News

Hokkaido Snacks and Flavors: A Journey Through Japan’s Northern Culinary Frontier

Hokkaido Snacks and Flavors: A Journey Through Japan’s Northern Culinary Frontier

By Luke Johnson Aug 18, 2025

When people think of Japan’s culinary treasures, Tokyo’s sushi or Kyoto’s tea ceremonies often come to mind. But venture north, and you’ll discover Hokkaido, a region celebrated not only for...

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The Cool Heritage of Japan’s Summer “Ice”

The Cool Heritage of Japan’s Summer “Ice”

By Luke Johnson Aug 11, 2025

When the summer sun settles over Japan, there is one treat everyone reaches for, the "kakigōri", the beloved shaved-ice dessert that’s been refreshing generations. Its roots stretch back to the...

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Celebrating Tanabata - Wishes in the Stars

Celebrating Tanabata - Wishes in the Stars

By Luke Johnson Jul 3, 2025

Every summer in Japan, a quiet magic floats in the air, lanterns flicker and starlit skies host age-old tales. This is Tanabata, the Star Festival, a celebration of love, longing,...

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Japan Airlines Offers Free Domestic Flights to International Travelers

Japan Airlines Offers Free Domestic Flights to International Travelers

By Luke Johnson Jun 25, 2025

Looking to explore more of Japan beyond Tokyo or Osaka without the added airfare? Japan Airlines is making that dream a reality. In a bold move to promote regional tourism,...

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Guide to Summer Festivals in Osaka & Across Japan

Guide to Summer Festivals in Osaka & Across Japan

By Luke Johnson Jun 18, 2025

As the summer sun covers Japan in warmth, the country starts celebrations with a season of vibrant festivals, spectacular fireworks, and amazing traditional street food. Whether you're in Osaka or...

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Father’s Day in Japan: Celebrating Dad with Osaka Flavor

Father’s Day in Japan: Celebrating Dad with Osaka Flavor

By Luke Johnson Jun 5, 2025

Father’s Day in Japan, known as Chichi no Hi, is on the third Sunday of June. While the tradition is rooted in Western influence, Japanese families have embraced their own...

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Omamori - The Meaning & Magic of These Lucky Charms

Omamori - The Meaning & Magic of These Lucky Charms

By Luke Johnson May 27, 2025

In a country where ancient traditions meet the modern, few items represent Japan’s spirit quite like the Omamori. These colorful charms may seem small, but they carry deep cultural weight,...

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'Tsuyu' (Rainy Season) in Osaka - Culture and Comforting Treats

'Tsuyu' (Rainy Season) in Osaka - Culture and Comforting Treats

By Luke Johnson May 19, 2025

When summer arrives in Japan, it doesn’t come with sunshine, it arrives with rain! Known as Tsuyu, or the “plum rain,” Japan’s rainy season brings with it a atmosphere that...

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Celebrating Mother's Day in Japan

Celebrating Mother's Day in Japan

By Luke Johnson Apr 28, 2025

Mother’s Day, is celebrated every year in Japan on the second Sunday of May, just like in many parts of the world. It’s a heartfelt occasion dedicated to showing love, gratitude, and...

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Starbucks Sakura Season 2025: Must-Have Tumblers & Bags Now Blooming in Japan

Starbucks Sakura Season 2025: Must-Have Tumblers & Bags Now Blooming in Japan

By Luke Johnson Apr 23, 2025

Spring in Japan brings a burst of pink blossom, warmer days, festivals, and the Starbucks Sakura Collection! Beloved by fans worldwide, this annual lineup features beautifully designed tumblers, mugs, bottles,...

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Easter in Japan: How the Holiday is Gaining Popularity Through Theme Parks and Spring Festivals

Easter in Japan: How the Holiday is Gaining Popularity Through Theme Parks and Spring Festivals

By Luke Johnson Apr 16, 2025

Although Easter isn’t a traditional Japanese holiday, in recent years it has grown in popularity among families and the younger generations. With Japan’s love for seasonal celebrations, it's no wonder...

