Decoding the culture, the logic, and the hidden gems of Japan. 일본 여행이 깊어지는 시간: 문화적 통찰부터 로컬 정보까지.
Visiting Shrines, Gratitude, and Closing One Chapter of Life At the beginning of the year, shrines across Japan become crowded. People line up to pray for health, safety, and calm days ahead. But there is another reason many Japanese people visit shrines during this season: to return omamori and ofuda they received the previous year. … Read more
Matsuri, Seasons, and the Heart of Japanese Culture To many visitors, Japanese festivals—matsuri—look lively and joyful. Lanterns glowing at night, rhythmic drums, traditional clothing, food stalls, and smiling faces fill the streets. They feel like celebrations. And they are. But in Japan, festivals are not held simply for fun or entertainment. They are deeply connected … Read more
Why Hot Springs Are More Than Just Baths in Japan For many visitors, Japanese hot springs—onsen—are simply a relaxing part of travel. Warm water, scenic views, and a place to ease tired muscles. That understanding is not wrong. But in Japan, onsen are not just places to bathe. They are places where daily life, nature, … Read more
For many people outside Japan, kimono is admired mainly for its beauty—elegant colors, seasonal patterns, and graceful silhouettes. But in Japan, wearing kimono is not only about appearance. It quietly changes how a person moves, behaves, and relates to others. This article explores what wearing kimono reveals about Japanese values—from inner beauty and memory to … Read more
When people watch a Japanese tea ceremony for the first time, many feel the same quiet confusion. Why is it so slow?Why is there so much silence?And why does such a simple act feel strangely meaningful? This article explores why the tea ceremony feels so uniquely Japanese, not by focusing on rules or procedures, but … Read more
In early January, anyone visiting Japan will notice a calm and quietly meaningful scene. Even people who say they are “not religious” head to shrines at the very beginning of the year.They wait patiently in line, bow lightly, bring their hands together in prayer, and leave without much conversation. For many visitors, this raises natural … Read more