Art & Culture

  • Omizutori: A Festival of Fire and Water

    Omizutori is an ancient two-week long festival that occurs at Todaiji Temple in March. This is a truly exciting event that encompasses many rituals, including a fire and water ceremony.

  • Explore the World of Japanese Bathhouses

    Bathhouses, commonly referred to as “sento” in Japanese, have been an integral part of the Japanese social system since the Edo period. These buildings, found in most Japanese towns and...

  • A Home for Art on a Hill in Wazuka

    What is Wazuka? Wazuka is a town in Kyoto Prefecture famous for its high quality tea. The farming families in Wazuka have been producing Ujicha for over 800 years. Today...

  • Roll Out the Red Carpet and Celebrate Girls Day

    Hinamatsuri is a special occasion in Japan that celebrates girls, wishing for their happiness and health. Have you ever seen one of the signature, grand doll displays? They are an...

  • Saitama’s Magical Moomin Valley

    If you are familiar with Moomins, you would think this place is located it in Finland. However, you can find this magical place next to Tokyo, in Saitama prefecture.  ...

  • Ruby Silvious: 26 Days of Tea in Japan

    Who is Ruby Silvious? Ruby Silvious is not your average artist. Ruby turns trash into treasure. She breathes life into disregarded fragments of  everyday objects. She finds beauty in things...