You can enrich your Japanese-learning experience by also learning about Japanese history and culture. Japan is a country that’s rich in history and traditions. It was first established as a united state around 300 AD, although people had resided on the cluster of islands since 10,000 BC.

Over time, Japan has adopted numerous holidays and festivals. Some of these traditions were borrowed from other cultures, but Japanese people made these holidays distinctly Japanese.

Here are a few of the biggest, most widely-celebrated Japanese festivals and traditions.

Japanese Traditions

Some of the most interesting Japanese traditions are thousands of years old. While a few of them may seem a little odd, such as public bath houses, Western society actually had comparable traditions during the Roman periods.

Here is a look at a few of the most notable Japanese traditions.

Public Bath Houses

Public bath houses started in Japan out of necessity. Since many homes did not have bathtubs, neighborhood public bath houses were built to accommodate the Japanese people.

While most homes in Japan are now made with bathtubs, public bath houses are still found in many Japanese neighborhoods. Public bathing allows people to relax and socialize at the end of the day or week.

Just like pools, you’re expected to shower before getting into the springs so that the water remains clean and clear. Unlike pools, however, bathers are not allowed to bring anything into the water, including clothes.

You may wear a towel on your head or you can place it beside the water.

Traditional Japanese Writing

Much of the Japanese language originated in China, including the characters. There are three scripts in the Japanese language:

• Hiragana is used to write words that are Japanese.
• Katakana is used to write words that are imported from foreign languages, such as German, English, Korean, and Chinese.
• Kanji is what most people think of when they think of Asian writing. These are full words represented by single characters, and they are similar to the characters used in China.

In Japanese, writing is top down, right to left. This means that Japanese books start at what Westerns would consider the back.

Learn more about the history of kanji here.

Japanese Gardens

Japanese Gardens were first cultivated during the Asuka period. Japanese merchants saw the beauty of the Chinese Gardens and wanted to create a similar atmosphere at home.

This Japanese tradition was influenced by the Shinto religion, and  the Gardens provides a place for people to think and pray. Japanese gardens and Chinese Gardens appear in many major cities around the world. The ponds in Japanese gardens are usually filled by koi fish, streams, trees, and flowers.

Buddhist and Chinese philosophers used these gardens as a sanctuary for reflection, and in hundreds of years, the purpose of the gardens has not changed.

Tea Ceremonies

Similar to the gardens, the tea ceremony is a way to foster inner peace. The tradition began during the Tang dynasty (between 618 and 907 in China).

As relations improved and the two countries started a cultural exchange, green tea seeds were one of the gifts from China to Japan. Over time, the ceremony was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism, but it has evolved over the centuries as the country has changed.

Today, the ceremony is used to keep the tradition going, as well as to offer guests the experience of a very formal ritual  known across the world.

Daily Traditions