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If a year is divided into 12 months spread over 4 seasons, Japan can boast of bringing subtlety: its old calendar included no less than 72 micro-seasons lasting 5 days! Today, numerous events punctuate the year and are often accompanied by dishes enjoyed specifically for the occasion. Nature is the best marker of these changes: plum blossoms at the end of winter, cherry trees in bloom in April, cicadas singing in summer, and maple trees adorned with orange and red in autumn.

La popularité des produits de soin de la peau (ou “skin care”) asiatiques n’est plus à démontrer. Sur le marché, les marques coréennes et japonaises se distinguent par leurs formules innovantes, leurs textures fondantes et souvent inodores. Amatrices (et amateurs !) de soins pour la peau, Ayumi vous guide et vous recommande quelques pépites à glisser dans votre valise !

Your AYUMI Travel Journal is your travel companion throughout your trip. Both practical and personal, it's with you before, during, and even after your stay, to jot down your favorite moments and anecdotes. Inside, you will find: Map of Japan with your general itinerary : To view at a glance the different stages of your trip and follow your route. Your detailed itinerary for each day : Including your departure station, suggested visits, reserved workshops, our restaurant sugg

When packing for a trip to Japan, one question often comes up: can I use my electrical devices there? Between voltage differences, plug types and airplane rules, the information is sometimes contradictory… Don't panic: Ayumi Voyage explains everything! Ayumi's key points: Always check the compatibility of your devices ( INPUT 100V–240V ). Bring a Type A (or universal) adapter with USB ports Keep your power banks in your carry-on bag If you're tempted by a high-tech purchase w

In Japan, trains are more than just a means of transport. They offer a true travel experience, blending gastronomy, design, and comfort. While the Shinkansen bullet trains fascinate with their speed, some Japanese trains captivate with their elegance, refinement, and unique routes. Board in the heart of Tokyo for the onsen of Nikko, or spend a few nights on one of the world's most luxurious trains. Ayumi introduces you to six exceptional trains to discover in Japan: Train Sui

日本語がお上手ですね！ Nihongo ga o-jôzu desu ne ! This is probably what you’ll hear during your trip: “Your Japanese is so good!” In restaurants or stores, a simple “arigatō” from you will often bring a lot of joy and encouragement. Japanese still has a reputation as a difficult language, even for native speakers. With its many characters to learn, its various levels of politeness, and especially the lack of a clear subject in many sentences (a nightmare for many learners), Japanese is

Ayumi is preparing an arrival guide for Japan to help you get through all the entry formalities and facilitate your passage through customs. From landing to immigration (approximately 20 minutes) After a long flight, your arrival in Japan marks the beginning of your adventure! First thing to do: collect your carry-on luggage . Check that nothing has been left behind: search the pockets in front of your seat, and make sure that no accessories (glasses, charger, headphones) hav

Between tradition and modernity: a Japan in transformation Yes, Tokyo and Kyoto offer the striking spectacle of temples nestled between towering skyscrapers. But reducing Japan to a mere “mixture of tradition and modernity” is simplistic. The reality is that Japan has modernized at breakneck speed, often at the expense of its local character. In Osaka, for example, some nagaya (long, terraced Japanese houses) are now unoccupied, and the oldest or best-located ones are gradual

In France, as in Japan, there are as many ways to celebrate the end of the year as there are families! Each has its own customs and traditions, and there isn't one single correct way to celebrate Christmas or New Year's. That said, there are some striking differences between France and Japan. Here are a few examples. The month of December The shelves are full of Christmas items, posters offering to reserve a “Christmas Cake” are up, and “Last Christmas” is starting to echo th

Japan is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for foreign visitors. However, this influx of travelers is sometimes accompanied by uncivilized, even intolerable, behavior towards the Japanese population. So, what should you be aware of to respect Japanese customs and rules of etiquette? Desired behaviors: Removing your shoes is common practice when entering a temple, castle, or ryokan. Wear shoes that are easy to take off. Wear clothing that adequately covers y

The karuta Karuta is a traditional Japanese card game very popular at the New Year, which relies on listening skills and speed. Players must identify and grab the corresponding card as quickly as possible after a reader recites the first part of a poem from the Hyakunin Isshu collection. The player's card contains only the second part of the poem, requiring rapid memorization. It is also used as an educational tool to help children learn hiragana and kanji, as it combines poe

Every year, for the New Year, Japanese families gather around the osechi ryōri , this bento box composed of dishes specially designed for the New Year festivities. It is presented in multi-tiered lacquered boxes called jubako , in the style of a bento. They have several layers to represent the layers of happiness we wish for in the new year. The tradition has evolved somewhat over time. The idea was to prepare enough meals in advance so that there would be no cooking to do du

This is a small piece of divination paper, or sacred lottery slip, drawn at random and available for purchase at shrines (sometimes found in temples, but this is quite rare). An omikuji ("written fortune") is drawn at the beginning of the year to learn one's future fortune. If the prediction is bad, it can be tied to a tree to ward off bad luck. If it is good, it is kept as a lucky charm. In this case, it is often carried in one's wallet, although not everyone does. All the d

Although Shintoism and Buddhism are closely related, the two religions are quite different. The first point to remember is that neither religion is codified. Many different schools of thought exist within each. Furthermore, the two religions are not contradictory. On the contrary, the vast majority of Japanese people actually practice both. Shinto ⛩️, the religion of life and kami Shinto is the ancestral religion of Japan. It is believed to have existed since the Jōmon period

From Shinkansen high-speed lines to monorails, and from regional subways decorated in the colors of local baseball teams, Japan’s transportation network is both vast, efficient, and comfortable. Ideal for both locals and travelers alike, it offers a daily sense of discovery. Some train models and certain lines have even become iconic among the Japanese. There are also “densha otaku,” or “train enthusiasts,” whom you will encounter on platforms, equipped with large cameras, ca

Japan & Formula 1: when travel is speed There are destinations where sport transcends mere competition to become a key to understanding the country. Japan has made a significant contribution to the development of all motorsports, and Formula 1 is no exception. More than just a sporting event, the Japanese Grand Prix is an immersion into a culture where precision, mastery, and a dedication to performance are elevated to an art form. Every autumn, in the heart of Mie Prefectur

Japan fascinates travelers with its landscapes, its millennia-old culture, and its unique sense of hospitality. However, for travelers coming from Europe or North America, one challenge appears upon arrival: jet lag. Even seasoned travelers know: you never truly get used to it. That said, if properly anticipated, it won’t ruin your trip or drain your energy. Here is our guide to understanding its effects and managing it better, before, during, and after your journey. What is

Setsubun is a popular Japanese festival that takes place on the eve of the first day of spring (according to the lunar calendar), which is February 3rd. The origin of Setsubun “Setsubun” (節分) is a word composed of two characters: “season” and “divide.” It was a day that once marked the end of one season and the beginning of another , a transition believed to allow evil to infiltrate more easily. Thus, a ritual called “tsuina” (追儺), originating in China, was introduced to the