Category: gourmet

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Autumn Pottery Markets in Japan

In autumn in Japan, it’s not only the fall foliage that you can enjoy—there are also many festivals, events, and flea markets.

Among these, pottery markets held in various regions are especially not to be missed.
There is a convenient website that lists pottery markets held all across Japan, so be sure to check it out.

https://dai-toukiichi.com/

I visited the Kasama Pottery Market in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, which is held in early November.
Many ceramic artists had booths there, and it was truly fascinating.

There is also a ceramics museum within the grounds, and for anyone who loves pottery, it’s a place I would definitely recommend visiting at least once.
Kasama is also known as a famous chestnut-producing region. At the Kasama roadside station,笠間道の駅、 you can enjoy local specialties such as chestnut sweets and the unique “Mont Blanc Tantanmen (Spicy ramen with chestnuts cream on the top),” making it a fun stop for food lovers as well.

During periods when the Kasama Pottery Market or events at Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park are held, special shuttle buses operate between the tourist sites and nearby stations—JR Kasama Station on the Mito Line and JR Tomobe Station on the Joban Line.
By using these buses, you can get around easily even without a car.

Especially in autumn, you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage at the same time, so if you are in the greater Kanto area, it’s sure to feel like a perfect short getaway.

For those who don’t have much time, pottery markets are also held fairly often within Tokyo. If a market is happening nearby on a weekend, be sure to check regularly and try to find a one-of-a-kind treasure just for you.

In Japan, autumn is the season when the summer heat fades, making it easier to focus on a wide variety of activities. It is also a time to celebrate the harvest, which is why it is often referred to as the season of sports, the season of the arts, the harvest season, and even the season of good appetite.

Why not find an autumn activity that suits you best?

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Foodie’s heaven – Department store’s basement experience!

Welcome to Japan! When it comes to visiting Japan, you can’t resist delicious, tempting foods! Ramen, Sushi, Katsu Curry, Tempura, Teppanyaki Steak and Lobster –etcetera.

As you know, convenience stores – Seven Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart are famous for their delicious snacks, sweets, finger foods, light meals.

Moreover, even supermarkets set up a large special corner where displays all genres of foods to take away.

Whereas, most of department stores have food halls commonly are located at their basement floor. We call them as “Depa Chika デパ地下” . Chika means “Basement”.

  • Ginza Mitsukoshi
  • Umeda Hankyu

High-end and seasonal select foods and beverages are displayed everywhere in Depa Chika food streets. They look like Chelsea Market in NYC or Harrods Food Halls in London.

They entirely hold seasonal theme festivals like “Christmas”, “New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day”, “Cherry Blossom”, “Autumn”, “Hokkaido”, “Kyusyu”, throughout a year.

Takashimaya 高島屋,Isetan 伊勢丹, Mitsukoshi 三越, Matsuzakaya 松坂屋, Marui 丸井, Tobu 東武, Seibu 西武, Sogo 十河, Keio 京王, Daimaru 大丸, Hankyu 阪急, Hanshin 阪神 Fujisaki 藤崎department stores are open for foodies from all around the world!!

  • Meats & Fries Appetizers
  • Happousai Fried Vegitable
  • Cheu a la creme & Mont Blanc
  • Fruits Tarte
  • Wines
  • Ohagi Dango
  • Variety flavors of salads
  • Tempura
  • Pork Katsu Bento
  • Wa gyu Beef
  • Japanese Sake tasting

I say, some foods are so expensive, because they are literally collecting delicious, beautiful foods from around the world.

Sometime you might be feeling tired from walking so much, just relax, taking a rest at a hotel room with Depa Chika foods and /or having Spa massage.

Exploring Depa Chika might become highlighted, epic Japanesey experience on your itinerary.

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Satisfying Curiosity – EXPO 2025 Osaka Kansai World Expo

This summer, during the 2025 holiday season, some people might have up to a 9-day consecutive break due to the Obon holiday.

For those spending time with family, going on trips, returning to their hometowns, or paying respects at graves, there will be plenty to do.

Given the extreme heat this year (though I feel like every year is setting new records for the highest temperatures), I’d prefer not to stand in long lines under the blazing sun for leisure activities. But still, I really want to visit the Osaka Expo, as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event this year.

