From the Way of the Warrior to the Way of Tea
Randy Channell Soei is a tea ceremony master living in Kyoto. He tells us how he came to follow the Way of Tea, its connection to martial arts, and the benefits of Japan's time-honored tea ceremony.
Osechi: The Festive Cuisine of New Year's Day
Japan's unique, colorful New Year dishes are part of the traditional celebration of this auspicious day. Here's the story behind the holiday and the dishes that are enjoyed throughout the country.
Why I Switched My Family’s Diet to Washoku
Ichiju-Sansai Healthy Japanese Food
Learn how one family made a big impact on their diet by switching to Japanese-style home cooking.
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.
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.
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.
The Perfect Weekend Tour of Fukuoka City
A long-time resident shares her knowledge of mouth-watering local food spots, great shopping and open green space in one of Japan's most fascinating regional capitals.
Super Soy: Japan’s Rich Miscellany of Miso
Miso is full of surprises. Not only is it packed with umami and probiotics, it comes in more than 1,000 varieties. Learn more about its properties and how it can be used.
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 . . .
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.
Delicious Wagyu in Japan’s Volcanic Heartland
Known for its smoldering craters, Aso also offers an exotic stop-over for the gourmand seeking to experience the best Japanese ingredients.
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
Bring Japan’s Springtime into Your Kitchen
In Japan, spring doesn’t just bring cherry blossoms and blue skies. It comes with a number of delicious, fresh ingredients that are unavailable at other times of the year. Let’s take a look at those ingredients and how to make the most of them!
Make Your Own Japanese Fruit Sandwiches
A café staple for years, the fruit sandwich (furutsu sando) is back in the news, as new gourmet versions have caught the attention of sweet lovers. Here's a primer on making your own at home.
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.
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.
A Perfect Weekend in Kobe
Kobe is Kansai's best-kept secret. Its foreign influence is a great attraction, while often overlooked is its ancient history and natural beauty. This guide sets you on track for an awesome weekend getaway.
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.
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.
Homesick?! Comfort Food Cures, Part 1
The first of a two-part series on where to buy ingredients for those dishes you miss the most. From tiny shops to on-line retailers and supermarket chains, Japan offers a wealth of sources from which to stock your pantry with foods from home.
