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Special Blue Bottle Sakura Collection

Feb 8, 2026
BY Brad Stephens

Spring in Japan is inseparable from cherry blossoms, known as sakura (桜). Their fleeting beauty marks a season of quiet excitement, reflection, and renewal. In celebration of this moment, Blue Bottle Coffee Japan is welcoming spring with their new Special Blue Bottle Sakura Collection, launching nationwide […]

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Yamato Food Sample: Everything about Food Samples in Japan!

Feb 8, 2026
BY Tim Brons

​​Yamato Sample Seisakusyo is, as its name suggests, a company that makes food samples. These are plastic food samples that you see on display in front of dining establishments. It is an art in itself to recreate these as well as possible and truthfully. They also […]

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The Secrets Behind Tokyo’s Deliciousness: What Really Makes Tokyo So Damn Good

Feb 7, 2026
BY Jessica Iragne

If you’ve ever come to Tokyo and thought, “Why is everything so good? Even at a random lunch place?” then congrats, you’ve already tasted the mystery. We were recently invited to a media-only event called “The Secrets Behind Tokyo’s Deliciousness”, organized by Tokyo Tokyo: Old meets […]

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A FRIENDLY GUIDE TO JAPAN’S WAGYU REGIONS

Feb 6, 2026
BY Maria Diaz

Wagyu has become shorthand for luxury beef across the world, but within Japan, this word carries a much deeper and more nuanced meaning. Wagyu simply translates to “Japanese cow,” yet behind lies a complex network of regional identities, bloodlines, feeding philosophies, and centuries-old traditions. Much like […]

Featured image for Beyond the Golden Route: Experience the enduring spirits of Nagasaki and Okinawa

Beyond the Golden Route: Experience the enduring spirits of Nagasaki and Okinawa

Feb 6, 2026
BY Kristian Robinson

It’s always a thrill to see the world catch on to what we’ve known for years: Japan’s true magic often lies far beyond the bright lights of Tokyo and the temples of Kyoto. The New York Times recently released its prestigious “52 Places to Go” list […]

Featured image for ONE-DAY PERFECT PLAN: ENJOYING HANAMI IN KYOTO

ONE-DAY PERFECT PLAN: ENJOYING HANAMI IN KYOTO

Feb 5, 2026
BY Maria Diaz

Important reminder: We know cherry blossoms are mesmerizing, but at Arigato Travel, we kindly ask that you please don’t pick the petals or shake the sakura branches to take photos. There are plenty of lovely ways to capture beautiful pictures without harming or disturbing the trees. […]

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5 Must-Try Vegan Restaurants In Kyoto

Feb 4, 2026
BY Amit Manjaramkar

Without a doubt, Kyoto is one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan. This city offers a compelling mix of culture and stunning landscapes, giving visitors a peek into the origins of many Japanese traditions. While it remains true to its ancient roots, Kyoto has […]

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The Soundtracks of Japan: Exploring Catchy Jingles

Feb 3, 2026
BY Kristina Kobuke

When exploring Japan, it is nearly impossible to go more than a few blocks without hearing a brief yet catchy melody. Whether you’re browsing the aisles of a megastore or taking a stroll through the city streets, these unforgettable tunes are always playing, and they can […]

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Best Michelin-Starred Restaurants to Try in Japan

Feb 2, 2026
BY Saffron Brown

Japan is famous for its ramen and street food, and even for some of the exclusive treats you can find at convenience stores, but that isn’t to say there aren’t restaurants for those of a more refined palate. Despite being a prestigious and difficult-to-obtain status, as […]

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The History and Creation of the Kotatsu

Feb 1, 2026
BY Brad Stephens

If you have ever visited Japan in winter, you may have come across one of the coziest inventions of all time: the kotatsu (炬燵, heated table). This traditional piece of furniture is more than just a way to stay warm. It represents comfort, family bonding, and […]

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