Bowing is the traditional form of greeting in Japan. However, bowing can also be used to indicate gratitude, congratulations, or an apology. In casual daily situations, a bow is often a simple nod of the head. Meanwhile, a longer and deeper bow is more respectful and can signify a formal apology or sincere thanks. Don’t worry if you’re just visiting – it’s completely acceptable for foreigners to shake hands in japan.

There are lots of interesting dining traditions in Japan, but slurping noodles has to be one of the most fun. When Japanese diners slurp their noodles, it’s seen as both a sign of enjoyment and a compliment to the chef. So next time you order ramen or yakisoba in Japan, feel free to slurp to your heart’s content. 

In Japanese homes, there’s typically an area inside the front door, known as genkan, where people swap their shoes for house slippers. Going to the bathroom involves changing slippers again, as cleanliness is an inherent part of Japanese culture. The most important thing to remember is to swap slippers again as soon as you leave the bathroom. It’s considered very embarrassing to leave bathroom slippers on when you re enter a living space.

Visitors to onsens, or hot spring baths, are required to bathe naked in Japan. Traditional onsens do not allow swimsuits, so everyone must shower thoroughly before entering the baths. This means that visitors leave their clothes and large towels in the locker room and take just a small towel with them to the bathing area. As there’s usually nowhere to put the small towels, the traditional solution is to put it on your head.

Health is important to Japanese culture and the country’s tradition of morning exercise reflects that. Rajio Taiso, introduced by Emperor Hirohito, is a radio exercise program that’s been broadcast daily since 1928. It plays every morning for 10 minutes and it’s mostly followed by school children and the elderly.

Seiza, which means sitting with your legs folded underneath you, is the traditional way to sit on Japanese tatami floors. At formal occasions, sitting seiza is considered appropriate and respectful. Even so, it’s a difficult position for the average person to hold. Older Japanese people sometimes sit with their legs out in front of them, which is completely acceptable.

In Japan, a bath at home is for relaxation, rather than for cleaning. So Japanese people do not use soap in their baths. Instead, they shower first and then soak in the bath afterwards.

Although tea is a huge part of Japanese culture, the nation is also known for its love of high-quality Jamaican coffee. About 70% of Jamaica’s exported Blue Mountain Coffee goes to Japan.

A geish, which translates as “performing artist” in English, is a traditional female entertainer. Although surprisingly, the first geisha were men. As time passed, it became regarded as a mostly female profession and today, geisha are still a much-loved part of Japanese culture.

Japanese restaurants often give customers a moist towel, known as oshibori, to clean their hands before eating. Depending on the season, the towel will be cold or hot. Just don’t use it to clean your face or use it throughout the meal.

Kendo is one of the most popular Japanese hobbies in modern times. There are over one and a half million active kendo players in Japan. It is a descendant of swordsmanship, but a much less violent version of course. If you enjoy learning about martial arts and would love to advance physically and mentally, Kendo is a great activity for you.

Opponents face each other in protective equipment and have to hit the counterpart with an accurate and clear strike. The shinai, a bamboo sword is a beautiful piece. For those who want to learn discipline, Kendo is definitely a good fit. Mastering the arts could take years, so you are in for a magnificent journey.

Kintsugi will not only be the most beautiful but also one of the most useful hobbies you’ll ever pick up that’s also good for your mental health. We love Kintsugi because it teaches about values people really need in this century. Kintsugi is one of the most mental-health-friendly hobbies that will help you deal with stress, help you put negative things into a new and positive perspective as well as embrace and appreciate imperfections.

How many times have you thrown away items because they were slightly damaged? Today’s society is so used to just buying new instead of fixing what’s broken. Kintsugi teaches a valuable lesson to everyone; broken pieces can be placed back together and the result might even be more beautiful than it originally was.

Dating back to the eighth century, Furoshiki has a long and beautiful history. Many think Furoshiki is simply gift wrapping, but actually, it is much more than that. Naturally, if you want to surprise someone, a tastefully wrapped gift definitely goes a long way. However, the colourful clothes are suitable for everyday transportation and packaging as well.

Depending on the size, you can wrap nearly anything you would want to take with you. For example, preparing a nice picnic couldn’t be easier than with Furoshiki cloths. Mastering the art is not too difficult, but certainly very useful. If you enjoy painting and creating new patterns, you can start making your own Furoshiki cloth.

The Japanese dwarf trees are probably among the most well-known traditional Japanese hobbies you can think of. In most countries, it is considered to be a lavish hobby that will impress everyone. Beyond that everyone loves the appearance of the tiny trees that look just like the giants on paintings. No matter how you decorate at home or in your office, a Bonsai tree will definitely be a good fit.

