Discovering Japanese Culture
Japan’s culture is both ancient and futuristic — built on thousands of years of tradition, yet constantly evolving with new fashions, ideas and technologies. That blend of the timeless and the cutting-edge is what makes Japan such an enthralling place to explore.
We’ve broken this broad culture down into key themes you can jump straight into via the links below. Whether you’re drawn to people, religion, food, or modern pop-culture, you’ll find something of interest here.
People
While Japan is often thought of as culturally homogeneous, its population is far more varied and diverse than first meets the eye.
Religion
Multiple belief systems coexist across Japan: many are born into Shinto, marry in Christian-style ceremonies, and live with Buddhist traditions in the background.
Sports
Traditional Japanese sports, such as martial arts and the ritual-rich domain of sumo, offer more than physical challenge — they reflect values of discipline, heritage and community.
Food
Japan is a paradise for food lovers, with dishes ranging from simple street fare to multi-course seasonal cuisine. Every meal can be a discovery.
Drink
Whether it’s sake, whiskey, beer, green tea or soft drinks with a uniquely Japanese twist, there’s something to suit every taste and occasion.
Geisha
The world of the geisha is an elegant and highly-skilled tradition of music, dance and hospitality—one of Japan’s most iconic cultural images.
Japanese Gardens
Japan’s landscape gardens are masterpieces of horticulture, blending nature and human design in subtle, beautiful ways that reflect philosophical and aesthetic principles.
Manga & Anime
Comics and animation from Japan have taken the world by storm — but they also reflect deeper stories and cultural expressions within modern Japanese society.
Samurai
The samurai were more than warriors: they shaped Japanese history, ethics and social structures. Their legacy remains woven into Japan’s culture today.
Theatre
From the stylised drama of Kabuki and Noh to modern musicals and cabaret, Japan’s theatrical tradition is diverse, theatrical and steeped in narrative and visual art.
Cherry Blossom
The blooming of cherry blossoms is a major event in Japan — a time of beauty, reflection and celebration. It’s one of many seasonal cultural moments not to be missed.
Social Conventions
From the way people greet each other to the correct handling of chopsticks, Japan’s etiquette is rich, nuanced and deeply embedded in daily life. We’ll demystify some of the most common customs.