Across Japan’s shrines and temples, visitors often carry a small notebook filled with delicate ink strokes, bright vermilion stamps, and handwritten calligraphy. This notebook, known as a Goshuinchō (御朱印帳), is much more than a souvenir. It is a record of spiritual journeys, a personal art collectio... READ MORE

When people think of Japanese color, one often imagines cherry blossom pink or vermilion torii gates—but there is another hue that runs deep through Japan’s history: Aizome (藍染), the art of indigo dyeing. Known internationally as “Japan Blue,” this centuries-old craft represents purity, perseveranc... READ MORE

When walking through Japanese shrines, shops, or even train stations, it is easy to notice colorful charms, round-faced dolls, or cat figurines beckoning with raised paws. These are engimono (縁起物)—traditional good-luck items believed to bring prosperity, health, or happiness. Rooted in centuries of... READ MORE

Japan is often admired for its temples, gardens, and seasonal traditions, but another window into its cultural soul can be found gliding quietly along its rivers and bays. The yakatabune (屋形船), or “roofed boat,” is a traditional Japanese pleasure boat that has carried revelers, poets, and travelers... READ MORE

When summer arrives in Japan, it brings with it more than just festivals and fireworks—it also invites a centuries-old tradition of ghost stories and supernatural tales known as kaidan (怪談). While many cultures have ghost stories, Japan’s kaidan hold a special place in the national imagination. The... READ MORE