Tailor-made Japan Travel Packages for Families, Couples & Groups
Japanese New Year Tradition Experience Japan’s First Shrine or Temple Visit of the Year Hatsumode is the first visit to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple after the New Year begins. People offer thanks, pray for health or good fortune, return old charms and welcome …
For many visitors, professional sumo wrestlers seem larger than life. They spend years competing in Japan’s national sport, following strict traditions and living in sumo stables dedicated entirely to training. But have you ever wondered what happens after they retire? Unlike many professional athletes who …
Most people know sumo as Japan’s national sport, but there’s much more to it than two wrestlers trying to push each other out of a ring. Behind every match are centuries of traditions, fascinating customs, and surprising facts that many first-time visitors never expect. Whether …
First-time sumo guide Is watching sumo worth adding to your Japan trip? For many first-time visitors, yes. A Grand Sumo Tournament combines live competition, ceremonial tradition and a distinctly Japanese arena atmosphere—but the experience is best when your schedule, seat and expectations are planned properly. …
If you’ve ever watched a sumo match, you’ve probably noticed that the action doesn’t begin immediately. Before the wrestlers even face each other, they throw salt into the ring, stomp their feet, clap their hands, and perform a series of ceremonial movements. To first-time visitors, …
When most people think of Japan, they imagine cherry blossoms, sushi, Mount Fuji, and ancient temples. But there’s another cultural icon that has been part of Japanese life for over 1,500 years—sumo. Unlike many modern sports, sumo is deeply connected to Japanese history, religion, and …
New Year in Japan is very different from what many international travelers expect. Instead of loud countdowns or fireworks, the Japanese New Year focuses on quiet reflection, family time, and ritual. The meaning of New Year in Japan New Year, known as Oshogatsu, is considered …