Japan
I have lived in Japan twice, once from 1999-2000 then from 2014-2016. Many Japanese have been very influential in my life. Much can be learned from Japanese civilization, culture, and society. I’ll share some of this here.
Japan
Japanese Baseball Stadiums
Japanese Baseball The Japanese have a reputation for an intense interest in American culture. They adopt many American ideas and customs, and then do them better than we do them at home! Baseball, known as Yakyuu in Japan, is one of those things. Baseball came to Japan in the 1870s and was one of the…
Read MoreYakushima: A Magical and Mystical Island in Japan
Yakushima – My Favorite Place in Japan Kagoshima also serves as the gateway to Yakushima, a small and mystical island that’s covered in moss and home to Japan’s oldest tree – Jomon sugi (it was the inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film “Princess Mononoke”). I did a great day hike to the peak of Kuromidake,…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Japan Trip – My Top Recommendations for Getting Out of Tokyo and Kyoto
The Ultimate Japan Trip – My Top Recommendations For Getting Out of Tokyo and Kyoto Having lived in Japan, I share the best places to explore outside of the two most popular cities. So many people visit Japan and spend their entire trip hanging out in Tokyo and Kyoto. But escaping the crowds and intensity…
Read MoreWhat to do in the Kansai Region – aside from Kyoto
What To Do In The Kansai Region – Aside From Kyoto Enjoy thoughtful tips about spending a week in the Kansai Region; what to do and see. Kyoto is one of the most-visited cities in Japan and, in my opinion, somewhere you should visit during the low season to escape the hordes of tourists. If…
Read MoreHow to find Adventure in Japan?
How To Find Adventure In Japan? Get insider access to experiences in Japan with my friend Jordan. There are so many things to do in Japan and clubs to be part of. Before you go check out some of the top group trips like www.tokyogaijins.com and https://www.tokyosnowclub.com/. My good friend Jordan has a new business…
Read MoreFavorite Things to Do At Night in Tokyo
Favorite Things To Do At Night In Tokyo So you are heading to Japan and looking for some fun things to do at night. I’m not a big night owl but here ar some tips of my favorite places. 1.Weird theme restaurants DINING BAR SUBMARINE – sub-aquatic-themed izakaya (Dining Bar Submarine, Pocket Building B1, Kabukichuo…
Read MoreTop 10 Things to Do in Tokyo During the Day
Top 10 Things To Do In Tokyo During The Day These are my favorite various daytime suggestions for Tokyo. Many people ask me what to do when you are in Tokyo. They say, “go to…Sensoji, a Buddhist temple in Asakusa which is about as touristy as it gets in Tokyo. Tokyo skytree – another good…
Read MoreThe Best Ice Cream in Japan
The Best Ice Cream In Japan Treat yourself to ice cream; here’s my top 3 recommended ice cream shops. While the world fights over who invented ice-cream – Victorians or Chinese, the Japanese have mastered the art, like they have most food. The first thing you notice in an ice cream saloon is flavors and…
Read MoreHow to Make Okonomiyaki
How To Make Okonomiyaki The famous Japanese pancake, this is Itoh-san’s Okonomiyaki recipe. My friend of over 15 years – Itoh-san – is an Okonomiyaki cooking master. I love his distinctive cooking style. In fact, he has raised the level of okonomiyaki to such heights that I could never settle for the okonomiyaki you find…
Read MoreKaiseki Tasting in Japan
Kaiseki Tasting In Japan Learn about Kaiseki in Japanese culture + four hot spots to try Kaiseki. Kaiseki or kaiseki-yori is a Japanese word that roughly translates to a dish that appeases hunger and warms the stomach. Broadly categorized into court, samurai, temple, and tea ceremony cuisines, Kaiseki has two main styles; the banquet for…
Read MoreOBento – Japanese Lunch Boxes
Obento – Japanese Lunch Boxes When I’m traveling in Japan, I like to taste-test the Bento lunch boxes. Bento lunch boxes are just as important to the Japanese and Asian culinary worlds as chopsticks are. Named after the Japanese word bento which roughly translates to “convenient,” these boxes were used as early as the 5th…
Read MoreTanTan (DanDan) Mien
TanTan (DanDan) Mien TantanMian is the Japanese adaptation of the Chinese DanDanMian, a dish of noodles seasoned by a spicy sauce made from sesame paste and hot chili oil. In old times, street hawkers used a carrying pole called Dandan and sold the noodles to passerbys; hence the name dandan. Unlike its Chinese counterpart that…
Read MoreFresh Uni in Tokyo
Fresh Uni In Tokyo I put my foodie skills to work so that I can share different types of Japanese Uni. Uni is the Japanese word for sea urchin, or more specifically, a sea urchin’s gonads and few naturally occurring ingredients offer the luxuriant texture and rich flavor Uni supplies. Dishes taste better with Uni,…
