Travel Tips

Often overlooked, Japanese vegetables are every bit as important to Japanese food culture as seafood and meat. Japan uses an abundance of root vegetables, leafy greens, and many others in its cuisine. Vegetables play a prominent role in not only salads and side dishes, but soups, main courses, and even desserts.
The following is a selection of ten Japanese vegetables that are commonly used in cooking.
1. Negi: Japanese Bunching Onion
Negi are commonly seen in a variety of Japanese foods, from soups to sushi
One of the most ubiquitous of Japanese vegetables, negi, is often mistaken for the Welsh onion and the leek due to their striking similarities in appearance and taste.
In Japanese, it may also be referred to as “naga negi” (long negi) or “shiro negi” (white negi).
This long, green onion is used to add flavor to simmered dishes, as well as soups and hot pots.
Negi is especially popular during the winter months, as it is also known for being a popular cold remedy.
2. Kabocha: Kabo..

The largest city on the southern island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is a comfortable city with much more than delicious ramen to offer.
Browse & Book a hotel in Fukuoka
1. Fukuoka City Museum
At the Fukuoka City Museum, you will find permanent exhibits on Fukuoka's history and folk cultures, theme-based exhibits on the history, customs, and culture of Fukuoka and Japan, and other special large-scale exhibitions.
The two most notable items on permanent display are the Gold Seal, believed to have been presented to Japanese messengers by then Chinese Emperor in the first century CE and now a designated National Treasure, and a large spear called Nihongo. There is also a Touch and Experience room that allows visitors to play with traditional musical instruments and toys.
Fukuoka City Museum
3 Chome-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, 814-00012. Kirin Brewery Fukuoka
You can learn about the fascinating process of making one of Japan's most popular beers in detail and also get to taste t..

On July 7, the Japanese Hoshi Matsuri (star festival) called Tanabata is celebrated. The streets of Hiratsuka in Kanagawa Prefecture will be lined with food carts visited by young women in yukata (traditional summer clothes) and the young men escorting them.

Millions of Japanese people all over Japan will enjoy one of the first festivals of the summer. Children will hang tanzaku (wishes written on strips of paper) on tree branches, and adults will nostalgically recall the summer festivals of their own youths.

If the sky is cloudless, those with romantic inclinations will look expectantly at the sky to see two specific stars on opposite sides of the milky way galaxy.

Star-crossed lovers
Photo: iStock/ SenryuIt is an illustration of a Tanabata illustration.
The legend behind the Japanese star festival is that a herder boy, Hikoboshi, and a weaver girl, Orihime, fell so deeply in love with each other that they neglected their jobs causing great trouble in their respective professions a..

With relatively cool temperatures and many spectacular natural landscapes, Japan's Tohoku region is the perfect destination for a summer getaway! Consisting of six prefectures in the country's northeast – Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima – this area is filled with hidden gems.
Here we'll introduce some of Tohoku's top scenic summer spots, from dynamic cliffs to quiet coves where you can swim in the sea.
1. Miyagi: Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, Matsushima
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Association
Located in Miyagi Prefecture is Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku Region. Matsushima, famous as one of Japan's Top Three Scenic Views, is a mass of nearly 260 islands, big and small, that float in and around Matsushima Bay.
Since ancient times, people have been fascinated by this beautiful natural landscape. In recent years, it has become one of Japan's leading tourist destinations.
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, located ato..

These dreamy Hokkaido lavender fields seem to take over Instagram every summer! They are a massive draw for tourists from around the world. The Furano flower fields, complete with breathtaking waves of lavender, are among the region's most popular.
Starting with the world-famous Farm Tomita, we will share inside tips on how to see the Furano flower fields, plus details on the lavender blooming season so you can get the best photos during your Hokkaido trip.
This summer, make these Hokkaido flower farms part of your itinerary! Don't miss the lavender-covered hills – become enveloped in the refreshing scent drifting softly in the breeze!
▲One of the charms of the Furano flower fields district is that you can view the majestic landscapes and flower fields from several locations!
1. Farm Tomita Flower Fields: The Holy Land of Hokkaido Lavender Fields
Farm Tomita revived the declining lavender cultivation in the Furano region and pioneered that established lavender tourism. Now it..

Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. It is most famous for its hot springs, which people have enjoyed for hundreds of years.
Browse & Book a hotel in Ehime
1. Dogo Onsen Honkan
Dogo Onsen Honkan is believed to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, going back as far as 3,000 years.
The main building, a three-story castle-style wooden structure, has been designated an Important Cultural Property.
After enjoying the smooth hot spring water, put on a Yukata robe, stroll around the local streets full of culture, and get into the spirit of this Onsen town. A new annex called “Asuka-no-Yu” adopts the architectural style of the 6th to 8th centuries.
Dogo Onsen Main Building
5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-08422. Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street
The Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street is at the foot of Matsuyama Castle, leading to the cable car station for the castle.
The relaxing street is lined with chic independent shops. From the widely known “Uwajima ..

The kimono is a traditional garment in Japan. Kimonos are worn at weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and other milestones in life, and are an important part of Japanese culture even today.
Foreigners are also interested in kimonos, and many foreign-language kimono rental stores are lined up at sightseeing spots in Japan, where many people enjoy the experience of wearing kimonos.
We asked foreigners who have worn a kimono in Japan what surprised them about the experience. Many of them gave their opinions that even Japanese people couldn't help but sympathize with! Let's take a look.
main image: PIXTA
I can't believe you put a towel in there! I was amazed at the process of putting it on
Photo: PIXTA
The most common comment was about the process of putting on the kimono.
“I couldn't imagine that I needed so many things to put on a kimono – like so many strings and towels.” (American / 30s / Female)
“I was surprised to have kimono strings tied around my chest.” (Chines..

You can't talk about Japanese summer traditions without mentioning their beautiful fireworks displays. Known as 'hanabi,' fireworks festivals are held all around the country, brilliantly painting the summer night sky in a dazzling display of colors.
There are three particularly famous hanabi festivals in Japan, appropriately dubbed Japan's Three Great Fireworks Festivals. These include the national Omagari Fireworks Festival in Akita Prefecture, the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Festival in Ibaraki Prefecture, and the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks in Niigata Prefecture.
These three celebrations will show you amazing fireworks of colorful creativity and a scale beyond what you've ever imagined!
We spoke with the Japan Pyrotechnics Association to bring you four famous fireworks festivals and share about their culture, history, and where to see them.
Main image: PIXTA
Culture and History of Japanese Fireworks
The Japanese word for fireworks is hanabi/花火, mean..

In July and August, Hokkaido is sunny and there are many summer days when the temperature is warm.
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is a great retreat for the summer. Depending on exactly where you are traveling to in the area, the clothing you need can vary greatly. It is good for you to be specific about travel plans so you can pack accordingly.
Hokkaido is vast and has a large temperature difference depending on the area!
Hokkaido is 83,456 square kilometers, which is comparable to the size of Austria.
The area is surrounded by the Sea of Japan in the northwest, the Sea of Okhotsk in the northeast, and the Pacific Ocean in the south.
Mountains are to the east and to the west. Depending on where you are, the landscapes can be quite different.
In urban areas of Sapporo, the temperature is higher than it feels
In many areas, it is not uncommon for temperatures in Hokkaido in summer to reach 25°C or higher in summer in July and August, or to reach mid-summer temperatures a..

In 2022, the trails reaching the top of Mt. Fuji officially open from July 1 to September 10.
The hike should not be underestimated and good preparation both for the trip and against Covid-19 will help make your trip up the mountain a safe and memorable one.
Mt. Fuji 2022 Climbing Season Dates
According to the official Mt. Fuji Climbing website, dates for the 2022 season are:
1. Yoshida Route: July 1 – September 10 (Descending trail will be open until the morning of September 11)
2. Subashiri Route: July 10 to September 10
3. Gotemba Route: July 10 to September 10
4. Fujinomiya Route: July 10 – September 10 (Trail between 5th and 6th station: open from July 1)
What Things to Bring to Climb Mt. Fuji
Preparing items to bring based on how experienced a climber you are is highly recommended.
Depending on your level of hiking expertise, you should make sure to bring items that are essential to complete your hike.
Climbing boots, a knapsack, rain gear, cold-weather gear, and spats will de..