Hinamatsuri – a festival of girls, dolls and spring
Emperor and Empress Dolls | Photo by Anuki's Corner

Hinamatsuri – a festival of girls, dolls and spring

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Come March, Japanese families and business will display beautiful, often handcrafted dolls depicting an imperial court scene. What’s behind this tradition? Hina Matsuri, also often called Girl’s Day or Doll’s Day is celebrated on March 3rd and is one of the five seasonal festivals which are celebrated on auspicious days of the Chinese Calendar. It takes its name from the Hina-dolls (雛人形 Hinaningyo). These often handmade dolls are dressed in the fashion of the Heian period imperial court, displayed on a platform covered with red carpet. The dolls are usually handed down in the family and therefore, old and precious (read expensive). The central figurines are a sitting male and female doll (男雛 obina and 女雛 mebina respectively). They are symbolic for the royal bride and groom at a Heinan Period…

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Greeting the day from the top of Japan – Mt Fuji
Fuji-san in Summer | Photo by Anukiscorner

Greeting the day from the top of Japan – Mt Fuji

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When you think of Japan, it is hard not to think of Fuji-San (Mt. Fuji) - with its picture-perfect volcanic shape, the snow-covered top and gently sloping base… Standing tall and proud at 3776m above sea level, it’s Japan’s highest and holiest peak and a scenic hiking destination, to see the sunrise. So, grab your hiking boots and let’s head for the most beautiful sunrises of your life.  Five trails lead to the top of Fuji-san and most hikers start from the 5th station. Yoshida Trail Head: Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station Subashiri Trail Head: Subashiri Trail 5th Station Gotemba Trail Head: Gotemba Trail New 5th Station Fujinomiya Trail Head: Fujinomiya Trail 5th Station The Yoshida Trail is the most popular one. It is scattered with mountain huts and zigzags up…

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Camping in Izu Oshima
Mt Mihara | Photo by Anuki's Corner

Camping in Izu Oshima

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Summer has come to Tokyo, the rainy season is ending and long weekends are coming up. Time to start planning trips. How about cycling on the largest of Tokyo Eleven Islands? Izu Oshima (伊豆大島) is the largest among the Izu Islands and belongs to the administrative region of Tokyo. Because of this the streets are properly maintained and the abandonment and desolation that plagues so much of Japan’s picturesque countryside is kept to a minimum. At the same time it is far away enough from the over urbanized Tokyo to have spacious roads and pavements, beautiful landscapes and unobstructed view (including the stars!) Izu  Oshima can be reached by Ferry or Air. A daily slow Ferry is operated from Tokyo’s Takeshiba pier as well as a jetfoil ferry. The first…

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Japan for Vegetarians – Soba
Traditionally Soba are cut by hand | Photo by Mitya Ivanov on Unsplash

Japan for Vegetarians – Soba

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I am not vegetarian myself but just recently a vegetarian friend visited me in Japan - putting me before a big problem. Where would we eat? Because, here is the thing - Japan is not exactly vegetarian friendly at the first glance. Japanese cuisine today is all about balance of different types of ingredients. On top of this Japan's fish and beef are world famous for their taste and quality. Often, even if a dish looks vegetarian, it might have meat or fish ingredients in the form of sauces for example. This being said - while it requires some knowledge and attention to eat vegetarian food in Japan, it is far from impossible. Here are some tips, on how to ensure you get the best of the culinary experience, and…

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