It isn’t just how great they look, it takes time, patience, and attention to keep those beauties in good shape. You can order a Bonsai tree today and begin your journey with these remarkable plants. They will definitely thank your hard work. Get started with the art of Bonsai at home you just need a Bonsai tree starter kit, a live bonsai tree or you can use Bonsai tree seeds and start growing your very own Bonsai.

Learning a new language is always a superb hobby. By doing so you are doing yourself a huge favour. We aren’t just talking about exploring a new culture, but it also keeps your brain fit. Studies show that learning a language is among the best exercises one can do to improve memory and overall improve neuroplasticity.

You are going to find it on every list of how to improve your neuroplasticity. Furthermore, Japanese is an incredibly beautiful and complex language, therefore if you enjoy the challenge, you are in for a fantastic treat. Japanese culture is very popular around the world, so it is definitely a good conversation starter. Also, in case you are planning to visit Japan, locals are going to adore you if you can engage in a conversation in Japanese.

In case you are a huge fan of anime and Japanese culture, you are going to love drawing anime. If you are looking for the most common Japanese hobbies, anime is definitely on top. Even if you are not an anime enthusiast, you are still very likely to enjoy drawing cute, fun, or dark anime characters. Drawing is another great exercise that can help your brain remain young.

Shogi is definitely among the most popular Japanese hobbies and if you like chess, you are going to love this abstract board game too. It has been around since the 15^th century and it is just as exciting as fun. Especially if you find a worthy opponent. There is a good chance that walking around in parks you are going to find locals playing and always looking for new challenges. You are definitely going to make friends quickly with your Shogi knowledge in Japan.

In addition to all the social and mental benefits, Shogi boards are also beautiful. We are sure you are going to want one at home on display at all times.

When in Japan, you ought to try matcha tea and if you have the chance also visit a tea ceremony. Nothing is more soothing and captivating than making matcha. If you have trouble with relaxing, concentrating, and generally switching off, this is your new go-to activity.

You don’t have to love tea, enough if someone else in the family does. This beautiful ritual is one of the most beautiful traditional hobbies in Japan and one that replenishes the soul as well as your body. Just think of it as an active meditation while also making delicious matcha tea.

What is Tsumami Kanzashi? If you have seen intricate artworks or traditional Japanese celebrations, you have definitely seen them. Kanzashi collectively refers to traditional Japanese hair ornaments and Tsumami Kanzashi are flower ornaments. These lovely accessories play an important part at special events, such as weddings. Geisha and even sumo wrestlers wear a form of these beauties.

Its traditions go back as far as about ten thousand years at some point in history they were even used as deadly weapons. While creating it is not an easy task, but certainly is a great hobby. Making your own, personalized Tsunami Kanzashi is a truly amazing experience.

Japanese arts and crafts lovers are going to be delighted as there is another unique way to create while relaxing. Mizuhiki is a quite interesting form of art that surely is going to blow your mind. Mastering Mizuhiki is not an easy task, but the reward is guaranteed.

Mizuhiki is in fact a rice cord you have to make yourself and then paint to your desired colours. Once the cord is done, you can start creating your own little sculptures or even jewellery. Traditionally they were created for special occasions, but they also served as gifts to loved ones.

Cooking is undoubtedly among the most common Japanese hobbies. Food has always served as a strong connection between cultures and thanks to the internet we can learn to cook anything we are in the mood for. Japanese cuisine is deservedly among the most beloved ones around the world.

One of the many reasons why Japanese culture is so beloved is the fact that just how simple yet beautiful most of their designs are. Take a peek into the magical art of flower arranging, which would often suggest a lot of colours and overwhelming crowds in the arrangement. But not in Japan. This meditative traditional Japanese hobby is going to teach you that sometimes less is more and that harmony can come from any plant or flower.

If you had already decided to begin learning Japanese, then Shodo is not going to be too difficult for you. Alright, that’s only true if you already mastered the traditional writing, which might not be due for a couple of years.

Anyway, even if you haven’t even started writing in Japanese, Shodo is a great way to connect with Japanese culture and also relax. Calligraphy is between art and history and a little bit of science. You are certainly going to feel accomplished once you managed to paint a few traditional Japanese characters.

Origami might be one of the most famous traditional Japanese hobbies without a doubt. Everyone heard about the art of paper folding. You don’t have an idea of how magical this art is until you created your first crane or hummingbird.

Once you become confident, your imagination is the only limit. You can make decorations for home, animals for your loved ones, and of course, useful items such as fans or book covers.

The largest traditional dance festival in Japan, Awa Odori takes place in Tokushima City in the secluded prefecture of Tokushima on Shikoku Island. Occurring for several days during mid-August, the Awa Odori boasts over 400 years of profound history and is counted amongst Japan’s Three Great Bon Odori festivals, which are all large-scale traditional dances occurring during the summertime holiday of Obon.