Read MoreOkinawan Cuisine
Okinawa Cuisine My experiences with Goya champuru, Rafute, soba noodles, Tofuyo, Mimiga in Okinawa Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Owing to its location, it has a complex history that has influenced its cuisine. The Okinawan cuisine is meat-based (specifically, pork) although it features a lot of herbs, tropical vegetables, fruits, and spices. Here are some…
Read MoreMy Top Izakayas in Tokyo
My Top Izakayas In Tokyo My 5 top places to experience an entertaining, generous and fulfilling Izakaya Izakaya is Japanese word for pubs but it literally means stay, drink, room. It describes an informal way of dining, snacking, pubbing and having fun. Surrounded by your colleagues, friends and even strangers, enjoy the izakaya experience with…
Read MoreRamen in Japan
Ramen In Japan Understanding the type of Ramen can be a little confusing, so here’s a little guide. Ramen is a legendary dish in Japan. Adapted from neighboring China, Japanese Ramen noodles have become a cultural icon of Japan and found a niche in the hearts of people. If there’s one thing in Tokyo that…
Read MoreOkonomiyaki – The Japanese Pancake
Okonomiyaki – The Japanese Pancake My input on finding okonomiyaki around Japan Okonomiyaki is one of the most famous Japanese dishes. Okonomiyaki is the name for ‘Japanese pancake’ or ‘Japanese pizza’ and is a mix of thinly shredded cabbage lightly sautéed in a batter. You can choose to top it with assorted vegetables, seafood, or…
Read MoreWould You Like to Shabu-Shabu?
Would You LIke To Shabu-Shabu? Shabu Shabu, or Japanese hot pot with a burst of flavors, is a popular family go-to meal that really satisfies. You can go for just pork or beef, or both. Shabu-Shabu conveys the sound of ‘swish-swish’ – just a few swishes in the pot and it’s ready to serve! The…
Read MoreTeppanyaki in Tokyo
Teppanyaki In Tokyo One of my favorite Tokyo restaurants and its Teppanyaki Teppanyaki Teppan means Hotplate or Iron griddle, while Yaki means grilled, broiled or pan-fried. So Teppanyaki is an assortment of food displayed on a hotplate/griddle and served right in front of you. My Top 3 Destinations in Tokyo #1 Ginza Steak Tokyo To celebrate…
Read MoreThe Best Yakitori in Tokyo
The Bset Yakitori In Tokyo Some of my preferred yakitori joints Yakitori (焼き鳥) is grilled skewered chicken mixed with a Teriyaki-like sauce. It is a quintessential Japanese soul food or grilled chicken skewers which is a culinary exploration of the entire bird from neck to tail. The yakitori dish is cheap and cheerful and is…
Read MoreLearn About, Make, and Eat Sushi in Tokyo
Learn About, Make, and Eat Sushi In Tokyo Interesting history about sushi + my favorite sushi restaurants in Tokyo Easily Japan’s most famous dish, sushi is one of the most amazing yet delicious food in the world, and although for most the thought of eating raw fish is cringe-worthy, sushi is sure to change that…
Read MoreUnagi / Anago in Tokyo
Unahi / Anago in Tokyo My experience of enjoying Unagi with good company and great conversation Unagi is an extremely expensive delicacy which is famous for not only its flavor but for its stamina-giving properties. Traditionally, it’s eaten in the hottest periods of summer on the day of the “Ox” to provide strength and vitality…
Read MoreTonkatsu and Gyukatsu – Fried Pork and Beef in Tokyo
Tonkatsu and Gyukatsu – Fried Pork and Beef in Tokyo All about tonkatsu, a Japanese pork filet, and gyukatsu, a beef dish Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish of pork filet which is breaded with panko breadcrumbs, deep fried then served with a dark, savory tonkatsu sauce with shredded green cabbage. Ton refers to pig/pork, and…
Read MoreJapan Food Blog: EatInTokyo
Japan Food Blog: Eat In Tokyo My blog for food and restaurants from when I lived in Japan http://www.eatintokyo.com While I lived in Japan from 2014-2016, I was able to eat at a lot of different restaurants. This was because my colleague, Yoda-san, and I had a business expense account for clients. So we blogged…
Read MoreItalian: A comparison of my favorite places
Italian: A Comparison of My Favorite Places Don’t miss the Italian restaurants in Japan! I always tell people that the best Italian food is in Japan. In fact, I have Italian people who often tell me the same. Of course, this may not be true but I have yet to have an Italian meal that…
Read MoreTop Places to Eat in Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Top Places To Eat In Ishigaki City, Okinway Ishigaki has some great places to eat. The village is a fun and festive atmosphere welcoming to foreigners. Enjoy your time there. Ishigaki Village: This is a fun area in the middle of Ishgaki. The yakitori skewers tell the story. Tuna Speciality: Today Lets eat in Tokyo…
Read MoreWhat to do in the Ishigaki Islands?
