Have you ever heard of Japanese taiko drums? Literally translated taiko (太鼓) means “great (big/fat) drum”. Nowadays taiko performances are quite famous even outside of Japan. “Yamato” is a group of taiko...
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Fushimi Momoyama Castle in Kyoto
Today I want to introduce “Momoyama Castle” to you. Momoyama Castle, also known as Fushimi Castle is in Kyoto. I’m pretty sure that most (foreign) visitors didn’t know about this castle or have ever...
Kyoto Geisha Doll
I bet a lot of you have been to Kyoto or want to go there some day. As you might know Kyoto is famous for its traditional old houses, historical sites, tons of World Heritage tagged temples and shrines and … for geishas, of...
Autumn Colors in Japan (2011)
It’s slowly getting chilly here and that although I live in the southern part of Japan! October is usually the month with the most pleasant temperature. In November it’s getting cooler rather quickly and leaves change...
The 12 Japanese Zodiac Figures
In Japan you will often run into 12 different zodiac figures. They’re available as omamori (lucky charms) or printed on ema (wooden wishing plaques) at shrines / temples and even on Japanese New Year cards. To be fair...
Mount Koya – One of Japan’s Most Sacred Places
Mount Koya is located in Wakayama Prefecture and is one of the most sacred places in Japan. It’s also part of the famous Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage. It’s not far from Kyoto, so I highly recommend visiting. ...
Temple and Shrine seal book
You have probably seen a temple and shrine seal book already, but you were not sure what exactly it is? Trust me when I say you’re missing out on something GREAT! What is a temple and shrine seal book? I think most...
How I Made It to Japan
Hello. This is the first post in this blog. Thanks to those of you who are reading along from the very start! A lot of people are interested in coming to Japan. Some only want to visit, others want to come and try living here for...