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

Umbrellas in Japan: Clear Umbrellas, Bag Sleeves, and Rainy-Day Manners

Why are umbrellas in Japan so often clear? A local mom explains shop-entrance umbrella sleeves, konbini clear umbrellas, and rainy-day manners for your trip.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japan Delivery Time Slots: You Choose When Your Package Arrives

In Japan, you can choose when your package arrives. How delivery time slots work, what the missed-delivery slip means, and tips for getting parcels at a hotel.

2026.10.28

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Ofuro: Why Japanese Families Fill the Bathtub Every Night

Why can a Japanese family share the same bathwater? Learn the wash-first ofuro routine, the talking bath button, and where travelers can try a Japanese bath.

2026.10.27

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japanese Onsen Guide for First-Timers: Etiquette, What to Bring, and How to Bathe Like a Local

First Japanese onsen? A Japanese mom explains the etiquette, what to bring, how to bathe step by step, tattoo rules, and tips for visiting with kids.

2026.07.17

Travel & Sightseeing

Sumimasen: The Magic Word That Solves Almost Everything in Japan (From a Japanese Mom)

What does sumimasen mean? A Japanese mom explains how travelers can use this versatile word to say "excuse me," "sorry," and sometimes "thank you" in Japan.

2026.07.13

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japanese Restaurant Etiquette: What to Know from Entering to Paying (From a Japanese Mom)

Japanese table manners and restaurant etiquette for first-time visitors: being seated, ordering, chopsticks, slurping, paying at the register, and why you never tip.

2026.07.12

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Why Are There So Few Trash Cans in Japan? 5 Things Locals Do (From a Japanese Mom)

Why are trash cans hard to find in Japan? A Japanese mom explains where to dispose of waste and five simple habits locals use while out.

2026.07.11

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japanese Convenience Store Etiquette: 5 Unwritten Rules (From a Japanese Mom)

Learn five unwritten rules of Japanese convenience store etiquette, from using toilets and checkout trays to eat-in corners and trash bins.

2026.07.10

Japanese Culture & Etiquette