The content of the Expo is enjoyable for adults, but it’s especially recommended for children because it provides a very compact and easy-to-understand look at the future of society, technology, and the diverse countries of the world. It’s an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange with people from abroad.

Recently, it seems that all tourist destinations in Japan are filled with inbound foreign visitors, but at the Osaka Expo venue, I felt that many of the attendees were Japanese people, especially retirees with more free time, and people from the Kansai region who had purchased full-term passes.

Of course, during summer vacation, it’s expected that there will be many families and children (there are also summer passes for this period), but it’s important to register for pavilion reservations in advance, such as two months, seven days, or even the day before the visit. If that’s not possible, there are also booths where you can make reservations after entering the venue. (While some pavilions don’t require reservations, due to increased congestion, more and more places are now requiring them).

You can find detailed information about pavilion reservations here:
Expo 2025 Reservation Page

Therefore, it’s recommended to enter the venue as early as possible. (Remember, you need to purchase an entrance ticket separately. Without it, you won’t be able to enter the pavilion lottery. Once inside, you can make reservations, so try to get there early. However, in the evening, the crowds thin out, so it becomes easier to enter pavilions just by standing in line).

  • Jamaica Pavilion
  • Romania Pavilion
  • Kuwait Pavilion
  • Austria Pavilion Restaurant
  • Czech Pavilion
  • Australia Pavilion

The Italy Pavilion, France Pavilion, USA Pavilion were amazing! the Jordan Pavilion where you can walk through the desert, and the Turkmenistan Pavilion (which is not yet open to the public as a tourist attraction) are often in the spotlight. But I recommend visiting the Commons, where there are booths from many countries within one building. You can see various local products, famous celebrity figures, cultural arts, and more, almost without having to wait in line. There are pavilions from A to F, and it’s impossible to see everything!

If you can’t get reservations, you’ll just have to stand in line. When I went, it was the day the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition was launched at the Italy Pavilion, so I had to wait about six hours! But it was worth it and very impressive.

It’s recommended to spend several days and visit the Expo in a planned manner. On the first day, take a quick tour to get an overview, and then, over the next few days, explore the places you really want to see. The large roofed area offers shade and seating, and there’s free drinking water available. Each country also has plenty of food and events, with Myaku Myaku being particularly popular.

There are also so many stamp rallies, so be sure to buy a stamp book and collect them. The unique stamps of each country will be great memories of the Expo.

After the summer vacation, I plan to visit again in September. It’s that fun! The ethnic costumes worn by the pavilion staff from each country are also wonderful. The Japan Pavilion was so popular that I couldn’t get a reservation, so I look forward to visiting it next time.

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Under the train tracks – @ smokey taverns – exciting Tokyo Izakaya experience

Under the train – under the train♪wow I am not Sebastian @The Little Mermaid, but you might drink like a fish @ under the train tracks between Shinbashi station and Yurakucho station.

Many guidebooks mention that there are so many taverns under the train tracks at the center of Tokyo. Just one stop from Tokyo station or you can just walk along under the JR railroad from Tokyo toward Shinbashi area for a walk.

You can easily find very smokey, sparkle area by Shinbashi,Yurakucho stations.

It seems, as it were, an oasis for Japanese business men after daily hard work, those taverns are like pubs in England. Besides, Japanese taverns under the train tracks are cheaper than other restaurants around the flamboyant area of Tokyo station. You can just have a drink and order small snacks (otsumamis )& go home is OK without paying gratuities but covering what your had only.

  • Menu + Price tags at the edge of the eaves
  • Japanese typical taverns

Many people come together here with their colleagues or friends, some people just stop by here alone to have a drink after work. Some taverns keep old-fashioned style – to hang price tags at the edge of the eaves for taking the place of the grand menu.

You can make an order just read those price tags or, ask waiter or waitress to have today’s “Omakase” or find out a menu by a table. Prices are rather cheap because taverns are under the train tracks. Sometimes sounds of train running very noisy but I am sure that you will enjoy the atmosphere and foods & drinks there!

Even though -smoke gets in your eyes – don’t worry, your friends or companies can’t see through your oriental flush and smokey red eyes after getting drunk behind the smoke. Have a good time @ smokey taverns and enjoy Tokyo evening!

