Aomori Nebuta Festival

Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a unique, colorful festival celebrated in the northern prefecture of Aomori held from August 1–7. This festival is a must-see and roughly 3 million people visit the Nebuta Matsuri every year! This festival is held once a year and features...
Onsen Etiquette

Onsen Etiquette

As winter has taken full force in northern Japan, I recommend taking a long and soothing dip into some natural hot springs known as onsens located throughout the country. It may make you feel uneasy at first, but once you take your first soak, you will be coming back...
Summer Festivals

Summer Festivals

Summer brings many unique festivals that everyone should experience while living in Japan. These are just a few upcoming festivals in the Tohoku region. We encourage you to try something new and create your own adventure! AOMORI NEBUTA FESTIVAL Aug. 2–7 Coordinates:...
Take on Tokyo

Take on Tokyo

A trip to Japan’s largest city is a necessity for anyone stationed in Misawa. In Tokyo, tradition mixes with futuristic trends to create one of the most diverse cities in the world. Tokyo is also one of the largest cities in the world, spanning 2,188 square...
The Japanese Tea Ceremony 茶の湯

The Japanese Tea Ceremony 茶の湯

This winter, I experienced the Japanese Tea Ceremony, or Chanoyu, at the Hōjū-ji Temple in Kyoto. Just before the ceremony, I walked around the quiet temple grounds, giving me a sense of peacefulness and self-awareness. I walked through the sliding doors of the main...
Kabuki

Kabuki

The art of Kabuki can be traced back to the Edo period (1603–1867) and is one of Japan’s major classical theatres, along with noh and bunraku. Because Kabuki is a timeless and beloved national tradition, it has been named a part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage...
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