Ramen, Japanese Pickles, and Michelin Stars
He’s written over 1,000 restaurant reviews for the Japan Times newspaper. Now he shares some of his favorite dishes, memorable meals, classic menus, and why soba is the most underrated Japanese food.
Stunning Ryokan Views in Shizuoka
Indulge in incredible 'ryokan' getaways in the area the emperor chose for his villa.
Top 5 Osaka Izakaya
Want a local watering hole in Osaka? As there are so many choices, each of them famous for something different, it can be difficult to narrow them down. We've done the hard work for you—here are our top picks!
This Bowl of Ramen Will Have You Seeing Stars
Tokyo is now home to not one, but two ramen restaurants that have received a Michelin star!
It's Easy to Discover the History of Takayama
Ranked as a three-star Michelin destination, Takayama's ancient streetscapes are full of traditional shops, while its Takayama Matsuri is known as one of Japan's top three most beautiful festivals.
Castles, Gardens & Peach Boys—Oh My!
From Okayama Castle's rare black walls to the charms of Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there's plenty to see and do in Okayama.
Himeji Castle Reborn
In March 2015, Himeji Castle completed its first major renovation in 50 years, leading it to be reborn in resplendent white befitting of the "White Heron Castle."
Seeing Stars in Kanazawa: Michelin 2-Star Tour
Ever since the Hokuriku Shinkansen started running, Kanazawa has been getting more exposure and attention among travelers local and foreign, including 'Michelin Guide' food inspectors.
Michelin-Ranked Soba Spot Sparkles in Tokyo
Motenashi Kuroki serves up a salt soba dish in Akihabara that both stuns and satisfies—and scored its creators a Bib Gourmand rating!
Spend a Star-Studded Evening at Kurokawa Onsen
Awarded two stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2009, Kurokawa Onsen Town is an amazing place to unwind with 24 hot spring baths you can enjoy even as a day visitor, some with very surprising features.
Top 3 Accommodations for Viewing Lake Toya
Hokkaido is well-known for its remarkable scenery, and Lake Toya is just one of those unique places. If you're looking for a place to stay along the scenic lake, we've got just the spots for you!
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 . . .
Michelin Star-Worthy Vegan Cuisine in Tokyo
Hidden away in trendy Yoyogi Uehara, Tudore Tranquility brings creative, cruelty-free cuisine to Tokyo. From the appetizers to dessert, each dish is a showstopper.
Dine on the Best Udon in Fukuoka
Michelin Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
You'd better reserve your seat at this Michelin-recommended udon restaurant, since it only dishes out about 30 set meals per day!
Cup Noodle vs Michelin Ramen—A Taste Test
Ramen Beyond Sushi: Best Eats & Treats in Japan
Can the same ramen in Cup Noodle form taste as good as the original from a Michelin-starred restaurant?
High Quality Ramen Isn't Just for Restaurants
For those unable to handle lengthy lines, how about purchasing ramen designed by the world's only one-star Michelin ramen restaurant from your local convenience store?
Top 5 Things to Do & See on Yakushima
Yakushima is far removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan. This mountainous island with its misty, primeval forests enchants visitors who come to take in the amazing scenery.
List: Japan's 12 Original-Construction Castles
While Japan is home to over 300 castles, there are only 12 that still retain their original castle keep. These 12 so-called 'original construction' castles are the cream of the crop.
Fukui: A Self-Care Sanctuary Just A Train-Ride Away from Tokyo
With the post-Covid travel boom, Kyoto has become too crowded for temple-trotting and Wakayama's Koyasan is too far from a Tokyo travel base. Good thing that Fukui, Japan's ultimate power spot and zen haven, is so accessible!
Exploring Japan's Three-Star Road
Japan's Three-Star Road is home to a host of Michelin-recognized sites and wonders, comprising a compact area that covers four prefectures. With the new Three-Star Ticket option, exploring this stretch of Japan is easier than ever before.
