If you were to ask 100 people the first food that pops into their head when they think about Japan, it’s a safe bet most would give you the same answer: Sushi. From its humble beginnings as a street snack during the Edo period, to the evolution of the California roll in Los Angeles during…

“The neat, tremendous garden of Japan” These Horned Islands, James Kirkup Having a theme while you travel always adds texture and depth to a journey. In the case of Japan, there are various options. You could, for example, base your trip around the peregrinations of the country’s more serendipitous writers, like Fumiko Hayashi, Ihara Saikaku,…

With the scarcity of vegetarian (not to mention vegan) food in the majority of mainstream Japanese eateries, it may be a little difficult to believe that vegetarian cuisine has a long history in Japan, one which spans back centuries, has deep cultural and religious ties and is still highly respected and revered in select spots…

Despite its national significance, and boasting a history of over 2000 years, it would be natural to consider sake as “kokushu,” or Japan’s national brew. Yet surprisingly the government only designated it as such in 2012, when the then Minister of State for National Policy launched a program and policies to promote exports of sake…

Mention the name Philippe Troussier and most Japanese respond with a sort of awed silence. This reaction can be largely attributed to Troussier’s reputation as the coach who transformed the national soccer team. From 1998 to 2002, under his careful watch, the Japanese team achieved its greatest successes to date, including first place in the…

The New Year season in Japan is a time of renewal: the chance to say goodbye to the old and to usher in the new.  As you may imagine, there are many unique customs and ceremonies to mark the change. As it is in many cultures, food (and drink) is an important part of the…

Okinawa food Okinawa is not Japan. The southern island culture is a colorful cornucopia of Chinese influences and indigenous Ryukyu Kingdom practices. It is colorful, exotic and vibrant, and naturally the food reflects this spirit. A rainbow of blue parrotfish, red snappers and orange lobsters are roasted whole on outdoor grills. The side dishes are…

Ryokan are traditional Japanese inns that originally catered to travelers during the Edo period. Typical ryokan usually feature tatami-mat rooms, communal baths and are similar to Bed and Breakfasts, with the owner usually available to chat with guests in the common areas. For people looking for the finest in Ryokan with a western touch, KPG…

Kobe Beef is revered world wide for its unique taste and unmatched quality.  There may be countless imitators, who produce “Kobe-inspired” meats, but only a handful of farmers hold the right to call themselves true suppliers of Kobe beef; a privilege that is not simply earned by raising cows in the Kobe area, but after…

Dining Trains Those who love the relaxation, elegance and allure of train journeys, complete with dining cars offering fine meals, have had to sadly witness the decline of Japan’s “Blue Trains.” Those bygone trains, named for the color of the cars, featured overnight journeys with dining and sleeping available and offered travelers the romance associated…