Monthly Archives: December 2016

What is Ryokan

Ryokan are Japanese style inns found throughout the country, especially in hot spring resorts. Ryokans have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. Some of the earliest ryokans were (and some still are) located on the Tokaido Highway which … Continue reading

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Etiquette at meal in Japan

The most important table etiquette in Japan is saying, “Itadaki-masu” before a meal and “Gochisou-sama” after a meal. These phrases mean thanks for the food and also indicate the beginning and the ending of a meal. It is a Japanese … Continue reading

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Christmas Market at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

This Christmas market is becoming very popular every year. They had over 650,000 visitors last year. You can enjoy German style Christmas Market. They have hot wine, sausages, baumkuchen and so on. They decorate Christmas lights whole place.  You can … Continue reading

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Japanese Convenience Stores

You see many convenience stores in Japan. It is almost every block you can find. Japanese people use convenience stores almost every day. We use quick shopping or buy things late at night – but not only that – Japanese … Continue reading

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The cat café

The cat café is very popular in Japan. It had its origin in Taiwan. One of the Japanese tourists took the idea back to Japan in 2004, It has been expanding all over the Japan. Some of cat cafes protect … Continue reading

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Christmas in Japan

Christmas in Japan is a little different from Christmas in western countries. Traditionally faiths such as Buddhism and Shinto are practiced in Japan, but usually people here enjoy celebrating Christmas regardless of their religion. (Of course, there are some people … Continue reading

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Japanese Tradition ‘ a year-end-party’

A bonen-kai is a party held sometime between the middle and the end of December every year. People gather to share and shake off the hardships they experienced during the past year, and to prepare for the coming year with … Continue reading

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It’s time to write nengajo!

Japanese have a custom of sending New Year’s Day postcards, nengajo, to greet their friends and relatives. It’s similar to the Western custom of sending Christmas cards. Starting with a set greeting, you express your thanks for the relationship of … Continue reading

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Winter in Japan – What is a Kotatsu?

It is not common to have a central heating in Japan. A Kotatsu is a traditional heating system in Japan, which is a table and a heater combined as one piece of furniture. An electric heater is attached to the … Continue reading

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Brrrrrrr Cold weather in Yokosuka

Winter in Japan is very dry which allows flu and influenza to spread around easily. Japanese people wear a face mask – most of the time we prevent not to catch the cold. However if people from other countries see … Continue reading

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