Candied sweet potatoes are a popular snack in Japan. They are called “daigaku imo” in Japanese, which translates to “university potatoes.” The dish has its origins in early 20th-century Japan, where it became popular among university students in Tokyo. It was affordable, filling, and easy to prepare, making it a favorite among students at the time. Traditionally, Daigaku Imo is associated with autumn and winter, coinciding with the sweet potato harvest season in Japan. This seasonal connection makes it particularly comforting during the cooler months, though it can be enjoyed year-round. It is ..read more

To truly savor the natural flavors of your ingredients, keep your cooking process simple. Today, I’ll introduce one of the most iconic examples of minimalist Japanese cooking: tempura, featuring seasonal mushrooms. Mushrooms are a nutritious addition to your diet. While the nutrients vary slightly by type, they are generally low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Japanese supermarkets often carry a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, shimeji, maitake, enoki, eringi (king trumpet mushroom), and nameko. Each type brings unique flavors and textures t ..read more

Indulge in a refreshing persimmon salad with a Japanese twist. This easy-to-make side dish combines the sweetness of persimmons, earthy maitake mushrooms, and crunchy nuts, creating a healthy, antioxidant-rich dish perfect for autumn gatherings or light meals. More ..read more

Explore the unique philosophies of J-beauty and K-beauty! From “mochi-hada” to “glass skin,” discover affordable skincare products under $20 that transform your routine today. More ..read more

Nimono is a heartwarming Japanese dish that brings together simple, fresh ingredients with the magic of simmering. At its core, nimono means “simmered things”—essentially a cozy mix of vegetables and sometimes protein, like chicken or tofu, slowly cooked in a flavorful broth until everything becomes rich, tender, and incredibly satisfying. This dish is especially comforting in the cooler months when we crave something warm and hearty, but it’s versatile enough to enjoy in any season, simply by changing up the ingredients to match what’s fresh and available. The flavor of nimono is subtle yet c ..read more

While tea bags offer undeniable convenience, especially for those with busy schedules, loose leaf tea offers several advantages that make it worth the extra effort. Loose leaf tea offers tea enthusiasts a deeper appreciation of their brew, with enhanced flavor, aroma, and a richer nutrient profile. This article delves into the advantages of loose leaf tea over tea bags, the best types of tea to make from loose leaf tea and the brewing process, and how to make tea bags from loose leaf tea, rounding off with some suggestions for utensils you might like to purchase, in order to make the best poss ..read more

"Can I visit Japan with tattoos?" and "Can I get a tattoo in Japan?" These are common questions from travelers curious about Japan’s unique cultural relationship with tattoos—and for good reason. After all, social media is filled with content telling you that tattoos are taboo in Japan, and that you can’t enjoy visiting here if you have a tattoo (especially if you want to experience a Japanese onsen hot spring). Well, there’s some truth to the taboo part. But as for tattoos in general, having one (or a whole sleeve or more) should not deter you from your Japan travel dreams. Body art con ..read more

When you visit Japan, you may encounter foods wrapped in seasonal leaves, such as sakura (cherry blossom) leaves, kashiwa (oak) leaves, or hoba (magnolia) leaves. Among these, one of the most iconic dishes made with natural leaves is kakinoha sushi. Kakinoha translates to "persimmon leaf," and kakinoha sushi is a type of sushi wrapped in—yes, you guessed it—a persimmon leaf. This unique dish hails from Nara Prefecture, where fresh fish was historically scarce due to its distance from the sea. To preserve fish and prevent spoilage, people began wrapping sushi in persimmon leaves, which natural ..read more

Do you like beef tongue? While it might not be for everyone, today we’re sharing gyutan don recipe, a beloved Japanese dish featuring the rich, smoky flavors of grilled beef tongue. Beef tongue is rich in protein, vitamin B, and minerals, offering a satisfying chewiness and tender texture. Although it feels lighter than other beef cuts, it contains a significant amount of fat, so portion control is key. Known as “tan” in Japanese, beef tongue is a rare and prized delicacy. A single cow yields only about 1–2 kg of tongue, making it especially valuable when sourced from premium wagyu beef. In ..read more

Japanese sushi goes far beyond what you'll find at restaurants outside Japan. Every region, city and local neighborhood in Japan has its own favorite sushi spots, from exclusive sushi “bars” to casual standbys, each offering seasonal specialties and local favorites you won't find anywhere else. Let's look at what Japanese locals actually order, where they go for different sushi experiences and how you can make the most of your sushi adventures in Japan. What Japanese Locals Really Order at Sushi Restaurants The True Local Favorites Japanese sushi preferences often surprise international visito ..read more