Food & Travel

In Japan, there is a custom of eating iwaizen, or “celebratory foods,” on auspicious occasions to express congratulations. In recent years, various modern versions of celebratory meals have been appearing. Let’s learn about what iwaizen are and look at some typical examples as well as some new modern versions of these traditions.

Japan has many traditional sweets, called wagashi, and one such sweet is yokan. Yokan is a jelly confection usually made with adzuki beans and sold in small rectangular blocks. Though it has been around for centuries, lots of interesting new varieties of yokan are being developed lately, including yokan with unusual ingredients and yokan local to different regions of Japan. Additionally, in recent years yokan has been attracting new attention for its potential as an emergency food as well as other uses. Let’s look at the past, present, and future of this tasty Japanese treat.

In some areas of Japan with old-established families, you may see a type of traditional Japanese building called a kura (literally, “storehouse”) that remains standing to this day. In general, the term “kura” refers to storehouses for safely depositing precious family assets, and products, as well as harvested rice or other grains. The style of construction for these storehouses is called “dozo-zukuri” in Japanese, and this style has been used for houses, stores, and other buildings as well. These constructions have beautiful exteriors, which have earned them popularity as photo spots for making posts on social media. Let’s take a look at some topics related to cities with charming kura.

Osaka will host Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (also known as Expo 2025 for short), and it is the largest city in west Japan with many tourist attractions that are popular among people visiting the country from overseas. Let’s take a look at some must-see tourist attractions in Osaka, as well as tidbits that will help you enjoy Osaka’s unique and rich appeal.

Japan is an increasingly popular destination for people planning or considering international travel, particularly in Asia but also around the world. In recent years, as the number of foreign visitors to Japan has increased, there has been a growing demand not only for traditional sightseeing, but also for unique experiences that can only be found in Japan.

Infrastructure tourism is a popular activity in Japan in recent years. This means going to visit dams, bridges, and other types of public facilities for fun. One area that is getting a particularly large amount of attention is the Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route. This new route will open to the public and be used for commercial trips later this year. It links the Kurobe Dam—a large and well-known power generation facility—and the Kurobe Gorge, one of the most famous V-shaped gorges in Japan. In addition, a high-speed railway line called the Hokuriku Shinkansen has been extended from Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture. This extension currently offers train services and is gaining attention as it makes it easier to travel from Osaka in Kansai to the Hokuriku region as well. Let’s take a look at these trends, as well as some details on hot springs and cuisine.

Onigiri is a convenient, easily portable food enjoyed by the Japanese since long ago. The combination of rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine, with a variety of fillings not only enhances their deliciousness, but also makes for a visually appealing dish. Their popularity on social media has made onigiri popular not only among young people, but among people of all ages. Today we’ll be introducing onigiri, arguably the most well-known portable Japanese food, and one that has attracted significant attention outside of Japan in recent years too.

There are many ways to enjoy Japanese temples and shrines — you can stay there overnight instead of a hotel, enjoy the works of art on display, or even collect special goshuin stamps with a different design for each temple or shrine. Since the start of the 2010s, more and more temples and shrines have started capitalizing on the unique experiences that only they can offer and actively catering to tourists. This has helped people rediscover their appeal and turned them into popular travel destinations for young Japanese people. Let's take a look at some of the special experiences on offer at temples and shrines in Japan, and various ways you can enjoy their unique appeal.

If there's one food you can't go without during the hot and steamy Japanese summer, it's kakigori — Japanese shaved ice. Blocks of ice are shaved into fine flakes using special machines, then topped with flavorings like strawberry or melon syrup, sweet matcha (strong green tea) sauce, sweetened beans, or condensed milk. A bowl of shaved ice in the sweltering summer sun is a treat loved by everyone, from kids to adults, so it's no wonder there are long lines for shaved ice stands at summer events like fireworks displays, and more and more eateries are adding it to their menu during summertime. Meanwhile, some people prefer to make shaved ice at home with their own ice shavers and syrups.

