Ema tablets and the temples of Japan
Thursday February 18th, 2021
(Italiano) Continua la rubrica di Japan Italy Bridge per promuovere gli approfondimenti legati al mondo del Giappone, oggi parliamo di delle Tavolette Ema che troviamo in tutti i templi del Giappone.
Contemporary Japanese artists abroad
Wednesday December 2nd, 2020
Japan, like Italy, is a country very attached to art and many contemporary Japanese artists have exported their works abroad.
Hiroshima, a prefecture waiting to be discovered
Friday November 20th, 2020
Japan Italy Bridge promotes Japan and creates a real bridge between Japan and Italy and today we focus on Hiroshima.
Okinawa and The case of the over centenarians
Thursday November 19th, 2020
(Italiano) Continua la rubrica di Japan Italy Bridge per promuovere gli approfondimenti legati al mondo del Giappone, oggi parliamo di Okinawa e il caso della popolazione ultra centenaria.
Nagano Firefly Festival
Thursday September 10th, 2020
With the advent of COVID-19, many events have been cancelled all over the world, but the firefly festival in Japan doesn't stop and this year the luminous insects dance by themselves.
Untranslatable words: Mono No Aware, Shakkei, Hikikomori, Omotenashi, Betsubara
Wednesday August 5th, 2020
It happened to everyone to find untranslatable words and discover that every language has words with a certain meaning without correspondence. Let's see together some of these Japanese words!
The Animal Crossing Phenomenon
Thursday July 9th, 2020
As we already know, Japan is a land of trends that come and go, but the recent Animal Crossing phenomenon has involved the whole world, and we're not just talking about the gaming one.
Lucky charm, directly from Japan
Thursday June 18th, 2020
Japan has rich and varied traditions, one of the most famous of which is the one linked to lucky charms or amulets. In fact, o-mamori (お守り) are easy to find and just go to any temple to buy them. But what exactly are they and how are they……
Things to do during Quarantine: Traveling to Japan through Movies
Thursday May 21st, 2020
Traveling is still impossible, so today we share with you how it is possible to discover Japan, its lands, and its customs through some films.
Things to do during Quarantine: Visit the museums of Japan virtually
Tuesday May 12th, 2020
Phase two here in Italy has started but traveling is still impossible, so let's continue our section on things to do in quarantine, and today we talk about how to visit the museums of Japan, virtually.
A hotel with cats? It just opened in Japan!
Sunday April 19th, 2020
Forget about the sea view, now the "cat view" is what matters. Since last December in Japan there is a brand new capsule hotel that offers an extra: cats!
Travel guide: Tokyo – Episode 06 – the Shinkansen of the future
Wednesday April 15th, 2020
We continue with our practical guides about Tokyo and today we talk about the Japanese railway system, one of the most efficient in the world, and the jewel of this system: the shinkansen.
Travel guide: Tokyo – Episode 05 – Rent in Tokyo
Thursday April 2nd, 2020
In this new episode of our special guides, we want to show you which are the best places to have breakfast in Tokyo! So here is a small list of our favorite places.
Quaran, the official quarantine mascot of Japan
Wednesday March 25th, 2020
Meet Quaran, the official Japanese quarantine mascot! That's right, once again Japan has decided to give us an important message while maintaining a smile.
Atsuta Matsuri, lanterns and fireworks
Friday February 28th, 2020
(日本語) There are many Japanese matsuri but today we decide to focus on Atsuta Matsuri, in the prefecture of Aichi. In the Chubu region, more precisely in Nagoya in the Aichi prefecture, if we enter the city, hidden among centuries-old cypresses, we…
Travel guide: Tokyo – Episode 04 – Breakfast in Tokyo
Tuesday January 21st, 2020
In this new episode of our special guides, we want to show you which are the best places to have breakfast in Tokyo! So here is a small list of our favorite places.
Travel guide: Tokyo – Episode 03 – Best places to stay in Tokyo
Friday December 6th, 2019
In this new episode of our special guides, we want to tell you which are the best places to stay in Tokyo! Here is our little journey through the various districts of the city.
Travel guide: Tokyo – Episode 01
Wednesday December 4th, 2019
In this new episode of our special guides, we want to show you where, how and what to buy in Tokyo! So here is our little trip to the Tokyo shopping world!
Travel Guide: Osaka
Tuesday November 26th, 2019
Let's continue the through among the prefectures and cities of Japan and today we take you to Osaka!
