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Chagusaba is a traditional agricultural production method dating back more than 10,000 years. It's a key method of producing high-quality, sweeter natural tea, with a distinct aroma and taste. By cultivating grasslands and meadows, plus processing native plants in thoughtful ways, Japan has proven out a traditional, sustainable method of tea-farming.  

A deep connection to nature has traditionally been a key element of spiritual life in Japan. In spite of the distance from nature, or perhaps because of it, Japanese people have a great fondness for rural landscapes. There is even a term in Japanese, Satoyama, that expresses the transition and coexistence of human-made landscapes and the natural world.

From formal meals to traditional tea ceremonies, it is wise to develop some understanding of what is considered good manners. Whether eating with new Japanese friends, dining in a Japanese restaurant, or attending a business lunch with a Japanese client, following a few simple etiquette rules can make you shine.

Japanese culture has a rich and long traditional history, with a proper etiquette for almost every occasion. Not surprisingly, eating noodles has some specific rules and etiquette which come in hand if you're planing a trip to Japan.

Food and etiquette are an important part of Japanese culture and we would like to shed light on some specific Japanese dishes that have their own rules, including sushi, ramen and boxed meals known as bentos. This will help you as you travel through Japan!

Whether you are planing a trip to Japan or want to make a good impression, you should definitely do your research. Japan has a rich dinning history, especially when it comes to the use of chopsticks, with many traditions and unwritten rules.

Rugby World Cup is in this year Japan and with the Olympics and Paralympics also taking place in the archipelago next year, there are a lot of stadium foods to look forward!

For most of the Western world, what comes to mind when thinking about Japan’s sports culture is sumo and, for manga fans, baseball. These are part of Japanese culture, yes, but we would be remiss in thinking this is where it ends. There is definitely something more! 

When I had the opportunity to travel back to my second hometown of Wakayama this spring, I made a point to ask around beforehand whether there were any homestays or farm-stays that might be available and settled on a brief stay at a guest house, or minshuku, called Hana-ichiban.

One of the most popular summer festivals, Tanabata is coming up fast. With a beautiful story behind it and widespread celebrations around Japan, it is time to get acquainted with the “Star Festival.”

Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls’ Day, is a celebration that occurs annually on March 3rd in honor of girls in Japan.

The unique way Valentine's Day is celebrated in Japan.