Japanese people have always been very aware of seasonal changes in nature, and attach great importance to the changing of the seasons. Cherry trees grown specifically for their blossoms, called sakura in Japanese, herald the arrival of spring and have been a favorite for many years. Japan is an island country that stretches a long way from north to south, and so every year sakura blossoms begin to bloom in the warm south of the country first before working their way north. The progress of their blooming is reported on the news, and many visitors take trips to famous sakura viewing sites throughout the country during this time. People enjoy seeing the differences between the various types of sakura blossoms, but it's not just the flowers that are appreciated — people use the bark, leaves and petals in various ways throughout their daily lives as well.

As the fall breeze starts to blow, many Japanese people find themselves craving for sweet potatoes. But while sweet potatoes are undoubtedly an iconic taste of fall to people in Japan, in recent years, their deliciously sweet flavor has started to be enjoyed all year round as well. Let's find out more about the allure of sweet potatoes, a crop near and dear to Japanese peoples' hearts since long ago.

With Japan being surrounded by ocean, it is hardly surprising that its food culture incorporates many different types of seaweed. For instance, Japanese sushi rolls (maki-zushi), which are famous the world over, are wrapped in sheets of dried laver seaweed called nori. Other types of seaweed that feature prominently in Japanese cooking are kombu, which is used to make a stock known as dashi; hijiki, which is usually cooked in soy sauce and mirin sweet rice wine; and wakame, which is a popular garnish for miso soup.

Records show that sake has been brewed in Japan for around 1400 years. In the 19th century there were nearly 30,000 sake breweries in Japan, and while there are now various other types of alcohol to enjoy besides sake, today the number of sake breweries has fallen to about 1,600 (as of 2018). On the other hand, the popularity of high-quality sake is growing overseas.

Even overseas, Japanese cuisine has a reputation for being healthy, delicious and beautifully presented. At the heart of this is shojin ryori, the food eaten by Buddhist monks as part of their devotional practice. Shojin ryori emphasizes the spirituality of cooking with a real sense of appreciation for the ingredients, and is becoming a hot topic as the world moves toward the concepts of wellness and a sustainable future.

Jofu is the pinnacle of Japanese Asa fabric, which for a long time used to be presented to the imperial court and families of the shogunate. It's made from fibers of ramie, a perennial plant of the Urticaceae family, which are split into strands and woven together. The result is a smooth, light, and cool fabric that's perfect for summer kimono.

Japan is a pottery powerhouse, boasting an abundance of ceramic production sites all over the country. Among these, the six regions of Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Bizen—known as the "Six Ancient Kilns"—are said to have been active for more than 1000 years, and were registered as Japan Heritage sites in 2017. This spawned the Six Ancient Kilns Japan Heritage Promotion Council, which holds summits and works to strengthen ties between the six regions.

Bread first made its way to Japan in 1543. It's said that it was first brought over by the Portuguese, who also introduced guns to Japan around the same time. However, it was only quite a while later that Japanese people began to eat it on a daily basis. At the end of the 19th century, craftspeople who had come over from Britain (which was a supporter of Japan's Meiji government) began to bake loaves of bread in baking tins. In Japan, this type of bread is called shokupan.

Soybeans are so rich in nutritional value, they are known as the “meat of the field” in Japan. Soybeans have been cultivated in Japan since ancient times. The many dishes made using soybeans as one of their ingredients have supported Japanese people’s diets since long ago. Soybean dishes are a familiar part of daily life in Japan, and are drawing attention recently among people with a strong awareness regarding health. For example, miso and soy sauce are particularly iconic seasonings from Japan, and tofu is another Japanese food that is used in a variety of dishes. Soybean dishes let you get good-quality protein at low calories, making them popular with people who want to lose weight, and with vegans who do not eat meat, fish, eggs, or other animal products. This article looks at some examples of soybean dishes in Japan.

