Umami bites

Tokyo’s skyline stretches endlessly, a dense mosaic of skyscrapers, shrines, and neighborhoods layered across the horizon. While most observation decks charge steep admission, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (TMGB)—known locally as tochō—offers something rare: panoramic views of the city from two free public observation decks. For first-time visitors, it’s a rare, cost-free chance to take in the sheer scale of…

Kamakura lies just an hour south of Tokyo, but the shift in pace and atmosphere feels far greater. Once the political center of medieval Japan, this coastal town blends historical weight with relaxed seaside charm, famous for its numerous temples, breezy beaches, and the iconic Great Buddha watching over it all. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, Kamakura offers one of…

Tokyo has no shortage of shopping districts, but with so many neighborhoods to explore, it helps to know what each one does best. Shibuya and Shinjuku are two of the city’s busiest retail hubs—both packed with options, but each with its own character. They cater to different styles, budgets, and shopping habits, so understanding what sets them apart can help…

Shinjuku Station in Tokyo has a reputation for confusing even seasoned travelers. As the world’s busiest train station, it channels millions of passengers each day through a maze of platforms, exits, and underground corridors. For first-time visitors, the scale alone can be disorienting and overwhelming. However, with a bit of planning and a clear route in mind, navigating Shinjuku Station…

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans and rice, with over 1,000 years of history. It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine—found in miso soup, stews, hot pots, and grilled dishes—and deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. If you’re looking to see, taste, and truly experience Japan’s miso culture, “Miso Soup Cafe Ajien” is the place to go….

Abura soba is a type of ramen served without soup. Unlike typical ramen, it features a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the noodles, allowing you to savor the true taste of the noodles themselves. Among the many shops offering abura soba, “Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten” stands out as one of the top chains, with locations all across Japan—and even overseas. It’s…

Miso—a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with rice, barley, or salt—is a staple in Japanese cuisine. From miso soup to hot pots and simmered dishes, it’s an essential element of everyday meals. Different regions of Japan have their own miso traditions. In Aichi Prefecture, a major soybean-producing region, aka miso (red miso) has been a local favorite for…

As exemplified by matcha, Japan is home to a wide variety of traditional beverages that have been passed down through generations. Once enjoyed mainly in limited settings like the home or chashitsu (traditional tea rooms), many of these drinks are now readily available in bottled or canned form at convenience stores and vending machines across the country. It’s never been…

Omurice—fried rice wrapped in a fluffy omelet and often finished with ketchup—takes its name from “omelette” + “rice.” It’s one of the signature dishes in Japan’s Western-influenced yōshoku (Western-style) cuisine. Since its creation in the early 1900s, omurice has continued to evolve, and today you’ll find countless varieties served across Japan. If you want to taste everything from the classic…

When visiting Japan, you’ll naturally want to experience its seasonal landscapes and traditional culture—but don’t overlook the vibrant drinking scene found in local bars and izakaya gastropubs. From the iconic “kanpai” (cheers!) that kicks off a night out, to thoughtfully paired drinks with meals, to convenient canned cocktails from the nearest convenience store—alcohol in Japan is as much about connection…

Omurice (omelet rice) is a type of Western-style Japanese dish made by wrapping ketchup-seasoned chicken rice in a thin omelet. It’s typically served with a topping of ketchup or demi-glace sauce. In recent years, a new style of omurice has emerged, featuring fluffy, slightly runny eggs. The dish has also continued to evolve, with a growing variety of fillings and…

Western cuisine was introduced to Japan in the mid-19th century and gradually adapted to suit local tastes, giving rise to yōshoku—a uniquely Japanese genre of Western-inspired dishes. Among these, omurice, a comforting blend of omelet and ketchup-flavored rice, remains one of the most beloved staples. At “Yoshoku Kurofunetei,” a long-established restaurant in Ueno, Tokyo, you can enjoy a classic omurice…

Omurice (omelet rice) is a quintessential example of yōshoku, Western-inspired cuisine that originated and evolved in Japan. There are two main types of omurice: one where ketchup-flavored chicken rice is wrapped in a thin omelet, and another where creamy, soft-scrambled eggs are spooned over the rice. One of the first restaurants to adopt the latter style is the iconic yoshoku…

If you spend any time exploring Japanese food culture, there’s a good chance you’ll come across nattō (fermented soybeans) at some point. A staple of the Japanese breakfast table, natto is known for its strong smell and stringy texture—which can be a surprise for first-timers. But don’t be too quick to judge: natto is not only deeply rooted in Japanese…

Osaka Castle Park is one of the city’s most inviting green spaces—a welcome break from the concrete and heat of an Osaka summer. While it’s a popular destination year-round, the park takes on a different character in the warmer months. Tall trees provide shade, grassy lawns stretch out under blue skies, and the castle stands quietly in the background, anchoring…