Although Japan offers a variety of traditional alcoholic beverages, some of them regional specialties, sake—known as 日本酒 nihonshu (lit. “Japanese alcohol”) in Japanese—and 焼酎 shōchū are two of the most representative and popular kinds. Both sake and shochu are often paired with traditional cuisine. What are sake and shochu? Sake and shochu are traditional Japanese alcoholic drinks that have been…
In an increasingly digital world, staying connected is crucial for travelers, especially when visiting a foreign country. Naturally, this is also true for Japan. This article will guide first-time visitors through the essentials of mobile connectivity so you can make the best of your time during your stay. Roaming Plans and Prepaid SIM Cards When traveling to Japan, you can…
Japan is a fascinating country with a unique culture and thriving business scene. When planning a business trip to Japan, it’s important to be well-prepared and understand the local customs and practices. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover essential information on comfortable stays, smooth communication, efficient work environments, transportation, emergency responses, and legal/regulatory matters to help you navigate your…
Japan is a country with diverse climate conditions and unique regional features, which can make packing for a trip somewhat challenging. This guide will help you understand the basics of Japan’s climate, introduce the regional differences, and provide you with essential packing tips for each season and region. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your visit to Japan,…
When thinking of Japanese cuisine, ramen and sushi might be the first things that come to mind. However, Japan has another culinary treasure that’s waiting to be discovered: 和菓子 wagashi, or traditional Japanese confectionery. While foreign tourists might be familiar with sweets made with 餅 mochi glutinous rice and 餡 an sweetened red bean paste, there’s a whole world of…
Japan’s delectable pan-fried dumplings, known as 餃子 gyōza, have become a culinary delight for locals and foreign tourists alike. This mouthwatering dish offers a vast array of flavors, captivating even those who have tried similar dumplings in other countries. In this article, we invite you to embark on a journey to discover the enticing world of Japanese gyoza, exploring their…
Visitors to Japan are often familiar with sushi, tempura, and ramen, but there’s another traditional Japanese dish that’s perfect for the colder months and just as delightful to explore. Known as おでん oden, this slow-simmered, hearty stew is a comforting, soul-warming dish that every traveler should try during their visit to Japan. What is oden? Oden is a Japanese one-pot…
Whether you call it kebab, kofta, satay or souvlaki, grilling meat on a skewer is a popular food preparation style all over the world. Japan is no exception. However, whereas many people have heard of sushi, tempura and ramen, Japan’s answer to the chicken kebab is less familiar outside of the country. And yet, you’ll find them almost everywhere you…