Tag: food
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The c: Katsu Sando
The Japanese Sandwich That Surprises Everyone: Of all the food that catches visitors off guard in Japan, katsu sando might be one of the most quietly impressive. On paper, it’s just a breaded, fried pork cutlet between two slices of bread, but the actual execution tends to leave first-time tasters genuinely surprised by how good…
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Pizza Toast
Japan’s Unofficial Take on Pizza and Pasta: Pizza and pasta, both born in Italy, are loved worldwide, and Japan is no exception. That said, here’s something that might make Italians wince a little: Japan has its own homegrown dishes, loosely inspired by Italian cooking, that have been quietly beloved for decades. They may not be…
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8 Convenience Store Treats
8 Convenience Store Treats Worth Trying in Japan: Japan’s convenience stores are a legitimate destination for dessert lovers, not just a backup option for snacks. Here are nine specific items, popular ice creams, sweets, and one genuinely clever in-store machine, worth seeking out during your trip. Popular Convenience Store Ice Creams Choco Monaka Jumbo A…
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A Simple Chopsticks Trick
A Simple Rubber Band Trick for Practicing Chopsticks: For many visitors, chopsticks are one of the more intimidating parts of eating in Japan. If you ask, most restaurant staff will happily bring you a fork or spoon instead, so there’s no need to struggle through an entire meal just to avoid asking. That said, learning…
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Best Souvenirs
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Japan (And Where to Find Them): Japan makes souvenir shopping genuinely easy, with high-quality, well-packaged options available at nearly every price point, from convenience store snacks to serious craft purchases. This guide covers the categories worth prioritizing, organized by where you’ll actually find them. Snacks and Food-Based Souvenirs Beauty and…
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Food Halls “Depachika”
Depachika: Japan’s Department Store Food Halls Explained: If you haven’t visited a depachika, the basement food hall found in nearly every major Japanese department store, you’re missing one of the most enjoyable, low-effort food experiences the country has to offer. This guide covers what to expect and how to make the most of a visit.…
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Japan’s Sweet Side
The Desserts Worth Seeking Out: Japanese desserts have a genuinely distinct character, often lighter, less sweet, and more focused on delicate texture than many Western sweets. From the country’s iconic strawberry shortcake to matcha-flavored treats found everywhere from convenience stores to specialty shops, here are the sweets worth prioritizing during your trip. Japanese Strawberry Shortcake:…
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Japanese Festivals (Matsuri)
When and Where to Experience One: Matsuri, Japan’s traditional festivals, offer some of the most vivid, atmospheric experiences available to travelers, from massive citywide celebrations with elaborate floats to smaller neighborhood shrine festivals with food stalls and fireworks. If you can time your trip around one, it’s genuinely worth the effort. This guide covers what…
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Sake and Japanese Whisky
A Beginner’s Guide: Japan’s drinking culture goes well beyond the umeshu and lemon sours popular at izakaya, and two categories in particular, sake and Japanese whisky, are worth understanding if you want to drink like more than a casual tourist. This guide covers the basics of both, so you can order (or shop for a…
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Search Like a Local
Japanese Phrases That Unlock a Different Side of Japan: Most travelers search for things in English, which makes sense, but it also means you’re only seeing the slice of Japan that’s already been translated, reviewed, and written up for an international audience. A huge number of genuinely great local spots, especially small, independent shops, simply…
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Types of Ramen Explained
A Guide to Japan’s Most Iconic Dish: Ramen might be the single dish most associated with Japan by international visitors, but “ramen” isn’t one thing. It’s a category with several genuinely distinct broth styles, each with its own regional roots and devoted following. Knowing the differences will help you order with confidence and find the…
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Eating Alone in Japan Isn’t Embarrassing
Eating Alone in Japan Isn’t Embarrassing, and Here’s Why: In a lot of countries, eating out alone can feel a little self-conscious, like something you’d rather avoid or apologize for. Japan works completely differently. Solo dining isn’t just tolerated here, it’s built into the design of countless restaurants, and plenty of the most popular food…