Valentine’s Day in Kumamoto
Jan 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Are you looking to spoil someone on Valentine’s Day this year? Although more of a Western tradition, Valentine’s Day is becoming bigger in Japan, especially with the growing expat community who usually mark the 14th of February down in their diary as a special day. Here’s what to expect in...[ Click to read more ]
Street Food in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Japanese cuisine is a very distinct part of the country’s culture and each part of the country has its own local dishes and twists on national favourites. Kumamoto is no different. One of the key prefectures on Kyushu Island with a vibrant city, it’s known for its ramen, akagyu beef...[ Click to read more ]
Top Lemon-Based Souvenirs from Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
The mild climate and low rainfall of Hiroshima are ideal for growing citrus fruits. In fact, the prefecture is the biggest producer of lemons in Japan, cultivating more than half of all the lemons in the country. Purchasing lemon-based souvenirs is a great way to bring the characteristic flavor of...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Food in Nagoya
Dec 27, 2022 By Bert Wishart
Unless you are a ski bunny or a masochist, there should be no doubt that winter is the worst of all months. Cold and wet, skies as ashen as the faces that wander the sun-starved streets, it is a miserable time; it is with good reason that the poet Christina...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima’s Wonderful Oyster Huts and Bars
Dec 25, 2022 By Bert Wishart
For those of us who are used to the creature comforts of central heating, double-paned windows, and insulated buildings, winter in Japan – where none of these is the standard – can be uncomfortable at times. Fortunately, there are a few things that can make up for it. In Hiroshima,...[ Click to read more ]
Best Ramen Restaurants in Kumamoto
Dec 24, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto is a culinary center in Japan, but a top dish from the city has to be its ramen. Kumamoto-style ramen consists of pork broth, medium-size noodles, and toppings of Kikurage mushrooms, green onions, and pork (called chashu). You can also find Tamana ramen in Kumamoto, made of pork bone...[ Click to read more ]
Making Mochi – Fun for Kids and Big Kids Alike
Dec 23, 2022 By Bert Wishart
When I first heard about mochi, my heart went out to Japan's children. You see, where I'm from, sweets really are just that: sweet. And so, when I was told that one of the most popular forms of confectionaries in Japan was a cake made from rice and typically stuffed...[ Click to read more ]
Popular Seafood Markets and Ports in the Kansai Region
By Justin Hanus
Japan is well known for its seafood — in fact, seafood is a major part of its culture. To find the freshest dishes, your best option is to head to one of the numerous seafood markets around the country. The good news is there’s no need to prepare the produce...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Countdown Parties Near Nagoya 2022
Dec 13, 2022 By Bert Wishart
New Year is an important time in Japan, but things are celebrated differently here than back home. You are undoubtedly already clued up on Japan's New Year traditions, its New Year's foods, and the shrines to visit for Hatsumoude in Nagoya. But did you know that there are also New...[ Click to read more ]
What is Okonomiyaki and Where to Eat It in Hiroshima
Nov 29, 2022 By Justin Hanus
Hiroshima has plenty of local cuisines, but okonomiyaki stands out as the city's specialty. The dish consists of a batter of wheat flour, mirin, and water made beforehand and chilled to give it a smooth texture. The chef cooks this batter with other ingredients, usually cabbage, noodles, and some kind...[ Click to read more ]
