Category: Discover Japan

A shot of green noodles or hegisoba.

Green Noodles (Hegisoba): Niigata’s Best Specialty

Hegisoba is a noodle dish specialty from Niigata. It has a unique presentation and a special ingredient that provides a unique texture when you bite it. Let’s look closer at the culinary history behind this fantastic dish, and why is it important.

A traditional Japanese shrine near a sakura tree of Japan.

Sakura of Japan: Best Top Nine Cherry Blossoms

Sakura has become a cultural symbol associated with many traditional Japanese activities in spring, including the custom of hanami (flower viewing). Most types of cherry blossoms have their unique beauty and different flowering times.

A woman looking around in a street that depicts a tradiitonal Japanese Tokyo lifestyle.

Traditional Tokyo Japanese Lifestyle: How to Experience It

Despite being the country’s capital, Tokyo is not typically considered the center of Japanese culture. Tourists rarely prefer a tea ceremony in this contemporary, multicultural city over shopping or a trip to the newest attraction.

A bowl of toshikoshi soba on a red New Years plate.

Toshikoshi Soba: Wonderful for the New Year

When it comes to Japanese traditions around this time of year, most people think of osechi and kagami mochi. Did you also know that the Japanese eat soba on New Year’s Eve? Let’s take a look at this delicious tradition!

A pair of hands holding a box in red furoshiki wrapping with Christmas decorations in the background.

Furoshiki Wrapping: Beautiful Japanese Fabric

Furoshiki wrapping is a piece of decorative fabric that is essential to gift-giving in Japanese culture. Let’s take a closer look at furoshiki, its history, and how we can use it in our daily lives.