We already know that Japan has an amazing, innovative culture. The East Asian nation is known worldwide for its famous sushi, Japanese gardens, intricate tea ceremonies, anime, video games, and hospitality. But did you also know that some of the best candy in the world is Japanese? In this article, we take a look … Read more
Do you love fresh seafood cooked right before your eyes? Maybe you want to go on a food adventure, or perhaps you’d like to try a new dish? If so, the Kuromon Market is the place for you. The 150 shops and stalls have earned their reputation as Osaka’s kitchen.As you stroll through the market, … Read more
Japan is a great place if you like to drink. Izakayas, or Japanese-style pubs, aren’t hard to find. They’re fun, rowdy places to drink the best of what Japan has to offer along with some delicious food. If outdoor drinking is your thing, you’re in luck. It’s legal. Just head to the closest convenience store … Read more
Kyoto’s stint as Japan’s capital had a lasting impact on Japanese culture, art, and religion… and especially on Japanese food! The Kyoto area produced some of the best dishes in Japan. The best known is the elaborate kaiseki-ryori, where fresh ingredients are prepared to make the most of subtle nuances of flavor. However, Kyoto is … Read more
The world of Japanese snacks is colorful and playful… and sometimes quite bizarre. Snacks can come and go in the blink of an eye. It’s not uncommon for Japanese snacks to disappear from existence forever – and sometimes after a very short stint. You probably wonder why. It’s partly because the Japanese obsess over seasonality. … Read more
From traditional tea ceremonies that artfully prepare matcha to the palate cleansing konacha served at sushi restaurants, tea is an essential part of Japanese culture and cuisine. With dozens of different types, there’s a Japanese tea for everyone. Japanese tea tastes great. It gives you a whole slew of health benefits. There’s no reason not … Read more
Despite my Japanese heritage, I’ve always shied away from cooking Japanese food. The subtle, complex flavors intimidated me. Creating the right taste seemed impossible. But it’s not that difficult at all. I began to enjoy cooking once I found the key to making Japanese food taste great. Would you like to know the secret? You’ll … Read more
Japanese soy sauce, or shoyu, is an essential part of Japanese cuisine. Without this sauce, many of your favorite Japanese dishes would not exist. But did you know soy sauce comes in different flavors, colors, and textures? The dark, salty sauce you find on the table in Japanese restaurants is the most commonly used… but … Read more
You probably reach for instant ramen when you’re too tired to cook. I don’t blame you. Instant ramen gives you a quick, easy, and tasty meal. But did you know instant ramen was created to feed the poor, hungry people of Japan after World War II? You’ll get a quick history of instant ramen in … Read more
The secret to cooking Japanese rice is all in the prep. If you want delicious, fluffy rice, follow these steps to prepare and cook your rice. It will take a little bit of time and effort to prepare, but you’ll be treated to a perfectly cooked bowl of amazing rice. This guide will cover all … Read more
On a recent trip back to Japan, I overheard two young Japanese women talking about what they’d missed most while living overseas for a year. Together, they said, “Conbini!” and started laughing. And I nodded my head in agreement because, yeah, I miss them too. And for good reason: conbini, short for convenience stores (spelled … Read more
When you think of Japanese cuisine, images of sushi, sashimi, ramen noodles and tempura probably come to mind. However, you might be surprised to learn that another popular and famous food here is curry. The taste of Japanese curry is usually sweeter than the more heavily spiced Indian or Nepalese curries. It also differs from … Read more
The Best Foods That You Can Find Easily Anywhere in Japan Japan has some of the best food in the world, hands down. If you plan on taking a trip there, you’ll be amazed at how many food shops and restaurants there are. With so many options, it’s hard to find true Japanese foods that … Read more
The Best Sushi in the World…Is Not Where You Think It Is If you have seen the documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” then you already know that he has the best sushi in the world. Sukiyabashi, Jiro’s Michelin three-star restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo is where you’ll find him preparing his world famous sushi. I unfortunately … Read more
1. Natto (Fermented Soybeans) This lovely treat made from fermented soybeans is packed full of nutrients…if you can get past its slimy, mucous-like coating. It also has a very distinct smell that screams, “I’m rotten! Don’t eat me!” That being said, it is a popular food, especially in the Kanto region of Japan. It can … Read more