Winter

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

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

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 Convenience Store Seasonal Food: What Autumn and Winter Bring to the Konbini

Chestnut sweets, sweet potato treats, oden, and winter chocolate: what autumn and winter bring to Japanese convenience stores, and how to spot “gentei” labels.

2026.10.28

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Yaki-Imo: The Sweet Potato Smell That Means Autumn in Japan

Yaki-imo is Japan’s roasted sweet potato, sold warm at supermarkets every autumn. Here’s what it is, where to find it, and how to try it on your trip.

2026.10.28

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

Japanese Bath Salts: Best Picks by Purpose and Where to Buy (Bub, Onsen Powder & More)

Which Japanese bath salt should you buy? A Japanese mom’s picks by purpose, from Bub tablets to onsen powders and yuzu, plus where to buy in Japan or online.

2026.10.22

Beauty & Skincare

How Long Does a Zojirushi Food Jar Keep Food Hot? Every Size Compared

How long does a Zojirushi food jar keep soup hot? A Japanese mom compares every size’s official 6-hour temperature, 10 oz to 25 oz, plus tips for a hot lunch.

2026.10.22

Home & Zakka

5 Japanese Winter Essentials: Kotatsu Socks, Yutanpo & Kairo (and How to Order Them From Abroad)

Kotatsu socks, yutanpo, microwave warmers and kairo heat packs: what each is for, how to use them safely, and how to order them from Amazon Japan.

2026.10.21

Seasonal Essentials

Private Onsen Near Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka: Ryokan With In-Room or Private Baths, by Area and Price (A Japanese Mom’s Guide)

Private onsen near Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka: compare ryokan with in-room or reserved private baths by area, travel time and price, plus tattoo and kids tips.

2026.10.19

Travel & Sightseeing