Umami bites

Traditional matsuri (Japanese festivals) are vibrant celebrations with ancient roots, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. These living rituals bind people to the rhythms of nature, ancestral worship, historical memory, and regional pride—and for international travelers, encountering them can be a moving, eye-opening experience. For visitors interested in understanding Japan beyond its urban attractions and pop culture, exploring…

The visual language of kabuki Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater form celebrated for its striking visuals. Elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and powerful poses come together to form Kabuki’s distinctive theatrical language. This guide explores these core visual elements, illustrating how each contributes to the vivid storytelling that defines kabuki. Elaborate costumes: telling stories through fabric Kabuki costumes are not…

Introduction: the visual spectacle of kabuki Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater known for its elaborate costumes, bold makeup, dramatic poses, and inventive stage techniques. While its history and captivating stories draw audiences in, it’s the visual spectacle of kabuki that often makes the strongest first impression, especially for newcomers. This guide will introduce some of the key…

Sendai: a convenient base for exploration With its efficient public transportation network and convenient location, Sendai, the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, is an ideal base for exploring the diverse attractions of the Tohoku region. Serene coastlines, historic temples, scenic mountains, and rejuvenating hot springs are all accessible within a single day. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, natural beauty, or…

Onsen towns and onsen eggs: a natural pairing Japan’s onsen (hot spring) towns are renowned for their therapeutic waters, drawing visitors in search of rest and renewal. But beyond the baths, many of these destinations have developed culinary traditions that make use of the springs’ natural heat. One standout is the humble onsen egg. Traditionally, this refers to eggs slow-poached…

Defining onsen eggs What exactly is an onsen egg? An onsen egg, or onsen tamago in Japanese, is a traditional Japanese dish historically made by gently cooking an egg in the naturally heated waters of an onsen (hot spring). The result is a delicately textured egg with a softly set white and a rich, creamy yolk. The traditional cooking method…

Introduction: Sendai’s rich food culture Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, is home to a food culture shaped by local ingredients, seasonal traditions, and postwar innovation. From hearty grilled meats to delicate edamame sweets, the city serves up a mix of comforting staples and local creations rooted in Sendai’s history and flavors. Top local specialties Gyūtan Gyūtan, or grilled beef…

Sendai: Tohoku’s green city Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan, is known as mori no miyako (literally “the City of Trees”) for its lush, tree-lined streets and abundant greenery. Blending urban energy with natural beauty, this vibrant city is home to historic landmarks, peaceful parks, and regional culinary favorites like grilled beef tongue and…

A unique sight: free-roaming deer in a Japanese city Nara, Japan, offers its visitors a one-of-a-kind experience: the chance to see hundreds of wild deer roaming freely along city streets, temple grounds, and public parks, especially in Nara Park. These creatures are not penned in or put on display; instead, they mingle naturally with residents and tourists alike. The quiet…

There’s a certain kind of silence that settles in just before a ritual begins—the kind that feels sacred, even if you don’t yet understand why. In Japan, one of the most quietly powerful traditions you may encounter is yakuyoke (also known as yakubarai), a purification rite intended to ward off misfortune and restore balance. You won’t see it splashed across…

Ever felt like life has a built-in “plot twist” phase? In Japan, this isn’t just a feeling—it’s a cultural belief known as yaku. Spiritually significant stretches of time thought to bring misfortune, they’re wrapped in age-old rituals, protective customs, and deep meaning. This article explores the concept of yaku in Japanese culture—its origins, how it influences daily life, its relationship…

When planning a trip to Japan, one of the biggest questions is: Where should I go? Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are obvious choices, but Nagoya often flies under the radar—despite offering a rich mix of culture, cuisine, and convenience. This guide breaks down the character of each city and helps you choose which destination best matches your travel goals. A…

Traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya by Shinkansen is a fast, scenic, and stress-free experience. With sleek bullet trains gliding across central Japan, this route is a favorite among travelers eager to explore Nagoya’s cultural heritage, culinary scene, or continue westward to Kyoto and Osaka. In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences between Shinkansen train types, how to choose your…

Japan’s high-speed rail network is legendary. With bullet trains slicing through landscapes at speeds up to 320 km/h, riding the Shinkansen isn’t just transportation—it’s a travel experience in itself. For visitors fascinated by cutting-edge technology and efficient design, understanding which trains are the fastest and how their speeds vary across different routes can add a whole new layer of excitement…

Dining solo has become common in Japan—whether it’s solo yakiniku, hot pot, karaoke, or even amusement parks. But if we turn back the clock, it’s remarkable to find a restaurant that embraced the idea of solo dining back in the 1970s. Shabusen, a restaurant offering shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, has been operating since 1971 as a “single-person hot pot specialty restaurant.”…