japan
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What’s so special about Japanese onsen?
It can be intimidating. And takes a bit of getting used to. But once I tried it for the first time, I wanted to go again and again. Now I go whenever I get a chance. Onsen, Japan’s natural hot… Continue reading
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Why is bowing so important in Japan?
I was stuck in a bowing loop. I had just left an excellent restaurant, and the owner bowed us farewell at the door. I bowed back. He replied by bowing a little deeper. I did the same. Several repeats followed.… Continue reading
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Ever climbed Mount Fuji into the clouds?
It’s cold. It rains. In fact, it pours. Your rain pants are dripping, your boots are soaked, your backpack is completely wet. You have 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) of elevation gain ahead of you starting from the 5th station. Overnight… Continue reading
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What’s with Tokyo’s umbrella management?
Lately, it’s been raining a lot in Tokyo. And when it does, umbrellas appear everywhere. While you see plenty of black and blue ones, what stands out are large transparent plastic umbrellas. Every convenience store sells them for ¥500-600 (US… Continue reading
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Matcha Mania?
Matcha is everywhere: in lattes, ice cream, protein bars, skincare and cocktails. During a recent visit to Osaka, I even had matcha beer! Probably for tourists. What used to be a carefully prepared tea in Japan’s traditional tea ceremony is… Continue reading
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Why do people take their shoes off everywhere in Japan?
You take off your shoes when you enter someone’s home. You remove them when you visit a traditional restaurant or a temple. Even in my office building, I’ve noticed people switching from their street shoes to slippers. Why? A big… Continue reading
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How high-tech is Japan?
Robots deliver your meal in a restaurant or collect dirty dishes. Others clean the lobbies of office buildings. AI robot concierges in train stations help you find a route or the next toilet. Smart toilets change the way you do… Continue reading
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What’s the meaning of the waving cat in Japan?
You see it often in Japan. By the entrance of a shop or restaurant. On a counter. In a window. A small cat, paw raised, gently ‘waving’ people in. They come in all shapes and sizes. Carved from wood. Molded… Continue reading
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Don’t you just love Japanese toilets?
Yes, it can be intimidating to encounter one for the first time. So many buttons, so many potentially embarrassing disasters waiting to happen. But they can be conquered. And hand on heart, having lived with one, I’m now in love.… Continue reading
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Do Geisha still exist in modern Japan?
When you picture traditional Japan, geisha are probably among the first images that come to mind. Yet you are unlikely to run into one on the street. In fact, among my Japanese colleagues and friends, only one had ever seen… Continue reading
