VOL.24

May 2025

Children’s Day

Hinamatsuri is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated annually on March 3rd, dedicated to praying for the health and happiness of young girls. Families display ornamental hina dolls, which represent the imperial court of the Heian period, and enjoy festive foods such as chirashizushi, hina-arare. It is believed that the dolls absorb misfortune, protecting children from harm.

Travel, Holidays & Wisteria Flowers

Golden Week is one of Japan’s longest holiday seasons, taking place from late April to early May. It combines several national holidays into a week-long break, giving many people time to travel or relax. During this period, people across Japan take trips—visiting family, sightseeing, or enjoying nature. One popular activity is flower viewing, a cherished spring tradition known as hanami. While cherry blossoms bloom earlier, another flower becomes the star during Golden Week: the wisteria.

Wisteria, or fuji in Japanese, is known for its long, hanging clusters of purple, white, and pink flowers. These blooms often grow on arches and trellises, creating beautiful tunnels of color and fragrance. Walking under the wisteria is peaceful and almost dreamlike. Visitors enjoy the view, take photos, and sometimes wear traditional clothing like yukata.

  • Eitaro Ame Tango no Sekku

    Eitaro Ame Tango no Sekku

  • Omamori Cha

    Omamori Cha

  • Iwa Okoshi

    Iwa Okoshi

  • Otedzukuri Monaka

    Otedzukuri Monaka

  • Kuri no Mori Cake

    Kuri no Mori Cake

  • Kurokosho Arare

    Kurokosho Arare

  • Noko Umedare Senbei

    Noko Umedare Senbei

  • Saisai ka

    Saisai ka

  • Kuzu Manju

    Kuzu Manju

  • Ita Ame Hanehitoe Soda

    Ita Ame Hanehitoe Soda

  • Relax Sencha

    Relax Sencha