Cultural Insights and Iconic Dishes
Etiquette essentials
Remove shoes at the genkan entry, queue in tidy lines on platforms, silence phones on public transport and avoid eating while walking in busy streets. Respectful behaviour earns warm, though often unspoken, gratitude from locals.
Festival calendar
July: Kyoto’s month-long Gion Matsuri floats roll beneath night lanterns.
Early Aug: Aomori’s Nebuta parade sends illuminated warrior lanterns dancing through streets.
Late Aug: Tokushima’s Awa Odori converts avenues into a giant folk-dance floor; visitors are welcomed to join.Regional food map
Sapporo: rich miso broth crowned with sweet corn; Tokyo: soy-based shōyu with curly noodles; Fukuoka: creamy pork tonkotsu. Finish with a convenience-store chūhai under spring blossoms.