Food

Vegetarian and Vegan in Japan: What Travelers Need to Know Before Eating Out

Japanese food uses plenty of plant-based ingredients: tofu, vegetables, rice, seaweed, mushrooms, and pickles are all co...
Food

What Do Japanese Food Names Mean? 16 Dishes Explained

Sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori.Many Japanese food names are now used as they are in English-speaking countries.But when...
Culture

8 Things That Originated in Japan — And Why They Were Invented Here

Scanning a QR code, listening to music through earphones, or eating instant noodles.These are ordinary parts of everyday...
Culture

What Is Anime Pilgrimage in Japan? Understanding Seichi Junrei

Have you ever watched a Japanese anime and wondered:“Does this place actually exist in Japan?”Many anime series feature ...
Food

Beyond Matcha: The Everyday World of Japanese Tea

When people outside Japan think of Japanese tea, matcha may be the first thing that comes to mind.Matcha lattes, matcha ...
Food

Japan’s “Dangerous” Foods: A Friendly Survival Guide

Japan is an easy place to enjoy eating out and trying new foods, but every now and then, there are a few small “traps” w...
Food

From Gyudon to Kaiseki: What You Get at Every Food Budget in Japan

When planning a trip to Japan, one practical question comes up quickly:How much should you budget for food each day?The ...
Culture

Inside Japan’s Gachapon Culture: Tiny Toys, Serious Craftsmanship

For many people outside Japan, the word gacha may first bring to mind the randomized reward systems found in mobile game...
Food

Osaka vs. Hiroshima Okonomiyaki: What’s the Real Difference?

Outside Japan, okonomiyaki is often introduced as a single Japanese dish.But place Osaka-style and Hiroshima-style okono...
Daily Life

Things That Are Surprisingly Free in Japan — And Why

What surprises visitors to Japan is not limited to historic buildings or famous tourist attractions.Sit down at a restau...