All Articles | A Little Japan

Japanese Snack Boxes Without a Subscription: What’s Inside, Dagashi vs Souvenir Sweets, and Which Box Is for You

Japanese snack boxes you can buy once, no subscription: dagashi assortments, souvenir sweets and Bokksu compared by what’s inside and English allergen info.

2026.11.12

Snacks & Drinks

Best Miso Paste for Miso Soup + Easy 5-Minute Recipe | Missing Japan?

Missing the miso soup you had in Japan? Here’s which miso paste and dashi to buy, plus the easy 5-minute recipe a Japanese mom makes at home.

2026.11.10

Snacks & Drinks

What to Wear in Japan in December 2026: Early vs. Late, Shoes & Packing List

What to wear in Japan in December: early vs. late outfits, a simple 3-layer formula, temple-friendly shoes, and a packing list for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

2026.11.01

Seasonal Essentials

Which Hada Labo to Buy? Japan vs US Version, Gokujyun vs Premium (Let’s Find Yours)

Facing a Japanese drugstore shelf full of Hada Labo? Here’s how to tell Gokujyun, Premium and Shirojyun apart, how Hada Labo Tokyo differs, and which to buy.

2026.10.30

Beauty & Skincare

What’s Inside a Japanese Kindergartener’s Bag (Handmade or Store-Bought)

What’s inside a Japanese kindergartener’s bag? Lunch bags, cup bags, indoor shoes, name labels on everything, and the handmade bag question.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Otoriyose: How Japanese People Order Regional Food From Across the Country

Otoriyose is how people in Japan order regional food from across the country. See what they order, why chilled delivery makes it work, and what to try abroad.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japan’s Autumn Leaves Forecast: How Locals Check When Koyo Is at Its Peak

Japan has autumn leaves forecasts, just like the weather. Here’s how locals check when koyo is at its peak, what the five stages mean, and how to plan.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Nengajo: Why Japanese New Year Cards All Arrive on January 1

What is nengajo? Why Japanese New Year cards mailed in December all arrive on January 1, what people write, why fewer send them, and how to send one.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Shichi-Go-San: Why You’ll See Little Kids in Kimono at Shrines in November

What is Shichi-Go-San? Why little kids in kimono visit shrines in November, what the long chitose-ame candy means, and how travelers can enjoy it respectfully.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Why Japanese Students Clean Their Own Schools: A Look at Soji Time

Japanese students clean their own classrooms and hallways every day. A Japanese mom shares what soji time looks like, why schools do it, and what kids think.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette