Useful Info

What Is Onigiri? The Essential Guide to Japan’s Beloved Rice Balls

Onigiri (rice balls) are a traditional Japanese rice dish made by shaping warm white rice by hand, tucking a filling like umeboshi (salt-pickled plum), salmon, or kombu (kelp) into the center, and wrapping with nori (seaweed). Widely regarded as a portable food that began in the Yayoi period roughly 2,000 years ago, onigiri remain essential to daily life in Japan…

What Is Tempura? The Story and Allure Behind Japan’s Iconic Tempura

Tempura is one of Japan’s signature dishes: seafood and vegetables coated in a thin batter and fried quickly in hot oil. The frying techniques introduced from Portugal in the 16th century evolved into a uniquely Japanese cooking method, and by the Edo period, tempura had become a popular street food among commoners. Today, it remains a staple of Japanese cuisine,…

Gyoza vs Dumplings: Uncover the Key Distinctions from History to Flavor

Gyōza (Japanese dumplings) are a beloved dish in Japan. As with many of the various types of dumplings enjoyed around the world, they feature a dough wrapper and delicious fillings. However, gyoza has a distinct character and appeal that differs from dumplings in other countries. In this article, we explain the origins, cooking methods, and differences in fillings to clarify…

Hojicha vs. Matcha: What’s the Difference? From Method to Flavor, Explained

Hōjicha (“roasted Japanese green tea”) and matcha (“stone-milled powdered green tea”) both come from the tea plant, yet they offer completely different charms. Matcha is known for its vivid green color and deep umami, playing a central role in the world of tea ceremony. Hojicha, by contrast, is beloved for its roasty aroma and gentle flavor in everyday life. This…

Japanese Summer Food Guide – Delicious Dishes to Help You Handle the Heat

Summer in Japan is a battle against both stifling humidity and the blazing sun. Even so, people have long found creative ways to embrace and enjoy the season. One of the most beloved ways of handling the heat is through food. Japanese summer dishes are not just about flavor and appearance—they also embody the feeling of the season. Some cool…

Japanese Beer for Travelers: Styles, Prices, Pairings, and Must-Know Manners

For visitors to Japan, understanding the country’s beer culture is a key to fully enjoying its food culture as a whole. In Japan, beer has long dominated the alcoholic-beverage market and is loved in many settings—from meals at home to toasts at izakaya pubs. Japanese beer is known for a light, crisp, easy-drinking character, comes in a wide range of…

What Is Gyoza? A Complete Guide to Styles, Fillings, and Etiquette

Gyōza are one of Japan’s most beloved Chinese-style dishes. These dumplings are made by wrapping pork and vegetables in a thin wheat-flour skin, then pan-frying or steaming. Their toasty aroma and juicy bite win people over everywhere. Though the dish began in China, it has evolved uniquely in Japan and is now enjoyed from home kitchens to specialty shops. In…

What Is Katsu? Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Fried Cutlet Craze

Crispy, juicy, and deeply satisfying, the breaded deep-fried cutlet known as katsu is a cornerstone of Japan’s yōshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine). The simple but perfected process involves coating a primary ingredient—typically meat, but also fish or vegetables—in a layer of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before frying it to a perfect golden brown. Though its origins lie in the West, the…

Sushi Unlocked: An Insider’s Guide to Japanese Flavors and Culture

Sushi, celebrated worldwide as a hallmark of Japanese cuisine, is more than a meal—it’s a cultural experience in its own right. The exquisite harmony of vinegared rice and fresh seafood reflects craft honed over centuries and a distinctly Japanese sense of aesthetics. For travelers considering a trip to Japan, tasting authentic sushi offers a rare chance to feel the depth…

How to Eat Sushi the Right Way: Essential Etiquette You Need to Know

Sushi is loved around the world as a defining Japanese cuisine, but many people are unsure about how to eat it properly and about the associated etiquette. For visitors to Japan in particular, there are a number of helpful rules to know—how to behave at a sushi bar, the order of eating, how to use chopsticks, and more. This guide…

Oshiruko: The Traditional Japanese Sweet That Turns Winter Into a Treat

Oshiruko (sweet red-bean soup) is one of Japan’s quintessential winter sweets. Beloved at sweet shops and at home, oshiruko is more than just a dessert—it’s a special part of Japanese culture and seasonal sensibilities. For visitors to Japan, it offers a perfect way to experience a uniquely Japanese food tradition. This article explains oshiruko in an easy-to-understand way for first-time…

Explore Imagawayaki: Japan’s Must-Try Anko-Filled Sweet with Custard Flair

Imagawayaki (thick pancake sweets) is a beloved Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). This hockey puck-shaped, thick treat features a crisp, golden exterior and a soft interior filled with sweet anko (red bean paste) or other fillings. A favorite since the Edo period (1603–1868), imagawayaki remains popular at festival stalls and shops. Known regionally as ōbanyaki (large pancake sweets) or kaitenyaki…

Yokan: Japan’s Stunningly Delicious Sweet You Can Find Almost Anywhere (2025)

Yōkan (a traditional Japanese sweet made of bean paste, agar, and sugar) is a quintessential Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), made by solidifying anko (red bean paste) with kanten (agar). Its smooth, dense texture and rectangular shape are iconic. Said to have originated in the Kamakura-Muromachi period (1185-1333), Zen monks created it as a meat substitute using anko and kuzuko…

Why Senbei Is Japan’s Most Addictive Traditional Snack! 2025 Secrets

Senbei (rice crackers) are iconic Japanese rice snacks, primarily made from uruchi-mai (non-glutinous Japanese rice) and shaped into thin, crisp treats. It features a range of flavors, from savory soy sauce and salt to sweet varieties, with distinct regional characteristics. Made through baking or frying, senbei are a beloved national snack and popular tourist souvenir. For a deeper dive into…

These Are THE Places to Eat Traditional Wagashi Sweets in Japan—And Buy Some to Take Home

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets with over 2,000 years of history, embodying Japan’s unique culinary cultural heritage. Crafted to reflect the changing seasons and complement tea, their elegant appearance and refined sweetness captivate both locals and tourists. Today, varieties like mochi-based, steamed, baked, and molded sweets offer diverse seasonal flavors. This article explains wagashi’s essentials, types, and selection tips for…