In recent years, omurice (omelette rice) has gained popularity both within Japan and abroad. Omurice is a Japanese-origin dish made by wrapping stir-fried rice in an omelette and topping it with ketchup, demi-glace sauce, or other condiments. Its beautiful appearance and gentle flavors have captured the hearts of people across generations and countries. One especially popular spot is “ESPRESSO D…
“Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter” (referred to hereafter as “Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo”) opened in Tokyo on June 16, 2023. This entertainment facility offers an up-close experience of the behind-the-scenes world of the globally acclaimed Harry Potter series and the Fantastic Beasts film series. Following the original Harry Potter Studio Tour in London,…
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, first published in the UK in 1997, launched the globally celebrated seven-volume “Harry Potter” series. From the protagonist Harry to his close friends Ron and Hermione, the story is filled with captivating characters. The intricately crafted world brings the magic to life and continues to enchant fans across the globe. At Warner Bros. Studio…
Ohagi, a traditional Japanese sweet said to have been enjoyed since the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333), is typically made from sweet rice and red bean paste.Depending on the season or region, it may also be known as botamochi. These confections, deeply rooted in Japan’s spiritual customs, were traditionally enjoyed during Ohigan, a Buddhist holiday celebrated during the spring and…
“Habutaedango Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Habutae Dango”), a historic teahouse founded in 1819, has its main shop in Tokyo’s Nippori neighborhood. For over 200 years, it has been beloved by locals and visitors alike. With such a long history dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868), the shop has appeared in the works of many Japanese literary giants, including…
Located at the base of Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage, the Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex is home to “Horiuchi Fruit Farm TOKYO Solamachi” (referred to hereafter as “Horiuchi Fruit Farm”), a cafe directly operated by the fruit farm of the same name. It’s a true destination for fruit lovers—where you can indulge all five senses in the delicious world of fruit….
Among Japan’s bustling Chinatowns, Yokohama Chinatown (Yokohama Chūkagai in Japanese) and Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi in Japanese, meaning ‘Nanjing Town’) reign supreme as the most celebrated, with Yokohama being the largest in the country and one of the oldest. Each showcases a vibrant fusion of Chinese heritage and Japanese urban life, featuring diverse cuisine, eclectic shops, and colorful architecture. When deciding…
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…