Tag Culture

Tipping in Japan: The Real Reason Why It’s Often Refused

An illustration of an American man attempting to tip a Japanese service worker and being refused.

So you’ve booked your tickets to the land of serene temples, bustling cityscapes, and unparalleled hospitality. But for many of you, one question creates unnecessary headaches: What’s the rule for tipping in Japan? You may have heard the blanket statement:…

Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon Viewing Festival

Drawing of a Japanese couple viewing the bright full moon overlooking a city.

Tsukimi/Otsukimi (月見/お月見), also known as Jugoya (fifteenth night), is a traditional Japanese moon-viewing festival that takes place every autumn to celebrate and gaze upon the beauty of the full moon. This centuries-old tradition is still observed today on the 15th…