Great Pubs for Expats in Kumamoto

Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus

Kumamoto has a vibrant nightlife that draws in locals and foreigners alike. There are many excellent pubs for expats to check out, ranging from small intimate bars to live music spots to bars where revelers can drink and dance late into the night. Here are a few spots to visit...[ Click to read more ]

Great Winter Food in Kansai

By Justin Hanus

Japan can get pretty chilly during the winter months. Fortunately, the country excels when it comes to hearty winter meals. As are regional variations, seasonal ingredients and dishes are very important in Japanese cuisine. Many of the country’s staple dishes have several different regional twists. Here is a selection of...[ Click to read more ]

Traditional Japanese New Years’ Foods – Osechi Ryori

Nov 24, 2022 By Ray Proper

Osechi-ryōri are traditional Japanese foods eaten at the start of the new year.  The osechi tradition has been alive in Japan since the Heian Era (starting in 794). The foods are easily recognizable by the special bento boxes called jūbako, often stacked for larger families or parties.  Like many places...[ Click to read more ]

3 Comments

Japanese New Years’ Traditions

By Jason Gatewood

New Year is the main holiday of the year in Japan, and the country shuts down for several days as people take time off to spend time with their families and relax. As with Christmas celebrations in the West, numerous customs and traditions are observed at New Year. Here are...[ Click to read more ]

Holiday Dining Options in Nagoya 2022

Nov 21, 2022 By Ray Proper

Nagoya has excellent local cuisine, and numerous wonderful options are available at any time of year. However, during the holidays, you may need some hints on where to get your fill of holiday tastes and treats. However, there is no cause for alarm, as we have you covered with a...[ Click to read more ]

Get Bowled Over by Nagoya’s Donburi

Oct 31, 2022 By Bert Wishart

Simplicity in itself, the donburi is the go-to dish for those who want a combination of filling food and flexibility. Though donburi literally means bowl, it generally refers to a bowl of rice with a single topping, often consisting of fish, meat, vegetables, or other ingredients simmered together. That is...[ Click to read more ]

The Best Craft Beer in Tokyo

By Michael Stigall

Japan is known for its four big brands of beer, Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory. They don't have much in the way of flavor or variety. Even when they put out new limited-edition drafts, they don't seem to be notably different from the standard offerings. It is no surprise that...[ Click to read more ]

Thanksgiving in Kansai

Oct 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus

As we approach autumn, citizens of many countries are starting to plan for Thanksgiving, including in Japan. However, Japanese Thanksgiving is slightly different from what you may be used to. Japan celebrates Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha No Hi) to honor workers. This public holiday dates back around 2,000 years,...[ Click to read more ]

Thanksgiving in Hiroshima

By Justin Hanus

Thanksgiving is a well-known celebration in countries such as the United States, where families traditionally gather to have a turkey feast followed by a slice of pumpkin pie. Japan has its own Thanksgiving traditions — also in November, but the Japanese version is a Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro Kansha No...[ Click to read more ]

Thanksgiving in Kumamoto

By Justin Hanus

Like many countries, Japan celebrates Thanksgiving each November. However, things are slightly different in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japan has a Labor Thanksgiving Day on November 23 each year rather than on the fourth Thursday of November, like it is in the United States. It’s a day to...[ Click to read more ]