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Sanrio fan’s paradise! Let’s get together @ Sanrio Café in Ikebukuro or Kamakura!

One of the most famous super star of Japan is Hello Kitty by Sanrio.

She always acts as a liaison between foreign countries and Japan. She is playing the  biggest role as an ambassador of Kawaii Culture.

I visited Sanrio Café in Ikebukuro. There are many Kawaii characters of Sanrio, Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pom Pom Purin, Kuromi, etc.

https://www.sanrio.co.jp/special/sanriocafe/

To say nothing of Ikebukuro, is also famous for Otome 乙女road where has lot of girl’s otakuオタク(nerd) shop paradise. There are many stores of amime goods in Otome road. Especially Fujyoshi腐女子 (girls who really love to B.L.(boy loves boy) comics and animes)) must be fascinated by these flamboyant world!

On the contrary to, Akihabara is the paradise of otaku guys or geeks 🙂 who love lolita girls and cute school girls’ animes. The area has a concentration of computers, video games, anime goods, retro games, dvds, home appliance stores in Akihabara.

Oh no, I am getting off the track. Ok, I am back to the main topic, sanrio café.

Sanrio stores can be found everywhere in Japan. But Sanrio cafés are only located in Ikebukuro (Tokyo wards) and Kamakura (Kanagawa prefecture).

I ordered Kuromi soda(iced coffee with black sesame taste icecream)

And Kuromi pancake!(chocolate pancake) @Sanrio Cafe. Cause I am a big fun of Kuromi.

  • Hangyo-Don
  • Kuromi Soda & Kuromi Pancake

Kuromi has gothloli(abbreviation of gothic lolita) look with black costume and wearing heavy make up(look like the rock band Kiss!).

According to Hello Kitty Wiki, https://hellokitty.fandom.com/wiki/Kuromi

  • Kuromi
  • My Melody

Kuromi (クロミ, Kuromi) is My Melody‘s rival, who is a white rabbit or imp-like creature wearing a black jester’s hat with a pink skull on the front and a black devil’s tail. The skull’s facial expression changes to match Kuromi’s mood. Fittingly, her birthday is Halloween (October 31st). Her name translates from Japanese to English as “black beauty”.

Kuromi’s appearance is also similar to those of cartoon characters from the 1990s such as Pichu from Pokémon. Kuromi has become a popular character for the punk, scene, and goth crowds due to her appearance.

If Hello Kitty and My Melody were angels, Kuromi would be a sweet little demon. She has just irresistible charms for gothic lolita-lovers. Don’t you think she is intriguing anything against My Melody above, do you?

Let’s enjoy the sub-culture paradise of Ikebukuro and Sanrio café!

Please stop by Ikebukuro area and see around Otome road. Also Ike-buses池袋バス are available from the east exit of JR Ikebukuro station. The fare is 100 yen.

  • Ikebukuro Sanrio Gift Store
  • Animate @Otome road
  • Ike-Bus route map
  • Ike-Bus station @ the east exit of JR Ikebukuro

Sanrio goods are also available at Ginza and Asakusa, Shibuya. You can find many small Sanrio stores on the website below,

https://stores.sanrio.co.jp/en/tokyo

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Kappa Bashi Dogugai （合羽橋道具街）- for all enthusiasts of cooking utensils & kitchen gadgets!

Do you know Kappa Bashi Dogugai(合羽橋道具街)Tokyo?

If you are a professional chef, even though nothing but an amateur cook, you will be fond of this town. There are many kitchen wares and supplies in many genres of cuisines tools for professional cooks in everywhere Kappa Bashi.

Just five to ten minutes walk will take you to Kappa Bashi Dougugai from Asakusa station. It is located in between Asakusa to Ueno.

  • Asakusa Gojyuno-to
  • Asakusa Kaminari-mon
  • Ueno Park

The landmark of Kappa Bash is “The Big Shef” from Niimi Youshokki Store at the corner of south end in Kappa Bashi Dogugai street.

I just stop by this street to find a couple of knife sharpener of my own knives.

Even old, rusty, dull, flawed knives are likely to be renewed by using three types of knife sharpener (Toishi砥石) from coarse to fine textures. The knife sharpener experience was a kind of magic, exhilarating. My own knife became almost brand-new one!!

