Oku Japan Insights

Understanding Dining Etiquette on Your Trip to Japan

Ilse Montald

While there is a plethora of rules connected to Japanese cuisine, the truth of the matter is that they have become quite relaxed over the years as foreign cuisine started to mix with mainstream culture.

Do you want to become a Dual Pilgrim?

Oku Japan

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, and the Kumano Kodo, are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites because of their cultural and historical significance. In fact, these two pilgrimage routes are the only ones with UNESCO status in the world.

The Ohenro Pilgrims of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

Oku Japan

The white-clad figures that pop up frequently during a search about the famous Shikoku 88 pilgrimage have an official name. They are called Ohenro. It is not an exclusive term - anyone can become one when walking the trail.

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

Oku Japan

In March and April, cherry blossom mania begins - forecasts as to when and where the blooms will appear first and when they will peak make the morning weather reports. Sakura -flavored items make their way into restaurant menus, coffee shops, and supermarkets.

Okunoin Cemetery on Mt. Koya

Ilse Montald

The bridge to Okunoin serves as a boundary between worlds, and the cedar trees lining the path seem to open a barrier that welcomes you into the spirit world.

Spirituality on pilgrimages in Japan

Ilse Montald

I don’t consider myself a particularly religious person following any specific devout path and surprisingly, such feelings are shared with a lot of Japanese people as well.

History on the Nakasendo

Kanata Ide

While there are other notable towns along this legendary route, one of the most memorable aspects of a visit to this area is the human connection made with the local residents.

Shikoku 88: a path for pilgrims

Daniel Kolosi

As someone interested in looking beyond what was found in most guidebooks, I was particularly drawn to Shikoku.

Japanese Jizo statues: ancient protectors of the trail

Ilse Montald

History and culture

While walking in Japan, you’ll likely spot small stone statues shaped like children or depictions of Buddha. These may seem like mischievous forest sprites, but their real identity tells a different story.

Oku Japan Insights

Understanding Dining Etiquette on Your Trip to Japan

Do you want to become a Dual Pilgrim?

The Ohenro Pilgrims of the Shikoku Pilgrimage

When is cherry blossom season in Japan?

Okunoin Cemetery on Mt. Koya

Spirituality on pilgrimages in Japan

History on the Nakasendo

Shikoku 88: a path for pilgrims

Japanese Jizo statues: ancient protectors of the trail

Featured Articles