japan
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Biker moms in Tokyo?
It’s nothing short of impressive. One child in a front seat. Another in a rear seat. Shopping bags in the front basket or on a rear rack – often both. Mothers on so-called mom bikes (mamachari) are a common sight… Continue reading
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Why do so many of Japan’s temples and shrines have so many steps?
If you’ve ever visited a temple or shrine in Japan and found yourself out of breath after climbing hundreds of stone steps, you’re not alone. Many sacred sites in Japan are located on hillsides or mountains. Reaching them often involves… Continue reading
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Do Japanese people like lining up?
Walk through Tokyo at lunchtime and you’ll see long lines outside popular food spots. It’s puzzling at first, because there’s no shortage of restaurants, many nearby and half empty. When I first moved to Tokyo, someone even told me to… Continue reading
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Manga madness in Japan – only for kids?
Take a ride on a Tokyo subway and you notice that people are glued to their phones. What are they doing? Some play games. Some watch movies. And many are immersed in manga, Japanese comics. I expected teens to be… Continue reading
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Why is Japan so obsessed with cherry blossoms?
Everyone talks about it. It’s everywhere you go. It’s the quintessential spring moment, with festivals and pop ups across Japan. When offices, families, and groups of friends gather in parks, you know it’s official. Sakura, the cherry blossom… Continue reading
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Are Japanese people religious… or just in case?
Walk through Tokyo and you’ll see temples and shrines everywhere. Large shrines on main streets and small neighborhood temples, hidden in side streets. Some look lost among ultra-modern skyscrapers. You may wonder: how do they survive? And then you notice… Continue reading
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Can you love a mountain?
Come to Japan, talk to a Japanese person, and you’ll quickly realize: yes, you absolutely can love a mountain. Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san as it’s called in Japan, is not just a mountain. It’s the mountain. It’s less outdoor attraction… Continue reading
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Strollers for dogs – really?
Have you ever considered taking your dog out in a stroller? If your answer is no, come to Tokyo and be amazed. Walk through Tokyo’s streets and you’ll spot them everywhere with plenty of options: foldable strollers for easy transport,… Continue reading
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Why are there no trash cans in Tokyo?
Have you ever tried to find a trash can in Tokyo to dispose of a water bottle you just finished in the boiling summer heat – and couldn’t find one? You are not alone. Public trash cans are surprisingly rare… Continue reading
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Is sumo actually a sport?
What do you picture when you think of sumo? Big guys pushing each other out of a ring? You’re not wrong – but you’re also missing about 90% of the story. For most Japanese people, sumo isn’t just a sport.… Continue reading
