Culture and Traditions How to Pray at a Japanese Shrine During Hatsumode
A simple guide for foreign visitors explaining how to pray at a Japanese shrine during Hatsumode, including offering money, purification, and bowing etiquette.
Japan travel tips
Culture and Traditions 
Culture and Traditions Why Are Japanese People Walking Around with a “Stick with a Bell” at New Year?
Why do Japanese people walk around with a bell-attached stick at New Year? Learn what a Hamaya is, why it’s carried, how much it costs, and its cultural meaning for visitors to Japan.
Culture and Traditions The Culture of Helping Others: Quiet Japanese Style Inspired by Matthew 6
Discover the Japanese way of helping others quietly, inspired by Matthew 6. Learn how Japan values subtle acts of kindness over public recognition.
Culture and Traditions Stay Safe in Hiroshima’s Summer: What You Must Know About Heatstroke in Japan
Planning to visit Hiroshima in the summer? Learn how to avoid heatstroke in Japan’s extreme humidity, including tips on drinking OS-1, using sun umbrellas, and staying cool with smart local advice.
Culture and Traditions The Real Ground Zero of Hiroshima Is Not the Atomic Bomb Dome—It’s Beside Shimai Clinic
Many people believe the Atomic Bomb Dome marks the exact spot where the Hiroshima bomb exploded. But the real ground zero is actually a little away, next to Shimai Clinic—a place often overlooked by visitors.
Culture and Traditions Be Mindful of Your Fragrance When Traveling to Japan
This article explores the cultural nuances of using fragrances in Japan, offering tips for travelers to respect local customs and enhance their experiences.