The happi coat is probably the most informal and casual traditional Japanese garment you will ever find. It’s best known as a festive, festival outfit. Outside of Japan, it hasn’t gotten as much attention as the kimono or yukata. Internet search engines don’t help matters by misreading the name "happi" as “happy” (which makes it … Continue reading What is a Happi Coat? – An Intro to Japanese Traditional Clothing
What is Sake? – Nectar of the (Japanese) Gods
If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, you’ve probably heard about sake. Maybe you want to try some for yourself, but you have some questions. What is sake? How strong is it? What is proper sake etiquette? These questions and more will be answered here. Before we begin, keep in mind that sake contains alcohol, … Continue reading What is Sake? – Nectar of the (Japanese) Gods
What is a Japanese Kimono?
The kimono is undoubtedly the best-known item of traditional Japanese clothing. But what is a kimono, really? What distinguishes the kimono from other traditional Japanese clothes? Why is the kimono considered Japan’s national outfit? Kimono culture and history For years, the kimono has been an iconic symbol of traditional Japanese culture. Japan even uses it … Continue reading What is a Japanese Kimono?
What is Japanese Senbei?
If you’re looking for a crunchy Japanese snack, you ought to give senbei a try. Senbei is one of Japan’s classic, traditional snack foods; much older than Pocky sticks (by a couple of centuries). But, you may be wondering, what is senbei? What’s in senbei? Is senbei healthy? Read on to find out: Senbei basics … Continue reading What is Japanese Senbei?
What is a Jinbei?
What is a jinbei? If you want to learn more about this unique piece of Japanese clothing, you’ve come to the right place. (You won’t find information about Jinbe, the fish-man member of the Straw Hat pirates from One Piece here. Sorry about that.) While kimono, yukata, and happi coats are well-known outside of Japan, … Continue reading What is a Jinbei?
What is a Japanese Yukata?
What is a yukata? How does yukata differ from kimono? If you’re a fan of anime or manga, you’ve probably seen characters wearing yukata or kimono. You may have wondered about these unmistakably Japanese clothes. (Traditional Chinese and Korean styles are different from Japanese ones.) For example, many slice-of-life anime series will have an episode … Continue reading What is a Japanese Yukata?
ZenPlus Review: The Easiest Way to Buy from Japan
Before I lived in Japan, I had always marveled at the endless amount of video games, anime merch, and other goods that just didn’t make it out of the country. As a longtime gamer and anime fanatic, I couldn’t help but be jealous of all the cool stuff I wasn’t able to get in Canada. … Continue reading ZenPlus Review: The Easiest Way to Buy from Japan
The Best Wineries in Yamanashi, Japan: A Full-Day Walking Tour (Part 2)
A detailed guide of the best wineries in Yamanashi, Japan, and the best route to take when visiting them all.
The Best Wineries in Yamanashi, Japan: A Full-Day Walking Tour
As you emerge from the last serpentine train tunnel, making your way from Tokyo into Yamanashi, you suddenly plunge into vast swathes of lush vineyards. On countless occasions, as I sat peering through my window onboard a passing train, I felt a deep longing to explore these vineyards and wineries on foot. Anyone who loves … Continue reading The Best Wineries in Yamanashi, Japan: A Full-Day Walking Tour
15 Best Japanese Snacks and Where to Buy Them
One of the best things about Japan is the food. From ramen and sushi to takoyaki and tempura, the options are as endless as they are tasty. However, this excellence in quality even extends to packaged snacks, sweets, and of course, chocolate. For those with a sweet tooth, the country is a haven. In this … Continue reading 15 Best Japanese Snacks and Where to Buy Them
