Big Neko

What Can 5,000 Yen Buy at a Japanese Convenience Store? Here’s What Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Look Like!

Japanese convenience stores aren’t just handy shops with wide product selections open 24 hours a day. Of course, that alone is convenient enough. But from morning coffee to hearty lunches, light snacks, and even full-scale dinners, the range of food is so impressive that you could practically get through an entire day eating only from a convenience store. On top…

Kawaii Style 101: Characteristics and How to Experience It

Japan’s unique aesthetic of kawaii (cute) culture has become a global symbol of Japanese pop culture. Beyond mere appearance, the “kawaii style” expresses inner kindness and approachability, encompassing fashion, makeup, and behavior. For visitors, understanding this aesthetic offers a rich opportunity to experience Japanese culture deeply. To learn more about the core meaning of kawaii and its place in Japanese…

Beyond Cute: What “Kawaii” Really Means in Japanese Culture

For visitors to Japan, the word kawaii (cute) is a fascinating concept in Japanese language learning, transcending a mere adjective to embody a core cultural value. The word, now globally recognized, plays a central role in Japan’s pop culture and tourism industry. This article explores kawaii’s basic meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage, offering clear insights to deepen your understanding…

What Does Takoyaki Really Taste Like? A Guide to Classic and Creative Varieties

Takoyaki (often translated as “octopus dumplings”), a quintessential Japanese dish, captivates food lovers worldwide. Made from a wheat flour batter with small octopus pieces and shaped into balls, it boasts a crisp exterior and a soft, gooey interior. Originating in Osaka, takoyaki is now cherished across Japan, with regional variations adding distinct flavors. To explore the broader allure, history, and…

Must-Try Japanese Food List: Learn the Background and Taste of Japan’s Most Famous Dishes

For visitors to Japan, washoku (Japanese cuisine) is a highlight of the journey. Leveraging fresh, seasonal ingredients, washoku has evolved into diverse dishes. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, it’s globally celebrated for its delicate flavors, elegant presentation, and varied techniques. For deeper insights into the cultural significance and must-try dishes, see our article, “Traditional Japanese Foods:…

Traditional Japanese Foods: Explore Japan’s Culinary Culture and History

Traditional Japanese food transcends mere cuisine, embodying an art form steeped in history and cultural depth. From seasonal ingredients and fermentation techniques to the ideal ichiju sansai (one soup, three dishes) meal structure, Japan’s culinary philosophy reflects a unique harmony. To explore the full scope of Japanese food culture and must-try dishes for visitors, see our article, “The Charm of…

Where to Taste and Learn About Sake, Shochu, and Awamori in Tokyo

With Japanese cuisine drawing more international tourists, nihonshu (sake) and authentic shōchū elevate the dining experience. At the Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, visitors can explore, learn, and savor Japan’s cherished alcohol culture. Engage your senses at a sake and shochu hub Operated by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, the Japan Sake and…

Urban Oasis in Tokyo: Chidorigafuchi Nature Walk Nearby the Imperial Palace

Famous for cherry blossoms, the “Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier Operated by Chiyoda City” (referred to hereafter as “Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier”) is a central Tokyo gem with nature-filled walkways and boating spots. While spring draws crowds to its moat-side sakura, the area offers year-round charm with vibrant summer greenery and autumn foliage. Edo-jō’s legacy at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier Located in Chiyoda Ward,…

7 Best Tonkatsu Restaurants in Tokyo – Traditional, Local, and Creative Styless

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, tonkatsu—breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets—is one of Japan’s iconic dishes. Across the country, specialty shops each put their own spin on this classic, and the deliciousness of tonkatsu has also gained attention overseas. What Is Katsu? Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Fried Cutlet Craze At first glance, tonkatsu may…

Try Wagashi Making and Tea Ceremony in Tokyo – No Experience Needed!

Among wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), few are as refined and beautiful as jōnamagashi (premium wagashi). These seasonal sweets, crafted to reflect Japan’s scenery and flowers, are truly worthy of the title “edible works of art.” At “AN TOKYO Japanese Culture Experience,” you can not only try your hand at making jonamagashi but also experience a traditional matcha tea ceremony in…

Discover Tokyo’s Hidden Origami Gem: Ochanomizu Origami Kaikan

Origami is a traditional Japanese pastime in which square sheets of paper are folded into shapes such as animals, plants, and more. It’s an activity that anyone—from children to adults—can enjoy. You can fold alone and focus quietly, or fold with friends or family to deepen communication and share creativity. But the appeal of origami goes far beyond that. At…

This Japanese Museum Combines Masterpieces and a Garden You’ll Never Forget – Gyokudo Art Museum

Kawai Gyokudō (1873–1957) was a painter who observed nature and human activity and elevated those scenes into the world of nihonga—traditional Japanese painting. His works, full of poetic sensibility, continue to captivate the hearts of art-lovers to this day. In his later years, Kawai Gyokudō devoted himself to the serene landscapes of Mitake in Ōme, Tokyo, where a museum now…

Tokyo Station Gallery: The Must-Visit Art Museum Inside Tokyo Station

Every day, about half a million people pass through Tokyo Station, one of Japan’s largest terminals. But did you know that inside this still-active station stands a museum that has preserved more than a century of memories? That museum is the TOKYO STATION GALLERY (hereafter referred to as the “Tokyo Station Gallery”), a special space where the building itself becomes…

What Is Ukiyo-e? A Complete Guide to Japan’s Traditional Art Form

Ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese woodblock prints) is a style of painting that vividly reflected the everyday culture of commoners during Japan’s Edo period (1603 to 1868). What began as a popular art form embraced by the masses eventually crossed borders, gaining worldwide acclaim and recognition as a highly valued art. In this article, we’ll explore the history and diverse genres of…