Umami bites

Sake, Japan’s national drink, reveals remarkable depth and regional diversity. Much like wine, its flavors are shaped by local ingredients and time-honored brewing traditions. Exploring Japan’s varied sake-producing regions offers an immersive experience that both connoisseurs and curious newcomers will appreciate. This guide highlights three distinguished sake regions—Kyoto, Niigata, and Hiroshima—detailing what makes their brews unique and where you can…

Wagashi, made from natural Japanese ingredients like azuki red beans, mochi, and agar, are delicate and artistic traditional sweets that reflect Japanese sensibilities. Featuring designs inspired by nature and the seasons, and characterized by gentle sweetness, they exude a quiet beauty. “Imagashitsukasa Ginza Fugetsudo” is a modern-style Japanese cafe where you can enjoy the charm of wagashi with a contemporary…

In Japan, there are countless places to enjoy a drink suited to every mood and occasion. Whether it’s a casual bar to stop by after work, a sophisticated hotel lounge, a lively karaoke session with friends, or a refreshing drink at a summer festival food stall, each setting offers its own unique charm. In cities especially, different kinds of drinking…

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…

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…

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:…

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)…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

Shabu-shabu is a representative Japanese nabe (hot pot) dish where thinly sliced meat is quickly swished through hot dashi broth before eating. The name shabu-shabu expresses the sound made when the meat is swished through the broth, and it is loved by many for its unique eating style and elegant flavor. Although this dish, born after World War II, is…

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…