December to February is winter in Japan, a magical season offering a combination of heartwarming cuisine, traditional events, and breathtaking scenery. Here are ten experiences that make the Japanese winter unforgettable. Seasonal Foods 1. Hearty winter hot pots Japan’s cold weather calls for a warm, nourishing hot pot, known as nabe in Japanese. For example, you can indulge in shabu-shabu,…
Ashikaga Flower Park is one of Japan’s most celebrated floral destinations, gaining worldwide attention for its breathtaking beauty. At the heart of this park lies the iconic wisteria flowers, which continue to captivate visitors from around the globe. The expansive wisteria trellises and tunnels are must-see attractions, offering an unparalleled visual spectacle that leaves a lasting impression. The wisteria experience…
Hot pot, or nabe ryōri in Japanese, is a delightful way to enjoy a communal meal that warms both body and soul. Types of Japanese hot pot Japanese hot pot features a variety of broths and ingredients catering to different tastes. Common broths include simple dashi made from kombu (kelp), rich chicken stock, or bases flavored with soy sauce or…
A Tokyo neighborhood known for its refined and stylish ambiance, Omotesando is home to “Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN,” a ramen shop that perfectly embodies the character of this chic area. Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN’s shoyu broth brings out the full flavor of each ingredient “麺 銀座おのでら 至高～supreme～,” Supreme ramen 2,200 JPY (tax included) Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN is the first…
Japan offers a wide variety of ramen, with some types only available in certain regions. Here are some of the best local ramen varieties to try. Hokkaido Sapporo Miso Ramen — Sapporo City, Hokkaido Sapporo miso ramen, originating in Sapporo City, features a rich, miso-based broth, complemented by thin noodles. Common toppings include bean sprouts and onions, reflecting the hearty…
Planning a trip to Japan? Here’s a detailed calendar to help you navigate Japanese public holidays, when transportation may be crowded, and store hours may vary. Japan’s holidays at a glance: Two-year calendar (2024-2025) Holiday 2024 2025 New Year’s Day January 1 (Mon) January 1 (Wed) Coming of Age Day January 8 (Mon) January 13 (Mon) National Foundation Day February…
Vegan cuisine, which excludes animal products like meat, fish, and honey, is sometimes perceived as bland or unexciting by those unfamiliar with it. However, a visit to “Cosme Kitchen Adaptation” in Shibuya, Tokyo, is sure to change that perception. Cosme Kitchen Adaptation’s signature dish packed with 20 Types of vegetables At Cosme Kitchen Adaptation, the must-try dish is the “All…
In the Nakameguro area of Tokyo, there’s a shop displaying a sign that says “Onigily Cafe” with a facade resembling a chic dessert cafe. It specializes in Japanese rice balls, a word usually spelled onigiri in English but intentionally stylized as “onigily” by the shop. The onigiri and side dishes offered here are made with carefully selected ingredients and are…
Sushi is almost always at the top of the list for international visitors wanting to experience Japanese cuisine. With time, we’ve seen more creative takes on traditional sushi, adding originality to the mix. In recent years, vegan sushi has developed as a new genre, and you can experience it at “Vegan Sushi Tokyo” in Shibuya. Vegan sushi with a focus…
When it comes to bakery shops, finding one that offers freshly made bread at any time of the day is a rare treat. At “dacō Nakameguro,” located in the trendy Nakameguro area of Tokyo, nearly 40 different types of bread are freshly baked or finished just before being served, ensuring that every bite is as fresh as possible. Not only…
When you visit Japan, staying in a hotel or ryokan (traditional inn) can offer a unique cultural experience, but navigating the language barrier can be challenging. Here are essential phrases to enhance your stay and communicate effectively with the staff. Feel free to use this article during your interactions with your hotel or ryokan and point out the phrases you…
The luxury of indulging in your favorite foods to your heart’s content—this is the dream that all-you-can-eat dining makes a reality. At “Shabu-shabu Sushi Hassan,” in the cosmopolitan Roppongi neighborhood of Tokyo, you can relish an all-you-can-eat menu featuring sukiyaki or shabu-shabu hot pots made with high-quality domestic beef. But that’s not all. You can also indulge in around 20…
Getting around Japan can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the language, but knowing a few key phrases can make your journey much smoother, whether you’re traveling by train, bus, taxi, or on foot. This article covers the top 16 essential phrases to help you find your way in Japan. Feel free to use this article while navigating and point…
Sharing a nabe (Japanese hot pot or stew) with others is always fun, but enjoying it at your own pace is a pleasure of its own. If you want to relish a meal without any distractions, head to “Shabu-Shabu Retasu Shibuya Center-gai” in the popular Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo, where you can have a nabe all to yourself. Savor Kobe…
Nestled in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward, Hebikubo Shrine is dedicated to the white snake, a revered creature believed to be a divine messenger. The shrine sees a surge of visitors on the “Day of the Snake,” an auspicious occasion that takes place every 12 days and is considered especially lucky. To find out when the next Day of the Snake will…