Tag: Only in Japan

G'Day Japan! / Only in Japan


A Body Slam into the world of Sumo

Culture Avatar photo Ari Gorney

Martial Arts and Japan have a rich, deep and beautiful history together, so it is to no surprise that Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport. Sumo is one of Japan’s most well-known sports, and a highly authentic Japanese cultural experience in and of itself. The sport from the offset seems quite … Read More

“Cash is King” and the “IC Card is Queen”

Culture Avatar photo Ari Gorney

In Japan, the saying is “Cash is King”, with the society being so reliant of using physical money for purchases such as restaurants, supermarkets, and a multitude of other locations. But if the saying goes “Cash is King” then in recent times certainly it can be said that the “IC Card is Queen” with… Read More

Setsubun: Out with the Old, in with the Ogres

Culture Avatar photo Ari Gorney

An aspect of Japan that I absolutely love is that there are very distinct seasons. Unlike Australia, where you could have winter and summer on the same day, Japan has four well defined seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It is refreshing to see a change of season almost in an instant, from… Read More

A history of the Kanji of the Year

Language Avatar photo Ari Gorney

On December 12 2020, all eyes were on Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto where the "Kanji of the Year" was revealed to the public who voted on choosing what best represents that year. Seihan Mori, the head abbot of the temple, took his usual place in front of a blank board on the site’s famous balcony, r… Read More

Celebrate Halloween Parades in Tokyo

Tokyo Entertainment Avatar photo Vivianne Tran

Tokyo is gaining attention for its creative and festive approach to halloween by taking it to a whole new level!  Tokyo's approach is a bit different as it focuses less on the spooky side of this festive season. Instead, it is viewed more of a time to be inventive with dress up costumes. Also, it's… Read More

Tokyo’s Izakaya night bars guide!

Tokyo Food and Drink Avatar photo Vivianne Tran

Have you guys heard of Japan’s favourite hangout place, Izakaya? If this sounds foreign to you, allow me to explain what it is. Izakaya is a type of casual Japanese-style bar/pub (the midpoint between a bar and a restaurant), serving a range of Japanese alcoholic drinks and top-notch snacks to acc… Read More

Top Kyoto Cafes for Matcha Lovers

Kyoto Food and Drink Avatar photo Ying-Ying Lee

It is funny how the more you cannot have something, the more you want it. Has anyone been craving matcha since the start of COVID-19? This superfood has taken the world by a storm. Not only is the green powder recognized for its health benefits, but also its ability to be incorporated in a wide var… Read More

Discovering the local Cuisine of Shikoku

Kochi Food and Drink Avatar photo Ari Gorney

Hidden away below Okayama prefecture lies the island of Shikoku, and the 4 prefectures that consist of it. Ehime, Kanagawa, Tokushima and Kochi Prefecture. Shikoku is the smallest of the 4 major islands of Japan, and due to the limited transportation options, and lack of Shinkansen line running thr… Read More

Online Japanese Courses and Tours

Sydney Language Avatar photo Ying-Ying Lee

Being stuck at home has many people frustrated and bored. Without a doubt, COVID-19 affect many people's plans. However, instead of idling around, why not take full advantage of all the things offered online? From studying Japanese online to virtually exploring Japan, the possibilities are endless.… Read More

Mount Koya: The monastery settlement of Japan

Wakayama Discover Avatar photo Ari Gorney

Located in the heart of Wakayama prefecture, on top of a mountain, lies a village tucked away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Osaka City. Here you will find a huge temple settlement known as Mount Koya (高野山, Kōyasan), which is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which… Read More

Why Japanese is Easier than You Think

Language Avatar photo Ying-Ying Lee

Out of all the languages on the planet, Japanese is regarded as one of the hardest languages to master. Some say that it takes 2,200 hours before you become fluent in Japanese. On the other hand, some other languages take as little as 600 hours. It's no wonder many people feel defeated before they … Read More

6 Enchanting Autumn Light Up Events in Japan

Aichi Event Avatar photo Paulina Rozbicki

During autumn, you not only enjoy the brilliant colours during the day but at night too. Autumn light up events occur throughout Japan bringing new life to the gardens, temples, and parks they illuminate. Dazzling light displays transform the atmosphere as various types of maple and gingko trees gl… Read More

Enjoy seasonal fruit picking at Okayama!

Okayama Discover Avatar photo Vivianne Tran

Okayama is pleasantly gifted with a mild climate with a higher chance of sunny days outrunning rainy days, in comparison to other parts of Japan. Okayama Prefecture is located south of Chugoku Region and Honshu Island. This makes it the perfect place for growing all kinds of sweet, high quality fru… Read More

Why You Should Visit Aomori in Winter

Aomori Discover Avatar photo Abby Whalan

Aomori is the most northern prefecture on the main island of Japan. It is most known for Aomori having the highest snowfall in the world at a staggering average of 8m every year. This makes the area ideal for skiing – but there is a lot more you can do in Winter in Aomori! Discover the Winter wonde… Read More

7 Amazing Vegan Restaurants in Japan

Tokyo Food and Drink Avatar photo Paulina Rozbicki

When people talk about vegan food they might not associate Japan with having a lot of options. But today we’re here to show you that Japan does have vegan food and it’s both healthy and delicious. We’ve compiled a list of 7 amazing vegan restaurants in Japan so you won’t have to spend a lot of time… Read More