Awa Odori features groups of choreographed dancers known as “ren.” There are lots of different ren of varying sizes, including amatuer ren made up of locals, highly trained professional ren, and ren of schoolchildren or employees from a company. Each ren is divided between the men’s dance and the women’s dance, with the men donning a traditional garment known as a “happi” and socks while women wear a yukata and traditional “amigasa” straw hat with “geta” wooden clogs. The men’s dance is intense and dynamic while the women’s is refined and elegant. Awa Odori is also noted for its distinctive duple time music, which is produced by a band called a “narimono” with a number of instruments including bells, flutes, shamisen, and taiko drums.

Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is an important Japan-wide seasonal celebration taking place on July 7 and lasting until mid-August (depending on the area and region). During this time, people will write their wishes on strips of rectangular “tanzaku” paper and hang it on the leaves of bamboo while praying to the stars. Streets, shopping arcades, homes, and stores will display decorations of colourful streamers and bamboo leaves, weaving together an energetic, enchanting atmosphere. The festival was originally based on the Chinese Qixi Festival and celebrates the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, star-crossed lovers represented by the stars Vega and Altair who are separated by the Milky Way. Once a year, during the seventh day of the seventh lunar month according to the lunisolar calendar, they are allowed to meet, marking the beginning of Tanabata. During this time, the light shining from Vega and Altair is said to be at its brightest, leading to the belief that the two deities were finally together.

The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri was originally promoted by Sendai’s legendary samurai founder Date Masamune and continues today as one of Japan’s most flamboyant celebrations. During this time, the entirety of Sendai and surroundings become engulfed in a tapestry of dazzling handmade Tanabata decorations, including bamboo, origami, tanzaku paper, drawstring bags, and streamers. Many are made to be huge and extravagant, with the thick meter-long streamers hung on huge sticks of bamboo being the most eye-catching.

One of northern Tohoku's stand-out events, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is centered around huge, dramatic “nebuta” paper lantern floats designed in the shapes of deities, mythical creatures, kabuki actors, and more. The Nebuta Matsuri is celebrated simultaneously in almost every region of Aomori Prefecture during early August, with popular places to witness it being Aomori City, Hirosaki, and Goshogawara. Surrounding the floats are “haneto” dancers, who perform an energetic routine timed to a musical accompaniment while dressed flamboyantly.

Beginning as a ritual to send off the spirits of the dead, the origins of this custom can be traced back as far as the Tanabata/Obon festivals of the Nara Period (710-794). While most of these festivals see small lanterns gently gliding down rivers, those in Aomori have evolved into massive sculpture-like nebuta lanterns reaching up to 5 meters tall and 9 meters wide. With over two million people mobilized for the event, it remains one of Japan’s largest celebrations and a part of Tohoku’s Three Great Festivals.

Aiming to make the bitter cold of Hokkaido's mid-winter bright and fun, the Sapporo Snow Festival features hundreds of massive and extraordinarily detailed ice and snow sculptures adorning the city of Sapporo. The festival’s main location is the central Odori Park, while the nearby neighbourhood of Susukino and the Tsu Dome in Higashi Ward also showcase a delightful range worth checking out.

Compared with many of the other festivals on this list, the Sapporo Snow Festival has a relatively short and humble history. It was kicked off by a group of local high schoolers who started building sculptures out of snow plowed and discarded in Odori Park. Each year, more professional and passionate sculptors would come to try and outdo each other, making the event rapidly grow in scale. Now attracting over 2.5 million visitors from Japan and abroad, the ice and snow sculptures lining the frozen streets grow more ambitious and breath taking every year. The festival is also enhanced by stunning illuminations, projection mapping, ice skating, food stalls, snow slides, and more, providing entertainment well worth braving the cold for!

One of the most popular Golden Week (holiday period in late April/early May) festivals in Japan, the Hakata Dontaku Matsuri is held annually on May 3-4 in the city of Fukuoka in Kyushu. During the festival, the streets are taken over by beautifully costumed dancers, many bearing the festival’s iconic wooden "shamoji” spoon, alongside gorgeously decorated “hana jidosha” floats.

The word “dontaku” is said to have originated from the Dutch word “zondag,” meaning “Sunday” or “holiday.” The word came into use in Japan during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) to denote the 1st and 6th of each month, which were considered official holidays between 1868 and 1876. The Hakata Dontaku Matsuri itself can be traced back to 1179 as a “Matsubayashi” festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year. While it was briefly banned by the government in 1872, it was kickstarted again in 1879 on a new date under the fresh name of Dontaku. After the war, it assumed its current form in 1962, with a series of processions and dances by locals of both young and old men and women occurring over two days. Nowadays, there are roughly 650 Dontaku groups of over 30,000 performers cheered on by up to 2 million spectators!

