If you are reading this, you love to travel. Travel is about experiencing new places, foods, and cultures. Because of COVID 19, traveling to Japan may have to be delayed for some of us. But that does not mean we have to stop exploring. Here are a few ways I love to get my Japan...Read More
Japan is known for its craftsmanship in many areas, but did you know denim is another area Japanese craftsmen excel in? We know that America was the birthplace of denim jeans but after the second World War, American denim began to trend in Japan. In the 50s, due to demand for American made jeans, companies...Read More
Written by: Ota-san (Tammy), Samurai Tours Japan Staff We have information technology nowadays to find and watch what our prospective enemies. However, hundreds of years ago, the samurai did not have these kinds of technology. Instead of using high technology, they used ninjas. When they were fighting, the feudal lords needed to know the strategy...Read More
In search of #japanagram accounts? We have all been scrolling more lately in our spare time. You’ll often find me checking my favorite Instagram accounts of locals in Japan. It’s my way of virtually immersing myself into the Japanese everyday life. My preference is to be taken on a stroll through the city or neighborhoods...Read More
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport. It originated centuries ago as entertainment for the religious deities of the Shinto religion. Many of the original rituals of the performances are still in practice at Sumo matches today. In accordance with tradition, only men can wrestle professionally. The rules of the matches are very straightforward; the first...Read More
Rainy season in Japan (Tsuyu 梅雨) has arrived in Japan. Tsuyu directly translates to “plum rain” because the rainy season coincides with the ripening of plums. Tsuyu is very much a welcomed season in Japan as it is also when the rice fields flood, crucial for harvesting good rice, one of Japan’s essential foods. Because...Read More
Hello from Japan! It’s Tammy (Ota-san) from Kyoto Office. I have been working as a regional manager for Samurai Tours for 15 years. When Mike, the owner of Samurai Tours, started taking guests around Japan 17 years ago, he did everything from guiding to accounting. Now 10 Japanese staffers and 100 local guides work for...Read More
Sashiko, meaning “little stabs”, is a perfect way to describe this needlework. This embroidery technique is functional, acting to reinforce torn fabric or make repairs, but also elegant. Traditionally the embroidery design is a geometric pattern with white cotton thread on indigo blue fabric. Sashiko embroidery has been used in Japan for centuries, developed in...Read More
Cosplay in Japan is very popular and quite a big business, with many shops, events, and even conventions dedicated to the fun pastime. “Cosplay” is a contraction of costume and play and consists of people dressing up as characters and acting out scenes. These characters are from books, movies, video games, TV shows, and especially...Read More
I got on the bus with the group that I was meeting upon their arrival in Japan. It was a late arrival, and I knew they’d be tired from the long day of travel. I suggested to them that they could get dinner at the convenience stores in the basement of the hotel. After all,...Read More
