Something strange happened when the clocks hit 5pm in Nikkō. The town suddenly fell quiet, the people disappeared, the shops shut their doors, and restaurants turned their ‘open’ signs around to ‘closed’. The sun went down in a haze of muted oranges and purples, a chilly evening began to creep in, and we were left … More A Sketchbook Visit to Nikkō, Japan’s UNESCO Temple Town
Japan produces some of the most attractive, unusual, and expensive fruits in the world. From square watermelons, white strawberries, to rich red mangoes, Japan’s quest to create the perfect versions of fruit has some produced some amazing results. In order to create the perfect fruits, special growing circumstances are needed. Square watermelons, for instance, are … More The Insanely Expensive Fruits of Japan
Japan has taken manhole cover art to a whole new level. In towns and cities all over the country, these discs of street metal have been transformed into beautiful masterpieces. What’s more, the designs of the manhole covers each tell the story of the location, often paying tribute to industries, foods, animals, icons and history. … More The Amazing Art of Japanese Manhole Covers
Harakjuku crepes are some of the most eye-catching sweet treats in Harajuku. You can’t miss them; Cream-filled, brightly-coloured, packed with strawberry and chocolate and slices of cake! This Japanese version of the French crepe are synonymous with Tokyo’s centre of youth culture – they’re sweet, over the top, and fun! They’re served rolled up in … More Harajuku’s Crazy Crepes – Japanese Iconic Sweet Treats
Japan has a reputation for growing interesting fruits. Some of the most interesting creations are fruits given as a gift, such as square watermelons, pretty red santonishiki cherries, luxury Yūbari King melons, and white strawberries. The White Jewel Strawberry White strawberries are known in Japan as the Shirou Houseki variety, or ‘White Jewel‘. They have a … More The World’s Most Expensive Strawberry – Japan’s White Jewel Strawberries
Winter illuminations, KFC buckets, and romantic dates! Christmas in Kyoto is filled with Christmas spirit, even though it is not a national holiday. All around the country, Japanese people love to celebrate this unofficial holiday with their own unique Christmas traditions in true Japanese style. In Kyoto, there are lots of little charms that make … More Christmas In Kyoto – What To See, Do and Eat
This little maple-leaf shaped cake is called a momiji manjū, and it comes from an island in Japan called Miyajima. It is made of buckwheat and rice, with the choice of various fillings, like chocolate, red bean, matcha, or custard. They’re spongy, delicate, and delicious! Miyajima’s traditional cakes Anyone who knows the delicious Japanese street food taiyaki … More Japan’s Momiji Manjū – The Delicious Treat from Miyajima Island
My bowl of udon tempura was so small, it fit into the palm of my hand. I couldn’t eat it either, because the chopsticks were the size of toothpicks. It was, however, extremely fun to make. In Mayuka’s Bonchi studio of miniature plastic food, we sliced tiny clay noodles, painted little shallots, and poured epoxy … More Kyoto in Sketches: Japan’s Cultural Heart
Anyone who’s been to Japan has surely noticed the incredible number of vending machines on offer. They’re found everywhere, from neon-lit city intersections to shady forest walks, and even on trains. Vending machine culture is everywhere! Japan is the perfect home for so many vending machines. Vandalism and crime is low, and the demand for … More Japanese Vending Machines – A Closer Look at Japan’s Love of Convenience
Staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, is one of the quintessential cultural activities that everybody should enjoy in Japan. More than just a simple place to sleep, a stay in a ryokan is an experience unto itself. With particular room styles, dress codes and meal sets, it can be difficult to know what … More What Can I Expect In A Traditional Japanese Ryokan?
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