The zashiki-warashi 座 敷 童, or zashiki-bokko 座 敷 童子 as it is sometimes called, is a benign spirit of Japanese folklore. He /she is often represented as a child or small child (usually not exceeding ten years), very shy but a good omen for the home and those who live inside it.
This spirit of popular belief originates from the city of Iwate, 岩手県 Iwateken, in Iwate prefecture, but has seen its presence "invade" all of Japan, certainly due to the fact that it is not a spirit, a pesty yokai, like some of those we talked about in yokai japanese leggend and Folk.

The  Shimenawa 注連縄 is the Sacred Rope used in Shinto rites. You can often find it in temples, above the main entrances, or to outline a place or something sacred, such as large trees. Let's find out what it is and let's learn more about this important element of the Shinto religion.
In your travels or seeing photos from Japan, im sure you have notice often a braided rope that is always present in sacred places as shrine, lands, structures or trees.

   Omiyage お 土産 is not just the simple souvenir that you take home or to friends after a trip, it is an essential part of Japan culture, because contains different meanings depending on who does it and who we do it with. Let's see how it works and its differences.
We tend to think that omiyage is the classic gift that is given to a friend or family member after having been somewhere. But the gesture, in Japanese culture, contains a more complex meaning, a social interaction that follows precise rules and forms.

  Omamori 守 り, are small amulets, often made of cloth, that every Japanese (and tourist) knows. They protect from any
 "evil influence", and are used by everyone, children, students, and the elderly. Let's see what they are and where they are. They are called in many ways, like lucky charms, or Japanese amulets for good luck, they are so well known that, asking to any Japanese, he/she can tell you what it is, but with a lot of proof he/she will show you the one he/she always brings with you.

 Onsen, terme, a word that brings you directly in Japan, with an adjective that can define it at best .... Fantastic. What are they, where to find them but above all the rules of good manners to hold once inside. A Japanese passion but not only. 
 Japan is fortunate to have many spas because of its geophysical configuration (the same, unfortunately, making it the target of many earthquakes).