#15 - Ganban-yoku Bedrock Bathing

Ganban-yoku, or bedrock bathing, is a type of heat bath that was originally imported to Japan from Thailand. It is also called "bathing without hot water"!

Ganban-yoku stones are usually made of granite or silica, and embedded in the floor of a special room and heated to a temperature of around 40℃. The room is air conditioned to keep the overall temperature slightly lower than that of the stone beds.

The heated stone slabs emit far-infrared rays and negative ions. The rays penetrate the human body, increasing our basal metabolism, improving blood circulation, and detoxifying the body by helping eliminating wastes. We can get much more perspiration than sauna!

Do we have to be naked when we use ganban-yoku?
No! We wear special clothes like pajamas, spread towels on the stone, and lie down on it. It's very comfortable and soothing!

#13 - Yaki Onigiri

Yaki Onigiri are grilled rice balls. They are grilled on a wire grill until crispy, then brushed with soy sauce or miso. Yaki Onigiri are the best served hot! Usual onigiri have fillings such as a little umeboshi or flaked salmon, while yaki onigiri usuallly don't have any fillings.

Yummy x 2!!

#12 - White Day

White Day is a day marked in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China on March 14th, one month after Valentine's Day.

In Japan, Valentine's Day is a day that ladies present chocolate gifts to men, as an expression of love, courtesy, OR "obligation". On White Day, men who received chocolate on Valentine's Day are expected to return gifts to the ladies. Typically, popular White Day gifts are sweets such as cookies and chocolate or something expensive such as jewelry! We believe the return gift should be two to three times expensive than the Valentines's gift.

Thank you, Mr. K!

#11 - Doll's Festival for Girls

Doll's Festival for girls is held on the 3rd of March. We, Japanese, display a set of hina dolls and pray for the sound growth of girls in the family. We also offer sweet mild sake and diamond-shaped rice cake on the doll's stand↓

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*Note*
Hina dolls should be put away immediately after the 3rd of March, otherwise the girl, we believe, will have trouble getting married! Amazing custom, isn't it??

#10 - Water with Ice Cubes

In Japan, when we go to cafes, they serve a glass of water with ice cubes even during the winter time!

Interesting, isn't it???