Umami bites

Located in the popular Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo, “Kagoshima Karen Ginza-ten” (hereafter referred to as “Kagoshima Karen”) offers exceptional service for international guests. Managed by the Kagoshima Federation of Economic and Agricultural Cooperatives, the restaurant is renowned for its dedication to showcasing the finest products Kagoshima Prefecture has to offer, and most notably the prized Kagoshima Kuroushi brand of wagyū…

Visiting an onsen (hot spring) or sentō (public bath) is a quintessential Japanese experience. By respecting the rules, understanding proper manners, and considering health tips, you can ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you prepare. The rules and manners for using these baths are rooted in the idea that the bathwater should remain as clean…

Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is a popular tourist destination with many temples and shrines that date back to ancient times. Each temple and shrine has its own attractions, but Hōkokuji Temple (which introduces itself in English as “Houkokuji Temple”) is especially known for its beautiful bamboo grove. Enjoy the seasonal beauty of Houkokuji Temple’s Japanese garden As you pass through…

When visiting the highly popular sightseeing area of Hakone in Japan, a trip to Hakone Shrine is a must. The “Torii Gate of Peace” (heiwa no torii), which appears to float upon Lake Ashinoko, is a famous photo spot, with long lines of people waiting for a chance to take pictures. The Torii Gate of Peace Mountain deities enshrined at…

Visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan is a rewarding experience, offering insights into the country’s spiritual practices and cultural traditions. Here are practical tips and answers to common questions for first-time visitors. Goshuin: special seals at shrines and temples Goshuin are special seals collected from shrines and temples, usually kept in a goshuinchō (seal book). These beautiful mementos…

Japan beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of culture, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modernity. Among the many experiences awaiting them are places of worship devoted to Buddhism and Shintoism, Japan’s ancient religion. Here’s a guide to assist international visitors with the proper manners and etiquette for paying respects at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Before you visit Dress…

For lovers of super spicy ramen in Japan, “Kikanbō” is well-known hot spot. In 2022, Kikanbo branched out to open a curry specialty restaurant called “Karashibi Curry Kikanbō!” “鬼金棒カラシビカレーライス,” Karashibi Kikanbo Curry Rice 1,100 JPY (tax included) Much like the ramen shop, the flavor cherished at Karashibi Curry Kikanbo is the spiciness of chili peppers and the numbing sensation of…

Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is located near the Japan National Stadium, a venue for international competitions. Filled with nature and dominated by a large sacred ginkgo tree, its grounds serve as a peaceful retreat for local residents. The shrine offers many attractions, including the Sendagaya Fujizuka, a replica of Mount Fuji, and the Shōgidō Hall, which houses a large shōgi (Japanese…

Kōtoku-in, a temple in Kamakura, is widely renowned for its Great Buddha statue. The official name of Kamakura’s Great Buddha in Japanese is dōzō amida nyorai zazō, otherwise known as the Bronze Seated Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha). It is the only Buddha statue in the area designated as a National Treasure of Japan. The Great Buddha of Kamakura – the only…

Shintoism believes that spirits reside in everything, from mountains and rivers to even household furniture. The benefits bestowed by the deities enshrined at Shinto shrines are varied, ranging from traffic safety and business prosperity to protection against evil. Among these, the improvement of financial fortune is one of the most sought-after blessings. Koami Shrine in Tokyo is renowned for its…

In Japan, there are certain fruits that hold special value as presents as part of the country’s strong gift-giving culture. Unlike fruits commonly used as ingredients in everyday cooking, those chosen as presents are top-quality in taste, appearance, and everything else. “Sembikiya-Sohonten,” founded in 1834, offers a menu that changes one’s image of fruits and shows why they can be…

In 1991, the popular series Sailor Moon began its manga run and has since been adapted into anime and stage plays, gaining fans worldwide. Azabu Hikawa Shrine in Tokyo is a special place for Sailor Moon fans. It is known as the model for “Hikawa Shrine” in the series, the home of one of the main characters, Rei Hino. Torii…

Meiji Jingu, a shrine located near Harajuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, is known for having the highest number of New Year’s visitors in Japan. The first visit of the year to a shrine or temple in Japan is a custom known as hatsumōde, where many pray and make wishes for the upcoming year. The shrine’s vast grounds are so green…

Imado Shrine (Imado Jinja in Japanese) enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the deities of marriage. The shrine is said to provide blessings for finding a good relationship match and marital harmony. Imado Shrine is also famous for its maneki-neko (beckoning cat) motifs. These feline figures and statues are thought to summon good fortune. So, from the shrine’s sacred items (lucky charms,…

Kanda Myōjin, also known as Kanda Shrine, is a historic landmark located within walking distance from Ochanomizu and Akihabara Stations in Tokyo. Revered as a guardian presence in Tokyo, it has a deep history and offers numerous blessings to its visitors. The deities enshrined there serve as the tutelary ujigami (regional guardian deities) for many areas, including Kanda, Nihonbashi, and…