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Valentine's Day is a day when you celebrate love and often give someone a nice gift. In Western countries both men and women participate in this event. Guys everywhere go into a tizzy before Valentine’s Day. It can be hard to pick out just the right gift, or plan the perfect date. In Japan things are a bit different though. Japan is a relatively new player in the Valentine’s game, but they've managed to come up with their own style of celebrating Valentine's Day. First off, women are the usually ones who have to give gifts at first on Valentine's...

The 10 Most Beautiful Places In Kyoto - A Tourist's Dream Come True  Kyoto, Japan is a city that is surrounded with temples, shrines and castles. From these 10 most beautiful places in Kyoto, you will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of different eras. Kyoto was once the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. It was founded in 794 AD and its name means "Capital of Peace." In Kyoto, you can find old world charm with a modern flare as it preserves its heritage while also embracing new trends. It has been ranked as one of...

What are Tatami Mats? Tatami mats are the traditional rice straw mats that originated in Asia and have been used most recognizably in Japan. They are made by weaving long thin strips of rice straw, then cutting them into pieces for final use. Tatami mats can be placed on the floor to sleep on, to sit on for meditation or as a bed to sleep on during warmer weather. Tatami mats were originally used to cover the dirt floor in the traditional Japanese residences. It was not until 1644 when they began using tatami mats as seating surfaces and sleeping...

The History of Onigiri for Delicious Japanese Cuisine Onigiris are traditional Japanese fast food that's made of rice. The onigiri is then wrapped in seaweed and often filled with fish, meat, vegetables or anything else you might think of. Traditionally, the onigiri was carried by travelers as food that could be quickly eaten on the go. In an 11th-century diary written by Murasaki Shikibu Nikki, there is mention of people eating rice balls. At that time, onigiri were not called onigiri, but tonjiki instead, and often eaten during outdoor picnic lunches. Most people attribute the origins of onigiri to the...

Japan is a beautiful country with rich culture. One of the best ways to experience the country is to take the time to visit and learn about Japan's history and customs. The adventure doesn’t need to end after your vacation is done. The best way to continue to enjoy Japan is by bringing home souvenirs as your own little piece of Japan for your family, your friends, and of course yourself! 1. Japanese Clothing Clothing is a popular souvenir because Kyoto is well known for its textiles. Kimonos, yukatas, and kimonos are all colorful and elegant. They make for a...