Category: Food

Setsubun: Welcoming Good Fortune and Driving Away Bad Luck in Early February

After the New Year celebrations come to an end, Japan marks another important seasonal turning point: Setsubun (節分). Usually held around February 3 or 4, Setsubun symbolizes the transition from winter to spring according to the traditional Japanese calendar. While it is not a public holiday, it is widely observed across the country in homes, […]

End-of-Year Customs and Rituals in Japan: Traditions That Prepare the Country for a New Beginning

As December approaches, Japan enters one of its most meaningful cultural periods. The final weeks of the year are filled with traditions that blend spirituality, cleanliness, hospitality and renewal. These rituals are not just symbolic; they shape how households, businesses and entire communities welcome the coming year. For visitors, experiencing these end-of-year customs offers an […]

Warming Up with Flavor: Japan’s Best Winter Street Foods and Drinks

When winter arrives, Japan’s streets transform into a cozy paradise of comforting smells and nostalgic flavors. From steaming sweet potatoes to rich broths bubbling under red lanterns, winter street food captures the warmth and joy of the season — best enjoyed with cold air on your face and something hot in your hands. The Heart […]

Warming Up in Japan: Winter Teas and Comforting Hot Drinks

As the air turns crisp and the first snow begins to fall in parts of Japan, the season of warm drinks officially arrives. In winter, tea shops, cafés, and even convenience stores across the country start offering special drinks meant to bring comfort and warmth. Beyond the famous green tea, Japan has a wide variety […]

Warming Up to Winter in Japan: Discover the Comfort of Oden and Nabe Season

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, Japan slowly transitions into one of its coziest and most heartwarming seasons. While the summer months are filled with lively festivals and fireworks, winter brings a slower rhythm — one marked by the inviting aroma of simmering broths and the soft chatter of people […]

The Japanese Art of Tea: From Daily Ritual to Cultural Heritage

In Japan, tea is far more than a simple beverage — it’s a centuries-old tradition woven into daily life, art, and philosophy. Every cup tells a story of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility — values that continue to shape Japanese culture today. Whether sipped during a busy afternoon or shared in a quiet teahouse surrounded […]

Hiyaoroshi: Japan’s Seasonal Autumn Sake

As the weather begins to cool and the leaves slowly turn red and gold, Japan welcomes not only the beauty of autumn but also the arrival of one of the season’s most beloved drinks — Hiyaoroshi (冷やおろし). Often called “autumn sake,” this special release marks a moment long awaited by sake lovers every year. What […]

Autumn Foods in Japan: What to Eat and Where to Find Them

As summer fades and the air grows cooler, Japan enters one of its most beloved culinary seasons: autumn. Known as shokuyoku no aki (食欲の秋), or “the season of hearty appetites,” this time of year brings a bounty of seasonal ingredients and dishes that are best enjoyed fresh from the harvest. Japanese food culture places a […]