What To Do In The Ishigaki Islands? One of my favorite trips in all of Japan was to the Ishigaki Islands. It’s one of the highlights of Japan. If you go to Japan, I highly recommend the flight here. Fly into Ishigaki and enjoy the small city, great food, and local atmosphere. There is a…
Read MoreSouthern BBQ at Hato’s Bar
Southern BBQ at Hato’s Bar This may be the best southern BBQ you can get anywhere. Slow cooked BBQ meets Japanese fine dining. South Carolina pulled pork, Texas Briscuit, Kansas ribs, Mac n cheese, OMG. We celebrated Chris’s graduation ftom Duke MBA. Pictures tell the rest. http://hatosbar.org/top/ Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average:…
Read MoreWhat is Kakigori? Shaved Ice
What Is Kakigori? Kakigori is one of my favorite desserts. This place had a long line of college students. It is located in Meijiro Station. It gets a #2 rating for Kakigori. http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1305/A130502/13003855/ Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreTop 10 Things Japan Does Best
Top 10 Things Japan Does Best As I leave Japan after almost 3 years, this is my top 10 list. Many know that Japan excels in a variety of products and technology such as trains, cars, cuisine (www.eatintokyo.com – my food blog) , and whiskey. But there are more. After living here three years – and departing…
Read MoreCrepes: Breizh Cafe Creperie from Paris
Crepes: Breizh Cafe Creperie from Paris This is a famous crepes chain found only in Paris and Tokyo. After Maisen you can walk there in Omotesando. http://www.le-bretagne.com About: The first Creperie in Japan Galette Bertrand Larcher who, like traditional crepes, was born in Bretagne, has introduced the Galette to Japan at Japan’s first Creperie, Cafe-Creperie…
Read MoreWhat is a Zen Lunch? Refreshing Fish @ Suzunami 鈴波 in Roppongi Hills
What is a Zen Lunch? Refreshing Fish @ Suzunami in Roppongi Hills Yesterday I ate at Suzunami – a zen lunch place. My friend said that this was a place to get good fish, nutrition, and feel better afterwards. Suzunami specializes in cooking one type of fish extremely well. They also have a variety of…
Read MoreWhat is Tsukemen?つけ麺はなんでしょうか
What Is Tsukemen? Most people who have not lived in Japan do not know what Tsukemen is. Tsukemen is a Japanese noodle dish consisting of ramen which is eaten after dipping in a separate bowl of soup. The soup is thick and should be appreciated. If ramen is the perfect choice during cold seasons, tsukemen…
Read MoreThe Only Chicken Ramen – Torisoba ラーメンBAR 鶏そば
The Only Chicken Ramen – Torisoba Finding chicken soup in Tokyo is not easy but just next to my apartment is a fantastic chicken based noodle soup / ramen store. The owner spent time in LA and even speaks some English. My favorite dish is the house special soba with chicken, half cooked egg, and…
Read MoreAmerican Bistro ‘Towers’ – Higashi Azabu
American Bistro ‘Towers’ In Higashi Azabu Towers restaurant is across the street from my apartment. They do an American bistro with a variety of chili, chicken, vegetables like Okra and beets, and an amazing Aussie filet. They also have a great lunch salad and chicken over rice (not chinese style). They are also very friendly…
Read MoreSweet Potato Truck
Sweet Potato Truck They drive around time in the winter selling sweet potatoes. Catch them if you can! Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreEating = Happy in Tokyo
Eating = Happy In Tokyo Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreLunch Time: 京王駅弁大会ーLunch Box Competition
