Bathing & travel
Onsen, sento or sauna? Choosing a place to warm up in Japan
Understand the differences, read the signs and make room for rest before and after a bath.
Read the storyTHE JAPAN READING COLLECTION
Ten ways to explore
a little more slowly.
Tea, temple culture, food and thoughtful travel. Read before you visit, or take a quiet moment along the way.
Culture & experiences
A first encounter with Japanese incense and kodo
What it means to “listen” to fragrance, how to choose a workshop and what to know before lighting incense.
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Culture & experiences
Shakyo and shabutsu: a respectful first visit to a Japanese temple workshop
An introduction to copying sutras and tracing Buddhist images, with practical questions to ask before joining.
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Food & tea
Shojin ryori: meeting Japan’s Buddhist food tradition
Beyond a meal without meat or fish: ingredients, seasonality and the care given to preparing and eating.
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Food & tea
A quiet cup with a kyusu: brewing Japanese tea without fuss
You can keep your weekday tea bags. Make a little room for loose-leaf tea when you have time.
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Food & tea
Six Chinese tea categories—and how to enjoy a tea house in Japan
From green tea to oolong and dark tea, start with processing, flavour and a few practical questions.
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Food & tea
Miso, amazake and nukazuke: reading Japanese fermented-food labels
A practical guide to ingredients, alcohol, salt and storage when exploring Japanese food.
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Food & tea
Choosing a yakuzen restaurant or cafe in Japan
Let ingredients, clear explanations and a meal you enjoy guide your choice.
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Bathing & travel
Before booking a wellness stay in Japan: a practical checklist
What is included, what costs extra and how much freedom will you have to rest?
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Bathing & travel
Planning a slower trip in Japan—from half a day to a few nights
Choose one thing to look forward to, then leave space for the journey, meals and rest.
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