Bamboo: the Secret to Takachiho’s Iconic Cuisine
The scenic valley of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture is known for its bamboo cuisine. Here are three of the most popular dishes.
Tokyo's Coolest Farmers Market: A Sustainable Community at UN University
Food & Drink Local Creators' Market
Tokyo's largest farmers market is a hub for regional produce, tasty street food . . . and ideas for building a better future
Kumamon Invites You to The Perfect Weekend in Kumamoto City
A insider's guide to the perfect weekend in this vibrant and fascinating city, home to Kumamon, the celebrity character.
Recent Non-Fiction Books About Japan That You Must Read
Looking for your next great read about Japan? Here's a selection of some of the best non-fiction books—from memoirs to culinary explorations—published in the 2020s.
Hakko Department: One-Stop Shop for All Things Fermented in Trendy Shimokitazawa
How one man is aiming to change the world with Japan's fermentation culture.
5 Great Tokyo Cocktail Bars
Tokyo is known for its vibrant cocktail scene, with numerous bars offering unique and creative drink experiences. Here is our expert’s list of the city’s top 5 bars!
The Japanese Island that Inspired the Action-adventure Game: "Ghost of Tsushima"
A visit to the remote border island of Tsushima, a place full of fascinating history and natural beauty that inspired the Ghost of Tushima video game.
5 Awesome Plant-Based, Vegan Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo is known as the restaurant capital of the world, and vegans don't need to miss out. Here are some of the tastiest vegan restaurants in Tokyo that don't just serve salad.
Don't Leave Japan Without Feasting on Crab!
Showcasing Japan's Matsuba crab. Add this luxurious and delicious dining experience to your Japan itinerary
All About Japan’s Top Five Tea-Producing Regions
Japanese tea, well-known worldwide for its delicate taste and health benefits, hails primarily from five Japanese prefectures. Get to know their different characteristics.
Japan's Amazing DIY Superstores: From Cheap Urban Farming to Building a Home
Information Local Creators' Market
DIY has always been big in Japan. Now a number of stores cater to the creative in all of us, whether its gardening, interior renovation, crafts or even building your own house.
The Shonan Coast's Best Brew Pubs and Taprooms
The scenic stretch of shoreline just southwest of Tokyo has become a significant center for craft beer. Here are some of the best.
Tokyo's Best Afternoon Tea Spots
Don your best frock and put your pinkies up! Here are some of the best places to have afternoon tea in Tokyo.
Japanese Craft Gin: What You Need to Know, and 4 of the Best Brands
Japanese craft gin is taking the world by storm, as global tipplers fall in love with the country's unique botanicals and commitment to quality.
Tokyo's 10 Best Outdoor Dining Spots
Noted food critic Robbie Swinnerton picks his favorite places in Tokyo where you can enjoy the outdoors and dine extremely well.
My Bucket List of 5 Favorite Tokyo Restaurants
Food critic Robbie Swinnerton picks five restaurants from the thousands of places he's covered in his years as food writer for the Japan Times. The selection includes sushi, tonkatsu, soba and more . . .
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu: The City's Trendy New Dining/Shopping Spot
This new complex boasts high-end shops, gastronomic delights, prime office space and the first Japan outpost of Bulgaria Hotel.
The Nada District: Historic Gateway to Japanese Sake
The sake brewing district of Nada, 30 minutes from central Kobe or Osaka, is Japan's top sake-producing region with 25 breweries, over a dozen of which welcome visitors. Exploring Nada is a great way to learn about and taste Japan's most famous drink!
Five Hokkaido Dishes to Warm Up Your Winter!
When the winter weather on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido turns delightfully cold, you can be sure that these local dishes will warm you up from the inside.
The Perfect Weekend in Okayama
One of a series of Perfect Weekends in Japanese cities. Lovers of art, food, history, and nature will all find something to help them spend a fantastic weekend in Okayama.
