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Konbu Road: Ancient Route of Kelp & Medicine

Sailing south down Japan’s western coast from Hokkaido, ships brought goods that included the edible kelp called "konbu" to Toyama on their way along the watery route that came to be called Konbu Road.

Yuzu for Health & Beauty

Three distinct uses have been derived from yuzu: medicinal, cosmetic and culinary.

The 6 Most Beautiful Villages in Japan

While travelers tend to be drawn to Japan's major cities, there's much to be savored in its quiet countryside, where a different, deeper kind of beauty awaits.

Buddhism Through the Stomach

A Buddhist monk shares his religion through cooking and cookbooks.

Yakumi: Condiments with a Healthy Twist

Directly translated as 'medicine' (yaku) 'taste' (mi), yakumi originally served as antidotes to a variety of ailments.

Take a 2-Hour Lesson in Japanese Cuisine

Ayuko Akiyama’s Buddha Bellies cooking class offers hands-on courses in Japanese cuisine—including advanced courses in cutting sushi and sashimi.

Umami in New York

Still not sure what umami is? Well, it's coming your way whether you like it or not.

100 Best Drinks from Japan: #1 Japanese Sake

Sake is probably the best known Japanese drink in the world.

A Great Selection of Sake from Across Japan

Here's a fantastic selection of sake of varying tastes, from special brews to top-class "daiginjo"! What more could you ask for?

Japan's Wackiest Health Magazine

Japanese pharmacy company Aisei publishes a health magazine that does everything in its power to grab your attention.

Autumn Tipple: Sake & Pear Sangria

Make your own seasonal sake sangria with this simple fall recipe!

Umami: The 5th Dimension of Taste

Salty, sweet, sour and bitter are familiar terms to describe taste. Yet a fifth, umami, is less well-known but just as prevalent.

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