Japan’s summer season spans from June to August (coinciding with the off-peak season for house hunting according to Village House bloggers). During this period, residents and tourists are treated to a horde of festivals and events known collectively as natsu matsuri or summer festivals. The tradition of natsu matsuri stems from when harvests were planted in the summer – farmers and villages would hold festivals to pay tribute to …

Japan’s summer season kicks off with a rainy period known as tsuyu, which lasts approximately the entire month of June. After that, the heat and humidity set in and take up permanent residence until the end of August or September. The one benefit of this is that these months are considered off-peak for those looking to rent an apartment so if that’s something that needs to be ticked off …

The World Economic Forum revealed that Japan ranked 3rd among top world travel destinations in 2024, coming in behind the United States and Spain. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), as of March 2024, around 3 million international visitors traveled to Japan, an increase of 11.7% from the number of international visitors in 2019.   Some of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations include its capital, Tokyo; Osaka, known …

Japan is renowned for its bustling cities, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes – and whether you’re interested in exploring the natural world, eating fine local delicacies, or exploring dense shopping centers, there is something for everyone.  Whilst popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto often steal the spotlight, there are many hidden gems left unexplored for many people. The Tohoku region offers a treasure trove of lesser-known destinations waiting …