Xavier-Benjamin

Is This Really Vegan? Shibuya’s Cosme Kitchen Adaptation Will Change Your Perception

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…

Rice Ball Bliss From Breakfast to Lunch at Onigily Cafe in Nakameguro, Tokyo’s Gluten-Free Onigiri Oasis

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…

Top 15 Japanese Phrases for Hotels and Ryokans

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…

Sukiyaki, Sushi, and Tempura Galore: Amazing All-You-Can-Eat Feasts at Shabu-shabu Sushi Hassan in Roppongi, Tokyo

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…

Top 16 Phrases for Finding Your Way in Japan: Trains, Buses, Taxis and On Foot)

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…

Enjoy Solo Shabu-Shabu in Shibuya! Indulge in Kobe Beef with an Affordable Lunch Menu at Shabu-Shabu Retasu Shibuya Center-gai

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…

Overflowing with Uni and Ikura: The Extravagant Seafood Bowl at Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan ARK Hills

When it comes to truth in advertisement, the seafood bowl at “Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan ARK Hills” in Tokyo doesn’t disappoint. Their signature dish, called the “Zeitaku Don” (literally, “extravagant rice bowl”), is so over-the-top that anyone who sees it will agree it’s the height of indulgence. “ぜいたく丼(特上),” Zeitaku Don Tokujo (Supreme) Course 3,600 JPY (tax included)  The Zeitaku Don is…

Food, Fall Foliage, Festivals and More: Experience the Best of Japanese Autumn (September to November)

From September to November, Japan’s autumn is full of charm! This season is perfect for enjoying delicious fruits like grapes and apples, as well as breathtaking fall foliage. Here’s your guide to making the most of this beautiful time of year. Seasonal Foods As autumn arrives, Japan’s culinary scene celebrates the harvest with a variety of seasonal delights: Autumn vegetables…

小田原城の写真

Breathtaking Views from the Odawara Castle Keep! The Only Castle Keep in the Kanto Region

Odawara Castle, one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s top tourist attractions, is believed to have been constructed in the mid-15th century. It is famous as the stronghold of the Hōjō clan, who ruled the Kanto region. Although much of the original structure was destroyed by earthquakes and other disasters, the castle keep was reconstructed in 1960, with additional buildings respectively restored in…

阿佐ヶ谷神明宮の写真

Boost Your Fortune With a Lace Bracelet at Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine

In Japan, it’s believed that there are many gods, a concept captured in the phrase yaoyorozu no kami, literally meaning “eight million gods.” Among these, however, the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu Ōmikami, is considered the supreme deity. One notable place where Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined is Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine, in the Asagaya neighborhood of Tokyo. The shrine is known…

富岡八幡宮の写真

Discover Hello Kitty Charms, Sumo History, and Japan’s Largest Mikoshi Palanquin at Tokyo’s Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine

Japan’s traditional festivals are known for their vibrant parades centered on mikoshi palanquin. But did you know that the largest mikoshi in Japan is displayed at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine? This magnificent mikoshi, adorned with diamonds and pure gold, is truly a sight to behold! Explore Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine’s 400-year history Founded in 1627, Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine enshrines Emperor Ōjin as…

Tokyo Weather in September, October and November: What to Wear in Fall – An Essential Clothing Guide for International Tourists

Tokyo’s fall season (September to November) offers a range of weather conditions, from lingering summer heat to cooler, crisp days. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a month-by-month packing guide that ensures you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. September in Tokyo September weather in Tokyo The month starts off with summer-like temperatures, often exceeding…