All About Japan

A Fan-Shaped Treat to Beat the Summer Heat

Designed to resemble traditional 'uchiwa' fans, these exquisite lollipops are among the prettiest sweets in Tokyo.

3 Okayama Burgers Full of Local Flavor

Okayama is known for its blue jeans—and with such classic Americana on-hand, it's no wonder the prefecture is also home to some pretty classy burgers!

9 Unconventional Burgers We Wish Were Back

Though these unique Japanese burgers came and went as quickly as the seasons, we'd be happy to see them make a comeback!

Enjoy Starbucks Matcha Tea Anytime

Starbucks matcha marches into the Via lineup with a new, Japan-exclusive green tea drink mix.

No Need to Wait for These Noodles to Cool Down

At the Tempura Matsu restaurant you can slurp on noodles chilling in ice cubs, or bite into translucent crab rice.

How to Make Vegan, Gluten-Free Okonomiyaki

Don't let dietary concerns keep you from the goodness of Japan's signature savory pancake!

Hatsune Miku Teaches Summer Pocky Techniques

In this adorable commercial, Vocaloid idol Hatsune Miku offers an extra-sweet tip on how to enjoy your chocolate sticks this summer. First step: don't eat them right away!

Step into a Japanese Classroom at This Izakaya

With themed rooms and waiters who act as teachers and nurses, you’ll never want to leave elementary school again!

Chomp on Some Chopper Sweets

Although you might lament taking a bite out of Tony Tony Chopper, these Japanese sweets are too delicious to simply be a decoration.

Full Japanese Breakfast, Miniaturized

What kind of food will you eat at a ryokan? Check out this cute, miniature version of a meal to get some pointers!

New York Bagel with a Japanese Twist

Thanks to a close association to New York, the unassuming bagel has seen a surge in popularity in the picturesque town of Miyagawa. Call it 'The Land of the Rising Bagel!'

An Industrial Warehouse Converted to a Café

You don't have to be in a populated center to find a third-wave coffee shop—and this one might be worth the trip for the decor alone.

Beat the Heat With Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream

Both these limited-edition Japan releases contain new ingredients used for the first time ever in the history of the company.

'Hambaagu' Discovered by Celebrity Heartthrob

This 'hambaagu' shop was revealed to the eyes of the nation when SMAP heartthrob Shingo Katori and some celebrity pals walked through the doors with a TV crew in tow.

Slice Me Off a Piece of That Totoro Bread!

This Japanese baker uses sushi-making as inspiration to create beautifully artistic loaves featuring beloved characters and mesmerizing patterns.

Wagashi Shop Sells Seppuku-Themed Desserts

This impressive dessert makes for an expressive apology!

Top 10 Tastiest Japanese Festival Snacks

Some might come to summer festivals to immerse themselves in tradition and culture, but a large part of that is the tasty, tasty food you can find during festival season!

Witness the Fastest Hands in Japan!

'Mochi-tsuki' extraordinaire Mitsuo Nakatani risks having his hand crushed about four times per second while making this traditional Japanese snack.

Top 5 Burger Date Spots in Tokyo

Burgers can make for an excellent, unpretentious first date—if you pick the right spot. These five burger restaurants in Tokyo are sure to impress or entertain your special someone!

Rainy Day Fun with Japanese Egg Molds

Looking for a little pick-me-up indoors activity on a rainy day? Why not add some adorable fun to your eggs!

know-before-you-go