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.”…
Tonkatsu, the breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, has captured hearts far beyond Japan—cementing itself as a global culinary icon. It’s often said to be the next big thing in Japanese cuisine after sushi and tempura. While the basics are simple—pork (ton in Japanese) coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection as a cutlet (katsuretsu, abbreviated as katsu)—there’s endless variety across…
Sukiyaki is a dish you crave when you want to indulge in a little luxury. When it’s made with premium Kuroge wagyū beef, the price can easily exceed 5,000 JPY per person. However, Kyoto Taishu Sukiyaki Hokuto—an izakaya (Japanese gastropub)-style chain with locations in both Kyoto and Tokyo—offers high-quality wagyu at surprisingly affordable prices, without compromising on quality or taste….
Tokyo’s Ginza district is lined with globally famous brand stores and offers a refined dining and luxury shopping experience. It’s a place where world trends and Japan’s refined culture intersect, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The sweets shop “HIIRAGI GINZA” opened in Ginza in October 2024 and quickly became a hot topic as a rising star in the area. Located in…
Chanko nabe is a traditional hot pot dish deeply intertwined with Japan’s sumo culture. For sumo wrestlers, nutritional balance has always been paramount in their diet to maintain and strengthen their physiques. Japanese hot pot dishes, which are mainly built around protein while incorporating a variety of ingredients, are truly ideal meals for sumo wrestlers. Born from this tradition, chanko…
Asakusa, home to a collection of historic eateries with over 100 years of history, is where you’ll find Sukiyaki Imahan Honten, serving guests since 1895. This sukiyaki specialty restaurant is renowned for its secret warishita (sukiyaki broth), a carefully guarded recipe passed down to each successive owner. Now proudly made by the current owner, this signature broth has been a…
Ryōgoku, in Tokyo, is a place deeply connected to sumo, Japan’s national sport. Many sumo stables are located in the surrounding area, and it’s not uncommon to spot sumo wrestlers belonging to these stables while walking around. Among the many restaurants near Ryōgoku Station serving chanko nabe (a hearty hot pot dish traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers), “Hananomai Edo Tokyo…
Kamakura, a historic coastal city in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its historical landmarks, mouthwatering food scene, and easy access—just about an hour by train from central Tokyo. It’s often featured in movies, anime, and manga, so you’ll spot plenty of visitors who seem to be fans of those works. One…