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

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

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

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).

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