Tag: Genji’sguide
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Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: When Does Sakura Really Start?
If you’re planning a trip to Japan in spring, you’ve probably heard about cherry blossoms, or sakura. Every year, millions of people visit Japan to witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Parks fill with people, rivers turn pink, and the entire country seems to celebrate the arrival of spring. But here’s something many travelers don’t know:…
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Essential Japanese Phrases for Izakaya: Speak Like a Local in Japan
If you’re planning to visit Japan, experiencing an izakaya is a must.An izakaya is a casual Japanese-style pub where people gather to enjoy drinks, small dishes, and good conversation. But here’s the thing—many menus are in Japanese, and not all staff speak fluent English. Don’t worry. With just a few simple Japanese phrases, you can…
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What Is Yayoi? The Traditional Japanese Word for March Explained
Introduction – The Poetry of Japanese Seasonal Names When people think about months, they usually think of numbers on a calendar: January, February, March. But in Japan, months have traditionally been expressed in a much more poetic way. Before the modern calendar system was adopted, Japan used traditional seasonal month names, known as wafū getsumei.…
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Hinamatsuri: Japan’s Beautiful Doll Festival Celebrating Girls and Spring
Introduction – A Beautiful Tradition You Might See While Traveling in Japan If you visit Japan in early March, you may notice something beautiful displayed in homes, hotels, department stores, or even traditional inns. Elegant dolls dressed in colorful kimono are carefully arranged on red platforms, creating a scene that feels almost like stepping back…
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What Is Ehomaki? A Simple Guide to Japan’s February Sushi Tradition
Why Ehomaki Feels Confusing at First on 3rd February? If you have heard about Ehomaki before, you probably have a vague image in your mind: a thick sushi roll, eaten in February, while facing a specific direction.But when you actually try to understand it, things start to feel a little confusing, don’t they? People mention…
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What Is “Mutsuki”? How January Is Understood and Lived in Japan
Why January in Japan Feels Different If you visit Japan in January, you may sense something unusual.The streets feel calmer than expected.People walk a little slower, speak more quietly, and often stay close to one another. You might think this feeling comes from winter weather.You may also wonder if January is simply not a good…
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Seijin Shiki Explained: Japan’s Coming of Age Ceremony From Ancient Rituals to Modern Celebrations
Every January, across Japan, young people dressed in elegant kimonos and sharp suits gather to celebrate a major milestone in their lives. This event is called Seijin Shiki, Japan’s Coming of Age Ceremony.At first glance, it may look like a beautiful cultural festival—but behind it lies more than a thousand years of history, family bonds,…
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Why Do Japanese People Eat Mochi at New Year?
The History, Meaning, and Culture Behind Mochi When people see mochi pounding in Japan, it often looks lively, fun, and energetic. Wooden mallets swing down in rhythm, steam rises from freshly pounded rice, and everyone cheers together. But mochi is more than just a chewy rice cake. For Japanese people, especially during the New Year,…
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Ozoni: Why Japanese People Eat This Soup for the New Year
When the New Year arrives in Japan, families across the country gather around the table to share a special dish called Ozoni.For many Japanese people, eating ozoni is not just about enjoying a warm bowl of soup—it is a quiet but meaningful way to welcome a new beginning. From a Japanese perspective, ozoni represents celebration,…
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Japanese New Year Decorations Explained: A Complete Guide to Kadomatsu, Shimenawa, Kagami Mochi, and More
If you visit Japan during late December or early January, you’ll notice something special the moment you step outside. Entrances of houses, shops, and even offices are decorated with bamboo, pine, straw ropes, and beautifully arranged ornaments. These are Japanese New Year decorations, and they are much more than seasonal decorations. Each item carries a…