Beginning as a humble Chinese New Year celebration, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival is now a dreamlike display of over 15,000 lanterns transforming the city into a tapestry of fiery reds and vivid yellows. Occurring during the Lunar New Year, the festival attracts over 1 million visitors to Nagasaki City’s Chinatown and nearby locations to witness the lanterns alongside fireworks, traditional dances, theatre performances, and more.

The festival was originally started by Chinese residents living in the Nagasaki Chinatown celebrating the Chinese New Year. After impressing the other citizens of Nagasaki, the festival was ramped up and redesigned in 1994 to include all residents, quickly becoming one of Kyushu’s most prominent winter icons. The festival runs for around two weeks during an ever-changing period around late January and early February. There are 7 main areas decorated with lanterns, including the Nagasaki Chinatown, Central Park, the Chinese district of Tojinyashiki, Kofukuji Temple, and more.

Held in Kishiwada City, Osaka, during mid-September, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is known for its show of extremely large and heavy “danjiri” wooden floats pulled along at breakneck speeds. Considered one of the most thrilling traditional festivals in Japan, over 400,000 spectators gather to watch this nail-biting display of raw energy and excitement.

With up to 10 different varieties unique to certain areas, danjiri floats have hundreds of years of history and are at the heart of Kansai culture. Each danjiri hosts a group of musicians alongside a collection of locals and one individual chosen to stand atop to shift their weight and help it around corners. While there are several festivals featuring danjiri, Kishiwada is by far the most famous. The danjiri here weigh about 4 tons and are generally made from the wood of the Japanese “keyaki” tree and adorned with intricate carvings by the town’s most skilled carpenters. To help move it along, a team of up to 200 pull ropes from the front while pushing the wheels from behind with a stick, carefully matching their power and showing off their strength and dexterity.

Ranked as one of Japan’s top three festivals, the Tenjin Festival in Osaka is celebrated for its dual land and river processions topped off by a breath taking fireworks display. While events last for an entire month, the main spectacle takes place on July 24-25 with over 1 million people flocking to take part.

Boasting more than 1,000 years of history, Tenjin Matsuri festivals are actually held around the 25th each month at Tenmangu Shrines Japan-wide to honor the deity of scholarship Sugawara Michizane. Within this tradition, the annual summertime Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka is the most famous, with the climax of over 5,000 fireworks and convoy of approximately 100 boats, many bearing bonfires, transforming Osaka into another world.

Held by Yasaka Shrine, which sits between Kyoto’s historical Gion and Higashiyama districts, the Gion Matsuri is another of Japan’s most famous matsuri festivals. Its history dates all the way back to 869 with the Emperor declaring a festival be held to appease the gods and curb plague. It has been held continuously since 970.

The Gion Matsuri is most famous for the spectacular procession of floats on the 17th and 24th of July along with the smaller “yoiyama” festivals the preceding nights. During the yoiyama, the giant “yama” and “hoko” floats used for the main processions are displayed outdoors with their lanterns lit accompanied by Gion-bayashi traditional music.

The festival is also a time for locals and visitors to don their best kimono and show it off throughout the town. Surrounded by the ancient, retro streets of Kyoto’s geisha district, the jovial yet deeply spiritual atmosphere offers an intimate encounter with the soul of Japanese culture. Being one of Japan’s cultural heartlands, Kyoto is also host to a number of matsuri festivals throughout the year, including the iconic burning kanji characters of the Gozan no Okuribi festival. 

Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo's biggest Shinto festivals. Beginning during the Edo period, it is held by Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo’s Chiyoda City and spreads out across neighbourhood's like Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and Marunouchi. During this time, over 200 mikoshi accompanied by roughly a thousand participants and thousands of spectators dominate the streets. The full “honmatsuri” version takes place on odd-numbered years, while a simplified version is held on even. Complemented by events throughout the week, the main attractions usually occur over the weekend closest to May 15, with day-long processions on Saturday and parades of mikoshi on Sunday.

The origins of the festival are murky, with some form of it believed to exist during the original construction of Kanda Myojin Shrine in 730. However, its modern iteration truly kicked off when Tokugawa Ieyasu visited Kanda Myojin Shrine to pray for his victory in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. He decisively won, leading to the start of the Tokugawa shogunate. Coincidentally, the day Tokugawa officially unified the whole of Japan was also the shrine’s festival day, naturally leading Tokugawa to believe the shrine held immense power. He allowed its mikoshi to enter the Edo Castle grounds while it became officially recognized and protected by the shogunate.