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…
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…
Just about an hour from Shinjuku in Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers a rare combination of easy access and rich natural beauty, drawing hikers and tourists all year round. In 2007, the mountain earned three Michelin stars, putting it firmly on the world’s travel map. With an elevation of 599 meters (approximately 1965.22 feet) and roughly 3 million visitors a year,…
Nestled slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and Harajuku, the Ota Memorial Museum of Art houses and exhibits a magnificent collection of ukiyo-e artwork (traditional Japanese woodblock paintings and prints) collected by the late businessman Seizō Ota V (1893-1977). The museum boasts one of the world’s largest ukiyo-e collections, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Katsushika…
Just an hour from central Tokyo by train, Mt. Takao is a popular destination where even beginners can easily hike using the cable car or lift, offering the perfect blend of nature and culture. Since earning three Michelin stars in 2007, Mt. Takao has attracted visitors not only from Japan but from all over the world. Midway up the mountain…
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…
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 (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…
Kakigōri (shaved ice) is Japan’s quintessential summer sweet, but in recent years it has evolved beyond its traditional roots into a global trendsetting dessert. Tokyo in particular has become the epicenter of kakigori culture, with specialty shops serving creative variations year-round. From fluffy ice topped with rich fruit syrups to artistic presentations with unique ingredients, Tokyo’s kakigori scene is often…
As summer begins in Japan, kakigōri (shaved ice) appears on street corners and festival stalls, announcing the season’s arrival. Thinly shaved ice topped generously with colorful syrups, kakigori is a quintessential Japanese way to cool down. Once a summer festival staple, kakigori has grown into a dessert culture of its own, with specialty shops now dedicated entirely to it. While…
Abura soba is a brothless type of ramen in which the noodles are mixed with a rich, savory sauce instead of soup. Each restaurant uses its own signature tare (sauce), resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying bowl that still delivers all the indulgence of ramen—without the broth. Thanks to its unique style, abura soba has long been popular among…
Rich in flavor yet surprisingly elegant—abura soba (oil noodles) is a unique dish that combines seemingly contradictory charms and is quietly sparking a boom in Tokyo. Tokyo’s Must-Try Abura Soba: Your Guide to Japan’s Soup-Free Ramen Sensation Abura soba is a type of ramen without soup, where noodles are thoroughly mixed with a special tare (sauce) and aromatic oils, creating…
Drawn in by the charm of tradition and the delicate sweet aroma in the air, it’s easy to find yourself wandering into a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop during a stroll through the city. If there’s even an eat-in space, it’s the perfect excuse to take a short break. From masterfully crafted jōnamagashi (premium Japanese sweets) to seasonal anmitsu (a…
If you’re visiting Japan and think ramen is a must-try, you should definitely know about a unique noodle dish called “abura soba” (oil noodles). At first glance, it looks like ramen, but surprisingly, it contains no soup at all. Instead, you mix a special tare (sauce) and fragrant oil with the noodles, allowing you to directly enjoy the rich flavors…
When traveling in Japan, you may come across a food category called yōshoku (Western-style Japanese cuisine). Yoshoku refers to dishes that originated overseas but have been uniquely adapted to suit Japanese tastes. It became popular during the Meiji era (1868–1912), when Western culture began flowing into Japan, and has since evolved to include classics like hamburger steak, curry rice, and…