tea

Featured image for A GUIDE TO DELICIOUS GREEN TEA FOOD PAIRINGS

A GUIDE TO DELICIOUS GREEN TEA FOOD PAIRINGS

Jun 5, 2025
BY Francesca Poggi

We all know that tea is very healthy and the most popular beverage in Japan as many people love it. Green tea is often consumed with Japanese meals; however, you may not realize that because there are different types of green tea, each tea is typically paired […]

Featured image for Best 5 Kissaten You Must Try in Kyoto

Best 5 Kissaten You Must Try in Kyoto

Mar 29, 2025
BY Catherine Chong

When we talk about Kyoto, what do you immediately think of? The history? The traditional temples and shrines? While these historic temples and streets steal the spotlight, there’s another cultural treasure waiting to be discovered, and they are kissaten (喫茶店). In this guide, I’ll introduce you […]

Featured image for Interview with Isshiki-san: Spreading the Joy of Matcha-Making Around the World

Interview with Isshiki-san: Spreading the Joy of Matcha-Making Around the World

Mar 21, 2025
BY Clairine Daphne

Matcha is one of the representative flavors of Japanese culture, but it’s more than just a key ingredient for teas and sweets – after all, making and drinking tea constitutes a culture of its own. In particular, Japanese tea ceremonies pay as much attention to the […]

Featured image for Best Kissatens to Visit in Tokyo

Best Kissatens to Visit in Tokyo

Mar 14, 2025
BY Megan Kawakami

When you’re craving a cup of joe, which do you choose, a kissaten or a café? That typically depends on what you’re looking for: a place to slowly sip your coffee, have a small meal, and potentially a smoke, or the hustle and bustle of customers […]

Featured image for Charming Small Towns in Honshu

Charming Small Towns in Honshu

Mar 8, 2025
BY Maddy Vandelden

As the largest island in Japan, Honshu offers so many small towns to be explored! Tokyo often steals the spotlight when it comes to visiting Japan; however, there are numerous small towns scattered across Honshu, each offering its own unique allure. Whether you’re drawn to ancient […]

Featured image for Celebrating Japan’s Unique Tea Brews and Blends!

Celebrating Japan’s Unique Tea Brews and Blends!

Oct 3, 2024
BY Mythi Tran

Japanese tea is not merely just a beverage but the emblem and heart of Japanese culture, often known for its rich flavours and tons of health benefits. Tracing its roots back over a millennium, Buddhist monks introduced tea to Japan from China, which was quickly popularised […]

Featured image for The Art of Matcha: Understanding and Appreciating Japan’s Famous Green Tea

The Art of Matcha: Understanding and Appreciating Japan’s Famous Green Tea

May 10, 2024
BY Hannah Fulton

Japan's famous green tea, matcha, has captured the hearts and palates of tea enthusiasts around the world. More than just a beverage, this drink is a cultural symbol that embodies the essence of Japanese traditions. From its vibrant green color to its unique preparation methods, it […]

Featured image for Castella: Japan’s Beloved Treat

Castella: Japan’s Beloved Treat

Apr 11, 2024
BY Karin Itakura

You might expect a yellow cake to be banana or lemon-flavored, but surprisingly it might not be. It's not sweet at all, but a very subtle taste of honey is hidden in a fluffy yellow sponge cake. It is very simple to make with minimal ingredients […]

Featured image for What To Do In Suruga: A Destination Filled With Culture, History, and Tea

What To Do In Suruga: A Destination Filled With Culture, History, and Tea

Mar 20, 2024
BY Chloe Hughes

Suruga is considered to be one of the shining pearls of Shizuoka Prefecture, and we here at Arigato Travel couldn’t agree more. One of the area’s original provinces, Suruga is known not only for its abundance of natural beauty but also for its deep-rooted culture and […]

Featured image for 4 MAJOR TEA REGIONS OF JAPAN PART 4: KYOTO AND UJI: ALL THINGS SHADED, THE CULTURAL HOME OF TEA

4 MAJOR TEA REGIONS OF JAPAN PART 4: KYOTO AND UJI: ALL THINGS SHADED, THE CULTURAL HOME OF TEA

Feb 5, 2024
BY Jamie Kruse

Welcome to the final segment of our four-part series on notable tea regions in Japan! In this post, we land in Kyoto Prefecture’s Uji region to experience the cultural heart and history of tea in Japan. If you are just now joining us, check out our […]

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