Kawagoe: sweet potato capital of the eastern world
Roasted sweet potatoes are a popular street food all over East Asia. In Japan, they’re called yaki-imo (焼き芋). Yaki-imo vendors first appeared on the streets of Japan more…
Culture
Interpreting the divine with a Japanese card reader
Spirituality is a little different in Japan. Religious practices have no Judea-Christian origin, rather a basis in indigenous traditions. Known as Shintoism, Japanese spiritual beliefs…
Stylized One Piece shrine and temple pilgrimage books released in Japan
Goshuincho (“honorable red stamp book”) are a prized possession of those who make frequent travels to shrines and temples in Japan. The books are used…
Koinobori carp streamer chocolates by Tirol are a fun way of celebrating Children’s Day
Since they first appeared on the market in 1979, Tirol chocolate squares have become ubiquitous in Japan. The inexpensive little chocolates are found everywhere from…
![[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Hina Nagashi: Wakayama Carries On with ‘Floating Princess’ Doll Fest](https://grapeejapan.com/wp-content/uploads/floatingdoll_top-768x576.jpg)
[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Hina Nagashi: Wakayama Carries On with ‘Floating Princess’ Doll Fest
The Sankei Shimbun, JAPAN Forward It was March 3 at Awashima Shrine, just off the coast in Wakayama Prefecture. Hundreds of delicate female-shaped dolls, in…
Kendo armor chopstick rests let you dine like a swordsman
Quirky and cute goods retailer Village Vanguard will never run out of accessories to store your goods with, as evidenced by hamster cheek and butt…
Kimono: Timeless Treasures on Display at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum until 6/21
Duncan Bartlett for JAPAN Forward A major new exhibition at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates the kimono’s elegant history. It also displays its dynamic…
Sumo-themed Airbnb apartment from MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS comes with a Sentō-style bath
Asobi Systems’ MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON project, which aims to spread and promote Harajuku’s kawaii pop culture throughout the world, launched a unique and very popular…
Kamakura’s Great Buddha; the statue that stands the test of time
Having stood in the open air for over 750 years, the Great Buddha statue of Kamakura has a tale of time written across its face;…
Living it up at Luppet Cafe: We visited a virtual bartender in Akihabara
As we reported last month, a new bar staffed by virtual bartenders called Luppet Cafe has opened for business just a minute’s walk away from…
Japanese Maker Uses Age-Old Craft For Elegant Earmuffs To Pair With Kimono
Tsumami zaiku is a traditional Japanese craft that dates back to the Edo Period used to create beautiful hair ornaments and sticks to pair with…
“The death of theater”: Tokyo Met Theater director’s stand against coronavirus closures
In an address to the Japanese people on February 27th, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe requested sporting and cultural event organizers to postpone or cancel events…
Japanese musicians performing online due to coronavirus: archived and upcoming events
Until the first half of March, big sport and cultural events in Japan are being canceled or postponed in response to a request issued by…
Japan Travel Guide: Where to visit in the castle town, Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Hagi is a beautiful city located in the North area of the Yamaguchi Prefecture, well-preserved until today with a beautiful history and culture behind that…
Walk among the tombs of the Mōri warlords at Tōkōji Temple
Many hundreds of kilometres away from Tōkyō, the ancient castle town of Hagi sits upon an old volcanic outcrop in the far west of Japan’s…