?????Japan is steeped in tradition - or what looks like tradition, with a great number of historical buildings, for example, that were destroyed in World War II having been reconstructed, either as a facade or painstakingly much as they used to... -

?????????????On a rainy evening in late April, we cycled into central Kyoto to watch a performance of Butoh.Yurabe Masami PerfomingIn the words of performer Yurabe Masami:"Since ancient times, we have been fascinated by flowers. Flowers are ever... -

One of the reasons I decided to study Chinese (a decision that shocked both my parents and my teachers at the Grammar School in the small town where I lived) was my discovery of philosophical Daoism. Not satisfied with what the protestant church my... -

This small memoir, that ends on a tone of disillusion, is one of the best accounts of a Westerner coming to terms with Zen and meditation. The Empty Mirror, Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery, written by the Dutch adventurer, businessman and... -

???????Yatate portable pen and ink case, Japan Stationery Museum, Taito ward, Tokyo.The Japan Stationery Museum (Nihon Bungu Shiryokan) is a small repository of things to do with writing - in the broadest sense of the word - in the Yanagibashi... -

Ise Shrine is one of Japan’s most sacred places and thus popular among pilgrims and tourists. It’s no wonder that it has been designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government. If people ask for shrine recommendations, Ise Shrine is... -

Say the word "Beppu" to any Japanese person, and they will probably conjure up images of bubbling "hell" hot springs, steam billowing from sidewalks and pervasive smells of sulphur. Beppu is known as the hot spring capital of Japan, and for... -

One of the most colorful and appealing images of traditional Japan is the graceful paper umbrella. Forty years ago there were almost 10,000 artisans in Japan making umbrellas of oiled paper and bamboo; now very few remain.A few years ago Jacqueline... -

If you’re interested in ninja, you should visit one of Japan’s oldest ninja villages in Iga Ueno. But the ninja village is not the only thing you can find there. There’s also Iga Ueno Castle – which was the main reason for me to visit as... -

????Murayama Zosu: Making the finest vinegar products for more than 250 yearsKyoto vinegars are popularly known as kyozu, and among the several locally produced brands, Murayama Zosu\'s Chidorisu has an especially high reputation. Its unique... -

Even if you’re not interested in ninja, I still highly recommend checking out Iga Ueno. It’s a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka and there’s more to explore than just the ninja secrets. I was quite impressed and learned so much during my short... -

Do you like pastries " If you do and are in Japan, I highly recommend you to try some local sweets and snacks ! It is true that Japanese people are not used to eat very sweet food or what we call “desert� so much. However some purely... -

Marvel\'s comics exhibition "Age of Heroes" is taking place at the Tokyo City View, on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower from April 7 to June 25.Over 200 exhibits are on display including original stage costumes, props and other Marvel... -

?????Japan: More than four million middle-aged \'parasite singles\' still live with their elderly parentsIndependentCriminal complaint filed against PM\'s wife, Akie Abe, and aide over Moritomo Gakuen The MainichiWhat it\'s like to hold... -

Guest House & Share House in Japan The most convenient and affordable way to stay in Japan is a guest house or a shared house. It is not only recommended for a short holiday in Japan, but also if you plan to stay longer and don’t have a high... -

???????Yodobashi Camera is one of Japan\'s biggest electronics and home appliance retail chains.The Apple store in Yodobashi AkibaThere are 24 branches of Yodabashi Camera, about half of them in the greater Tokyo area, and the rest in big... -

??????Ginza Six - a grand, glitzy new shopping presence in GinzaGinza Six is a brand new shopping complex that opens today in Tokyo\'s most prestigious shopping district, Ginza.Ginza Six is so named because it is on the Ginza 6-Chome intersection,... -

Do you know the feeling" You moved all the way to Japan and people back home keep asking you why" You tell them you live in Adachi-ku and they ask why not Shinjuku or Shibuya" Or ?worse?, you moved to Urawa in Saitama and you always have to... -

????Nameless Theatre presents Othello (English language with Japanese subtitles)Following the success of last season\'s A Midsummer Night\'s Dream, Nameless Theatre is preparing for an evening of jealously, betrayal and revenge as they bring... -