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What’s The Difference Between Japan’s Traditional Drinks? Sake, Shochu, Umeshu & Awamori Explained

If you’re visiting Japan, one experience not to miss is tasting its traditional alcoholic beverages — time-honored drinks that have been loved by locals for generations. There’s a wide variety of alcohol rooted in different regions and climates—some brands are available nationwide, while others are rare finds only available locally. From sake and shōchū to awamori (an Okinawan distilled spirit…

How to Use Japanese Laundromat (Coin Laundry): A Simple Guide for Tourists

If you’re traveling through Japan, especially on a longer trip or with a light suitcase, finding a reliable way to do laundry quickly becomes essential. While many hotels offer laundry services, they’re often expensive. Fortunately, Japan’s laundromats—known as koin randorī (coin laundry) or randorī supēsu (laundry space)—are ubiquitous, clean, and surprisingly high-tech. The machines may look intimidating at first, particularly…

麻布野菜菓子

Try Guilt-Free Japanese Sweets and Shaved Ice Made with Fresh Veggies in Tokyo!

The brand concept of “Azabu Yasaigashi” is “a little luxury made from vegetables.” This unique sweets shop offers wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and kakigōri (shaved ice), all made using generous amounts of vegetables. These creative, vegetable-based sweets are both unique and delicious—something you won’t find at other shops. Here are some of the top picks worth trying. Vegetables and sweets:…

浅草 舟和本店

Why Funawa in Asakusa Is a Must-Visit for Fans of Traditional Japanese Sweets

Asakusa, Tokyo, is a charming district known for its traditional atmosphere and bustling downtown streets. At its heart stands “Funawa Honten” (hereafter referred to as “Funawa”), a beloved Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1902. Famous for its signature imoyōkan (a traditional jellied dessert made from sweet potatoes), Funawa offers a delightful variety of simple yet flavorful wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)…

Takachiho Gorge Boat Tour: How to Book, When to Go, and What to Expect

Tucked into the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, Takachiho Gorge is a geological wonder where the Gokase River carved its way through towering basalt cliffs. Shaped by ancient lava flows, these striking columnar formations form the dramatic setting for Manai Falls, which pours into the gorge and sends up a shimmering mist. The best way to experience it all is by…

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Japan? Everything Tourists Should Know

When traveling to a new country, one of the first questions many people ask is whether it’s safe to drink tap water. In some places, bottled water is the only safe option. In Japan, the answer is unequivocally yes. Japan’s public water system is considered among the cleanest and most reliable in the world, offering a safe, accessible, and cost-free…

Matcha Is Taking Over the World—Here’s the Tokyo Spot with Matcha Sweets Everyone’s Talking About

Situated just a short walk from Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, “ATELIER MATCHA” is a unique destination that offers a completely new kind of matcha experience built around the concept of the “Third Wave of Matcha.” If the First Wave of matcha refers to the formal enjoyment of matcha while seated in a traditional tea room, and the Second Wave to…

Okinawa vs. Ishigaki: Which Japanese Island Has the Best Beaches for You?

Japan’s southwestern islands, especially Okinawa Main Island and Ishigaki Island, are renowned for their white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Both offer a tropical escape from the mainland, but they deliver very different travel experiences. Okinawa Main Island is busier and more developed, while Ishigaki feels remote and untouched. If you’re torn between them, this guide breaks down the key…

Sukiyaki Is Too Good to Miss! Explore Its Japanese Heritage and Top Historic Dining Spots

Sukiyaki is one of Japan’s iconic hot pot dishes, originating from the late Edo Period (1603–1868) to the Meiji (1868–1912) Period. Known for its unique preparation, thinly sliced beef and vegetables are simmered in a sweet-savory soy-based warishita broth and dipped in raw egg before eating. With distinct cooking methods in Kanto and Kansai regions, its regional diversity adds to…

Yes, You Can Eat Chanko Nabe While Watching Sumo—And Here’s Where to Do It!

Chanko nabe is a nutritious hot pot dish born from Japan’s traditional sumo wrestling culture. It developed as a daily meal to support the physical conditioning of sumo wrestlers and is now enjoyed at many specialty restaurants, particularly in Tokyo’s Ryōgoku area. This hearty hot pot, brimming with meat, seafood, and vegetables, is visually striking and cherished as a dish…

Hot Pots You Didn’t Know Existed: Discover the Delicious World of Japanese Nabe

Nabe, a representative dish of Japan’s winter food culture, is a comforting meal where fresh ingredients are simmered in steaming hot broth and shared around the table. It symbolizes Japan’s cultural emphasis on gathering with family and friends, making it a must‑try culinary experience. While Japanese cuisine is already popular in North America and Southeast Asia, truly tasting and understanding…

秋葉原つけ麺 油そば 楽

Secret Sauce & Perfect Noodles—This Akihabara Spot Takes Abura Soba to the Next Level

Abura soba, or “oil noodles,” is a brothless ramen that represents a bold evolution of traditional Japanese noodles. Instead of soup, abura soba uses a savory sauce that coats the noodles and toppings. Diners mix everything together before eating, creating a flavorful and customizable experience. At “Akihabara Tsukemen Aburasoba Gaku,” the owner believes that “good oil brings out the best…

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Japanese Drinks—from Vending Machines to Department Stores

Many travelers list food as one of the top reasons for visiting Japan. Ramen, sushi, wagyū beef—Japan’s culinary delights attract foodies from around the world. But drinks, too, are an essential and often overlooked part of the Japanese travel experience. From seasonal teas and juices, unique beverages from vending machines, and region-exclusive fruit drinks to delicately aromatic sake and shōchū,…

Best Beaches in Japan for Families: Safe, Fun, and Easy-to-Reach Spots for Kids

Japan may not be the first destination that comes to mind for a beach holiday, but this island nation boasts a surprising array of coastlines well-suited for children, prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and convenience. Some of the best options lie just outside Tokyo, while others await in the tropical south, where Okinawa’s warm seas and soft sands create a true summer…