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Decoding the Traditional Japanese New Year Decorations | Arigato Travel
Ah, New Year in Japan – a time for renewal, reflection, and of course, decoration! It is the time when you stroll through the streets of Japan, and you see all kinds of cool traditional decorations, then you get curious, “What are they for?” Fret not, my fellow travellers – I’ve got you covered with the answers to all your burning questions. Today, I will be introducing the different kinds of traditional Japanese New Year decorations, and explaining the meaning behind them! The Meaning and History Behind Japanese New Year Decorations Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is the history of all these decorations, and why are they so important? The answer lies in welcoming the Toshigami-sama (年神様) – the New Year deity that brings good fortune, health, and blessings for the year ahead. These decorations act as beacons for the Toshigami-sama to find their way into your home and bring a fresh dose of luck, health, and prosperity. Each decoration has its own meaning and purpose. Let's explore the most iconic ones: Kagamimochi (鏡餅) – The Mirror Rice Cake This little beauty is more than just a pretty centrepiece. Kagamimochi (鏡餅) is a traditional New Year's edible decoration consisting of two round, flat rice cakes stacked on top of each other, symbolizing dualities like past and future, or yin and yang, and representing the hope for stacked fortune and a prosperous, harmonious year. Topped with a daidai (a type of citrus), it symbolizes the wish for generational prosperity and longevity. It is believed the power of the deity resides within the cake! Typically displayed on shrines, alcoves, and entrances, it invites the New Year Deity into the home. After New Year’s, during kagami biraki (鏡開き) on January 11, the mochi is cracked open and shared among family members, spreading the divine blessings amongst all. Therefore, it is essential not to discard it but to consume it, as doing so allows the family to receive all of the fortune and energy of the god for the year ahead. Fun fact, the reason why it is called a Mirror Cake is because the round shape of the cake is said to resemble ancient bronze mirrors, which were once used to reflect divine power! Kadomatsu (門松) – The Gate Pine Tall, majestic, and often made of pine, bamboo, and plum, the Kadomatsu (門松) stands guard at the entrance of homes to guide and welcome the New Year Deity inside. The pine represents enduring life and strength, while specifically, the three bamboo shoots represent heaven, earth, and humanity, symbolizing harmony and balance. Displayed in symmetrical pairs, it marks the boundary between the divine and everyday worlds. Kadomatsu is usually set up by December 28 and should be removed by January 7 or 15, ensuring the home is prepared to receive blessings. For apartment dwellers, mini versions of kodomatsu (made from paper or felt) can work wonders, especially near your front door! Shimekazari (しめ飾り) – The Rope Decoration Made from braided rice straw, this rope is hung above the door to create a boundary between the sacred and the secular. It’s there to ward off evil spirits and ensure that the toshigami-sama will feel welcomed at home. The shimekazari often features auspicious items like daidai (a type of citrus), urajiro (fern), and konbu (kelp), and shide (paper streams), each symbolizing prosperity, integrity, happiness, and protection against disasters. Displaying shimekazari on a fortunate day like December 28 ensures the home is ready for the deity’s arrival. Hang this over your door or entryway. Make sure it's placed at a higher point to create a “boundary” that the deity can pass through. Eto Figurines (干支置物) – Zodiac Animal Figurines Each year, a different animal of the Chinese zodiac (Eto) would appear as a New Year decoration. These cute and symbolic figures represent the spirit of the year ahead. In addition to its general significance, the eto (干支) figurine for 2025, which is the Year of the Snake (み or へび), holds special meaning. The snake, particularly the white snake, is a symbol of good fortune and is believed to enhance luck, financial prosperity, and personal growth. It is also thought to bring peace and harmony to the family. This year’s eto figurine is especially auspicious, making it an ideal decoration to invite these blessings into your home for the new year. Display your eto figurine in a prominent spot such as the entrance, living room, or on a shelf – somewhere the family can easily admire it throughout the year of the snake. Shōgatsu-flowers (正月花) – The New Year's Blooms These flowers are just what you need to bring some natural beauty into your home. Matsu (pine), ume (plum), and senryō (千両, a plant with red berries) are the typical flowers used for New Year's decoration. Each separate plant symbolises longevity, endurance and hope through the winter months, and wealth respectively. Chrysanthemums and Narcissus are also popular choices for the bouquet. While the former is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and is a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation, the latter is known for its resilient nature and its auspicious meaning of
