While not an “official” Tokyo neighborhood, the Hibiya area is known as a business and theater district and is considered as one of the most important neighborhoods of Japan’s capital city. Part of the Chiyoda Ward, the heart of Tokyo, Hibiya refers to a small area that covers Hibiya Park and a part of Yurakucho. During the period of the Tokugawa shogunate, the area of Hibiya transitioned from a fishing village to an urban area that served as a residential area for the Daimyo, or Japanese feudal lords. Imperial Palace East Gardens | Photo Credit: Geoff Whalan (Flickr) Imperial Palace East Ga ..read more

Explore microbreweries in central Japan’s snow country When discussing beer in Japan, large companies like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo may come to mind. However, Japan also has a burgeoning and successful craft beer industry, focused on sourcing local ingredients and limited production. Craft beer is relatively new to Japan, in large part because a Beer Tax Law restricted brewing licenses to high-volume barrel outputs. As Japan’s economy recovered in the 1950s and flourished throughout the post-war period, the demand for beer grew as well, further strengthening the position of the major brewing ..read more

It’s chewy, soft, slightly sticky, and sometimes has sweet fillings. It also pairs deliciously with green tea (matcha included) and is considered one of Japan’s oldest, traditional desserts. Have you guessed it yet? You’re CORRECT! It’s Mochi (もち)! Considered a sub-group of Wagashi in Japan (confections), you may find it being thoroughly enjoyed with green tea. Quite a delicious pairing! Now, have you tried it yet? Why not? Of course, there are many pre-made versions out there for you to reach for. However, I would definitely advocate for you to try the freshly pounded mochi found at the stree ..read more

Meguro is a beautiful district in southwestern Tokyo that has a lot to offer visitors. The special thing about this place is its good atmosphere, for example, you can wander endlessly through the various streets and along the Meguro River. Spring is considered the most beautiful time to visit, as it is then that all the trees along the waterside are full of seasonal blossoms.  The name “Meguro”, meaning “black eyes”, comes from the Fudō statue near the Ryūsenji temple. This sculpture is one of 5, placed at strategic points in what is now Tokyo during the Edo period. Each of these statues ..read more

One of the more popular ways to celebrate the start of the spring season in Japan is to try traditional foods and beverages, as with any festival season,  But one Japanese drink you may not be overly familiar with is  Amazake. So what is Amazake and why is it so delicious and popular?   Actually, Amazake is also known as “sweet sake” or “sweet porridge,” and has been a popular healthy beverage in Japan for as long as the region has recorded history! While one of its nicknames is “sweet sake,” Amazake doesn’t necessarily have to contain any alcoholic content. In fact, the drink m ..read more

You might expect a yellow cake to be banana or lemon-flavored, but surprisingly it might not be. It’s not sweet at all, but a very subtle taste of honey is hidden in a fluffy yellow sponge cake. It is very simple to make with minimal ingredients which are flour, eggs, sugar, olive oil with a touch of soy sauce, and a sweetener such as honey or syrup. This cake, known as “Castella,” is a great snack to pair with afternoon tea, as it has the perfect amount of sweetness to compliment the bitterness of tea. This perfect combination of rich and light is what makes the castella so special and sets i ..read more

Today we have the opportunity to interview “Junmai Osake” on Instagram, an artist focused on Japanese Sake illustrations. Thank you for your time today. Can you please tell us more about yourself? Happy to be here! Please call me Junmai. I’m from Tokyo. Can you tell us about your background as an illustrator? How did you get started, and is there any particular event that brought you to do this? I originally worked as a graphic designer. Drawing has been a passion of mine since I was little, and I used to draw every day until elementary school. However, lacking the confidence to make it into a ..read more

Hiroshima is famous worldwide as the site of the atomic bombing in 1945. People from all cultures often go here on day trips to go to monuments and witness the remnants of war. Additionally, those who are more familiar with Japanese culture would also go here to try the city’s famous okonomiyaki and oysters. But, having transcended the past with a thriving culture, this a special place to spend more than a day in. Arigato Travel offers two different tours in Hiroshima: Our Best of Hiroshima Evening Food Tour to explore the main city, and for any sake-lovers, we have our Saijo Sake Town Tour. W ..read more

Hana Matsuri is a celebration held across Japan to rejoice in the birth of the Buddha. The actual name for the birthday celebration is Kanbutsue, and different Buddhist nations celebrate the birthday on different dates. However, in Japan, the celebrations are held on April 8th, the peak of Sakura season, and this is why Kanbutsue is also popularly known as Hana Matsuri, or the Festival of Flowers. On this day, people across the country visit their local Buddhist temples to honor the life and teachings of the Buddha. Let’s learn some more about this special day! People Outside Temple in Asakus ..read more

As the cold weather at last fades away and the sun starts regaining its reign, Kyoto bustles with opportunities to enjoy not only its stunning landscapes wherever you look but also its inviting festivals and events. Whether you are seeking what nature has best to offer, visiting the city’s mesmerizing temples and shrines, or simply feeling like strolling around the soul of Japan, here’s a list of things that will show you Japanese traditions and exuberance to their fullest. The giant weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park – Photo Credit: Kyoto Maruyama Park Hanami: Enjoy the Sight of Cherry Bl ..read more