What are some of the best things to do in Aomori Prefecture? Located at the northern tip of Japan's main island of Honshu, Aomori is surrounded by beautiful seas on three sides and covered in large swathes of forests.
The Star Festival originated from the Chinese legend of two stars, Vega and Altair – lovers who were separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year on July 7.
In midsummer, many step out in yukata, or summer kimono, and gather in parks which are colorfully decorated with lanterns – to eat, drink and perform traditional dances to the beat of Japanese folk music.
Hinamatsuri, also called Doll's Day or Girls' Day, is a time when Japanese families display a set of dolls of the emperor and empress in traditional kimono attire.
Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus spread, organizers for this year’s Tsutsuji Matsuri have cancelled the event planned from Mar. 1-22. Please visit Okinawa.stripes.com for the latest updates on this and other cancellations.
Teas from Asia, especially matcha green tea, are experiencing their moment abroad, so it wouldn’t be surprising if you’ve tried a few varieties already.
Most of my foreign friends tell me they didn’t know how much Japanese love curry until they came to Japan. Well, not only do we love it, but we actually have a very deep-rooted curry culture.
Nothing says fast food in the south of Japan like “tako-raisu!” And 2020 marks the 36th birthday of this signature Okinawan dish, according to local lore.
If you head out on Route 330 near Camp Foster, the sight of chickens rotating in the orange glow of Bueno Chicken’s storefront may have already drawn you like a moth to a flame.
Since Okinawa is the birthplace of taco rice, a local take on the taco with international fame, some of the best to be had can be found almost anywhere on island. A good taco, on the other hand, well, that’s not so easy to come by.
