Japanese Traditions

Japanese Baby Gift Etiquette: What to Give, How Much to Spend & What to Expect in Return

Giving a baby gift to a Japanese friend? Learn what to buy, how much to spend, and 5 things to never give. Plus: the Japanese return gift custom (Uchiiwai) explained.

2026.06.17

Baby LifeJapanese Traditions

Postnatal Care Hotels in Japan — Our Stay at Mamma Levata

Wondering what a postnatal care hotel in Japan is like? We stayed at Mamma Levata in Tokyo — here’s what to expect, what’s included, and why Japanese postpartum care hotels are worth it for new moms.

2026.06.14

Baby LifeFamily TravelHealth & Daily CareJapanese Traditions

Oshichiya — Japan’s Traditional Naming Ceremony on the 7th Night

In Japan, the seventh night after a baby’s birth is marked by a quiet but meaningful celebration called oshichiya (お七夜)....

2026.06.10

Baby LifeJapanese Traditions

Our Half Birthday Photo Shoot at Studio MARLMARL Marunouchi

For our baby’s half birthday, we decided to do something a little special — a professional photo shoot at Studio MARLMAR...

2026.06.07

Baby LifeJapanese Traditions

Half Birthday Celebrations in Japan — How We Marked Our Baby’s 6-Month Milestone

In Japan, the half birthday — celebrating a baby’s six-month milestone — has become an increasingly popular way for fami...

2026.06.06

Baby LifeJapanese Traditions

How We Keep Our Baby Cool in Japan’s Hot and Humid Summer

Japanese summers are no joke. The heat and humidity arrive early and stay late — and with a baby who cannot regulate bod...

2026.06.05

Baby Clothes & GauzeBaby LifeFamily TravelHealth & Daily CareJapanese Traditions

Hatsuzekku — Japan’s First Seasonal Festival Celebration for Babies

In Japan, a baby’s first seasonal festival is celebrated with a special ceremony called hatsuzekku (初節句). It is one of t...

2026.06.03

Baby FoodBaby LifeJapanese Traditions

Our Baby’s Okuizome — Japan’s 100-Day Feast Celebration

In Japan, when a baby reaches around 100 days old, families gather for a special celebration called okuizome (お食い初め). It...

2026.06.02

Baby FoodBaby LifeJapanese Traditions

Our Omiyamairi at Suwa Taisha — A First Shrine Visit With a 4–5 Month Old Baby

In Japan, omiyamairi (お宮参り) is a traditional shrine visit to introduce a newborn to the local deity and pray for the bab...

2026.05.31

Baby LifeFamily TravelJapanese Traditions

What Is Omiyamairi? Japan’s Traditional First Shrine Visit for Babies

If you have spent time around Japanese families with newborns, you may have heard the word omiyamairi (お宮参り). It is one ...

2026.05.30

Baby LifeJapanese Traditions