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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Welcome to part three of our four-part series on notable tea regions in Japan. So far, we’ve covered both Kagoshima Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture. Today we will spend some time at the base of Mt. Fuji in the tea fields of Shizuoka Prefecture. Next time, in […]
