Category: Food & Drink

A plate of mitarashi dango against a wooden background.

Mitarashi Dango: Japan’s Sweet and Savory Rice Treat

If you’ve ever visited Japan or seen photos of its food, you might have spotted little rice dumplings on a stick. These chewy treats are called mitarashi dango, and they’re one of Japan’s most beloved traditional sweets.

A plate of colorful wasanbon sugar.

Wasanbon from Shikoku: Japan’s Most Delicate Sugar

Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, a peaceful region renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil lifestyle. It’s also home to a special kind of sugar that perfectly reflects this relaxed way of life — wasanbon.

A box of matcha tiramisu and fresh matcha from a cafe called Maccha House.

Matcha Cafe Spotlight: The Ultimate Guide to Maccha House

The matcha cafe has revived the tea ceremony tradition in a more fun and relaxed setting, especially in urban areas. Today, we’ll take a look at one such establishment – Maccha House. Let’s find out how it, along with other matcha cafes, helps keep the country’s tea culture alive

A basket of red Nagano apples in a store.

Shinshu Apples: The Pride of Nagano’s Orchards

Right after Aomori, Nagano consistently ranks among Japan’s top apple producers. But its fame doesn’t stop there! Shinshu apples are renowned worldwide, cherished both as fresh fruit and in a variety of delicious apple-based treats. That’s more than enough reason for us to dive in and discover what makes them so special!

A woven plate of Kyoho grapes.

Kyoho Grapes: A Jewel of Japanese Vineyards

From late summer to early fall, you can easily spot stunning Kyoho grapes elegantly packed in gift baskets at supermarkets and specialty fruit shops across Japan. These treasured fruits are frequently presented as elegant gifts, representing both excellence and thoughtful friendship.

A bunch of crispy yuba chips.

Tofu Chips: What is the Story Behind Yuba?

Tofu is a staple of Japanese cuisine and is consumed in many forms. It is commonly seen in its soft, jelly-like state at supermarkets across Japan. But did you know that it can also be transformed into a crunchy snack and eaten in the form of chips? Their unique texture has been known since the 10th century. 

Cubes of kanten. They're white and opaque.

Kanten: The Gelatin with a Rich History!

When people think about Japanese food, kanten might not be their first thought. But this soft, jelly-like food has been used in Japanese cooking for centuries.

Someone pouring brown gokokucha tea in a cup.

Multigrain Roasted Tea from Japan: What is Gokokucha?

Gokokucha, or “five-grain tea” in Japanese, is a cozy drink made by roasting and brewing a mix of grains. Instead of being made from tea leaves, this multigrain tea comes from simple ingredients like barley, rice, corn, and buckwheat.