japaneseculture
Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, with a seemingly endless supply of sights, sounds and experiences to enjoy. But amidst all the excitement and energy, it can be easy to overlook some of the city’s hidden treasures. One such place is Gokokuji Temple, a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple that’s off the beaten path but well worth a visit. Temple BackgroundThe temple was founded in 1681 by the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in honor of his mother. Gokokuji Temple is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Tokyo. It survived numerous earthquakes and air raids that had previously d...
GaijinPot
Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima Prefecture is a striking daimyo‘s (feudal lord) garden dating back to the early 17th century. It’s a historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into Japanese history. Unfortunately, during the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945, it was completely destroyed. However, the garden has been restored to its former glory. This garden is an exceptional example of a traditional Japanese garden that showcases the beauty and elegance of Japanese aesthetics. Miniaturized SceneriesOne of the most notable features of Shukkeien Garden is its miniaturized sceneries, designed to...
GaijinPot
Soba; a delicious, healthy alternative to ramen. A relatively easy-to-make dish, soba (蕎麦, そば) noodles are one of the most famous traditional foods found in Japan. Archaeological evidence shows that buckwheat has been cultivated in Japan since the Jomon Period (about 10,000 years ago). In the simplest terms, soba is made from finely ground buckwheat mixed with water into a dough, cut into long, thin noodles, then boiled. It’s essentially the same process as making pasta. Soba is then served with tsuyu(つゆ), a soup base made from dried bonito and kombu kelp dashi (stock) and soy sauce, and other...
Savvy Tokyo
If you love rosemary and mint, read on to learn all about Japan’s indigenous herbs whose captivating aromas and tastes have been commonly used in Japanese cooking and traditional medicine. With shiso, yomogi, kuromoji and mitsuba in your pantry, you’ll have an all-natural arsenal to battle aches and pains and winter colds, all while indulging in aromatherapy! Western herbs are well known for their health and relaxation benefits. Who among us hasn’t had a cup of peppermint tea to calm down, massaged in a lavender cream before bed or basked in the comforting aroma of rosemary-baked vegetables? J...
Savvy Tokyo
Despite being cute, relatively unassuming animals, rabbits and hares are found in the myths and tales of a surprising number of countries. From the ancient Greek tales of the foolish hare losing a race to a tortoise because of its arrogance to the cunning trickster rabbits of Native American culture, the carrot-munching creatures are found throughout the world’s cultures and lore. Of course, Japan is no exception; in these isles, the lovable furballs symbolize longevity, good luck and prosperity. In this, the year of the rabbit, GaijinPot goes down the rabbit hole and looks at five ways that t...
GaijinPot
At portent times such as the new year, Japanese people often wait in long lines at shrines to draw a special kind of fortune known as an omikuji (御神籤). In the past before significant events, lots would be drawn to determine whether the venture would be blessed by the spirits. The final part of the word, kuji meaning a lottery, is apt as omikuji involves drawing a numbered stick from a container. The number refers to the fortune you will be given and how much luck you will receive. These days, other styles also exist, ranging from the relatively common pulling a folded piece of paper from a con...
GaijinPot
The classic Japanese custard pudding gets a seasonal twist with amazake. During oshogatsu (Japanese New Year), people in Japan huddle outside of temples and shrines to pray for an auspicious year, hands warmed by steaming cups of amazake (fermented rice drink). Incorporating the cheery holiday drink, this amazake purin recipe below riffs on the classic flan-like Japanese purin(custard pudding). Amazake acts as a natural sweetener, so the only added sugar here is in the caramel—a dark, fragrant sauce with just enough bitterness and depth to counterbalance the amazake’s sweetness. Amazake: The “...
Savvy Tokyo
In Japan, the citrus fruit yuzu brings a burst of brightness that cuts through the longest night of the year: the winter solstice. Although the daylight fades earlier and earlier each day as we get deeper into winter, when the sunshine-yellow yuzu (Japanese citrus) hits the supermarket shelves, it’s hard not to get excited. Its cheery color, energizing scent and immune-boosting properties make yuzu the natural choice to remedy a variety of winter woes. Traditionally, the winter solstice is celebrated by taking a yuzu-steeped bath that perfumes the entire room with an invigorating aroma—a pract...
Savvy Tokyo
Japan is an incredible place to be a music fan because Japan loves music. What do you expect from the country that gave the world karaoke and made singing a song a viable hobby? It also has the second-largest music industry in the world (after the US). This love of music also extends to movies, with films depicting the adventures of bands and musicians like Swing Girls often striking a chord (pun intended) with filmgoers. What could be more Japanese than a group united in a single purpose and doing their best to overcome personal and external odds? Here’s a list of some of the best films for r...
GaijinPot
Introduce harmony into your living space with a touch of bonsai-inspired garden art. Kokedama, or “moss ball”, is an ancient Japanese art form that is derived from the practice of bonsai. The beauty of exposed bonsai roots, which would accumulate moss over time, was the inspiration behind kokedama. It was colloquially referred to as “the poor man’s bonsai” as it was a simpler, more affordable way for people to enjoy the tranquility of a Japanese garden in their homes. The concept of kokedama began as a way for Japanese people to stay connected to the forest while living in the city. The lack o...
Savvy Tokyo
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