Most Populated Cities in Japan Posted by Ginny on Feb 17, 2011
If you’re wondering where to find the location with the most people in Japan, than you’ll probably want to go to the top three populated cities in Japan. Going to a populated city has its benefits. In a populated city, you’re more likely to find better transportation options and interesting places to hang out in…
Goemon Posted by Ginny on Feb 14, 2011
Ishikawa Goemon (石川五右衛門) is the Japanese version of Robin Hood. Like Robin Hood, Goemon (pictured to the right) stole from the rich and gave the riches to the poor. Goemon may or may not have been a real person. There is a historical mention of a thief named Goemon, but as to whether he actually…
The Tortoise and the Hare Posted by Ginny on Feb 9, 2011
Do you know the story about the tortoise and the hare? It’s about a race where the tortoise wins a race with the hare, despite the tortoise being slow. There is a Japanese children’s song called うさぎとかめ, which tells the story of the fast hare being defeated by the slow tortoise. もしもし亀よ 亀さんよ (moshi moshi kame…
Japanese Festivals in February Posted by Ginny on Feb 6, 2011
February is an interesting month of Japanese festivals. Let’s take a look at some of these festivals: Agon Shu no Hoshi Matsuri (阿含の星まつり) takes place in Yamashina (山科), Kyōto (京都) on the eleventh of February. Many prayer sticks are burned in large bonfires to ensure that the prayers will come true. Onda Matsuri (おんだ祭り) takes…
Japanese Herbal Drinks Posted by Ginny on Feb 3, 2011
If you have a cold or headache, there are several Japanese herbal drinks that you can drink to make yourself feel better. One type of herbal drink is called kuzuyu (葛湯). Kuzuyu is an herbal plant in which the root of the plant is made into a powder. The powder is then dissolved in hot…
Japanese Mythological Gods Posted by Ginny on Jan 31, 2011
There are lots of mythological Japanese gods. However, one deity in particular is the main deity that is somehow related to the other deities. Try guessing whom the deity might be! If you don’t know now, by the end of this article, you’ll find out! Amaterasu(天照) is the goddess of the sun and is one…
Japanese National Parks Posted by Ginny on Jan 27, 2011
Did you know that Japan is a beautiful place with many national parks? Here are some my favorite national parks: Kushiro Shitsugen Kokuritsu Kōen (釧路湿原国立公園) or Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is known for its beautiful, green wetlands. Daisetsuzan Kokuritsu Kōen (大雪山国立公園) or Daisetsuzan National Park is the largest national park in Japan. Shiretoko Kokuritsu Kōen…