Wabi-sabi (侘寂) is an aesthetic philosophy whose roots are based in Zen Buddhism, particularly the tea ceremony, in which masters prized bowls that were handmade and irregularly shaped, with uneven glaze, cracks, and beauty in their imperfection. Wabi-sabi has influenced many Japanese arts such as ikebana (flower arrangement), gardens, haiku, and pottery. Loosely translated, “Wabi”...Read More
If you go shopping at convenience stores in Japan, you will see a variety of packaged rice balls lined up on the shelf. These Japanese rice balls are generally called “Onigiri (おにぎり)” or “Omusubi (おむすび)”. Onigiri is commonly used in the eastern part of Japan, whereas Omusubi tends to be used in the western part....Read More
Anime and manga are big parts of modern Japanese culture today as well as attracting fans from all around the world. Here is a shortlist of destinations for the manga/anime lover travelling to Japan. Ghibli Museum If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli and their famous works such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited...Read More
A sign that spring is approaching, Major League Baseball teams are heading to spring training camps across Arizona and Florida and very soon the sounds of mitts popping and bats cracking is going to fill baseball parks around the country. I figured now is as good a time as any to talk about baseball in...Read More
Konnichiwa! I’m Martin. I have been working for Samurai Tours for about 4 years. Before that, I was a database administrator but gave up the tech job due to my love for Japan. I have traveled all over the country and enjoy sharing my experiences with customers to help them plan their Japanese adventures. I...Read More
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that impacts the circadian rhythm. All the biological rhythms are controlled by the body’s circadian clock, so if you suffer from this disorder, you will show several biological disruptions. Here’s a list of the most common symptoms you can experience during jet lag: • Insomnia • Fatigue •...Read More
As you prepare for your trip to Japan, make sure to keep these essential packing tips in mind. Pack smart to avoid taking anything you don’t need or forget anything you do! Small Luggage Packing lightly is a useful skill for any kind of travel and navigating Japan is much easier when you have a...Read More
Whenever I find myself in Kyoto, I always jump on the Nara Line and head to Uji for some of Uji’s famous green tea. But green tea is not the only thing that Uji is known for. It is also the home of World Heritage sites and has a connection with the Tale of...Read More
