Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner

I've always loved the solemn atmosphere of the Obon season in Japan. When I was a child, I would often spend this period at my mother's rural hometown in Nagano Prefecture . In the countryside there, the traditional scenes of a Japanese summer are still very much alive. I vividly remember how my cousins and I would be playing and joking around one moment, but the instant it was time to visit our ancestors' graves, a quiet, respectful mood would settle over all of us. It was t

If there's one month to experience Tokyo at its most vibrant, dynamic, and joyfully chaotic, it's August. Forget the serene image of tranquil temples for a moment; this is when the city's neighborhoods erupt in celebration. The air fills with the sounds of taiko drums, the streets become stages for energetic dancers, and the night sky explodes in a kaleidoscope of color. This is your definitive guide to embracing the festive spirit of Tokyo in August. We'll dive deep into the