MAGAZINE
Lost My Smartphone, But It Came Back—A Touching Story of Japanese Integrity
Losing something while traveling is one of the biggest fears—but if it’s your smartphone, it’s even more heart-wrenching. Photos, contacts, maps, itinerary—everything is inside. I actually lost mine in Japan, and the outcome was filled with surprise and gratitude. It...
Bowed After Every Transaction – Japanese Customer Service Took My Breath Away
One of the first things that surprised me upon arriving in Japan was the level of customer service. At the register, store clerks bow deeply—sometimes at a perfect 90 degrees—after every transaction. They hand you items with both hands, speak in a calm and respectful...
The Silence on Japanese Trains Surprised Me – In the Most Peaceful Way
The first thing I noticed when riding a train in Japan was the silence. Aside from the soft hum of the train in motion, the cars were remarkably quiet—no loud conversations, no phone calls, no background music. Even in crowded compartments, there was an absence of...
Japan and the Joy of Traveling Alone – It Just Makes Sense Once You’re There
Before visiting Japan, I thought solo travel might feel a little lonely. I imagined sightseeing would be more fun in a group, good food was meant to be shared, and unfamiliar places were best explored with someone to talk to. I arrived in Japan with those assumptions....
Omamori and Ema – The Hidden Meanings Behind Japan’s Sacred Charms
When visiting a Japanese shrine, you’ll often notice vibrant pouches and small wooden plaques neatly arranged in a quiet corner of the grounds. These are omamori (protective charms) and ema (votive plaques). At first, I picked them up simply because they looked cute...
Dinner at a Ryokan – A Full Course Meal That Looked Like a Work of Art
The reservation screen had simply said “dinner included.” I hadn’t expected much. But that night, at a traditional Japanese ryokan, I experienced something far beyond anything I had imagined. After being shown to my room, changing into a yukata, and soaking in the...
Completely Charmed by a Japanese Gift Shop – I Wanted to Buy Everything
While traveling through Japan, I often found myself unexpectedly enchanted by small, tucked-away Japanese gift shops—often just beyond the bustle of a busy sightseeing spot. The moment you slide open the wooden door, a soft scent of washi paper welcomes you. Inside,...
The Beauty of Stillness – Discovering the Deep Grace of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
Among all the experiences I had in Japan, the tea ceremony stands out as one of the most memorable. I had imagined it as a formal ritual centered around drinking matcha, but what I encountered was something far deeper—an immersion into the very essence of stillness....
Why Do Japanese People Bow? A Single Visit Says It All
One of the first things that surprises many visitors to Japan is the bow. Store staff bow as they greet you, commuters nod politely while passing by, and conductors on trains bow deeply to passengers. At first, it may seem unfamiliar—even curious—but as your journey...
Shakyo Experience in a Japanese Temple – A Moment of Stillness and Inner Peace
While traveling through Japan, one of the most striking sensations I encountered was the beauty of silence. Just a short step away from the bustling city, entering the grounds of a temple brings an immediate sense of calm. It was in this serene space that I...
Saying Hello to the Deer in Nara – Like Stepping into a Storybook
While traveling through Japan, one of the most unexpectedly magical places I discovered was Nara. With its historic shrines and temples, vast parks, and—most memorably—its freely roaming deer, the city felt like something out of a fairytale. I was a little nervous at...
From Nervous to Renewed – My First Dip into Japan’s Onsen Culture
When planning my trip to Japan, I wasn’t quite sure whether to include a visit to an onsen. I was fascinated by the culture, but a little hesitant about the custom of communal bathing. Curiosity and apprehension swirled together—until I finally decided to take the...
Shrines Look Stunning from Every Angle – A Must-Visit for Photography Lovers
Scattered across Japan, shrines quietly reside within towns and cities, often nestled in peaceful groves, surrounded by carefully preserved architecture. What strikes visitors immediately is just how effortlessly photogenic these places are. Simply raising your...
Stepping into Tradition: My First Kimono Experience Felt Like a Japanese Drama
“Strolling through Kyoto’s charming streets, I often passed women carrying traditional wagasa umbrellas and men elegantly clad in haori. Their dignified presence and quiet beauty seemed to fill the air with a special kind of time. They were the living embodiment of a...
Tokyo Banana Is Not Just Banana – A Must-Have Japanese Souvenir
That bright yellow package at airports and major train stations—marked with the charming name “Tokyo Banana”—never fails to catch the eye. Despite its name, I didn’t find it with the fruit, but among souvenirs. Curious and a bit skeptical, I picked one up and tasted...