Photo by Robert George

Sunset over Lake Hakone.

Lake Hakone, located in the heart of a huge volcanic crater to southwest of Tokyo near Mt. Fuji, is one of Japan’s most treasured geographic jewels. With its natural hot springs, historic landmarks, annual festivals and fine hotels, Hakone is a popular vacation spot that draws visitors from all over the world.

Hinamatsuri is the Doll Festival associated with Girls’ Day in Japan. Celebrated on March 3, the custom had its origins in feudal Japan, when courtiers offered dolls to the princesses of the imperial family to bear illness and misfortune in their stead. The custom continued until Edo times, when it became more widespread among the [...]

Photo by Robert George Three 21-year-old women in kimono, all dressed up to celebrate Coming of Age Day. Each year, on the 15th of January, Japan celebrates Seijin no Hi, Coming of Age Day. On this occasion, dressed in their most elaborate finery, especially dazzling formal kimono for young women and designer suits for young [...]

Photo by Robert George Hagoita is a paddle used in Hanetsuki. Hanetsuki is a kind of Japanese badminton game played with shuttlecocks called hane and decorative paddles called hagoita. During the Edo period, artisans created elaborate designs on the backs of the paddles with quilted silk, featuring Ukiyoe caricatures of popular Kabuki actors, and many [...]

Atsukan sake is the term for Japanese rice wine served hot. Sake should never be heated above 140 degrees (60C). For more on Sake, see David P. Jones’ Sake to Me.

Anime is the Japanese word for the art of animation. These animated films are based largely on characters and storylines from Japanese comic books called manga, although not exclusively. Japanese anime, easily recognizable for its wide-eyed characters, highly stylized design and classic plots, has become an increasingly popular art form both in Japan and worldwide. [...]