these five amazing facts and anecdotes will surprise you!

Sakura Taiyaki

Cherry blossom specialties

The change of season is always a good time to discover new products in Japan and spring is no exception.

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Open Air Museums in Japan

Open Air Museums in Japan collect and display historic buildings from their surrounding areas and recreate a Japanese architectural heritage.

Old Samurai photograph

Hagakure

The Hagakure is a collection of thoughts written at the beginning of the 18th century by a reclusive samurai of the Nabeshima clan, Tsunetomo Yamamoto.

Yukio Mishima

Yukio Mishima, whose works can be found on the shelves of bookstores around the world, is known in the West as one of the great Japanese novelists of the post-war period.

Sohei, the monk-soldiers

Japan has experienced, through its history and the various wars, a particular phenomenon: the large companies of monk-soldiers, or Sohei.

Eating seafood, Japanese style

In Japan, fish isn't just eaten raw with rice. A Japanese man eats an average of 70 kilos of fish a year, so thankfully there are many ways to prepare it.

Hatsumôde au sanctuaire Fushimi-Inari à Kyôto

Hatsumode

The Hatsumode is the very first visit to the temple in the New Year.

Wafuku

Wafuku is traditional Japanese clothing. Not only it is visually stunning but it has a fascinating history. Here's a quick rundown of the essentials of the traditional Japanese wardrobe!

Freeters

Japan is known as the land of lifetime employment. Even if this reality is changing due to the influence of liberalism and changing economy, it remains a significant fact in the country.

Bain japonais en extérieur (rotenburo)

Four types of establishments to find hot springs in Japan

When we think of onsen, we immediately think of ryokan, these traditional inns that offer the possibility of experiencing the pleasures of Japanese bathing by spending a night in

Shunga

Japanese prints have enjoyed incredible influence across the planet since the end of the 19th century.