Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year, is one of Japan’s most important traditions. Millions of people visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples…
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Author: Yuki
Unwritten Rules in Japan: Carrying Your Bag in Front on the Train
If you ride a train in Japan, you may notice something unusual: many people carry their backpacks in front of their bodies instead of on…
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How to Read Train Boards in Japan – Departure or Arrival?
Introduction If you are traveling in Japan, one of the first things you will notice at train stations is the large electronic boards showing times,…
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Kinoko-Takenoko War: Japan’s Famous Snack Rivalry
Introduction What is the “Kinoko-Takenoko War”? In Japan, the “Kinoko-Takenoko War” refers to a playful but long-lasting rivalry between two popular chocolate snacks: Kinoko no…
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