Sakura tea, known as “sakurayu” in Japan, is a popular high-end beverage. Made with vinegar-pickled cherry blossoms, it’s rich in history, culture, and symbolism. In this post, we’ll explore sakura high tea in all its glory. Find out what makes it so special and why...

  You’re missing out if you’ve never tried a hot or cold bowl of soba. Food lovers in Japan and other countries can’t get enough of the most popular buckwheat noodles in the world. We’ll explore the composition, diversity, and cultural impact of soba. In...

As a street food hub, harbor city, and cultural fusion project, Fukuoka is arguably the most interesting place to be on Kyushu Island. Join us as we explore all of the exciting elements of Fukuoka, from its vibrant nightlife to family-friendly activities. Discovering the Charm...

A Beginner's Guide to Nabe Fall is almost here, and there’s no better way to get in the spirit than to warm up with a pot of nabe. Nabe is a type of Japanese stew that contains fixins like meat, fish, and vegetables, and if...

  You don’t need meat-based broths and toppings to enjoy authentic ramen dishes. Discover the world of vegetarian ramen and its rise to prominence in Japanese cuisine. We’ll cover everything you need to know about vegetarian ramen, including details of key ingredients, regional variations, and...

Summer in Japan Japan is a place like no other for cultural flair, unforgettable food, rich history, and astounding architecture. If you’ve been to Japan before, you might still dream of all the sights, sounds, and delicious meals waiting for you on your next return....

Colored lights, boisterous crowds, some shopping, and a whole lot of eating: the night market is a “must-go, must-see, must-eat“ stop on many an itinerary in East and Southeast Asia. Repeat tourists in the region might expect to find a night market or two on...

  A trip to the Tokyo Ginza district is the best way to see what glamorous and affluent shopping in Japan looks like. This upscale area provides some of the most expensive accommodation, shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the country. Read our Ginza travel...

Did you know that there are shops similar to the American dollar store in Japan? These stores are called 100-yen shops, and you should stop by whenever you get the chance. In this post, we’ll reveal how these stores became popular in Japan, the items...

  What do you get when you combine speed, comfort, and safety? You get the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train). Find out why this engineering marvel is both the present and the future of transportation in Japan. The Shinkansen's Role in Japan's Transportation Legacy Shinkansen is...

Sencha tea is the most popular in Japan; it makes up around 80% of the country’s tea production! It is a Japanese green tea with a fresh taste, but the other flavor notes depend on where it is produced, the season, and when the sencha...

If you’re a fan of Japanese anime, you might have come across a food scene at least once. When Chihiro’s parents eat rou yuan at a food market in Spirited Away, and when Howl cooks bacon and eggs for breakfast in Howl’s Moving Castle, I’m...

If you aren’t a train enthusiast you might not have heard of the shinkansen. If you want to get almost anywhere in Japan in the least amount of time without flying, the shinkansen Japanese bullet train is the way to go. The first shinkansen debuted...

When you think of housewarming presents, food might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Most people bring presents like plants, kitchenware and other standard household items. These things don’t make the most exciting gifts, and since everyone thinks of these ideas, people...

  Welcome to Kyoto, the city where major religions coexist in perfect harmony. Let’s explore the cultural heart and soul of Japan by taking a journey through Kyoto’s historic and religious landmarks. Embracing Kyoto's Timeless Beauty Kyoto is a city located in the southern part...

Get ready to experience Japan through regional cuisine! From the seafood treats of Hokkaido to the superfoods of Okinawa, this culinary exploration will expose you to the best of each region. You’ll also learn how you can partake in these flavors from the comfort of...

When you think about Japan, you probably think of sushi and karaoke, right? Well, sure—but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Japan is an incredibly unique place. It's a country that holds on to its traditions and customs, but also has a culture that...

For those with a passing interest in Japanese cuisine, the eponymous miso of miso soup and miso ramen might be dismissed as a flavor. Though miso paste is certainly a flavor powerhouse, it's actually an ingredient—and the soup base—for both dishes. Thus, the names: miso...

What Is Monjayaki? Exploring Japan's Gooey Savory Delight Monjayaki, often called monja, is a delightful gem of Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its unique texture and interactive dining experience. This dish hails from the Kanto region, particularly Tokyo, and is often compared to okonomiyaki. However unlike...

What Is Muji? The Meaning Behind the Name The Muji brand has carved a distinctive niche in the global retail world by standing in stark contrast to the loud logos and aggressive branding strategies typical of classical marketing. But what exactly is Muji, and what...