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A plate of anko donuts on a plate.

Anko Donuts: A Sweet Combination of Cultures

Anko donuts combine a familiar Western pastry with a classic Japanese filling. These soft, fried treats are filled with sweet red bean paste known as anko. The result is a dessert that blends two food traditions in a simple and recognizable way.

Two cups of amazake with sakura petals on top.

Amazake: A Sweet Sip of Wellness from Japan

Amazake is one of the most unique traditional drinks enjoyed by Japanese people since the Nara period (710-794). Even though its name includes the word sake (alcoholic beverage), most amazake contains little to no alcohol, so both children and adults can enjoy it together.

A plate of sakura jelly wagashi.

Jelly Wagashi in Japan: Everything You Need to Know

Jelly wagashi brings a touch of elegance to Japan’s confectionery traditions. This dish offers a light and cooling alternative to denser sweets like mochi or festival pastries. Crafted from agar, a seaweed-based gelling agent, these translucent delights capture subtle flavors of fruit, tea, or seasonal blossoms.

The entrance to Yokohama Chinatown.

Yokohama Chinatown: Everything You Need to Know!

Yokohama, a city just south of Tokyo, is home to the largest of Japan’s three Chinatowns, called “chukagai” in Japanese. Established in the late 19th century, Yokohama Chinatown is a historic area home to hundreds of businesses.

Someone picking up sea snake meat from a bowl.

Dining in Okinawa: What is Sea Snake Soup?

Would you try a soup made from a sea snake? In the islands of Okinawa, this bold and unusual dish has been part of local life for centuries. Known as irabu-jiru (Irabu soup), it carries stories of the sea, royal history, and traditional healing. T

The entrance to an ice hotel in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido on Map Spotlight: What is the Ice Hotel?

In Japan, few places capture winter like Hokkaido. It’s the country’s ultimate winter destination, full of fun and frosty things to do. This year, though, there’s something extra special for visitors. Instead of a cozy cabin, why not spend the night in a hotel made entirely of ice? That’s right—Hokkaido is now on the map, with a brand-new ice hotel that’s the talk of the season!

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks and tea every month starting from $32.50USD

Discover authentic flavors with Sakuraco

Enjoy new Japanese sweets, snacks & tea every month starting from $32.50USD