culture

Stroll through any bustling street in Japan, and you're likely to catch a glimpse of a charming, paw-raising cat perched at the entrance of a shop or restaurant. This feline friend, known as the Maneki Neko or “Beckoning Cat” in English, is more than just a […]

Having lived in New Zealand for more than four years and travelled to several other countries, I’ve become aware of the kinds of bread that are only available in Japan. Although not a traditional Japanese food, authentic and unique Japanese bread are definitely worth giving a […]

Most tea lovers know that all tea comes from the same plant - camellia sinensis. Whether you’re drinking green, black (also known as red), oolong, pu-erh, or yellow tea, camellia sinensis is the steeped leaf you are consuming. It can be kind of astonishing to keep […]

Many inbound tourists and expats are impressed with how reliable the rail services are in Japan. Are you one of them and curious to know even more about the Japanese railway? Or do you simply want to see someplace that’s less crowded than the temples or […]

Visiting Japan in February? We highly recommend you plan your trip in time with Setsubun. This festive holiday packs together tons of Japanese traditions that are still alive today. Let’s discover together what Setsubun is, and what to expect and learn from this event. What […]

Despite being introduced in Japan within the last two centuries, Japanese curry has become its own dish that is completely different from its peers, and an important and popular food across the nation.

Okinawa is an absolutely beautiful tourist destination. Its turquoise seas, white sand beaches and tropical breezes are a relaxing break from the usual hustle and bustle Japan can bring. Another wonderful thing about Okinawa is the unique and delicious cuisine that it offers to visitors. In this article, let’s dive into the top ten foods you should sample in the south of Japan.

Far more than just a way to enjoy delicious matcha tea and sweets, the Japanese tea ceremony is a tradition that goes back to the ninth century. The origins of the ceremony have roots in Zen Buddism, a religious practice introduced from China.