Fugu, or puffer fish, are luxury fish that are used as ingredients in food eaten all year round in Japan. These fish are actually poisonous, and they can only be served at restaurants in Japan where a qualified fugu handler works. Because of this system managed in general by the Japanese government, you can rest assured as you eat fugu. This article describes the delicious taste, the safety measures, and the appeal of fugu, a type of fish that Japanese people love.

Citrus fruits are one category of fruits that Japanese people love. Apart from eating the flesh of these fruits as they are, people use the refreshing flavor of their peels to give an accent to Japanese food. These fruits are used in a variety of areas in life apart from meals. For example, people put citrus fruits in their bath tubs instead of bath salts. This article looks at how Japanese people enjoy bringing citrus fruits into their lifestyles.

Sandwiches are prepared by putting vegetables, meat, and many other ingredients in between two slices of bread. Sandwiches are well-known around the world, but did you know that they have evolved in a unique way in Japan? Among the varieties of sandwiches that originated in Japan, fruit sandwiches are very popular with young people because they are filled with juicy fruits and they look beautiful too. This article showcases some examples of fruit sandwiches, a type of sandwich that took a unique course of evolution in Japan.

On the slopes of mountains, you can see a view of many rice fields arranged like a staircase. This style of terraced paddy fields is called Tanada in Japanese, and can be seen in Japan, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other countries.

This article introduces Japan’s three most famous gardens: Kenroku-en, Koraku-en, and Kairaku-en. These gardens came to be known as the “Three Great Gardens of Japan” around the end of the 19th century, though it is not known who originally came up with this name.

Do you like Japanese ramen? Ramen is a very popular food in Japan, and many people eat it. Recently, many tourists who visit Japan wish to eat Ramen while they are in the country.

In Japan’s capital, Tokyo, where the Olympics will be held in 2021, visitors can find Mt. Takao, the mountain with the largest number of climbers in the world. The mountain attracts over 2.6 million climbers every year.

January 1 marks the beginning of the new year in many cultures. People in Japan also hold many different ceremonies on this day to wish for happiness in the year to come. These wishes are also expressed in the form of food.

Small, colorful and fresh sushi carried on a conveyer belt that travels around the restaurant—entertaining and almost theme park-like kaiten-zushi is popular among the Japanese, regardless of age.

Trams that travel on roads together with cars are well-known by many in Japan, and have the nickname Chin-chin Densha (ding ding trains).

With a history spanning more than 80 years and on a scale that made it one of the largest in the world, the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo (known as "Japan's kitchen") closed in October 2018 and relocated its business to Toyosu Market. We would like to introduce you to Toyosu Market which has become a new tourist spot.

The Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea) calmly stretches between the Western Honshu and Shikoku to the south.

Taking a tourist train in Japan's northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery from the window as you travel is becoming popular.

Rice is the staple food of the Japanese people. Japan consumes approximately 8 million tons of rice annually, which makes around 55kg per person per year; of which 98% is domestically produced.

Sado" is a tea-drinking ceremony, well-known as one of Japan's traditional cultural events. You pour the tea and drink it. The series of moves involved are both formal and mysterious.

Bike trips where you can explore local regions leisurely are very popular. Across the country there are places in Japan where you can enjoy the beauty and the gourmet food of the fleeting four seasons.

Staying in accommodation away from one's daily life is one of the pleasures of traveling. Japan offers luxury and business hotels as any other countries, but it also has a unique form of accommodation called ryokan (traditional inn).

Japan offers a wide variety of lodgings, including Japanese-style inns and western-style hotels. Choosing accommodations is part of the fun of traveling, and one type of accommodation has attracted the attention of tourists from inside and outside Japan recently.

To effectively use the space in Japan's urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, facilities are built under elevated structures. These spots are filled with appealing shops, and their popularity has been growing recently, with many foreign visitors too checking them out.

Castles in Japan were built with a lot of ingenuity. In addition to serving the functions of a castle, each has a beauty that has enchanted people, leading to a castle craze in recent years.

Japanese kitchenware, tableware, imitation food samples, and other culinary goods are popular among tourists to Japan from all over the world.

