Tag: tips

What Is Depachika? A Traveler’s Guide to Japan’s Food Basement Culture

The First Time You Enter a Depachika You take the escalator down, expecting something like a supermarket. Instead, the air changes. Light bounces off polished glass cases. Rows of staff in white gloves and pressed uniforms bow and greet each customer by turn. Somewhere nearby, someone is slicing fruit with the precision of a jeweler…
Japan Is Not as Cashless as You Think — And Not as Cash-Only as You’ve Hear

Japan is cashless… until suddenly it isn’t. You tap your way through Tokyo’s train gates without a second thought. You pay for a convenience store onigiri with a flick of your wrist. Then you walk into a quiet ramen shop in Shinjuku — the kind where the broth has been simmering since dawn — and…
Why Do Japanese People Eat Mochi at New Year?

The History, Meaning, and Culture Behind Mochi When people see mochi pounding in Japan, it often looks lively, fun, and energetic. Wooden mallets swing down in rhythm, steam rises from freshly pounded rice, and everyone cheers together. But mochi is more than just a chewy rice cake. For Japanese people, especially during the New Year,…
How to Use a Japanese Onsen: Essential Hot Spring Manners Every Visitor Should Know

Introduction: Discover Japan’s Most Relaxing Tradition Japanese onsens are more than hot springs—they represent centuries of culture, healing, and relaxation woven into the daily lives of locals. For travelers, entering an onsen for the first time is exciting, but it often comes with questions: What are the rules? What should I do first? What should…
Travel Tips In Japan No.3: Do You Know What’s Kind Of Izakayas Menus?

When you are in Izakaya, do you know what kinds of foods do you order? Of course if you’d like to have a specific menu, first you have to order! In this part, I’d like to share the flow: when you enter to Izakaya and order first drink, and how to close with final cuisines.…
Travel Tips In Japan No.2: How To Order, One Dish At A Time Or All At Once?

OK so next, I’d like to share order style. I saw news about tourism in Japan and there are some problem at an Izakayas in sightseeing place. Customers didn’t order a lot, and customers ordered too much foods but most of them were left. Compared to western style restaurant, Izakayas are completely different. At a…
Kinka Sushi Bar: Visitors Friendly And New Style Sushi Bar In Shibuya

Have you ever been to Kinka Sushi Bar? They run in Shibuya and Roppongi, so when you search Sushi restaurant in these area, I think you’ll see KINKA. Actually, Kinka is from Toronto, Canada. That’s why, KINKA is modern taste and at the same time, you’ll be able to experience authentic Sushi! If you read…
Kaiseki Cuisine: Japanese Traditional Course Menu And Authentic Taste

Do you know Kaiseki Cuisine? Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that combines art and flavor. Originally developed for tea ceremonies, it features beautifully arranged small dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Each course is carefully prepared to highlight natural flavors, creating a refined and balanced dining experience. While kaiseki is often served in…
Engakuji Temple: The Second Prestigious Zen Temple Of Kamakura Gozan

Have you ever been to Kamakura and have you walked around temples in Kamakura? Last autumn, the end of November, I visited Kamakura to see autumn view. From today, I’d like to show you temples in Kamakura! First part is Engakuji Temple. It’s my most favorite temple in Japan. The location, atmosphere… Everything is perfect…
Shabushabu: How To Enjoy Having It And My Favorite Two Restaurants

Have you ever had hotpots, shabushabu in Japan? Hotpots, shabushabu is one of a healthy big Japanese cuisine. I love hotpots and shabushabu because I can have many kinds of ingredients and I like sharing this with my family and friends. To enjoy to talk with your family and friends, hotpots, shabushabu is the best…