Since we’re careening into that present-exchanging time of year, I thought you might enjoy a peek into the Japanese art of gift giving. Not to put too fine a point on it, they are MASTERS. If there was a medal for gifting, the Japanese would own the gold and the Guinness record for owning theContinueContinue reading “The Japanese art of gift-giving”
Tag Archives: Seasonal Secret
The weird world of bonsai chrysanthemums
The first time I saw these, I laughed out loud, because the idea of someone lavishing the kind of loving care necessary to train a bonsai seemed so ludicrous when applied to ghetto chrysanthemums Venerable bonsai pines, move over for…bonsai chrysanthemums! Yes, bonsai chrysanthemums are A Thing. And it happens in Japan every year inContinueContinue reading “The weird world of bonsai chrysanthemums”
Surprising flower extravaganzas of fall
Flowers that look small and humble by themselves, but are spectacular and mighty in great numbers When I started thinking about what’s so special about September in Japan, the first things that came to mind were three obscure flowers that are nobody’s favorite. By themselves, they’re utterly small and forgettable. You might even be aContinueContinue reading “Surprising flower extravaganzas of fall”
Souvenirs NOT to buy in July
Beautiful, right? So summery! The ultimate souvenir not only reminds you of the place where you bought it, it also reminds you of the joys of being in Japan during that season. Which is why you might be tempted to bring home one of these lovely handpainted flower lamps that are only sold during JulyContinueContinue reading “Souvenirs NOT to buy in July“
How to stay cool in the summer, the Japanese way
Here are five ways that the Japanese have traditionally survived the miserably hot & humid summer months. Some actually work, and some rely on powers of imagination that this foreigner can only aspire to. 1 Goldfish Yeah, goldfish languidly waving their fins in their cool, watery world supposedly have the power to cool you off,ContinueContinue reading “How to stay cool in the summer, the Japanese way“
Six things you didn’t expect to discover on a pilgrimage
Naturally, the Japanese have figured out a way to make their version of a spiritual Iron Man not only good for the soul, but one of the most memorable journeys you’ll ever make. Here are six things that will surprise and delight you on your Japanese pilgrimage: 1 The most awesome souvenir in the entireContinueContinue reading “Six things you didn’t expect to discover on a pilgrimage“
The OTHER famous spring season
Embracing allergy season, one Japanese nose bra at a time Ahhh, spring is here, and in Japan, that means it’s time for The Annual Season! Cherry blossoms? No, ALLERGIES. And it’s not actually the cherry blossoms that are the big culprits, it’s those dang cedar trees that produce all the fragrant wood used in traditionalContinueContinue reading “The OTHER famous spring season”
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