MODERN CULTURE & DINING
Spend and Splurge Tokyo: A Savvy, Food-Loving Visitor’s Guide to Japan
As the city with the most Michelin star-rated restaurants in the world, it’s no surprise that foodies from all over the globe are choosing Tokyo as a travel destination. As with many cosmopolitan cities, a trip to Japan’s capital can get expensive. Travelers on a...
3 Modern Tea Rooms to Check Out in Tokyo
In the 9th century, tea was considered the drink of the Japanese royal class, brought back from China by Japanese priests who had been sent there to learn about its culture. Exclusive no more, tea is now Japan’s most popular beverage, and travelers can sip it just...
Check Out Japan’s Luxury Fruit Scene
Did you know? It’s customary in Japan to gift high-end — and high-priced — fruit for special occasions. From impossibly sweet, heart-shaped watermelons to hand-pruned cherries, perfectly cultivated fruits are an intrinsic part of Japanese gift-giving culture. You...
Vegetarians Traveling To Japan: What You Need To Know
Vegetarians know that traveling with food restrictions can be a challenge, especially when there’s a language barrier. And while historically a diet without meat or fish is uncommon in Japan, it’s a lifestyle that’s on the rise thanks to the influx of tourists,...
Kit Kat Fever: The Story Behind Japan’s Favorite Candy Bar
Sure, Japan is known for its fresh seafood and matcha tea, but did you know that Japan is also the Kit Kat capital of the world? With over 40 flavors to choose from at any given time — ranging from old-school staples such as milk chocolate to rarities like purple...
The Top 5 Japanese Street Snacks You Just Have to Try
If you think sushi, ramen and udon are all that Japanese cuisine has to offer, think again. Street food culture is fairly abundant, especially in open food markets and stalls that pop up around various temple festivals throughout the year. Some of the very best...
Ribeye Donburi Bowl
Inspired by our 5-star in-flight meals, this traditional Japanese dish comes in various forms and variations, but to really elevate it there is one ingredient you can’t miss—ribeye steak. Rest it on a bed of kombu rice and finish it off with homemade teriyaki sauce...
Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad
Elevate your meals with this light yet filling Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad, which brings a lot of flavor to the table. Miso-roasted tomatoes, marinated enoki mushrooms, and soy-marinated egg make this traditional Japanese dish one of a kind. Dine all over Japan,...
Understanding Japanese Cuisine: Know Your Condiments!
If you’re planning on traveling in Japan, get ready to experience some of the most creative and delicious food in the world. But what makes Japanese cuisine so special? In addition to careful preparation and fresh ingredients, there is one other aspect that makes...
A Michelin-Star Chef’s Guide to Dining in Tokyo
“Fearless” is one word that describes Tokyo’s epicurean landscape. Just set aside its crown for having more Michelin stars than any other city, and consider how it earned that status in the first place: through a reverence for high-quality ingredients, boundless...
Ramen and More: Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Noodles
Though many contest its origins, historical credit for the noodle must be given to Asia, where in China, a 4,000-year-old bowl of noodles was found by Chinese scientists at the Lajia archaeological site over a decade ago. The modern-day culinary staple was only...
Make Time for Matcha
These days, the delights of matcha are captivating foodies worldwide. Whether sprinkled on breakfast bowls, frothy lattes or pastries, the Japanese green tea powder is seemingly everywhere. And while you can find those new and quirky matcha culinary interpretations...