NEWS

Kyoto for the Soul: A Cultural Retreat Beyond the Calendar
A journey through Kyoto's hidden sanctuaries—where spirituality, nature, and traditional craftsmanship converge beyond the seasons.
When we think o...

The Hidden Meaning of Colors in Japanese Art and Craft
Discover the hidden meanings behind traditional Japanese colors—subtle hues rooted in nature and spirit. In this article, we explore how these colors shape Japanese crafts, from ceramics to textiles, and how they invite harmony and beauty into daily life.

Discover the Art of Sake: A Journey Through Japanese Sake and Traditional Sake Cups
Discover the rich history and craftsmanship behind Japanese sake. From brewing techniques to traditional sake cups, this article offers a cultural journey through Japan’s most iconic drink.

The Spirit of Calligraphy: Discovering the Heart of Japan Through Ink and Brush
Ink gliding across paper. A quiet black line emerges, deliberate yet effortless. There is something meditative about the art of Japanese calligraph...

Hatsuuma: A Traditional Japanese Festival for Agriculture and Abundance
February is here! In this issue, we would like to introduce Hatsuuma Day, a unique Japanese tradition associated with one of Japan's most famous sh...

Yukata vs Kimono: Differences, Uses, and Key Accessories
Yukata vs Kimono: Know their key differences, uses, fabrics, patterns, and the best accessories to enhance your style with traditional Japanese attire.

Kokeshi Dolls: Traditional Japanese Wooden Art Explained
Kokeshi dolls are traditional Japanese wooden dolls celebrated for their simple yet charming design. Originating in northern Japan, these handcraf...

Falling in Love with Kyoto's Autumn Splendor
Kyoto's Autumn Palette: Nature's Masterpiece
Japanese autumn foliage is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and during the autumn s...

How to enjoy this brutal Japanese summer
Living in Japan comes with its own set of challenges, and one that might not be immediately obvious is the sticky, humid summer. Sure, Australia m...

Encountering God in resilience
What enriches our nature in Japan?We have had many tourists from not only all over Japan but also from around the world to enjoy the autumn colors ...

Autumn Colors of Kyoto
Do you believe superstitions?
Any list of superstitions would have to begin with arguably the most well-known and universal superstition: "to knock...

Jidai Matsuri
The Okazaki district, where our store is located in one of the centers of Kyoto’s major tourist attractions. Famous temples, Nanzenji-Temple introd...

Tourism in Japan and Art
Recent Kyoto weather shows that it is quite far from Autumn. The temperature still goes as high as 30 Celsius during the day- time. Tokyo may be th...

Utagawa Hiroshige
When we talk about Ukiyo-e artists, Without talking about Hokusai, previously we have shared his life in our blog and Utagawa Hiroshige, Nothing wi...

HOKUSAI
Have you ever watched the movie called "Pursuit of Happiness" (Columbia Pictures 2006)"? Yes you are right!! Will Smith and his son played. That m...

Autumn is the season of …….
What comes to your mind when we talk about Autumn?
We often describe that autumn is season of ……….. My favorite one will be “Autumn is the season o...

The Obon Week
As you might think that Japanese people love festivals in summer. One of the three biggest festivals in Japan, The Gion Festival took the whole mon...

The Gion Festival
After rainy seasons called TSUYU, the real hot summer season starts. The rain enriches the soil and nature then they transform into a gift of natur...

It is Minazuki
Minazuki means June. It is a Japanese-style of calling for the sixth month in the lunar calendar.
Minazuki has two opposite meanings: the month th...

The New Green Leaves in May
What color comes to mind when you hear “Maple leaves”?
In Japan, there is a custom that viewing green maple leaves this season after cherry blossom...