Umami bites

Since ancient times, rice has been deeply connected to Shinto rituals and festivals, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. It remains Japan’s culinary identity—an everyday source of energy, with a simple and gentle taste that perfectly complements a wide range of side dishes. At “Ookamadomeshi Torafuku Lumine Shinjukuten,” (referred to hereafter as “Torafuku”), a popular teishoku (set meal) restaurant, you can enjoy…

The Tokyo National Museum is one of Japan’s largest museums, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting a diverse array of Japanese and East Asian art and archaeological artifacts. With a collection exceeding 120,000 items, six exhibition halls constantly display valuable cultural properties. Among them, the Japanese Gallery in the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) is particularly noteworthy. Here, visitors can experience the flow of…

Founded in 1966 in the Kabutochō neighborhood of Nihonbashi and centered around the on the personal collection of Taneji Yamazaki, the Yamatane Museum of Art has dedicated itself to collecting and exhibiting high-quality Japanese paintings. Its holdings include approximately 1,800 works, ranging from modern and contemporary nihonga (Japanese paintings) to classic calligraphy, ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock prints), and Western-style oil…

Located in Toranomon, Minato Ward, the Okura Museum of Art is Japan’s oldest existing private museum. It houses approximately 2,500 works, including antiques from Japan and across Asia collected over a lifetime by businessman Kihachiro Okura (1837-1928), active from the Meiji to Taishō periods, as well as modern Japanese paintings gathered by his son Kishichiro Okura (1882-1963), the founder of…

With its crisp coating and the burst of flavor from fresh ingredients, tempura is one of the most satisfying dishes in Japanese cuisine. Made with freshly caught seafood from Tokyo Bay and seasonal vegetables, Edomae tempura reflects the very flavors of Tokyo’s seasons. There is a restaurant that has been carefully preserving the tradition of Edomae tempura since the 18th…

Located at 1 Chiyoda-ward, Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and was once the site of Edo Castle, the home of the shogun. Today, a portion of the grounds is open to the public free of charge, allowing anyone to visit and explore. Entering the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace from the nearest…

Miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning with a history spanning over a thousand years, is made by fermenting soybeans, concentrating their natural umami. It has countless uses—from miso soup to grilled and simmered dishes—making it a cornerstone of Japanese culinary culture and one of the country’s most beloved fermented foods. Miso soup at Misomebore In addition, miso has been gaining attention…

Rice, a variety of side dishes, and miso soup—together they form teishoku, a set meal style that is a proud part of Japanese food culture. In recent years, thanks in part to exposure to it via anime, teishoku has been gaining popularity among international visitors. The chance to taste a little bit of everything has captured the hearts of food…

Just steps away from the bustling Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood, you’ll find Hoppy Street (ホッピー通り), a retro-style alley lined with izakaya (Japanese gastropubs). This drinking district traces its origins back to the post–World War II era, when it began as a cluster of food stalls. The area earned its current nickname because many places served Hoppy, a uniquely…

As an island nation, Japan has a deeply rooted culinary culture of eating fish. Among its many fish preparations, himono—fish that has been dried to preserve it and enhance its flavor—is one of the most familiar and beloved ingredients for Japanese people. At “Sumibiyaki Shokudo Koganeya,” you can enjoy himono in the form of teishoku, a set meal served with…

Japanese convenience stores aren’t just handy shops with wide product selections open 24 hours a day. Of course, that alone is convenient enough. But from morning coffee to hearty lunches, light snacks, and even full-scale dinners, the range of food is so impressive that you could practically get through an entire day eating only from a convenience store. On top…

Japan’s unique aesthetic of kawaii (cute) culture has become a global symbol of Japanese pop culture. Beyond mere appearance, the “kawaii style” expresses inner kindness and approachability, encompassing fashion, makeup, and behavior. For visitors, understanding this aesthetic offers a rich opportunity to experience Japanese culture deeply. To learn more about the core meaning of kawaii and its place in Japanese…

For visitors to Japan, the word kawaii (cute) is a fascinating concept in Japanese language learning, transcending a mere adjective to embody a core cultural value. The word, now globally recognized, plays a central role in Japan’s pop culture and tourism industry. This article explores kawaii’s basic meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage, offering clear insights to deepen your understanding…

Takoyaki (often translated as “octopus dumplings”), a quintessential Japanese dish, captivates food lovers worldwide. Made from a wheat flour batter with small octopus pieces and shaped into balls, it boasts a crisp exterior and a soft, gooey interior. Originating in Osaka, takoyaki is now cherished across Japan, with regional variations adding distinct flavors. To explore the broader allure, history, and…

For visitors to Japan, washoku (Japanese cuisine) is a highlight of the journey. Leveraging fresh, seasonal ingredients, washoku has evolved into diverse dishes. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, it’s globally celebrated for its delicate flavors, elegant presentation, and varied techniques. For deeper insights into the cultural significance and must-try dishes, see our article, “Traditional Japanese Foods:…