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Dewa Sanzan: Discover Japan’s Sacred Mountains of Rebirth
Dewa Sanzan: A Journey of Rebirth in Yamagata Prefecture Dewa Sanzan, located along the borders of Tsuruoka, Nishikawa, and Shonai in Yamagata Prefecture, refers to the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. During the Edo period, visiting these three mountains became known as a “Journey of Rebirth.” This journey symbolizes a pilgrimage through the present, past, and future. Mount Haguro – the present and prayers for happiness in the current li
Shunpei Nakayama
Dec 2, 20254 min read
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Dewa Sanzan: Discover Japan’s Sacred Mountains of Rebirth
Dewa Sanzan: A Journey of Rebirth in Yamagata Prefecture Dewa Sanzan, located along the borders of Tsuruoka, Nishikawa, and Shonai in Yamagata Prefecture, refers to the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. During the Edo period, visiting these three mountains became known as a “Journey of Rebirth.” This journey symbolizes a pilgrimage through the present, past, and future. Mount Haguro – the present and prayers for happiness in the current li
Shunpei Nakayama
Dec 2, 20254 min read
Japanese Mythological Creatures That Haunted My Childhood Curiosity
Growing up, I recall my 5-year-old self being absolutely captivated by Studio Ghibli ’s Spirited Away —a film I kept returning to, equal parts fascinated and frightened by the strange creatures roaming the mystical world Chihiro had accidentally wandered into. What were these creatures, and where did they come from? Were they gods or monsters? My fascination with the film and the questions that followed led me down many rabbit holes. It turns out that yōkai , these Japanese m
Sarah
Nov 21, 20254 min read
Japanese Gardens in Autumn: Kyoto’s Most Beautiful Season
The Tradition of Koyo In Japan, the tradition of enjoying the brilliant colors of autumn, known as koyo, has been loved for centuries. What began as an elegant pastime for nobles during the Nara and Heian periods, venturing into the hills, hosting princes under the red and gold leaves, and composing poetry, eventually spread to the wider public during the Edo period. Ever since, koyo has remained one of Japan's most anticipated seasonal highlights. In Kyoto , the city usually
Sakura Kawamata
Nov 14, 20254 min read
Inside Totoro’s Forest: The Place That Inspired Ghibli’s World
Japan is renowned for many cultural exports, but few have captured global imagination quite like its animation. At the heart of this legacy lies Studio Ghibli—an iconic name familiar to fans worldwide. With masterpieces like the Oscar-winning Spirited Away , the studio has redefined animated storytelling, proving that animation has the power not only to delight people but also to inspire and move them. Among those masterpieces is My Neighbor Totoro , a film from 1988. Set in
Laksmi Wijayanti
Nov 7, 20255 min read
Beyond the Ring: A Private Sumo Practice in Tokyo
Typically, when I walk through the streets of Tokyo on a weekday morning, I see countless men and women in business attire. However, on this crisp autumn morning, I was in a very different part of the city. Instead of an endless flowing river of suits and ties, I saw larger men in traditional Japanese clothes and perfectly styled hair. A Different Side of Tokyo While many know Tokyo as a bustling city full of neon lights and corporate headquarters, Ryogoku is the sumo wrestl
Jordan
Oct 31, 20254 min read
Onomichi: A Japan Heritage Port Town on the Seto Inland Sea
What Does It Mean to Be a Japan Heritage Site? “ Japan Heritage ” refers to stories that convey Japan’s culture and traditions. These stories are told through the historical appeal and unique characteristics of each region, officially designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Local communities play a crucial role in preserving and utilizing a wide range of captivating, tangible, and intangible cultural properties. These elements are indispensable to the narrative of Japa
Janna
Sep 29, 20254 min read
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