Kanpai! Destination sake breweries to visit in and around Tokyo | Arigato Travel
Why pick up a bottle of sake from the store, when you can go straight to the source? Imagine sipping on freshly brewed sake while overlooking picturesque landscapes or savoring a carefully crafted dish that perfectly complements the subtle flavors of your drink. Visiting a sake brewery is not just about tasting the brew; it's an immersive experience where you can explore the artistry behind each bottle, connect with the rich history of the craft, and perhaps even meet the passionate brewers who pour their heart and soul into every drop. Here’s our guide to the best destination sake breweries in and around Tokyo: self-contained sake wonderlands that go beyond the brew, offering hard-to-find combinations of beautiful views, delicious eats, souvenirs with local flavor, and more. Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery (Okutama, Tokyo) Want to escape the heat, density, and glassy high-rises of Tokyo without actually leaving Tokyo? Okutama is the answer. A popular day-trip destination blanketed in green during the spring and summer months and boasting stunning foliage in autumn. It’s the perfect reprieve from the frenetic pace of urban Tokyo.Enjoy the greenery and river views at In this serene, mountainous haven, Sawanoi Brewery stands as a guardian of tradition. Founded in 1702, the crystal-clear waters from the Tanzawa peaks infuse their sake with clarity and freshness. Their drinks are best enjoyed while relaxing in the riverside Seiryu Garden, perfectly settled in the din of chirping cicadas. Visiting Sawanoi is as much about the experience as it is about the sake. The tasting hall offers the opportunity to sample up to ten varieties of sake, ranging from Sawanoi’s signature blends to seasonal specialties. Each sample is available at a mere ¥300, served in a ceramic ochoko printed with the brewery’s distinctive crab logo. And here’s a tip: keep that ochoko handy for future visits to enjoy a ¥100 discount on your next tasting round. Complement your tasting with a sample of the delicious local cuisine. Try the jiggly konnyaku, a regional delicacy, slathered in a sweet and savory dengaku sauce, or opt for the refreshing al dente cold soba. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the on-site restaurant and café offer a selection of traditional dishes that pair perfectly with your chosen sake. Don’t leave without browsing the souvenir shop, where you can find local specialties to take home and remember your trip. Some of the things you can find are wasabi cream cheese, infused with the spicy kick of locally grown wasabi, or Mitake-jiru, a hearty freeze-dried soup made richer with the addition of Sawanoi’s own sake kasu, or sake lees. These edible souvenirs are perfect for extending the Sawanoi experience long after you’ve left the tranquil surroundings of Okutama. Website: https://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en/about/ Address: 2-770 Sawai, Ome, Tokyo Nearest train station: Sawai Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, hop on the Chuo Line (Ome Special Rapid). At Ome Station, change to the local train headed for Okutama. Alight at Sawai Station. The entire journey should take approximately 1.5 hours and cost ¥945. Tours: In Japanese, English pamphlets are available. Must be booked in advance through the website. Free of charge; no samples provided. Ishikawa Brewery (Fussa, Tokyo) As you exit Haijima Station, it’s hard to believe that a historic sake brewery lies just around the corner. Evoking listless American suburbia, the area is all sharp angles and large cars – which makes entering the Ishikawa Brewery estate all the more delightful. Walking through its gates, the first thing you may notice is the impressive sugidama – a large sphere fashioned from cedar – which is green at the start of the brewing season in winter, and slowly withers to brown as the year unfolds. Or perhaps your eyes will be drawn to the twin keyaki or zelkova trees, towering at 400 years old. Both trees are adorned with zigzag Shinto paper streamers and tied together to represent the marriage between the god of rice and the goddess of water – the perfect harmony at the heart of sake. Ishikawa's sake, sold under the Tamajiman brand and available for purchase at the sake cellar, is a testament to time-honored craftsmanship. Each bottle captures the essence of the pristine waters of the Tama River. For anyone even slightly curious about sake, Ishikawa Brewery offers a comprehensive tour, available in English, which not only goes over the ins and outs of the sake-making process but also includes a tasting session led by the guide. Apart from sake, Ishikawa also brews a range of beer, ranging from crisp and refreshing lagers