"もったいない" What a Waste!
The idea of "mottainai" is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, and reflects the belief that resources should be valued and waste avoided. At Shotengai, we strive to uphold this ethos by promoting sustainable products and minimizing waste wherever possible.
Healthy & Safe
Finding allergy-friendly options can be challenging. Fortunately, our Shotengai box provides tasty alternatives that you can safely enjoy!
Everything You Need Know About Omamori: Japan's Charms of Protection and Blessings
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Omamori are traditional Japanese amulets or talismans, usually sold at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. They are made of silk or cloth and contain prayers, blessings, or wishes inside.
Miko: The Shrine Maiden
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Miko are the shrine maidens with a deep understanding of Shinto tradition and culture. They have mastery of the skills and discipline necessary to carry out their duties with grace and precision.
Japanese Scenery (III): Senso-ji Temple
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Located in a city of temples, Senso-ji Temple is the oldest one, with a history of over 1300 years. With over 30 million annual visitors, it is the most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The temple complex is extensive, including the main temple, two grand gates, a five-story pagoda, and a shopping street.
Nihon Teien: The Aesthetic Japanese Garden
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Nihon Teien is traditional Japanese landscaped gardens that incorporate Japanese aesthetic and philosophical ideas, the designers of which avoid artificial decorations and highlight natural landscapes. It is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life to experience Zen.
Kodo: Japanese Art of Incense
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Kodo is one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement. It is an art of Japanese incense. The essence of Kodo is experiencing Zen rather than smelling the fragrance. Kodo works on the spiritual world and provides a feeling of peace and calm.
Yokai (I): Japanese Supernatural Creatures
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Fairy tales, ghost stories, and folklore... They are an indispensable part of cultures worldwide. In Japanese, Yokai refers to all monsters and supernatural beings, ghosts, gods, possessed spirits, urban legends, and other strange phenomena. In Japan, Yokai is a culture that nurtures its literature and art.
Maneki Neko: The Japanese Lucky Cat
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If you've ever been to any Chinese/Japanese restaurants and stores, you must be no stranger to the small cat statue with a beckoning paw. The cat statue is called Maneki Neko. It's a Japanese talisman believed to bring good luck and wealth to its owner.
Japanese Religion (II): Buddhism and Temple
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Buddhism and Shinto, temple and shrine, Romon and Torii…What's the difference between them? For travelers, it's hard to distinguish which is a shrine and which is a temple. This article is here to help! Moreover, do you know there's a reason why the temples and shrines in Japan share so many similarities? Read to find answers!
Japanese Religion (I): Shinto and Shrine
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Do you feel familiar with this emoji: ⛩？ Few people will feel difficult to connect this icon with Japan. As one of the most famous iconic symbols, Torii represents Japanese culture and Japanese religion. Torii is the gate of the Japanese Shinto Shrine. Here is the article to tell you more about Japanese Shinto and Shrine.
