Thermal springs (Japanese: 温泉 – onsen)
Thermal springs (Japanese: 温泉 – onsen) are an integral part of Japanese culture and rituals for caring for the body and soul. They are formed thanks to Japan’s rich volcanic activity. The country has over 3,000 onsens, each with its own unique water composition, temperature, and healing properties.
Key features of Japanese thermal springs:
• Mineral-rich water: contains sulfur, iron, sodium, calcium, and other elements beneficial for the skin, joints, and overall vitality.
• Health benefits: onsens help with skin conditions, improve circulation, relieve stress and fatigue.
• Purification ritual: before entering the communal bath, it’s customary to shower — a tradition that reflects Japanese values of cleanliness and respect for others.
Famous onsen regions:
• Beppu (Kyushu) – one of the most active and well-known hot spring resorts.
• Hakone – located near Tokyo, popular with both locals and tourists.
• Noboribetsu (Hokkaido) – renowned for its mineral-rich waters.
Cosmetics brand Menard, use thermal spring water in their formulas — in Beauness Line which features water from a special onsen known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring properties.
MIDORI - Greenery Day Celebrations in May (Midori no Hi – May 4th)
Greenery Day Celebrations in May (Midori no Hi – May 4th)In Japan, Greenery Day (Midori no Hi) is celebrated on May 4th as part of the Golden Week—a series of national holidays in late April and early May. This day is dedicated to appreciating the beauty of nature, giving thanks for its blessings, and recognizing the importance of environmental protection.
Here’s how Greenery Day is usually celebrated:
1. Nature walks – People go out to parks, gardens, mountains, or the seaside. It’s an ideal day for picnics, relaxing outdoors, and enjoying green landscapes.
2. Free admission to parks and gardens – Many botanical gardens, zoos, and national parks offer free entry or hold special events, including tours and workshops.
3. Tree planting and environmental cleanup – Schools and local communities organize tree-planting activities or environmental clean-up events to honor nature.
4. Educational programs – Lectures, exhibitions, and themed activities are held, especially for children, to teach the importance of nature and ecology.
5. Traditional elements – Although the holiday is relatively modern, in some regions it is blended with local customs, such as rituals of gratitude to nature spirits or trees.
Sakura in Japan
Hanami (花見) - Flower Viewing
• One of the most famous Japanese traditions. People gather in parks and gardens under blooming cherry trees, have picnics, admire the blossoms, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
• Hanami symbolizes the beauty and transience of life, as cherry blossoms only bloom for about a week.
Sakura in art and poetry
• The image of sakura is often used in Japanese poetry (especially in haiku and tanka) as a symbol of the transience of life and beauty.
• In painting, sakura is depicted as the embodiment of sophistication and harmony of nature.
Sakura in clothing and patterns
• Sakura flower patterns are popular in kimonos and yukatas, especially in the spring season.
• Such patterns symbolize youth, new life and purity.
Culinary traditions
• Seasonal dishes are prepared during the cherry blossom season:
• Sakura mochi is a sweet rice dessert wrapped in a salted sakura leaf.
• Sakura tea is green tea with sakura petals, which give the drink a delicate aroma.
• Sakura sake is an alcoholic drink with the addition of sakura petals.
Sakura in the meaning of life and death
• Sakura blossoms are associated with the Buddhist philosophy of mono-no-aware (物の哀れ) - the awareness of the sad beauty of the transience of life.
• In the era of the samurai, sakura symbolized the way of the warrior (bushido) - to live with honor and be prepared for death at any moment.
Maslenica with Japanese style.
Here's the classic recipe:
Ingredients (for 4-6 pancakes)
• Eggs – 2 pcs.
• Milk – 50 ml
• Flour – 60 g
• Baking powder – ½ tsp.
• Sugar – 25 g
• Vanilla extract – ½ tsp. (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• Oil (for frying)
Preparation
1. Separate the eggs into whites and yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix the yolks, milk and vanilla extract. Sift the flour with baking powder and add to the mixture, stir until smooth.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Carefully fold the whites into the dough, stirring with a spatula to maintain airiness.
5. Heat a frying pan over low heat and lightly grease with oil.
6. Fry the pancakes under the lid, laying out the dough in slides (you can use a cooking ring for the mold). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Serve with honey, berries, whipped cream or maple syrup.
Bon appetit!
バレンタインデー Valentine's Day in Japan
Shirakami mountains
Part of Shirakami Sanchi was registered as a World Natural Heritage Site because it contains "one of the world's largest natural virgin beech forests, almost untouched by human influence".
Baltic Beauty 2024! Kipsala
NEW!!! E - BOOK!
"Is there pumpkin in Japan?"
And here the most interesting thing began!
This story gave me the idea to write a book of pumpkin recipes in Japan!
- Pumpkin in Japan
- Japanese pumpkin art
- Hoku
- 8 recipes
- Japanese fairy tale
- English
- 24 pages
Today is health and sports day in Japan!
3. Your productivity increases
4. Exercising increases the feeling of happiness.
Momiji - hunting for maple leaves
The Japanese are very sensitive to trees - they see them as a source of inspiration, something poetic. Therefore, admiring momiji is of great importance to them. Momiji-gari - translated as hunting for maple leaves - is a very significant and important event for local residents.
Autumn in Japan a magical time!
AUTHENT liquid presentation 20.09.2024
