As the capital city of Japan’s biggest and northernmost prefecture of 北海道 Hokkaidō, 札幌 Sapporo is a vibrant and modern metropolis with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it became the administrative center of the newly colonized island. This northern gem offers an exciting blend of food, shopping, and outdoor activities, all set against a…
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan has something for everyone. As a first-time visitor, navigating the country can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we will explore the various modes of transportation available to help you make the most of your journey. Trains Japan’s train system…
Visiting Japan can be an exciting and memorable experience. Hopefully, you’ll experience it in good health and come home with only positive memories. However, there’s always a chance that you may encounter health-related issues during your stay so it’s essential to be prepared. Whether you need to bring your regular medication, find remedies during your stay for unexpected illnesses or…
As Japan increasingly becomes a top destination for travelers from around the world, it’s crucial to understand the unique customs and traditions that make this nation so captivating. One such aspect of Japanese culture that often piques the curiosity of tourists is its rich alcoholic heritage. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Japanese alcohol, including the rules for…
When it comes to food that puts Osaka on the map, it’s hard to argue against a stronger top two than お好み焼き okonomiyaki and たこ焼き takoyaki. One is a tangy pancake-like dish made on an open grill made to your liking, and the other are juicy dumplings that are packed with more flavor than their size suggests. Both have become…
For Japanese people, tea (お茶 ocha) is not just a drink, but a cultural experience that has been passed down for centuries. With its unique flavor profiles, health benefits, and variety of types, it has become increasingly popular worldwide. Visitors often buy Japanese tea as a gift or for their own enjoyment at home. Additionally, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies provide…
Although Japan offers a variety of traditional alcoholic beverages, some of them regional specialties, sake—known as 日本酒 nihonshu (lit. “Japanese alcohol”) in Japanese—and 焼酎 shōchū are two of the most representative and popular kinds. Both sake and shochu are often paired with traditional cuisine. What are sake and shochu? Sake and shochu are traditional Japanese alcoholic drinks that have been…
すき焼き Sukiyaki and しゃぶしゃぶ shabu-shabu are two different dishes, but they both are a great way to experience the piping hot and delicious appeal of traditional Japanese hot pot cooking. What are sukiyaki and shabu-shabu? Sukiyaki and shabu-shabu are two types of Japanese hot pot cooking. Sukiyaki is a Japanese hot pot dish usually made with thinly sliced beef cooked…
In an increasingly digital world, staying connected is crucial for travelers, especially when visiting a foreign country. Naturally, this is also true for Japan. This article will guide first-time visitors through the essentials of mobile connectivity so you can make the best of your time during your stay. Roaming Plans and Prepaid SIM Cards When traveling to Japan, you can…
Japan is a fascinating country with a unique culture and thriving business scene. When planning a business trip to Japan, it’s important to be well-prepared and understand the local customs and practices. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover essential information on comfortable stays, smooth communication, efficient work environments, transportation, emergency responses, and legal/regulatory matters to help you navigate your…
Japanese curry (often written simply as カレー, or karē) is one of the country’s most popular foods. Whether it’s served with rice, noodles, or even in delicious fried buns, there’s a way for you to enjoy one of the Japanese foods that have exploded in popularity around the world. What is Japanese curry? Japan has a wide range of restaurants…
Japan is a country with diverse climate conditions and unique regional features, which can make packing for a trip somewhat challenging. This guide will help you understand the basics of Japan’s climate, introduce the regional differences, and provide you with essential packing tips for each season and region. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your visit to Japan,…
When thinking of Japanese cuisine, ramen and sushi might be the first things that come to mind. However, Japan has another culinary treasure that’s waiting to be discovered: 和菓子 wagashi, or traditional Japanese confectionery. While foreign tourists might be familiar with sweets made with 餅 mochi glutinous rice and 餡 an sweetened red bean paste, there’s a whole world of…
Japan’s delectable pan-fried dumplings, known as 餃子 gyōza, have become a culinary delight for locals and foreign tourists alike. This mouthwatering dish offers a vast array of flavors, captivating even those who have tried similar dumplings in other countries. In this article, we invite you to embark on a journey to discover the enticing world of Japanese gyoza, exploring their…
Visitors to Japan are often familiar with sushi, tempura, and ramen, but there’s another traditional Japanese dish that’s perfect for the colder months and just as delightful to explore. Known as おでん oden, this slow-simmered, hearty stew is a comforting, soul-warming dish that every traveler should try during their visit to Japan. What is oden? Oden is a Japanese one-pot…