Ume: Japan’s Plum Blossoms Mark the Beginning of Hanami
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are well known outside Japan. Lesser known is its yearly predecessor the ume, or plum blossom.
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are well known outside Japan. Lesser known is its yearly predecessor the ume, or plum blossom.
Perhaps one of the most polarizing styles of ramen to ever emerge from Japan, Yokohama ramen, known as Yokohama iekei (family-style) ramen, has one of two reputations.
In Yokohama, to the south of Tokyo, lies the largest Chinatown in Japan, established nearly 150 years ago; full of shops, restaurants, and businesses bustling with activity. Visiting Yokohama Chinatown as a tourist can be a very fun experience.
Kamakura in Kanagawa was the capital and most populous city of Japan at one time. Explore this area for a taste of traditional Japan.
In Japan, New Year is way more important than Christmas and is seen as one of, if not the most important times of the year. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1st started in 1873, but Japanese New Year food has been around for way longer.
Less than 100 kilometers away from Tokyo and nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town of Hakone is renowned throughout Japan for its natural beauty, views of Mount Fuji and Ashinoko, and the numerous Hakone onsen baths. Each year, thousands upon thousands of domestic and international visitors flock towards the small onsen town looking for a break from the bustling cities.
Kanagawa, with its close proximity to Tokyo, is a fun area to visit during the winter months with unique activities.
In a prefecture as cold as Hokkaido, it seems as if ramen (Chinese-style wheat noodles) was destined to be a stronghold of flavor that fortifies the people of the land. Historically, Hokkaido ramen has revolved around the big three: Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Hakodate ramen.
Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, is known for its vast expanses of farmland and sumptuous local foods and produce, making Hokkaido food famous around Japan. It is said that the best way to experience a culture is through its food, and boy, does Hokkaido have a lot of it!
The northernmost region of Japan, Hokkaido is a popular vacation spot with national parks, volcanic lakes, natural hot springs, and hiking trails.
Another year is about to end, and we know that it is the season for cozy family gatherings, warm clothes, and heart-warming food – for sure! Nabe, or hotpot, is definitely a must-try dish that is undoubtedly delicious yet easy to make at home for a cold evening.
Kyushu is made up of nine prefectures, and in a Japanese culture which is obsessed with meibutsu (regional foods), the island region has a lot to offer in the form of Kyushu local food. In fact, it is said that Kyushu has the second largest number of restaurants per person in the whole of Japan.
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