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Hinamatsuri: Japan's Doll Festival and the Meaning of Hina Dolls
Every March 3, families in Japan display tiers of elegant dolls and wish for their daughters' health and happiness. Here's what Hinamatsuri means, who each doll is, and what people eat.
Sakura Season Treats: 12 Cherry Blossom Flavors to Try at Home
From sakura mochi to salted blossom tea, here are 12 pink treats Japan enjoys every spring — what they taste like, where they come from, and how to try them at home.
Hanami Guide: How Japanese People Celebrate Cherry Blossoms
Picnics under pink trees, lantern-lit night viewing and a nationwide blossom forecast. Here's what hanami is, when to go, the etiquette, and how to join in.
Hatsumode: Japan's First Shrine Visit of the Year (and How to Join In)
In the first days of January, millions of people in Japan visit a shrine or temple to pray for the year ahead. Here's how to visit, how to pray, and what omikuji, omamori and ema mean.
Osechi Ryori: Japanese New Year Food and the Meaning of Each Dish
Osechi is Japan's beautiful New Year feast, packed in lacquered boxes. Every dish carries a wish — health, wealth, happiness or a long life. Here's what's inside and what it all means.
Oshogatsu: How Japan Celebrates the New Year
New Year is Japan's biggest holiday. From temple bells on New Year's Eve to the first shrine visit, special food and gifts for children, here's how Japanese families welcome the year.
Furoshiki: How to Wrap Gifts With a Japanese Cloth (Step by Step)
Furoshiki is a square Japanese cloth for wrapping gifts, bottles and books — and carrying them. Learn the basic wraps step by step, which size to buy and why it's back in style.
Japanese Gift Guide: Thoughtful Gifts From Japan for Every Budget
Tea, snacks, kitchen tools and everyday crafts from Japan — gift ideas for tea lovers, cooks, snack fans and anyone who loves Japan, plus how to wrap and ship them.
Valentine's Day and White Day in Japan: Who Gives Chocolate to Whom?
In Japan, women traditionally give chocolate on Valentine's Day and men return the favor on White Day, March 14. Here's how it works — giri-choco, honmei-choco, tomo-choco — and how the custom is changing.
Setsubun: Why Japanese People Throw Beans at Demons Every February
Every early February, families in Japan throw roasted soybeans and shout "Demons out, luck in!" Here's what Setsubun means, how it's celebrated, and how to try it at home.
More seasonal stories are on the way. Meanwhile, see what Japan celebrates each month.
Hi, I'm Koto!
I explain why Japanese people do what they do — tea, festivals, food and crafts — with simple illustrations. Then I show you authentic things you can try at home, from shops that ship worldwide.
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Latest articles
Hinamatsuri: Japan's Doll Festival and the Meaning of Hina Dolls
Every March 3, families in Japan display tiers of elegant dolls and wish for their daughters' health and happiness. Here's what Hinamatsuri means, who each doll is, and what people eat.
Japanese Snack Boxes Compared: What's Inside and Which to Pick
Bokksu, Sakuraco or TokyoTreat? A simple guide to what each Japanese snack box focuses on, who it suits, and what to check before you subscribe.
Japanese Tea Types Explained: Sencha, Gyokuro, Hojicha & More
A simple map of Japanese green teas — how each one is grown and made, what it tastes like, and how to brew it — so you know exactly which tea to buy next.
Sakura Season Treats: 12 Cherry Blossom Flavors to Try at Home
From sakura mochi to salted blossom tea, here are 12 pink treats Japan enjoys every spring — what they taste like, where they come from, and how to try them at home.
Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto & Tokyo: What to Expect
Thinking of joining a Japanese tea ceremony on your trip? Here's what happens step by step, how to behave as a guest, what to wear, and how to choose a good experience.
Hanami Guide: How Japanese People Celebrate Cherry Blossoms
Picnics under pink trees, lantern-lit night viewing and a nationwide blossom forecast. Here's what hanami is, when to go, the etiquette, and how to join in.