Cherry Blossom Season: A Complete Guide to Hanami in Japan
Experience the magical sakura season in Japan with our comprehensive guide to the best viewing spots, timing, and cultural traditions.
This Day in Japanese History
On June 16, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy arrived in Japan with a fleet of ships, demanding that the country open its ports for trade.
This historical event marked the end of Japan's self-imposed isolation policy (sakoku) that had been in place for over 200 years and led to the eventual modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration.
The arrival of Perry's "Black Ships" is considered one of the pivotal moments in Japanese history, forcing the country to open up to Western influence and trade after centuries of isolation.
