Sometimes buying vegan products in Japanese supermarkets can feel like an impossible task. Plant-based diets are far from mainstream, and many Japanese people are unfamiliar with what the word ‘vegan’ actually means. Even Japanese dishes centered on plant-based ingredients are frequently seasoned with dashi (fish stock) and other ingredients derived from animal products. All of this can make shopping for vegan food in Japanese supermarkets a considerable challenge, especially since some vegan-friendly products are not labeled as such. But with a little research, it is possible to find what yo ..read more

When it comes to LGBTQ+ spaces in Tokyo, the lion’s share lives in Shinjuku Ni-chome. While Ni-chome’s well-known nightlife is great for the right mood, it’s hard to capture the tenderness of gazing into each other’s eyes over a drink when the soundtrack is bass music and shouting. We sniffed out six queer-positive eateries in Tokyo that don’t limit the fun to bar time. Alamas Cafe Seijo Sakedokoro En Cafe & Bar Hinata Shinjuku Dialogue Dorobune Roy to Silo While you’ll certainly be able to get a beer at most featured establishments, we’ve picked spots where alcohol isn’t the main focus ..read more

© Photo by iStock: Satoshi-K One thing that many people in Japan eagerly anticipate during the winter months is the arrival of ichigo (strawberry) season. These delightful berries are primarily cultivated within greenhouses, providing a controlled environment with carefully regulated temperatures that ensure exquisite taste and consistent quality. With over 300 varieties characterized by deep red color, sweetness and mild acidity, Japan leads global strawberry consumption. While you can enjoy Japanese strawberries by simply purchasing them from supermarkets, fruit shops or department stores ..read more

Is there any time of the year in Japan when chocolate is more in demand than early spring? From Valentine’s to White Day, advertisements for sweet treats fill our eyes and ears. With bean-to-bar chocolate on the rise in popularity these recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of local farm-to-customer chocolate makers in the Tokyo area. And, to make this more accessible to your average shopper (and chocolate lover), many shops now offer detailed information about where they’re sourcing their cacao and how their chocolates are crafted so that you can choose one that best suits your values and ta ..read more

Japan is renowned for sweet (sometimes expensive) seasonal fruits. If you’re just looking to buy and try, local groceries and department store basements have you covered. However, for a more unique fruit-tasting experience, why not visit the place the fruit comes from and make a day of it? Within two hours of the city and easily accessible to the public, Tokyo fruit picking farms are ideal for family outings, an outdoorsy date or even a day of self-care. Japan’s Seasonal Fruits © Photo by iStock: Satoshi-K One of the joys of living in Japan is the robust connection with seasonality. Many buyi ..read more

Nestled in the heart of Toranomon in Tokyo’s Minato ward, the recently opened Azabudai Hills complex is one of the most exciting places to visit in Tokyo right now. If you haven’t been there yet, you’ve certainly heard about it! Alongside various restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries, the brand new teamLab Borderless digital art museum will open in Azabudai Hills too. If you were lucky enough to secure tickets to teamLab Borderless or want to visit to take in the breathtaking architecture which includes the tallest building in Japan, one thing is for certain. You’ll need some food to fu ..read more

Miso is one of the quintessential ingredients in washoku (Japanese cuisine). However, many outside of Japan know it mainly as a soup—despite its various uses. The basic ingredient in miso is soybeans, and depending on the type of miso, rice koji (malt), mugi (barley) and/or salt are also used in the production process. As a fermented food, miso comes with plenty of health benefits that aid our digestion and packs in lots of antioxidants that help our bodies fight off free radicals. Keep reading for a quick overview of five kinds of regional miso and some tasty ways to enjoy them. Hatcho Miso ..read more

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Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or oshogatsu (Japanese New Year), this time of year is filled with holiday celebrations—and all the festive foods that go with it. Many of the patients who fill my office in November and December are nervous about how they’ll be able to balance their meals in a way that allows them to eat their favorite holiday fare while still honoring their health. © Photo by iStock: PamelaJoeMcFarlane I completely understand their struggle, which is why I’m happy to share what I’ve learned through my work as a dietitian over the years. And before you start to worry ..read more

The inaugural Tokyo Food Summit, held over November 20-22, 2023, at Tokyo Big Sight, celebrated domestically sourced ingredients from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. The event hosted stars from YouTube and TV and featured special interest areas around two main themes: sustainable consumption and Japanese tradition. We checked out a few panels and took our time tasting around the event to bring you some takeaways. Savories: Ostrich, Wild Boar and Venison © Photo by Sydney SeekfordNoeud. Tokyo’s ostrich meat pot au feu Thanks partly to an effort to highlight alternative meat, savories got the s ..read more