Family

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

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

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

Nabe Season: How a Single Pot Becomes Japan’s Favorite Winter Dinner

What is nabe? See how Japanese hot pot is shared from one pot at the table, the most popular kinds, and why the zosui at the end is the best part.

2026.10.29

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Kotatsu: The Heated Table Japanese Families Never Want to Leave

What is a kotatsu? See how Japan’s heated table works, why families gather around it with mikan all winter, and where travelers can try one in Japan.

2026.10.28

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japanese Supermarket Osozai: When Dinner Comes from the Deli

Osozai are ready-made dishes from Japanese supermarket delis. Here’s what to try, how evening discount stickers work, and why it’s not lazy.

2026.10.28

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Authentic Japanese Bento Boxes: Which Are Made in Japan & Where to Buy Online

Not every Japanese bento box is made in Japan. Here’s how to check the label, plus five made-in-Japan bento boxes for kids and adults you can order online.

2026.10.27

Home & Zakka

Stay in Kyoto or Osaka? How to Choose Your Base (or Split Your Nights)

Not sure whether to stay in Kyoto or Osaka? Answer 3 questions, find the base that fits your trip style, and see how to split your nights and move your luggage.

2026.10.27

Travel & Sightseeing

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets Without a JR Pass: Smart EX vs Klook vs Station (Tokyo–Kyoto/Osaka)

Skipping the JR Pass? Here’s how to buy Shinkansen tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka with Smart EX, Klook or the station, plus kids and luggage tips.

2026.10.27

Travel & Sightseeing

Osaka Hotels for a Family of 4 in One Room: Namba or Umeda? Real Beds, USJ Tips & Kids’ Rules

Six Osaka hotels where a family of four gets four real beds in one room: Namba vs Umeda, bed layouts, kids’ age rules, USJ tips and the accommodation tax.

2026.10.25

Travel & Sightseeing