Popular Articles

  • The streets of Narai-juku

    5 Edo-Period Old Towns: Traditional Post Town Sceneries of the Nakasendo Road During the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), post towns were built and used throughout Japan. Post towns served as a resting and lodging spot for travelers, and were located on major routes connecting Edo (present day Tokyo) with other significant cities throughout the country. Nakasendo is one of the “Edo Five Routes”, and connected Edo with Kyoto by going through central Honshu. Some of the post towns on Nakasendo remain today, and retain the Edo period atmosphere. Here are 5 post towns on the Nakasendo Route that you can visit.

    6.sep 2018

  • Seed board

    What is Hakone's Traditional Craft: Yosegi Zaiku? 2 Places to buy them in Tokyo! There are nearly 1,200 types of traditional crafts made in Japan, about 230 of which are specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. These crafts have been produced with long histories in each prefecture, incorporate many regional characteristics, and all of them express the classic Japanese subtlety, elaborateness and beauty. This time, we will introduce one of such traditional craft techniques, “Hakone Yosegi Zaiku." Let's look at the complete story of the history and characteristics of yosegi zaiku marquetry with the rich wooden texture that have been passed down in the Hakone/Odawara area.

    29.may 2019

  • The Japanese star festival Tanabata

    What is Tanabata, Japan's Star Festival? 3 Tanabata Festivals to Visit! Tanabata, also referred to as the "star festival", is a Japanese summer festival held every July 7th (August in some places) derived from an old legend of separated lovers. During Tanabata, people write their wishes on brightly colored strips of paper called “tanzaku” and hang them from bamboo branches to have them granted. Tanabata is celebrated throughout Japan, and the 3 most famous festivals are Miyagi prefecture's "Sendai Tanabata Festival", Kanagawa prefecture's "Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival" and Aichi Prefecture's "Anjo Tanabata Festival". Some Tanabata events can involve the entire city, and are a great way to feel the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer. What is Tanabata, where did it come from, and what festivals should you visit? This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Japan's Tanabata culture.

    12.jul 2018

  • Ueno Zoo

    Ueno Zoo: Meet Pandas, Polar Bears & Capybaras at Tokyo's Oldest Zoo! Ueno Zoo in Tokyo is an animal haven with the highest annual visitor count in Japan, and is widely known as being home to the beloved giant pandas. With the birth of the baby panda Xiang-Xiang in 2017, the popularity of both Ueno Zoo and the pandas surged once again, and seems to never slow down! When Xiang-Xiang was introduced to the public, many tourists flocked from all around Japan to get one look at the baby panda. In September 8th 2020, the "Panda Forest" facility also opened up as a new home for the pandas. That being said, Ueno Zoo isn't all about the pandas. The spacious premises are split into an east zone and west zone, and both are equally packed with things to see. This article is your guide to all you need to know about Ueno Zoo, including the zoo's history, animals, and nearby attractions. 【Related Article】 All you need to know to enjoy Ueno Park to the fullest!↓↓ [Your 100% Guide to Ueno Park's Cherry Blossoms, Shrines & Museums](https://thegate12.com/article/35) ######35######

    26.jul 2018

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