Journey through Kumamoto
Saturday November 23rd, 2019
In the Kyushu region stands Kumamoto (本市), surrounded by mountains and with its landscapes created by the volcanic activity of Mount Aso.
Travel guide: Tokyo – Episode 01
Wednesday October 30th, 2019
Tokyo, with its 23 districts, is the largest megalopolis in the world. Today we share with you a quick travel guide not to miss anything on your first trip.
9 must-see cities in Japan
Tuesday October 15th, 2019
Many travelers ask us for advice on what to see, what not to miss, and we don't want to disappoint them! We will try to list 9 must-see cities, 9 essential stages to get back home with unforgettable memories.
Fuji-san, the sacred mountain of Japan
Friday October 4th, 2019
Japan manages to maintain impeccable behavior within its borders, which is why it is essential to know what is possible or should be done and not done in Japan.
Etiquette in Japan, what to do and not to do in the land of the Rising Sun
Friday September 27th, 2019
Japan manages to maintain impeccable behavior within its borders, which is why it is essential to know what is possible or should be done and not done in Japan.
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri and the rampant euphoria
Wednesday September 4th, 2019
Every year, generally during a weekend in mid-September, the streets of Kishiwada, a small town near Osaka, are invaded by the fervor and euphoria for the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (岸和田だんじ祭).
The city of Nara and its deers, a must see destination
Saturday August 31st, 2019
We continue our journey in Japan and today we move to Nara. Capital of the homonymous prefecture, the city of Nara is located in the Kansai region. Located north of the prefecture, its borders are adjacent to those of the Kyoto prefecture.
Tokyo Disneyland Resort – 3 unforgettable days
Monday August 26th, 2019
Walt Disney said that Disneyland would continue to grow until the imagination remained in the world. Join us in exploring the Tokyo Disneyland Resort and all its wonderful attractions.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, not to forget
Tuesday August 6th, 2019
Behind the sad story that unites these two cities, there is the great strength of a Nation that has always known how to rise back up. Hiroshima and Nagasaki are historical testimonies that we wanted to remind you of and that too often are considered…
Japan Tradition: Akita Kantō
Saturday August 3rd, 2019
The Akita Kantō (秋田竿燈まつり) is the Akita city festival. It is celebrated from 3 to 7 August with the aim of praying for a good harvest. This festival is very special, and to participate there is a need for special skills.
Luxury Ryokans in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
Thursday August 1st, 2019
The most beautiful ryokan of Japan between the Hakone region, the Izu peninsula and Chubu region.
Discovering the wonders of Okinawa
Monday July 22nd, 2019
The Okinawa Islands form the main group of the Japanese Ryūkyū archipelago. They include the homonymous island together with other minor ones and are part of the Okinawa prefecture whose capital is Naha.
Japan Tradition: Tenjin Matsuri
Friday July 19th, 2019
The Japanese summer is characterized by the famous matsuri, including the Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭) of which we speak today. Ranked as one of the three largest Matsuri in Japan, Tenjin Matsuri takes place in Osaka.
Focus on: Japanese street food
Wednesday July 3rd, 2019
If you love Japan you surely love its culture for food and in particular Japanese street food. Today we share with you our favourite ones!
Japan Travel: Odaiba
Wednesday June 12th, 2019
Odaiba (お台場) was born under the Tokugawa shogunate at the end of the Edo period in the form of 6 small artificial fortified islands.
Japan Tradition: Sanja Matsuri
Thursday May 16th, 2019
The Sanja Matsuri (三社祭) is one of the most famous festivals, largest and "wildest" festivals in Tokyo dedicated to the Shinto religion. The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who…
Japan Tradition: Kanda Matsuri
Tuesday May 14th, 2019
In the middle of May on every odd-numbered year, the Kanda Matsuri (神田祭) takes place in Tokyo’s Kanda. Together with the Sanno Matsuri and the Fukagawa Matsuri, Kanda Matsuri is one of the three most important Shinto festivals being held in……
Japan Travel: Tokyo Rainbow Pride
Saturday April 27th, 2019
Spring is here and the Golden Week celebration is upon Japan. This is a significant point in time for the people of Japan, but it is especially so for the LGBT community residing there because it is when this year’s edition of Tokyo Rainbow Pride…
Japan Travel: Character Cafes
Tuesday April 16th, 2019
Japan is the richest land when it’s about magical places, in every sense! Even stopping for a snack can become a unique experience when you immerse yourself in a fantasy world like that of the "Character Cafes" scattered throughout the territory.