to rich, full-bodied ales, each crafted with the same dedication to quality and tradition that defines their sake. The wafu Italian cuisine offered at Fussa no Birugoya blends the delicate flavors of Japanese ingredients with the hearty comfort of Italian dishes, creating a unique dining experience that pairs beautifully with Ishikawa’s brews. For those with a sweet tooth, the brewery’s offerings extend beyond beverages. Indulge in umeshu-infused cakes, where the subtle sweetness of plum liqueur elevates the dessert to a new level. The shop also offers local organic honey, harvested from the surrounding area, which makes for a perfect gift or a treat for yourself. Pair it with their smoked cheese, a rich, savory option that complements both their sake and beer selections. Website: https://www.tamajiman.co.jp/en/ Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003, Japan Nearest train station: Haijima Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, hop on the Chuo Line (Ome Special Rapid). Get off at Haijima Station. The journey should take about 1 hour, and cost ¥483. From the station, you can take a taxi or walk around 20 minutes to the brewery. Tours: In Japanese and English. Must be booked in advance by email. Paid (¥3000); samples provided. Kumazawa Brewing Company (Chigasaki, Kanagawa) Imagine a rose, jeweled with dew drops, now, imagine licking it. That’s how fresh, floral, and sweet Kumazawa Brewing Company’s junmai ginjo, under the name Kamakurashiori (鎌倉栞), tastes on the palate. And it’s only one in a series of excellent sake produced by this long-standing maker. Hidden within the brewery’s subterranean cellar, you’ll find two samples available for just ¥300, offering an affordable way to savor the delicate flavors that Kumazawa is renowned for. Since its founding in 1872, Kumazawa Shuzo has been dedicated to brewing sake, and it is now the last remaining sake brewery in the Shonan region. But don’t expect a purely traditionalist approach. Kumazawa masterfully blends the classic with the contemporary. This unique fusion is evident in everything from their comprehensive bottle art, which often features a playful sense of humor, to the calming, sun-dappled garden. It’s here that antique tokkuri (traditional sake flasks) are thoughtfully scattered among the greenery, creating a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation. More recently, Kumazawa has expanded its offerings to include a variety of craft beers, ranging from easy-to-drink IPAs perfect for hot beach days to darker, more complex brews for those who enjoy layered flavors. The brewery’s dedication to capturing the essence of the Shonan region extends to its newest ventures into gin and whiskey. Several of their beers are inspired by and named after nearby destinations like Kamakura and Enoshima, capturing the vibe and flavor of these coastal areas in every sip. Beyond being a brewery, though, Kumazawa serves as a cultural hub, with a café, bakery, restaurants, and small vegetable market on its premises. This makes Kumazawa a family-friendly destination and an ideal spot for the sober-curious as well, offering something for everyone. Art and craft enthusiasts will find much to admire at the Okeba Gallery, a haven for all things handmade. Here, you can pick up elevated souvenirs ranging from beautifully crafted ceramics and finely worked leather goods to unique jewelry and delicate paper crafts, all created by local makers and artists. Website: https://kumazawa.jp/ Address: 7 Chome-10-7 Kagawa, Chigasaki, Kanagawa 253-0082, Japan Nearest train station: Kagawa Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line until Ebina, then change to the Sagami Line to Kagawa Station. The whole journey should take about 1.5 hours and cost ¥755. Walk about 8 minutes to the brewery. Tours: Visitors can take a brief guided tour of the brewery, available to those dining at their on-site restaurants, with advanced reservations (Japanese). More breweries worth visiting in the greater Tokyo area: Nakamura Brewery (Akiruno, Tokyo) With over 200 years of history, Nakamura Brewery is hidden away in Tokyo’s western reaches. Nakamura’s sake is crafted with the pure waters of the Akigawa River. In addition to offering a range of traditionally brewed sake, the brewery houses a compact yet fascinating museum where visitors can explore the tools and techniques used in sake production throughout the ages. From old wooden vats to vintage presses, the displays provide a tangible connection to the rich heritage of sake brewing in Japan. Website: https://chiyotsuru.com/ Address: 63 Ushinuma, Akiruno City, Tokyo Nearest train station: Akigawa Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Line to Akigawa. The whole journey should take about 50 minutes and cost ¥660. Walk about 15 minutes to the brewery. Izumibashi Brewery (Ebina, Kanagawa) Venturing slightly beyond Tokyo to Ebina, Izumibashi Brewery is known for its “field to bottle” approach, where the brewer controls every aspect of production, from rice cultivation to brewing. Their Black Dragonfly series is particularly renowned. Beyond its exceptional sake, Izumibashi offers a scenic experience for visitors, with lush rice fields surrounding the brewery, providing a picturesque backdrop. