Traditions and everyday life in JapanFestivals, family customs, favourite places and everyday traditions, written by members of Global Penfriends who live in Japan. Each cultural keepsake is a short note about life where they are.
50 keepsakes from Japan · page 1 of 2
One of my favorite things about Japanese culture is hanami, which means enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms. When spring arrives and the cherry trees start blooming, people go to parks and other beautiful places to enjoy the…
Shared by YukoNavi
During the first three days of the New Year (January 1–3), people in Japan traditionally visit a shrine for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year, and eat osechi, a set of special New Year dishes, with their families at…
Shared by Kyoko12
The basic traditional shira-boshi plums pickled in salt contain 20 percent sodium. Any lower than that, and a white mold starts to grow on the outside of the fruit. But in the case of umeboshi flavored with honey, shiso…
Shared by Sasara
Beautiful Catholic churches in Tokyo. The stylish church and the traditional church. My church ( the stylish one ) is really big and surprisingly each time more than 180 people attend. There are also an english, spanish, polish…
Shared by Rapunzel12
The people of Yamanashi celebrate the virtues of Takeda Shingen every spring. Commence their march from the plaza in front of Kofu Station. The largest festival in the Yamanashi Prefecture, with its main highlight being the Koshu…
Shared by Sasara
精進料理, or shoujin ryouri, is the traditional diet eaten by Buddhist monks. In accordance with Japanese Buddhist tradition, they do not eat meat or animal derived products like eggs or dairy. Even today, you can find shoujin ryouri…
Shared by Joxter
This magnificent cherry blossom tree at Jissoji Temple in the highlands of Yamanashi’s Hokuto region is one of the “Three Great Sakura Trees” of Japan. About 10.3 meters tall, 11.8 meters wide at the trunk, and estimated to be…
Shared by Sasara
I have Native American style flutes . They were made of different kinds of wood. When I play my flute, the sound produced through the flute is really soothing. I love to play it in the mountain, near the lake, and at home. There…
Shared by Tree of Life
Have you ever tried Japanese sweets? This is called Kuri Mushi Yokan. It's a traditional Japanese steamed sweet made with sweet red bean paste and chestnuts. It's especially popular in autumn. It has a soft, slightly chewy…
Shared by beautiful life
Enjoyed not only during special events like tea ceremonies but also every day! Matcha is a type of Green tea. It has a slightly bitter taste. It is common to have with sweets. Many traditional Japanese sweets shops in Kyoto but…
Shared by ruirui
Photo of Tokyo Station.With approximately 3,000 train arrivals and departures per day, it is one of Japan's leading terminal stations.The Marunouchi Station Building of Tokyo Station has been designated a National Important…
Shared by Black Cat Jam
Beppu city organizes a massive parade in the first week of April where locals parade down the street on large floats and get hosed down with hot spring water. Many hot springs in the area are also free to enter for the day (or…
Shared by mannatom99
Kawasaki Daishi is a big shrine in my city. The number of visitors to "Hatsumoude" (many Japan people go to pray for happiness for the year at the beginning of the year) ranks first and second in the Japan.
Shared by rinn0225
Hokkaido is super famous for its Snow Festival! There, you can see anime characters and famous people made out of ice sculptures. And since it gets a ton of snow, it's also the perfect place to enjoy winter sports!
Shared by Risako
Japan is very famous for its summer festivals - in particular its fireworks! they are often grand affairs that last 2-3 days with many food stalls. People dress up in traditional outfits (called 'Yukatas').
Shared by mannatom99
In Japan, Christmas typically involves eating Christmas cake (a cake made with strawberries and fresh cream) and roast chicken. It is common to eat just the legs of a chicken rather than the whole thing.
Shared by Sara Sakura
This is a famous sightseeing spot called Motonosumi Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture. I visited here in 2020. It has many entrance gates, which we call Torii, just like Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
Shared by Susumu
This is an example of how the gods of Shinto are worshipped.This is a very simple version.It is installed at the top of my room, facing east.I rarely pray.However, I greet the gods every day.
Shared by Romi-san
I am descendants of Koreans who came to Japan during the war. The Korean school that our ancestors built in Japan is still in Japan, and we are passing by the 4th and 5th centers
Shared by shuuan
"Rinsaiji-temple" is one of the most famous ZEN-temple in Japan And it is the most popular tourist spot in Shizuoka city I often visit there and study ZEN Buddhism
Shared by Hiro
Sakura has been the utmost symbol of Japanese beauty. Also sakura is a cultural symbol of purity and gallantry because the pedals fall so beautifully in a very short period.
Shared by KinKonKan
A magnificent view of Mt. Fuji seen from my city. This photo was taken in the morning on the first day of 2018. Snow is dyed light red by the rising sun.
Shared by lethee
HANABI in Japan means fireworks! It's something everyone from adults to children enjoys seeing and hearing. I hope you will experience fireworks once!
Shared by nl8_w1
Autumn colors in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. Winter comes later than usual in Tokyo, and now is the best time to see the autumn leaves. 2023/12/4
Shared by fzk8601
The one on the mascot of the Japanese soccer team Grampus Nagoya and the one on the right is the mascot of a volleyball team Wolfdogs Nagoya :)
Shared by Ebidesu
Shisa, a set statue of lion, believed as a guardian deity by us locals. You'll get to see this everywhere when you come visit Okinawa, Japan.
Shared by Hybiscus
It is the largest dinosaur museum in Japan. There are many exhibits, and you can experience fossil excavation and purchase original goods
Shared by Mammy
One day's lunch. It was very filling but very delicious. Thick egg (atsuyaki tamago)sandwich and Japanese Neapolitan.
Shared by rmoff8
In Japan, cherry blossoms are in full bloom in various places in spring.People go out to see the cherry blossoms.
Shared by Mimi0410
Bell-Ringing Ceremony is a religious event conducted at Buddhist temples at midnight on the last day of the year.
Shared by OyajiWant to hear about life in Japan first-hand? Write to a penpal who lives there.
Find penpals in Japan
