Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just a curious omnivore, meat-free dining in Japan is always an adventure Impossible. Depressing. Infinitely frustrating. The worst two weeks of my life. These are just some of the phrases visiting vegetarians and vegans have characteristically used to describe their experiences in Japan. It’s a paradox. The Japanese diet…

Japan’s capital reinvigorates an old pastime with new technologies As I run I tell myself to think of a river. And clouds. But essentially I’m not thinking of anything. All I do is keep on running in my own cozy, homemade void, my own nostalgic silence. And this is a pretty wonderful thing. No matter…

Cruising Around for Ecologically-Friendly Cars Everyone is told that Tokyo’s public transportation network is so efficient that people don’t need cars. But that’s what people who don’t drive say. The benefits of having a car in the city are myriad. When a destination requires train transfers, it can be much quicker to drive. When carrying…

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…

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…