The Kumano Kodo are a series of pilgrimage trails, located in the Kansai region of Japan, south of Kyoto and Nara. Kumano is the name of the area, and “kodo” means the “old ways”, so the name literally translates as the old ways of Kumano. The trails were, and still are, used by pilgrims visiting […]
Ritual
Japanese New Year – New Year in Japan
By Unique Japan Tours on 31/12/2014 in Knowledge, Travel, Japan, Tours, Ritual, Culture, New Year, Food, Winter, Osechi, Shrine, Festivals, Trains, Traditions, History
With the Christmas holiday season coming to a close, we are approaching the close of the year and the celebration that entails. Where as Christmas in Japan is more of an excuse for couples to have another date, New Years (know in Japan as shougatsu or 正月) is more important. What does New Years look […]
Sumo in Japan
By Unique Japan Tours on 13/06/2012 in Ryogoku, Travel, Sport, Sumo, Japan, Tours, Ritual, Culture, Tokyo
Watching a sumo tournament in Japan is like taking a trip back to medieval Japan. Any visit to Tokyo would not be complete without seeing this living, breathing art form. Here are some handy titbits of information that will help enhance your sumo experience. When you alight at Ryogoku, the station closest to the sumo […]