Knife sharpener lessons on site are available in Kappa Bashi Dogugai.

Also, you can find out many lesson videos @You Tube.

Nothing would need to have an elaborate training for sharpening knives. Don’t be afraid and not to be too much meticulous. Learning useful tips of knife maintenance will make your knives long-lasting. It is also contributing to sustainable living.

Maybe you also like plastic food samples. I like them too. They are look like real dishes and fresh foods. Small food sample of magnets, key holders are also good for souvenirs.

Japanese Hashi(箸)and Yunomi(湯呑み)ceramics, dishes, Tekki(鉄器),Sake bottles(徳利)and cups(御猪口) are very cute and have a varieties of colors, textures.

  • ironwares store
  • lantern store

If you plan to go to Asakusa, Ueno, don’t forget to stop by Kappa Bashi Dogugai. But one point that I need to mention, most of stores of Kappa Bashi will be closed on Sunday and generally open 9a.m. to 5p.m. Don’t be late, don’t procrastinate to visit there and enjoy finding your precious curios – @ Kappa Bashi Dogugai!!

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Japanese traditional New Year’s events -Shogatsu-正月- The most important holiday in Japan – how to spend New Year’s holidays!

In the western countries, the most important holiday is Christmas. People celebrate and spend special time with their family members. Japanese people also go back to their hometown in the end of December and spend Shogatsu (正月)holiday until the first few days of January.

To the contrary to the western countries’ Christmas celebrations, the most important holiday in Japan is the New Year’s Day that is called “Shogatsu”.

New Year’s events already begin at the New Year’s Eve. Commonly they eat soba noodles, which is called “Toshikoshi soba” for preparing and celebrating the New Year, While listening the sound of temple’s bells “Jyoya no kane”.

In the morning of Shogatsu, they open jyu-bako bento box. “Osechi Ryori”(お節料理) is hors d’ oeuvre – a set of fortune cuisines. Every ingredient has characteristic meaning. Japanese people taste and enjoy these meals for praying New Year’s fortune and happiness, family member’s health, well-being.

Jyu-bako bento box is full of Osechi Ryori. As I mentioned before, every cuisine has each meaning, for example, it is nothing but a rhyme,

Kuro mame(black beans) – means “mame ni kurasu” (live diligently).

Meanwhile, some dishes were selected, in favor of their figures or colors.

Kazunoko (herring roe) – many eggs of herring – hopes “shison hanei” (descendants prosperity).

Kurikinton (mushed sweet potatos & chestnuts) – indicates “okane” (raise money, gold from its golden color).

Ebi (shrimp) – hopes live longer until their backs are curved (get old) like shrimps.

Zouni(雑煮)is commonly cooked baked rice cakes with some vegetables and fish cakes in broth soup of soy source or miso. Tastes are different in each region.

They often visit shrines or temples to make a wish and pray for the good fortune of the New Year. It is called Hatsumoude(初詣). Some people watch the sunrise from ocean or mountain.

At the same time, Japanese people send postcards(Nengajyo 年賀状) to their relatives, friends, colleagues as New Year’s greeting. It’s basic manners to be delivered to addressees until a few days of new year’s day even if belated.

Japanese children often receive some money in a small envelope (pochi-bukuro) from their parents and relatives. That is called “Otoshidama” .

While spending their relaxing, fun time with their family members, often we play traditional New Year’s games as below,

Takoage(凧揚げ)- means flying a kite. Typical kite design is traditional Japanese Ukiyoe (浮世絵), and people selects happy design to celebrate new year.

Kakizome, Shodo(書き初め,書道)-the first writing of the new year with Japanese writing brush, Fude(筆)and Sumi(墨). People write their new year’s resolutions, positive words in calligraphy by using a Japanese Shitajiki（下敷), Bunchin(文鎮), and Washi paper (和紙).

Karuta(カルタ)-Japanese playing cards are two sets of cards – reading part and picking part. Participants of the game try to pick the correct card while the partner card is chanted.

The most popular set of cards is “Hyakunin Isshu” that had been selected 100 famous poems from the 8th to the 13th century.

Koma-mawashi(独楽回し)- A game of top-spinning. Players try to spin fast their own spinning top on the ground. The longest spinning one will be the winner.

