The Perfect Weekend in the City of Niigata
The first of a series introducing a local insider’s ideal weekend in their home town.
A Perfect Weekend in Tokushima City
In this second of a series on perfect weekends in Japan, an insider offers hints for enjoying this picturesque riverfront city.
Ochoko and More! All About Sake Cups
Deepen your knowledge of Japanese sake culture with this guide to sake cups and other drinking vessels!
Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 1
The first of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth of sources from which to stock your pantry with foods from home.
Make Your Own Japanese Fruit Sandwiches
A café staple for years, the fruit sandwich (furutsu sando) is back in the news, as new gourmet versions have caught the attention of sweet lovers. Here's a primer on making your own at home.
Ramen, Japanese Pickles, and Michelin Stars
He’s written over 1,000 restaurant reviews for the Japan Times newspaper. Now he shares some of his favorite dishes, memorable meals, classic menus, and why soba is the most underrated Japanese food.
Simple Quiz Helps Find Your Ideal Saké
New Japan-based startup Kurashu is looking to help people break into the world of sake with a novel recommendation system and a web shop selling a curated collection of small-batch sake.
Can Coffee Champion Make Me Like Drip Coffee?
I'm not a big fan of drip coffee. Can the world coffee champion Tetsu Kasuya change my mind?
12 Things to Do in Charming Kanazawa
Kanazawa, the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, sits on the Sea of Japan, bordered by scenic mountain ranges and national parks, has well-preserved art and culture. Read on for a list of 12 things you can do in Kanazawa.
Teenage Beer Brewer to Shochu Prophet
American Christopher Pellegrini has spent two decades in Japan, much of it on a mission to bring the delights of shochu and awamori, Japanese alcoholic drinks, to the rest of the world—through writing, podcasting, and an export business.
A Valentine Chocolate Tour of Tokyo
Introducing a delicious tasting route of 11 elite Tokyo chocolatiers and their creations.
The City of Salmon – A Day in Murakami
Murakami, in northern Niigata, is home to the eerie tradition of hanging salmon. It is also famous for tea, sake, wagyu, and more!
Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku
Ichiju-Sansai Healthy Japanese Food
Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.
Foods To Try In Kyoto, Japan
A visit to Kyoto is a gastronomic journey into the culture of the city. Here is your ultimate guide to the foods to try when you visit Kyoto, Japan.
Setouchi Brewery Is Representing Regionality
The newly established Setouchi Brewery is using local ingredients to create beverages that are directly inspired by the unique climate of the area.
From the Way of the Warrior to the Way of Tea
Randy Channell Soei is a tea ceremony master living in Kyoto. He tells us how he came to follow the Way of Tea, its connection to martial arts, and the benefits of Japan's time-honored tea ceremony.
Trying to Make the Antiviral Legend Go Viral
Legend has it that seeing a drawing of this yokai named Amabie will cure or protect a person from any disease. The creature itself is said to have asked to be drawn and shared around – what is known today as an ‘Instagram shout-out.’
Starbucks Selling Reusable Silicone Straws
Starbucks is selling reusable silicone straws in Japan as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste, and it comes with a carrying case and washing brush.
Starbucks Welcomes Spring '21 with New Flavors
Every year, Starbucks hopes to capture Japanese springtime in a cup with annual sakura-flavored releases. And we just got a taste of their newly released offerings for 2021.
