kimonos and kindness

[Japan Geography Series] new Starbuck special mugs and travel tumblers designs

During hydrangea season, trains on the Hakone Tozan Railway run a fragrant and colorful gauntlet of ajisai.

Japanese Calligraphy Utensils You Can Buy At 100 Yen Shops

The fun of a hands-on calligraphy experience in Japan doesn’t have to end when you head back home. Just stop by a variety, stationery or even 100 yen store, and you’ll find all the materials you need to take your talent home with you.

Japan’s vast assortment of mascots all share a similar problem.

The World’s First Tatami Starbucks! Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

The Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Starbucks is the world’s first Starbucks joint with tatami seating. It’s a great place to experience a traditional Japanese atmosphere along with tasty coffee.

This post by @city-cost made me revisit my bookshelf to give you a list of my favourite books about Japan. So … here’s a list of non-fiction titles written by non-Japanese authors.

1) The Roads to Sata and Looking for the Lost by Alan Booth. He walked all over Japan, and combined a keen insight with bone-dry British humour. If you read only two books about Japan, read these two.

2) Anything by Donald Richie, the doyen of English-speaking writers in Japan. He arrived just after WWII, and lived in Tokyo (Ueno, as a matter of fact) until his death in 2013. He knew every strength, every quirk and every weakness of this country, and loved it deeply. He also had the ability – like Booth – to observe himself very objectively as he navigated a foreign culture.

3) War Without Mercy by John Dower. You can’t understand modern Japan without understanding what happened in WWII, and this book is brilliant.

4) A Japanese Mirror and The Wages of Guilt by Ian Buruma, a Dutch author who writes in English, for a European view of Japan. 

5) Dave Barry Does Japan by, duh, Dave Barry, because it’s the funniest book I’ve ever read about this country.

@city-cost mentioned A.A. Gill’s infamous “Mad in Japan”, which is so brutal and so bitter that it makes even this cynical and blasé-to-the-bone veteran uncomfortable. Alex Kerr (Dogs and Demons) is another author who’s critical but more fair and more balanced in his approach (and knows Japan a million times better).

There are many more titles about Japan and about more specific topics like Shinto, and education, and women’s issues, and sociological problems – and there are a squintillion Japanese books about Japan – but this is a good start. What are your favourite books?

Japanese Religion - Terms To Know When Visiting A Shinto Shrine

Many visitors come to Japan to see the historical shrines that dot the landscape, but there is some basic vocabulary to learn if you want to truly appreciate the different aspects of Japanese beliefs. Here are key points to know at Shinto shrines.

☀ 10 things to do in Hokkaido this summer ☀

Hokkaido is well-known for its cold climate, and snow that can last for 3 to 5 months. But that does not limit Hokkaido’s natural beauty; a beauty that can captivate your heart and urge you to visit in every season, especially summer!

The following are the things that can be done/ you can enjoy in Hokkaido this summer:

1. Sightseeing and restaurant hopping in Furano

Want to go sightseeing with your friends or family? Do you love lavenders and tulips? Well, Furano is the place to be! It is located at the central part of Hokkaido, and there are many flower farms that can surely please your eyes. There is also a lot of souvenir shops and restaurants that serve lavender drinks for a cheap price! Nothing can beat a cold lavender drink with lavender sightseeing activity this summer in Furano!

2. Ropeway in Mt. Moiwa

If you consider yourself as an outdoorsy person who loves nature, then Mt. Moiwa is the best place for you! You can try the ropeway for only 1,200 yen and get a discount if you are a resident of Sapporo (around 1000 yen only), or, you can to climb it on your own to appreciate nature at its finest. The sunset is also one of the things that tourists look forward to because at night you can see the spectacular view of Sapporo with your loved ones. Souvenir shops, restaurants and other stores can also be found on top of Mt. Moiwa.

3. Visit the Blue pond in Biei

Want to try something new? Blue pond offers you a unique sightseeing experience that you cannot forget. With its blue water that comes from natural minerals, many tourists are interested to see the wonderful blue pond with other concrete structures of erosion control system. There is also a hot spring town nearby which is also a must try.

4. Mountain climbing at Mt. Maruyama

There are many things that you can do at Maruyama Park this summer. If you are an adventurous type of person, you can climb Mt. Murayama and enjoy the scenery at its peak. Wild animals such as squirrels can also be seen at the peak of the mountain. This has got to be one of the perfect activities that you can enjoy this summer if you are a nature lover!

5. Hokkaido University’s cultural festival

In June, Hokkaido University celebrates a cultural festival where international students gather and set up booths to sell their native dishes from their home countries. This is a chance for tourists and Japanese people to know more about each other’s culture as they enjoy the booths prepared by international students and performances from students of Hokkaido University as well.

6. Shopping at Sapporo Factory

Traveling Hokkaido will never be complete without…shopping! A lot of tax-free shops and other souvenir shops can be found at Sapporo Factory. Eating ice cream is also a favorite activity in this area!

7. Visit Hokkaido Shrine

Make the most out of your stay by visiting Hokkaido shrine! Many weddings and other famous occasions are held here,making it the most famous shrine in Hokkaido. In early summer, the Hokkaido shrine festival is also held here and you can experience seeing the parade of the portable shrines.

8. Ride a bike to Ishikari

The oldest lighthouse and one of the most beautiful green landscapes can be found in Ishikari. Aside from that, dairy products such as cheese, milk and other types of ice cream can also be bought here. Riding a bike to Ishikari is highly recommended to those who wish to witness the beautiful landscapes surrounding it. Beaches can also be found in Ishikari - perfect for your summer getaway!

9. Attend Fireworks Festival at Makomanai Park

Attending summer festivals in Japan with someone you love is one of the best experiences ever. Local and foreign visitors of Makomanai park often bring their lovers or friends to enjoy the firework tournaments and festival while wearing yukata and eating Japanese food.

10. Visit Wakkanai

Visiting Hokkaido won’t be complete without Wakkanai. The northernmost part of Japan does not only have a nice view full of historical sculptures and landmarks, wild deer and foxes can also be seen here roaming freely and living in peace.

~~~~ Illustration by: Little Miss Paintbrush / @chichilittle Article researched/submitted by: JLM contributor John Aquino ~~~~

Hey all!

Daimonji Gozan no Okuribi 大文字五山の送り火 August 16

Kamakura, Hokokuji: A Secluded And Fascinating Bamboo Temple

Hokoku-ji Temple is a fascinating, hidden spot found by Kamakura station. Known as the Bamboo Temple, this scenic spot is highly recommended for those wanting some inner peace.