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and tradition, combined with its stunning location, makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the intricate relationship between agriculture and sake brewing. Website: https://izumibashi.com/en/ Address: 5 Chome-5-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa 243-0435 Nearest train station: Ebina Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line until Ebina. The whole journey should take about 1 hour and cost ¥520. Walk about 25 minutes to the brewery. Noguchi Brewery (Fuchu, Tokyo) With its signature crane-emblazoned bottles, Noguchi brews sake for the gods. It is the official purveyor of sake for Fuchu’s Ōkunitama Shrine, one of Tokyo’s five major shrines. Visitors can enhance their experience by exploring Nakakyū Honten, a historic liquor store, and Kura Cafe, where unique offerings like sake kasu latte and sake kasu cheese toast showcase the versatility of sake. Website: https://www.noguchi-brewery.co.jp/ Address: 2-4-8 Kotobukicho, Fuchu City, Tokyo Nearest train station: Fuchu Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Keio Line to Fuchu. The whole journey should take about 35 minutes and cost ¥320. Walk about 10 minutes to the brewery. Exploring the sake breweries in and around Tokyo offers more than just a taste of Japan’s iconic beverage; it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the cultural and historical roots of this traditional craft. From the serene surroundings of Sawanoi Brewery in Okutama to the innovative blend of old and new at Kumazawa Brewing Company, each brewery provides a unique experience that goes beyond the bottle. Whether you're a sake connoisseur or a curious traveler, these destinations offer a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, exquisite local flavors, and a glimpse into the meticulous process that brings each bottle of sake to life. → Learn more about sake → Enjoy a luxury sake, cocktail, and whisky pairing tour in Tokyo with Arigato → Go on a sake tour of Hiroshima with Arigato Featured Photo Credit: Aarohi Narain On a trip to Tokyo? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.
Interview With Barrique Tokyo – Traditional Japanese Ambiance | Arigato Travel
Let’s all welcome Barrique Tokyo, a Japan-based shop renowned for its exquisite collection of home furnishings, accessories, and decorative pieces ingeniously crafted from repurposed Kimonos. Each item breathes new life into these cherished Japanese textiles, showcasing unparalleled artistry and uniqueness. With a dedicated commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage, Barrique Tokyo has garnered widespread acclaim for its elegant craftsmanship. We are thrilled to present them to you today, inviting you to explore their enchanting world of timeless beauty and cultural reverence. First of all, can you please introduce yourself? BARRIQUE TOKYO is an online store of custom-made home furnishings that recreates the beauty of Japan’s good traditions of kimono and obi into interior items that fit the current lifestyle. My name is Chieko Noguchi, Curator & Artist. I have been involved in the world of fashion and apparel for many years and have worked as a stylist for celebrities and actors on TV and in commercials. My family was engaged in textile manufacturing and wholesale in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, and I have been familiar with kimono, obi, and haori since I was a child. Seeing the beautiful colours, delicate patterns, weaving, and craftsmanship of the artisans, I decided to do something about the kimonos and obis that had been carefully passed down to me and became involved in remaking them in earnest. Could you please share with us the story behind Barrique Tokyo? When was it founded, and what inspired its creation? BARRIQUE refers to the wooden barrels used to age wine, and BARRIQUE was the first apparel brand created by Chieko Noguchi’s husband, a producer specialising in repurposed goods, after he became independent. In the 1980’s, Omotesando was the leading hub of fashion and culture. BARRIQUE had a directly managed store on the first floor of the Dojunkai Aoyama Apartment, the predecessor to the current Omotesando Hills, and Chieko Noguchi was in charge of the press (public relations). Many artists from overseas, including Julian Lennon and Pierce Brosnan, visited the store, and it was a popular store where Daryl Hall purchased stage costumes for his performances in Tokyo. We used ‘’BARRIQUE’’ to express ‘’tradition’’ and the desire to inherit the ‘’iki’’ of Omotesando, Tokyo and transmit it to the world. What is the core concept of the shop? Has using kimonos and obis affected your craft and customers? The brand logo is an arrangement of cloisonne enamel