Articles by "How-To"

Step-by-step how-to articles on enjoying Japan — etiquette, practical know-how, and traveler tips.

gray deer under white and gray arch
Understanding the Etiquette of New Year Shrine Visits: The Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow Ritual
新年を迎え、神社に参拝する人は多いです。しかし参拝の作法について、正確に理解している人はそう多くあ…
  • How-To
  • Seasonal Events
  • Shrines & Temples
Traditional japanese temple gate under a clear blue sky.
Learning the Proper Way to Visit a Shrine — From the Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow to Passing Through the Torii Gate
神社を訪れるとき、多くの人が「なんとなく」参拝しているのではないでしょうか。鳥居をくぐり、手水舎で…
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
  • Shrines & Temples
person doing clay containers
Discovering Japanese Traditional Crafts: Learning Materials and Techniques in Ceramics, Lacquerware, and Textiles
日本の伝統工芸を前にすると、多くの人が感じるのは「美しい」という単純な感動と同時に、「これはどうや…
  • Art
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
Wooden torii gate in a dark forest setting.
The Etiquette of Shrine Worship: Meaning and Practice of Two Bows, Two Claps, One Bow
神社を訪れた際に「どう参拝すればいいのか分からない」という悩みは多いものです。参拝客の多くは周囲の…
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
  • Shrines & Temples
Elegant room with a long wooden table and chairs.
The Foundations of Tea Ceremony: Beginning with the Etiquette of a Single Bowl
日本茶を習い始めたけれど、所作が多くて覚えられない。茶室に入るまでの流れが分からない。そもそも、な…
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
black and silver key beside white paper
The Japanese Aesthetic: Learning from Three “Ways”—Martial Arts, Calligraphy, and Flower Arrangement
日本文化を語るとき、「武道」「書道」「華道」という三つの言葉をよく耳にします。しかし、これらがどう…
  • Art
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
Japanese room with traditional decorations is shown.
The Way of Tea: Essential Etiquette and Mindset for Beginners
茶道に興味はあるけれど、細かい作法が多すぎて敷居が高いと感じている方は少なくありません。「正座が苦…
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
Traditional japanese room with shoji screens and garden view
Learning the Foundations of Chanoyu: Essential Etiquette and Mindset for Beginners
茶道に興味を持ちながらも、「難しそう」「作法が複雑では」という理由で一歩を踏み出せていない方は多い…
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
How to Drink Sake Without Looking Like a Tourist
Sake Is Not as Complicated as It LooksWalk into any izakaya or traditional restaurant in Japan and …
  • How-To
  • Japanese Culture Basics
  • Japanese Food & Drink
Ramen Styles Explained: Find the Bowl Made for You
Why Ramen Is More Complicated Than You ThinkYou walk into a ramen shop in Japan, stare at the menu,…
  • How-To
  • Japanese Food & Drink