Back10 articles Request an article — free Ask a Local
Nature & Seasons
Seasonal traditions and the Japanese calendar. Pick a theme and learn the small cultural cues that make everyday life in Japan easier.
Popular Topics
Why do people picnic under cherry blossoms in spring?Nature & SeasonsWhy do limited-edition products appear whenever the season changes in Japan?Nature & SeasonsWhat is tsuyu, and why does everyone talk about the weather so much in June?Nature & SeasonsWhy do people in Japan go out to see autumn leaves?Nature & SeasonsWhy do people throw beans and shout at demons around February 3?Nature & SeasonsWhy are festivals held all over Japan in summer?Nature & SeasonsWhy does the whole country shut down over New Year — and what do all the special foods and decorations mean?Nature & SeasonsWhy is Halloween here all about adults in costume — with no kids trick-or-treating?Nature & SeasonsChristmas here means KFC buckets and romantic dates — and everyone works on the 25th?Nature & SeasonsWhy do women give men chocolate on Valentine's Day — even to their coworkers — and what is 'White Day'?Nature & Seasons
What should we cover in this category?
Tell our editorial team what you would like to understand about Japan.