Topic
Seasons & Festivals
Japan celebrates the seasons all year round. Festivals, customs and seasonal foods, month by month.
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.
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.
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.
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.