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The Noodles that Changed the World
The compact disc. The digital camera. The instant ramen noodle? Believe it or not, the third one is considered one of the most significant and impactful Japanese inventions of any kind. You probably equate the instant noodle with hazy college dorm rooms or the...
Experience Time Travel With Japanese Woodblock Art
Japanese woodblock prints can take art lovers to another time and place. Ukiyo-e, as the art is known, flourished during Japan’s Edo period, from 1603 to 1868. Ukiyo-e was also accessible up and down Japan’s class hierarchy, and it’s still accessible to everyone...
Blades of Glory: Japan’s Riveting History of Sharp Objects
From samurai swords to kitchen knives, Japan has mastered the craft of blade making over millennia. Ask any American of a certain age what they know of Japanese blades, however, and they’ll probably mention Ginsu, the kitchen knives sold on late-night infomercials...
The Do’s and Don’ts of Shoes in Japan
It’s widely understood that Japanese custom is to remove one’s shoes before entering a home. However, there’s more nuance to the practice that’s helpful to understand before you embark on your trip to Japan.
Prime Time: What Makes Wagyu and Kobe Beef Special
The instant you taste genuine Kobe beef, you’ll understand that it’s special—and its scarcity makes it an essential indulgence for any visit to Japan. Granted, on U.S. restaurant menus the beef descriptors Wagyu and..
So You Want to Climb Mt. Fuji?
Ascending Japan’s tallest peak is a must-do excursion that will enrich your spirit. And your muscles will forgive you (eventually). There’s a saying in Japanese that roughly translates to: “A wise person will climb Mt. Fuji once in his or her lifetime, but only a...