Hanetsuki(羽根突き)- Hanetsuki is similar to badminton game. But it uses a shuttlecock and a wooden paddle, which is drawn Japanese traditional picture by using bright colors.

There are many other regional, local events and plays in Japan.

Let’s go out and find out something new!

“Learn from the old, know the new”

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Ramen museum – Enjoy fantastic ramen trip throughout Japan @ Yokohama

One of the most important “mission possible” is – finding your favorite ramen in Japan.

Ramen magazines in the reception

You might secretly take pride in being ramen authority- who has wide range of Japanse ramens’ knowledge. Japanese ramens have a variety of tastes, for example, soup, noodle, seasoning, texture, seasonal special, temperature, qualities, blah blah…don’t showing off your stock of knowledge about ramens before visiting Japan. Furthermore, I promise you are able to boost your ramen knowledge if you stop by tons of ramen shops in Japan. Which flavor of ramen do you like?  醤油Soy source ? 味噌Miso？塩Salt? 豚骨Pork bone broth? 煮干しFish broth? 坦々Spicy bean curd ? Noodles with seasoning混ぜそば?? Cold ramen 冷やし中華?

Basically, we have many regional ramens – like very famous Hakata Tonkotsu ramen (from Fukuoka Prefecture), Sapporo Miso ramen (from Hokkaido), Tokyo shoyu ramen (from Tokyo), Kitakata ramen (from Fukushima Prefecture), Okinawa So-ki soba (Okinawa Prefecture), Hida Takaya ramen (Gifu Prefecture), Onomichi ramen (Hiroshima Prefecture), Nagasaki Champon (Nagasaki Prefecture) ,Yokohama Ie-kei ramen (Kanagawa prefecture) and more. And new ramen tastes and styles are always been created day by day in Japan.

Menu board – with information of approx waiting time

Actually Japanese ramen shops are very competitive. According to Japanese Restaurant Associates 飲食店.com indicates – 40 % of ramen shops are going to close within one year. 70 % ramen shops will also be close their businesses within 3 years. I learned that the reason why I am always at a loss I can’t find the ramen shop that I have been wanting to visit for a long time- It was gone – already out of business before I visit there.

However, we have last ray of hope. There is the Ramen Museum @Shin-yokohama. Yokohama is the suburb area of Tokyo where is located in next to Tokyo 23 wards – only 10 minutes ride will take you Yokohama area. Shin-yokohama station is only one stop from Shinagawa station by Nozomi bullet train (Shinkansen). Local trains are also available from Tokyo station to Yokohama station.

Ramen museum’s concept is Showa-era 1926-1989 revival. After experienced World War Ⅱ, Showa-era of japan is the symbol of post-war reconstruction. It has been said, Japan’s most vibrant era in everything– economy, culture, sports events like Olympics and World Exposition – until Japanese economic collapse (it’s been called “バブル崩壊“bubble burst in 1989).

Ramen museum is featuring, legendary ramen shop which is already physically closed due to owner’s retire, no successor, many reasons – trying to restore the receipt of old style – as it were, nostalgic authentic flavor ramen.

Meanwhile, an up-and-coming ramen shef’s shop is still on the list. We are so lucky we could taste a variety of tasty ramens from North to South area of Japan.

Muku 無垢 ramen

They are also serving half-size ramen, so that we are likely to eat every ramen in the display board! Also ramen shops are roughly rotating every 4 months, you may taste different ramens if you came back 4 months later!!

As of June,2024, the line-ups of Ramen Museum are below the link.

https://www.raumen.co.jp/english/

The museum is fully covered with Japanese old movie theaters’ signboards and old-style taverns, shops, stores in everywhere. It is very fun to see around the alleys of the town after you ate many bowls of ramens!

This museum’s atmosphere is also popular among Japanese young generation – because they’ve never seen Japanese Showa scenes like this. It is really new vibes for young people, they must feel “エモい“being emotional while they are in the museum, and must be reminded of something they had forgotton. Perhaps, it has very nostalgic “ナツい”懐かしい“mood for the middle age of Japaneses.

Anyway, you never be disappointed with this museum, and enjoy Yokohama. Chances are you visit famous Yokohama China Town -it is very close to Shin-Yokohama station. Please leave behind your weight-conscious mindset while visiting the gourmet spot!!