JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Ikezu-Ishi: Are Kyoto’s “Rude Rocks” an Insult, or a Kindness?
Some domestic tourists point to one local custom, the "rude rock," as proof of Kyoto spite. But it isn't even specific to…
kyoto
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
CULTURE
Pentagrams and Boulder Gods: Japan’s Shrines That Break the Mold
A boulder as an object of worship. A "breakup shrine" that's a stone covered in papers. Meet the Shinto shrines that defy…
TRAVEL
“Insta-Pests”: Why A Kyoto Temple Reportedly Banned Kimono-Clad Visitors
The temple's crackdown on visitors wearing flashy clothing isn't aimed just at tourists, but at influencers in general.
TRAVEL
Tokyo Overhauls Lodging Tax as Accommodation Fees Spread Across Japan
Most inbound tourists won't notice it, but the increase will enable Tokyo to better accommodate the rising wave of travelers.
TRAVEL
MUJI Opens “Anti-Tourism” Hotel in Busiest Tourist Location in Kyoto
MUJI's latest BASE hotel pitches itself as "anti-tourism." So why is it in one of the most heavily touristed parts of Japan?
TRAVEL
Japan’s Capsule Hotels: Why They May Be a Better Option Than You Think
Japan's capsule hotels are notorious for packing as many people into as small a space as possible. One type of capsule hotel,…
TRAVEL
Kimono Rental Shops in Japan: What’s Real, What’s Fake, & How Not to Get Swindled
Learn about the different types of kimono styles and how to tell serious, traditional shops apart from the TikTok trends.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Why This Japanese Phrase from Kansai Sounds Strange to the Rest of Japan
It's a phrase that confuses Tokyoites. But to many in the Kansai region, it's a daily expression rooted in the region's unique…