Category: Japan

Drawing of the Yamaguchi locomotive from the front

The Yamaguchi Steam Train – Riding Japan’s Historic Locomotive

January 6, 2021

The SL Yamaguchi Steam Train, billowing almighty plumes of dense, oily smoke, is Japan’s most endearing historic train. Nicknamed The Lady, it’s a black iron locomotive built in 1937 that travels between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano in Yamaguchi prefecture. While Japan’s high speed train lines have pushed the limits of rail technology, the Yamaguchi steam train … More The Yamaguchi Steam Train – Riding Japan’s Historic Locomotive

worlds most expensive grapes ruby roman japan drawing

The Most Expensive Grapes In The World – Japan’s Exclusive Ruby Roman Grapes

November 24, 2020

The most expensive table grapes in the world are Japan’s Ruby Roman Grapes. Wrapped and packaged in a display box, these grapes are each about the size of a ping pong ball, and are cultivated for their sweetness, size and perfect form. The grapes have been known to fetch exorbitant prices, sometimes costing thousands of … More The Most Expensive Grapes In The World – Japan’s Exclusive Ruby Roman Grapes

World's most expensive melon cantelope Yubari Japan cute kawaii

The World’s Most Expensive Fruit – Meet Japan’s $45,000 Yūbari King Melon

October 13, 2020

When it comes to expensive and exclusive Japanese fruit, the Yūbari melon is the king. Grown in the small city of Yūbari in Hokkaidō, these extraordinary fruits have sold for as much as ¥5 million ($46,000USD) for a pair. But why exactly are these melons so special? Planning a trip to Yūbari, home of the … More The World’s Most Expensive Fruit – Meet Japan’s $45,000 Yūbari King Melon

Japanese fruit dekopon cute drawing sumo orange

Dekopon, The Sumo Citrus Taking Instagram By Storm

September 29, 2020

One of Japan’s most curious fruits is the dekopon, a hybrid cross between the citrus fruits kiyomi and ponkan. Dekopon are sought after for their sweet flavour, large size, and characteristic bump on the top of the fruit, giving them a ‘sumo’ shape. Dekopons, known in American markets as Sumo Citrus, have become increasingly popular … More Dekopon, The Sumo Citrus Taking Instagram By Storm

Kawaii square watermelon Japanese expensive fruit cute

Why Do Japanese Farmers Grow Square Watermelons?

September 22, 2020

Japan is known for producing some interesting and expensive fruit. But none is as iconic as the square watermelon, a simple yet beautiful specially grown fruit. Perfect for decorating and gift-giving, the square watermelon is prized as a status symbol (though its taste is not so great). How Are Square Watermelons Produced? Square watermelons come … More Why Do Japanese Farmers Grow Square Watermelons?

Restaurant in Japan Catch your own fish Zauo wooden boat tables

Zauo – Japanese Restaurant Where You Go Fishing

September 8, 2020

Japan has earned a reputation for creative and unusual dining establishments. Cat cafes, themed restaurants, and stand-up sushi bars all cater to people looking for a new dining experience. But what about using a fishing line to catch your dinner, in the restaurant? In the heart of Osaka’s nightlife district Dotonbori is Zauo, a restaurant … More Zauo – Japanese Restaurant Where You Go Fishing

かわいいたい焼きデザート日本ケーキコピックマーカーの描画

Taiyaki – Japan’s Delicious Fish-Shaped Street Food!

August 4, 2020

Japan has lots of wonderful sweet treats that you can find in markets and shops. Glutinous mochi with red bean paste, leaf-shaped momiji manjū, humble dorayaki. But there’s one which is my particular favourite – the fish-shaped taiyaki. Taiyaki translates to ‘baked (yaki) sea bream (tai)’, hence the way it is traditionally served in the … More Taiyaki – Japan’s Delicious Fish-Shaped Street Food!