Dagashi: Indulge in Historical Japanese Candies
Dagashi (駄菓子) are cheap snacks for kids. They are traditional Japanese children’s candy. If you are old enough to remember, it is similar to the snack you’d find in the old corner
Our posts about Japanese culture
Dagashi (駄菓子) are cheap snacks for kids. They are traditional Japanese children’s candy. If you are old enough to remember, it is similar to the snack you’d find in the old corner
What are Japanese shop workers saying when you enter their stores? Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ) means “welcome,” or you could think of it as “come in.” It’s the world-renowned word Japanese staff yell out when you enter
Omakase is the traditional Japanese dining course where the chef provides a meal, often based on seasonal ingredients, your preferences, and the local markets.
A noren is a Japanese curtain most commonly hung outside the entrance to a shop. Often used to distinguish when the shop is open or closed. Businesses with their noren outside are
Your trip doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking; there are a few simple tricks and some advice below to get through Japan without being fluent.
No, Japanese people tend not to enjoy very spicy food as you would find in other Asian countries. In general Japanese food is quite mild and focuses on expressing the umami in
While sightseeing and dining in Tokyo are absolutely incredible, there’s a ton more to Japanese culture and the Japanese people. In this guide, I want to give you a list of interesting
Chochin (提灯) – paper lanterns. A red paper lantern is called akachochin. Aka means red. I mention it because you’ll often see akachochin hanging in the front of izakaya.
The reason Tokyo is so clean is because the Japanese people tend to have a strong sense of moral obligation to treat other people, and things, with respect. They seek the attainment
Convenience stores in Japan are conveniently convenient. I know… 7-Eleven? Really? Yes. Fly all the way to Tokyo for a 7-Eleven convenience store, you should (okay, maybe not only for 7-Eleven). Greasy
Staring at the menu with all the wonderful looking food, but can’t read the words? I know the feeling all too well.
Before the Japanese begin their meals, they’ll hold their hands together, close their eyes, bow slightly, and say something. What are they saying?
Karaoke was born in Japan! It’s short of karappo (empty) and orchestra; aka “empty vocals.” Karaoke in Japan is insanely fun. They’re like hotels for karaoke!
Ryokan are traditional Japanese style inns. Featuring tatami rooms, communal baths, futon beds, and traditional cuisine.
A sento is a public bath. Not to be confused with onsen, which is a natural hot spring. A super sento is a very large health spa. They offer many facilities…
Tatami is the rice straw flooring used in traditional Japanese rooms. The rice straw core is tightly woven with a soft rush (another type of straw). The tatami mat is a standard
Jinja 神社 are Shinto shrines. They sanctify Shinto deities. Fun fact: You’ll find a jinja in almost every community across Japan.
Kanpai is the Japanese way of toasting. It literally means “to drink up sake from one’s cup.” It’s used much like in western society, at the beginning of a celebration. Most often
Geisha are traditional Japanese female entertainers. They are not what you may think they are. They wear kimono & white makeup you’ve seen in movies.
Ukiyo-e is a historical wood-block style of artwork from Japan — where wood is etched and used a stamp on a canvas of the artists’ choice (sometimes washi).
Nomi means drink. A nomikai is a drinking party. Nomikai usually takes place in izakaya, but increasingly at home too.
The sensu (扇子) is the Japanese folding fan. Started in Kyoto in the Heian Period. Where the handmade fans were originally just thin strips of paper.
Izakaya (居酒屋) are Japanese taverns, or pubs. Often easily spotted by the paper lanterns called “chochin.” Serving some of the most incredible food.
If you want to avoid pain and suffering at Costco in Japan, go on a weekday — avoid the weekend mega-crowds