Travel Japan on Guided Tours: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji & Osaka | Explore Japan with Tanuki Stories

Living in Japan changes you. Not all at once, but slowly—like one of Kyoto’s temple gardens that I walk through every week while guiding my tours. The transformation is subtle, accumulating in small details: a different way of breathing, observing, responding to everyday chaos.After three years in the Kansai region, I realized something I never expected: Stoicism and Zen, despite being born worlds apart, aim for the same inner freedom—even if they take opposite routes to get

In Japan, flowers are not merely decoration—they are teachers, storytellers, and mirrors of the human soul. This is the essence of Kadō & Ikebana , the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Rooted in Buddhist offerings and refined through centuries of aesthetic evolution, Kadō (華道)—literally the Way of Flowers —is both a spiritual path and an artistic discipline. Also known as Ikebana (生け花, “living flowers”), it encourages harmony between nature and the self, betwe

In a quiet tatami room in Kyoto, a thin trail of smoke curls into the air, vanishing before it can be grasped. A small group sits in stillness, not speaking. One person lifts a delicate incense cup, covers it with a hand, and gently inhales. They are not just smelling—they are listening . This is Kōdō: The Way of Incense in Japanese Culture . More than a sensory delight, Kōdō is a contemplative art, a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, where a fleeting fragrance b

Judo, often translated as “the gentle way,” is much more than a competitive sport — it is a philosophical path and physical discipline rooted in respect, strategy, and inner growth. Developed in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano , judo distanced itself from the often dangerous jujutsu techniques of feudal Japan and transformed into a martial art that embraced safety, education, and global unity. JUDO The Origins of Judo: From Jujutsu to Judoka Kano, a brilliant and determi

Kendo, the way of the sword, is more than just a martial art. It is a living tradition that continues to embody the philosophy, discipline, and indomitable spirit of the samurai. Rooted in centuries of Japanese history, kendo combines physical skill with mental resilience to create a path of lifelong self-improvement. In this article, we explore the origins of kendo, its techniques and gear, its relevance in modern society, and the inspiring stories of practitioners who carry

Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu (梅雨), transforms the country into a living painting of vibrant greens, damp earth, and misty skies. It’s a time when even the busiest cities slow down, and nature takes centre stage. One of the most overlooked yet culturally rich elements of this transformation is moss in Japan . Moss in Japan is not just a plant—it is an aesthetic, a metaphor, and a symbol of quiet resilience. From the lush Zen gardens of Kyoto to temple paths in Nara a

Japanese archery, known as kyūdō (the way of the bow), is a martial art deeply intertwined with Japan's spiritual, cultural, and...

Brush across a white sheet, forming characters with a simple yet sophisticated instrument—a Japanese ink brush. With each stroke, the artist not only writes but creates an expression of beauty, rooted in centuries of tradition. Calligraphy, known as *shodo* in Japan, is an esteemed art form that has captivated people for generations. In Japan, writing is more than just a tool for communication; it is an art that blends function with beauty, and at the heart of this art is the

The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sado , revolves around the meticulous art and philosophy of tea preparation. This tea ceremony is deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual significance, offering participants an unparalleled experience of harmony and mindfulness., is more than the preparation and drinking of tea. It is an intricate art form and spiritual practice that fosters profound connections between participants. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, every ele