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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 internation
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 about
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
From Kyushu to northern Honshu, discover the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms... by night! Experience this well-known phenomenon in Japan: yozakura.
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.
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 take the
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...
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 p
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.
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?
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?
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.
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 table in
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.
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.
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.
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 delig
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!
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!
Japanese is a fascinating language for a Westerner, made up of multiple ideograms, many homophones and a grammar far very different from other languages.
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.
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.
"GOD" AS REPRESENTED IN THE WORLD OF ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS, A SINGLE BEING, CREATOR OF THE WORLD, TRANSCENDENT, DOES NOT EXIST IN THE SHINTOIST RELIGION.
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
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
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
Originating in China, this 1,500-year-old practice is now considered inseparable from Japanese aesthetics. Her horticulture requires knowledge and dedication.
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.
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 plac
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".
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
The mystery of the Japanese language, specifically writing, fascinates foreigners for its complexity of composition. Ambiguous yet subtle and delicate...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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?
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 festivals and me
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
In Japan, the omiyage (souvenir) is a tradition and social obligation. The Japanese give them to family, friends, but also to neighbors and colleagues.
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.
"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" - Joao Rodrigues, Portuguese Jesuit
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Kuchinotsu to Oniike Ferry: Shimatetsu ferries ply between Kuchinotsu Port in Nagasaki and Oniike Ferry Terminal on Shimoshima Island in the Amakusa Islands, Kumamoto.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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. .
Minimalist, transparent, dreamlike, avant-garde… There is no shortage of adjectives when it comes to detailing some of the most extraordinary houses in Japan.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
"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 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.
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.
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
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!
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, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Japan is known for the diversity of its landscapes and panoramas that charm tourists across the country. But it also has a lot to offer in its basements...
In this book, you will discover personalities far removed from the image that we often have of Japan and its people, for fascinating testimonies and a certain authenticity...
In recent years, a phenomenon has appeared in Japan, the 'Power spots'. They are places where some people feel the positive energy from nature and have spiritual experiences.