Toshogu Shrine, the most famous of the World Heritage Site Nikko Shrines and Temples, still has the beauty of that era.

Mountain climbing and camping have become popular in Japan over the past few years. More and more young people are enjoying mountain climbing in fashionably colorful clothing that combines function with style. Also, long trail hiking is starting to boom as a new and enjoyable activity.

A Myriad of Hot Spring Qualities and Bathing Styles
Beppu city, Japan’s representative hot spring tourist spot in the central part of Oita, offer a variety of spring qualities and bathing styles.

Ruminate About the Ancient Times in the “Dinosaur Kingdom”
Fukui, renowned for Echizen crab and Wakasa blowfish, is also full of highlights such as Tojinbo, Eihei Temple and Dinosaur Museum.

Onomichi is a port town, surrounded by mountains and sea,that stretches along an east-west strip of land, with historic temples and modern buildings scattered throughout, the town retains a retro ambiance. This location was the main stage for Tokyo Story; the show-case work of world-famous film director Yasujiro Ozu.

Asakusa, the neighborhood surrounding the ancient Senso-ji Temple which has a history of 1400 years,is leaving a trace of the good old Japan. This neighborhood is full of attractions such as traditional festivals, delicate traditional crafts, and also a wide variety of Japanese cuisine.

Nagasaki, a port city on the western tip of Kyushu, has been open to Asia and Europe as a center of trade and cultural exchanges for many centuries. Every scene and custom of Nagasaki make you feel the city represents a fusion of Japanese and foreign cultures.

Home of Folktales
The city of Tono in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, is the home of many folktales, old legends and mysterious stories featuring spirits, ghosts and other imaginative creatures, handed down by word of mouth. Scenery of the city’s nature and countryside produces an atmosphere reminiscent of one of scenes appearing in a tale.

Mount Fuji is a world-famous mountain symbolic of Japan. Mt. Fuji presents different faces in different seasons, fascinating people. In summer, many climbers throng to Mt. Fuji. Hot springs as well as food and wine of Yamanashi charm tourists.

In Aizu, you can enjoy abundant nature such as Mt. Bandai, the Goshiki-numa lakes and Higashiyama hot springs, as well as Wakamatsu Castle and Ouchijuku where Japan’s old town with thatched?roof houses harks back to the medieval Edo period.

A freestanding structure that seems to stretch right up to the sky from the Tokyo plain will open in May and provide new, towering vistas of the city and well beyond.

With an ancient history and a deep cultural heritage, Karatsu is a peaceful township that features natural beauty, delectable foods, traditional pottery, an old castle, and a festival with floats that attract visitors form everywhere.

Sado Island continues to attract travelers, thanks to its unique culture and fascinating history.

Steeped in ancient Japanese history and tradition, Hakone is the place domestic and foreign sightseers and Tokyoites alike go for rest, relaxation, nature, hot springs and more!

A popular travel destination boasting Japan's oldest onsen, historical sights and delicacies from the Seto Inland Sea.

Known throughout the centuries for its rich cultural heritage?resplendent Buddhist temples and breathtaking gardens that change through each season?Hiraizumi is now striving to become the leading light in the recovery of the Tohoku region.

Experience spiritual tranquility and enjoy delicacies fresh from the sea in the Ise-Shima area of Mie Prefecture.

Now conveniently accessible by Shinkansen, Kagoshima in southern Kyushu offers travelers a variety of sights, culture, food, and relaxing hot springs.

Blossoming cherry trees (sakura) have held a special place in Japanese people's hearts for centuries. Famous cherry-blossom spots around the country include mountain spots where cherry trees grow wild, historic temples and castles, and parks.

Lined with exclusive department stores and, boutiques, and restaurants, Tokyo's Ginza district is Japan's number-one destination for luxury shopping and gourmet dining. Many of the famous shops and restaurants here have been in business since the early years of the last century or even longer.

Niseko in western Hokkaido is one of the world's finest ski resorts. Some 700,000 skiers and snowboarders visit each year, drawn by the superlative powder snow and numerous onsen hot springs.