Japan Travel: Ginza
Thursday March 14th, 2019
Located in Chuō, Ginza (銀座) is Tokyo's most famous shopping area. This luxurious district was once part of the ancient Kyobashi district, which, together with Nihonbashi and Kanda, formed the core of Shitamachi, the original center of……
Japan Traditions: Wakakusa Yamayaki Matsuri
Thursday January 24th, 2019
One of Japan's most famous matsuri is the Wakakusa Yamayaki Matsuri held in the city of Nara on the fourth Saturday of January. The Yamayaki festival (burning mountain) comes from superstitions to calm the spirits of the dead at the Uguisuzuka Kofun…
Japan Travel: Meiji Shrine
Thursday January 10th, 2019
The Meiji Period is one of Japan's most famous historical moments and includes the 44-year reign of Emperor Matsuhito. Located in the heart of Tokyo and surrounded by a natural and urban forest, the Meiji-Jingu is a pearl of Shintō worship and one…
Japan Travel: The imperial Palace & Gardens
Thursday January 3rd, 2019
I’ve been to Tokyo a few times now and one of my favourite spot in the whole city are the Imperial East Gardens in the Chiyoda area. whenever I’m in the city, I always find a moment (sometimes even more than one) to visit this amazing place, a green…
Japan Travel: Planning a trip to Japan
Thursday December 6th, 2018
A country of contrasts and contradictions, Japan is one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world. Even among Asian countries, Japan has its very own culture that is unique from all the other nations in the region. History and tradition…
Japan Travel: Hanami
Wednesday April 4th, 2018
In Japan, spring is synonymous with Hanami. Written with the kanji: Hana 花 "flower" and mi 見 "viewing", the word hanami means enjoying the beauty of blooming flowers. In particular, it refers to the Sakura: cherry blossom. To understand the…
Japan Travel: Fushimi Inari
Wednesday February 21st, 2018
A trail made of many vermillion torii, one after the other: this is the most recognizable symbol of the Shinto shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社). The complex is located in Fushimi ward, south of Kyoto, and it is the most important of several…
Japan Travel: Aokigahara
Wednesday January 24th, 2018
At the foot of Mount Fuji, born from the volcanic eruption of Mount Nagao in 864 C.E., lies Aokigahara (青木ヶ原) best know with the name of Jukai (樹海, sea of trees). It is a thick forest that extends for 35 km² and that is made of caves and a…
Japan Travel: Yanaka Pilgrimage – Hidden Tokyo
Wednesday January 17th, 2018
The relationship that Japan has with religion, and with spirituality in particular, is very peculiar. It is discrete, sometimes hidden, but it is an ever-present bond made of everyday gestures and rituals. Sometimes, in particular occasions or in…
Japan Travel: Nikkō
Wednesday December 13th, 2017
Not far from Tokyo, there is a town that could be described as magical. This is Nikkō, literally "The town of sunlight”. Located in the mountainous region of Tochigi Prefecture, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Japan. Rich in…
Japan Travel: Akihabara
Wednesday November 22nd, 2017
Akihabara, known as Tokyo's Electric Town, is located in Chiyoda's special district, Tokyo. Lively and bright, all electronics stores, computer stores, videogames, and everything related to the world of anime and manga are gathered here, in this…
Japan Travel: Shinjuku
Wednesday October 18th, 2017
Shinjuku (新宿), an important commercial and administrative center with the world's busiest railway node, is part of the 23 special wards of Tokyo. Not just trains, Shinjuku is also one of the major stops for long-distance buses
Japan Travel: Shibuya
Wednesday September 6th, 2017
Shibuya (渋谷区 Shibuya-ku), known as the most dynamic area of the city, is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo. It develops around the area of the Shibuya Station, one of the busiest stations of the capital, that opens to the Shibuya Scramble…
Japanese Tradition: Gion Matsuri
Friday July 28th, 2017
The Gion Festival or Gion Matsuri (祗園祭), this is how it has been called since the Meiji era, takes its name from the famous Kyōto area, Gion, Higashiyama district. It’s a religious celebration dedicated to the Susanoo God, also known as Takehaya…
Japan Travel: Tokyo Tower & Skytree
Friday February 17th, 2017
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is situated in the Shiba-kōen zone in Minato, Tokyo. Built in 1958 as a symbol of economic rebirth, with its 333 meters it has a double function. It is in fact a tower for telecommunication and scenic…