Summer in Japan is a battle against both stifling humidity and the blazing sun. Even so, people have long found creative ways to embrace and enjoy the season. One of the most beloved ways of handling the heat is through food. Japanese summer dishes are not just about flavor and appearance—they also embody the feeling of the season. Some cool…
Kyōsai Kawanabe (1831–1889) was an artist who flourished from the late Edo period into the Meiji era. Incorporating both ukiyo-e artwork (traditional Japanese woodblock paintings and prints) and Western painting styles, he was celebrated as a genius with “nothing he could not draw.” Thanks to the influence of cultural figures who knew Kyōsai personally, his broad range of styles and…
Located in Sumida, Tokyo, the “TOBACCO ＆ SALT MUSEUM” (referred to hereafter as “Tobacco & Salt Museum”) is, as its name suggests, a unique museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of tobacco and salt. But that’s not all—the museum is also home to an impressive collection of ukiyo-e prints. These traditional woodblock prints from the Edo…
Just about an hour from Shinjuku in Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers a rare combination of easy access and rich natural beauty, drawing hikers and tourists all year round. In 2007, the mountain earned three Michelin stars, putting it firmly on the world’s travel map. With an elevation of 599 meters (approximately 1965.22 feet) and roughly 3 million visitors a year,…
Nestled slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya and Harajuku, the Ota Memorial Museum of Art houses and exhibits a magnificent collection of ukiyo-e artwork (traditional Japanese woodblock paintings and prints) collected by the late businessman Seizō Ota V (1893-1977). The museum boasts one of the world’s largest ukiyo-e collections, featuring masterpieces by renowned artists such as Katsushika…
Just an hour from central Tokyo by train, Mt. Takao is a popular destination where even beginners can easily hike using the cable car or lift, offering the perfect blend of nature and culture. Since earning three Michelin stars in 2007, Mt. Takao has attracted visitors not only from Japan but from all over the world. Midway up the mountain…
Kakigōri (shaved ice) is Japan’s quintessential summer sweet, but in recent years it has evolved beyond its traditional roots into a global trendsetting dessert. Tokyo in particular has become the epicenter of kakigori culture, with specialty shops serving creative variations year-round. From fluffy ice topped with rich fruit syrups to artistic presentations with unique ingredients, Tokyo’s kakigori scene is often…
As summer begins in Japan, kakigōri (shaved ice) appears on street corners and festival stalls, announcing the season’s arrival. Thinly shaved ice topped generously with colorful syrups, kakigori is a quintessential Japanese way to cool down. Once a summer festival staple, kakigori has grown into a dessert culture of its own, with specialty shops now dedicated entirely to it. While…
Abura soba is a brothless type of ramen in which the noodles are mixed with a rich, savory sauce instead of soup. Each restaurant uses its own signature tare (sauce), resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying bowl that still delivers all the indulgence of ramen—without the broth. Thanks to its unique style, abura soba has long been popular among…
Rich in flavor yet surprisingly elegant—abura soba (oil noodles) is a unique dish that combines seemingly contradictory charms and is quietly sparking a boom in Tokyo. Tokyo’s Must-Try Abura Soba: Your Guide to Japan’s Soup-Free Ramen Sensation Abura soba is a type of ramen without soup, where noodles are thoroughly mixed with a special tare (sauce) and aromatic oils, creating…
Drawn in by the charm of tradition and the delicate sweet aroma in the air, it’s easy to find yourself wandering into a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop during a stroll through the city. If there’s even an eat-in space, it’s the perfect excuse to take a short break. From masterfully crafted jōnamagashi (premium Japanese sweets) to seasonal anmitsu (a…
If you’re visiting Japan and think ramen is a must-try, you should definitely know about a unique noodle dish called “abura soba” (oil noodles). At first glance, it looks like ramen, but surprisingly, it contains no soup at all. Instead, you mix a special tare (sauce) and fragrant oil with the noodles, allowing you to directly enjoy the rich flavors…
When traveling in Japan, you may come across a food category called yōshoku (Western-style Japanese cuisine). Yoshoku refers to dishes that originated overseas but have been uniquely adapted to suit Japanese tastes. It became popular during the Meiji era (1868–1912), when Western culture began flowing into Japan, and has since evolved to include classics like hamburger steak, curry rice, and…
Matcha is now a globally recognized superfood, originating from Japan. It’s not only used for drinks, but also in sweets and even skincare products, with its popularity continuing to grow both in Japan and around the world. Especially outside of Japan, matcha is gaining attention as a healthy Japanese ingredient, and it’s not uncommon to see it sold at more…
Japan’s summer is celebrated through many traditional sights and flavors—but none quite embody the season like kakigōri (shaved ice). Thinly-scraped ice topped with vibrant syrups captures the essence of cool refreshment in one bowl. Kakigori in the making at Himitsudō Made by finely shaving ice and topping it with colorful syrups, kakigori is the quintessential summer sweet that brings a…