Kodawari Times
2026.01.26
In recent years, regional areas across Japan have been gaining attention as travel destinations, not just urban centers. Japan’s regions hold hidden treasures—history, cultur
2026.01.23
January has arrived, marking the start of the full-fledged winter season. When it comes to winter tourism in Japan, many people likely have skiing as their primary goal, right? Ski
2026.01.09
At the Hachimangu Shrine in my village, every year around year-end, volunteers from the parishioners gather to make shimenawa (sacred ropes.) This year, as the caretaker of Hachima
2025.12.26
Yamagata City, the largest city in Yamagata Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it is a land rich in nature with distinct seasonal chang
2025.12.24
Hello, I’m Rina, a writer for Kodawari Times. In Japan, often called a premium chocolate country, the event that sees the biggest jump in chocolate sales is Valentine’s
2025.12.22
Hello, I’m Rina, a writer for Kodawari Times. Winter has finally arrived in Japan. For sake lovers, this is the perfect season for “kanzake”—warmed sake! While sake can be en
2025.12.19
Hello, I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times! ╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯ The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan closed its doors in October 2025. With over 25 milli
2025.12.17
Hello! I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times! ╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯ Do you know Monchhichi, the pioneer of Japanese kawaii culture? This adorable monkey-li