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Matcha Madness: Why This Green Tea Powder is in Everything

Matcha Madness: Why This Green Tea Powder is in Everything

By Luke Johnson Apr 2, 2025

If you’ve ever walked down an aisle filled with Japanese snacks, you’ve probably spotted that vibrant green color peeking out from cookies, candies, and even chips. That’s matcha, Japan’s beloved powdered green...

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Sakura Season in Osaka 2025: Viewing Spots, Forecast & Travel Tips

Sakura Season in Osaka 2025: Viewing Spots, Forecast & Travel Tips

By Luke Johnson Mar 26, 2025

Planning a spring trip to Japan? Then you don’t want to miss sakura season in Osaka.  A stunning time when the city transforms into a sea of soft pink cherry blossoms....

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Hina Matsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival and Celebration of Girls

Hina Matsuri: Japan’s Doll Festival and Celebration of Girls

By Luke Johnson Mar 3, 2025

Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Day) is a traditional Japanese festival held every year on March 3rd. Also known as the "Doll Festival" this day is dedicated to celebrating the health and...

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Exploring Japan’s Exquisite Strawberries

Exploring Japan’s Exquisite Strawberries

By Luke Johnson Feb 25, 2025

Japan’s strawberry culture is filled with meticulous craftsmanship, seasonal beauty, and culinary delight. In this blog, we journey through Japan’s unique strawberry culture, as we enter into the eagerly anticipated...

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The Gacha Gacha Guide

The Gacha Gacha Guide

By Luke Johnson Feb 21, 2025

Gacha Gacha capsule toys, also known as "Gachapon" are a Japanese craze that captivate both locals and the world alike. These small, collectible items are found in vending machines and...

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Guide to Japanese Vending Machines 2024

Guide to Japanese Vending Machines 2024

By Adam Johnson Aug 15, 2024

Ever since the first vending machine launched in Japan in 1888 in the form of a tobacco dispenser, these self-serve machines have become a defining part of modern Japanese life...

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5 Must-See Autumn Festivals in Japan

5 Must-See Autumn Festivals in Japan

By Adam Johnson Aug 15, 2024

There are many incredible Japanese autumn festivals that celebrate the country’s rich history as well as its unique and long-enduring Shinto religion. If you’ve been thinking of an autumn trip...

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Guide to Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festivals in Osaka

Guide to Matsuri: Japanese Summer Festivals in Osaka

By Adam Johnson Jun 24, 2024

Matsuris have a long, storied history in Japan, dating back to the beginnings of the Shinto religion. Nowadays, they are often multi-day celebrations that occur throughout Japan, particularly in the...

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All About Anko: Japanese Red Bean Paste Guide

All About Anko: Japanese Red Bean Paste Guide

By Adam Johnson Jun 24, 2024

Anko, also known as Japanese red bean paste, is a popular ingredient that features in a wide variety of Japanese treats, including the popular confectioneries known as Wagashi. In this...

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Definitive Guide to Japanese Konbini

Definitive Guide to Japanese Konbini

By Adam Johnson Jun 21, 2024

Over their relatively short life, konbinis have become an essential part of Japanese life - especially for those living in urban areas. In this blog, we’ll provide you with an...

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Japanese Snack Boxes - Perfect as a Mother's Day Gift

Japanese Snack Boxes - Perfect as a Mother's Day Gift

By Adam Johnson May 23, 2024

Make Mother’s Day extra special this Sunday with our authentic ‘Japan gifts for her’.  Carefully curated by our team of working moms in Osaka, Sakura Box has a fantastic range...

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A Definitive Guide to the Japanese Tea Ceremony

A Definitive Guide to the Japanese Tea Ceremony

By Adam Johnson May 23, 2024

For the Japanese, the preparation of tea comes with a rich history of culture and tradition dating all the way back to AD 900.  It can take many years for...

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Sakura Blossom Season in Japan

Sakura Blossom Season in Japan

By Adam Johnson Mar 28, 2024

During springtime in Japan, the locals there celebrate the beautiful time of year with outdoor festivals and family picnics. The interesting part is that these events all have one thing...

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