Know Your Kimono: 9 Different types of Kimono
Kimono literally means "something that is worn" - but there are many types of kimono worn on different occasions.
The basis of the kimono is, of course, the kimono robe itself. There are various kimono patterns and...
Diary of a Japan Tour Guide: Ayu in Bunkyo Ward
Japan Tour Guide (JTG) is an online portal that aims to match volunteer Japanese guides with visitors coming to Japan. Read about their tours put together for tourists by these friendly local guides in...
Are Oni really evil?
February 3rd is known as Setsubun, which marks the beginning of spring. On this day, many Japanese people throw roasted soybeans at Oni chanting “Oni ha soto, fuku ha uchi (out with evil, in...
Aomori’s ancient festival of floats
Larger than life lanterns at the Aomori Nebuta Festival
Ready to celebrate Japan’s ancient traditions at a matsuri of massive proportions? Grab your geta, and head up to the Aomori Nebuta Festival on Aug. 1-7, one...
First Brush With Geisha Culture
Before I became a geisha I was lecturing in Japanese Studies at university and making anthropological documentaries for broadcasters like National Geographic Channel or Channel 4 (UK), or writing.
After I became a geisha, and...
A Taste of Sh旬n: Eat The Eel Day
Just surviving on somen, shaved ice or salad when your appetite is suppressed by the hot and humid Japanese summer is bound to leave one listless - which is why the Japanese believe in...
Onsen Oasis: Dogo Onsen
Get spirited away at one of Japan's oldest hot springs
At Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, you soak in the historic atmosphere just as much as the hot spring itself. While Matsuyama as a...
Life inside the Flower and Willow World
Becoming a geisha
In my geisha house I will be taking a new hangyoku (maiko) trainee in this month. What kind of girls become geisha trainees in this day and age? Usually they are girls...
World Heritage (2): Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle: Japanese castle architecture perfected and preserved
After 5 and a half years of renovations, Himeji Castle reopened to the public in March in blazing white glory, with not just repainted walls and new roof tiles,...