patterns. Shippou is one of the Yusoku-monyo patterns used by the aristocracy since the Heian period (794-1185), a time when the dynastic culture flourished in Japan. It is a pattern consisting of circles joined by overlapping quarters of circles. The eternally unfolding shape of the interlocking circles represents ‘’perfection’’ and is considered an auspicious and lucky pattern. Our concept is to have everlasting connections with people who read this article and purchase BARRIQUE TOKYO products, not only in Japan but also overseas, through ‘’kimono’’. What sets this ambiance and decoration store apart from others? What is important to us is to remake the products in a way that is in tune with modern and overseas lifestyles. For example, combining different materials, such as denim with shibori haori fabric, creates a stylish look. Furthermore, BARRIQUE TOKYO’s products are unique and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted with a focus on the differences in fabric expression for each piece created. The products have a long-life design that can be used timelessly. To convey the charm of kimonos and obis overseas is to convey Japanese culture and traditions. By remaking them into interior items, we hope to pass on the spirit of kimono in a different form overseas. Where do you get the used Kimonos and Obis from? How do you select them? Obi and kimono are purchased from special channels, being carefully selected, and only those items that we are satisfied with are commercialised. In our online store, you can choose your favourite pattern and colour from our carefully selected obi, one by one, and we also offer interior items that can be created from those obi as well. Also, can you tell us about your shop location? Can people find your creations outside of Japan, and where? The products are sold in stores at Maison WA, a concept store based in Paris, France. France is famous among European countries for its extremely high interest in Japanese culture and deep interest in craftsmanship. The awareness of brands is also high, and all brands from all over the world consider France as a business market. Name: Maison WA (Concept shop & Showroom) Phone: +33 (0)1 4026 6670 Address: 8 bis Rue Villedo, 75001 Paris Access: About 100 m from Pyramides station on the Paris Metro Opening hours: 11:00 – 19:00, Tuesday - Saturday https://barriquetokyo.com/pages/maison_wa In addition to our online store, we also hold pop-up stores on a regular basis. For more information, please visit our Social media. https://www.instagram.com/barriquetokyo/ Can people make customised orders at BARRIQUE TOKYO? At BARRIQUE TOKYO, we carefully select obi that are in good condition. Although the length varies from obi to obi, once you have selected your favourite one, please contact us by email etc and we will wholeheartedly create a Kakejiku runner or any other product of your choice. Where do you see BARRIQUE TOKYO in the future? Are there any interesting projects we should know about? We hope to help connect the beauty, culture, and history of traditional Japanese crafts to the world by remaking and delivering traditional obis and kimonos as interior decorations from Tokyo to everyone. Beyond products, are there any other Japanese cultural aspects BARRIQUE TOKYO wants to share with the world? Traditional Japanese crafts, arts, and lifestyle. Japan has long had its own unique culture, which includes beautiful traditions and techniques. We would like to convey the charm of Japan to the world through those cultural aspects. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? Through kimonos and obis, we hope to bring the wonderful Japanese culture behind them to people around the world. We also want to convey the importance of respecting the traditional beauty of Japan and incorporating it into modern lifestyles. Thank you so much for taking precious time out of your day, answering questions, and sharing your extraordinary story with us! We appreciate your insights, and we are glad you joined us for this interview. Follow BARRIQUE TOKYO on: Website: https://barriquetokyo.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59KV-lt9k9gFa02tIbm4wg/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barriquetokyo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BARRIQUETOKYO/ Featured Photo Credit: Barrique Tokyo Plan to visit Tokyo in the future? Book a Personal Travel Consulting Call with our experts and let us ensure your trip is unforgettable!
Top 10 Pet Hotels for Large Dog Breeds in Korea
Being a dog parent in Korea, especially with a large breed like a husky or golden retriever, comes with unique challenges. While dogs are among the most popular pets in Korea, the majority of dog owners live in apartments and prefer small to medium-sized breeds. This makes finding large dog-friendly hotels in Korea or pet-friendly services for expats particularly difficult. Big dogs require ample space to run and play, which can be hard to find in urban environments.At Wonderful, we’ve spent ove