MODERN CULTURE & DINING
5 Tips for Perfect Chopsticks Etiquette
5 Tips for Perfect Chopsticks EtiquetteOrdered a sushi delivery lately? If so, odds are that from the moment you snapped apart the chopsticks and rubbed their splintery edges together to your last chomp of chirashi, you probably committed a half dozen faux pas that...
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...
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..
This Is Breakfast in Japan
It shouldn’t come as any surprise, but a traditional Japanese breakfast could not be more different from the Western coffee-and-pastry on the run. In fact, a visitor from overseas might think it looks and feels more like dinner. The first meal of the day in Japan...
12 Delicious Reasons To “Eat With the Seasons” in Japan
As a traveler, you’ll notice a reverence around the changing seasons that’s unique to Japan. The bursting of springtime cherry blossoms draws epic crowds...
What’s on the Shelf? A Shopper’s Guide to Japanese Produce
A walk through a local outdoor market is a pathway into the heart of a town or city, and Japan is no exception. Tsukiji market in Tokyo and Nishiki market in Kyoto are two of the best-known options, with each offering a chance to mingle with locals, sample foods...
The Story Behind Plastic Foods in Japan
When it comes to food, Japanese culture takes preparation very seriously. But one of the most eye-catching, intricate and expensive food practices in Japan is so devoted to preparation that the dishes never actually get eaten. No, it’s not a Michelin star-rated...
An Experience To Take Home With You: Cooking in Japan
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a new country is to enjoy its cuisine. With all the delicious fare Japan has to offer, food will inevitably be a huge focus of your trip. Taking a cooking class in Japan during your trip arguably offers the...
Gluten-Free in Japan: All You Need to Know
While foreign travel offers exciting opportunities to sample unfamiliar foods, those with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance know that navigating a menu can sometimes be a challenge. Although a gluten-free diet is not particularly common in Japan, more...
Yes, You Can Try Some of the World’s Best Italian Food in Japan
At first glance, Japanese and Italian foods are wildly different. Yet the two cuisines actually share certain key similarities: both value high-quality, seasonal ingredients, simplicity and kitchen fundamentals — especially impeccable knife skills. With this in...
Beyond Sushi: A Guide to Eating Like a Local in Japan
Did you know that for most Japanese people, a sushi meal is typically saved for special occasions? The country’s cuisine is wide and varied and goes far beyond raw fish, with various geographical areas adding their own special signature flavors to classic dishes....