Lunch Time Lunch Box Competition 先週末京王百貨店で第５１回お弁当大会がおこなわれています。全国から上手いお弁当作れる人がそこに来て、美味しいものを競争していました。去年の一位は北陸新幹線駅から高級魚のどぐろと、かに、といくらです。今年の一番は北海道から大玉ほたてたっぷりうにです。あまりに美味しくて手に負けなくて５代もお弁当を食べました。ローストビーフすしや、ステーキとご飯やかにめしも食べました。大好物はスモークさばでご飯と魚が詰め込んであります、つまり押し寿司である。最後はデザートです。二層で分けたクリームパステルを食べて、一つは牛乳クリーム、もう一つは卵クリーム。その混ぜたものが超美味しかったです。ぜひぜひ時間があれば行ってください。 Last weekend, my friends an I went to the Train Station Lunchbox Competition. Obento shops from all around Japan came to join the competition. My favorite was the smoked salmon and the uni, scallop, ikura bowl. If you get the chance, please go. 味しかったです。ぜひぜひ時間があれば行ってください。 Click to rate this…
Read More#1 Curry and Japanese Curry History: もうやんカレーと日本カレーの歴史
#1 Curry and Japanese Curry History もうやんカレーと日本カレーの歴史 僕が東京の中で一番好きなカレーはもうやんカレーです。四種類の味から選べるカレーの食べ放題です。１。豚 ２。辛い豚 ３。牛肉 ４。激辛のトッピング。食べ放題には野菜、鶏肉、サラダがあります。カレーが好きなら、ぜひ行ってみてください。 明治時代にイギリス人からカレーが紹介されました。そのあいだに英国はインドを占領している。当時はイギリス人シェフがイギリスの鍋物と香辛料とインドのカレーを混ぜて洋風のカレーを発明しました。日本海軍が英国海軍よりカレーを採用しました。時間の経過とともに徐々に流行っていき。６０年代に本当に人気になりました。いまではカレーは伝統的な和食と言われています。 http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13090209/ Mouyan Curry is our favorite curry in Tokyo so far. It is a very simple, all you can eat buffet with four types of curry: 1. Pork 2. Spicy Pork 3. Beef 4. Spicy . You can also pick different types of vegetables and salad.…
Read MoreHow to Make Homemade Okonomiyaki
How To Make Homemade Okonomiyaki A Japanese Recipe from my friend, Itoh-san Itoh-san is my friend of over 15 years when we met in Osaka. He has always been the Okonimyaki cooking master and last week we had Okonomiyaki cooking day. It was better than its ever been. Ingredients: Eggs Okonomiyaki powder mix (flour and…
Read MoreSeasonal Change of the Fish – Sashimi
Seasonal Change of the Fish – Sashimi One thing you may notice when living in Japan is the seasonal chang of types of sushi or sashimi. This is best exemplified by the Edo Period “Hatsumono” Fish Calendar to demonstrate how food changes every season in Japan. Before you go, make sure to check out which…
Read MoreHow to Make Mochi
How To Make Mochi Step By Step How to make Mochi: 餅の作り方 Last week, I learned how to make Mochi. Across Japan at festivals, there is often a mochi-making session. Try to search this down and participate. Step 1: Get mochi rice and add a bit of water Step 2: Beat it with a big mallet…
Read MoreYakiniku + Steak +Aussie Beef
Yakiniku + Steak + Aussie Beef Yakiniku – an incredibly delicious assortment of meat served with a pot of soup, rice or on its own. I was fortunate enough to discover this place and have it tasted. To know more about Yakiniku keep reading. Before that, if you already know about Yakiniku mentioned below is…
Read MorePlaces To Eat In Sapporo
Places To Eat In Sapporo Recommendations for when you visit Sapporo, Japan Sapporo is the 7th largest city in Japan. It is a city blessed with so much natural beauty regardless of seasonal changes. In the summer, the city flourishes with amazing flowers and in the winter, the city is covered with snow, making it…
Read MoreOyster + Fish Izakaya
Oyster + Fish Izakaya An introduction to Izakaya As I previously mentioned in my post, Izakaya is mostly mistaken for a Western style pub or a restaurant. Izakaya is an experience where you are served more than 7 course style snacks with drinks to accompany each of them. Since there inception it has been a…
Read MoreOther Fun Night Out in Tokyo
Other Fun Night Out In Tokyo Some more fantastic restaurants in Tokyo OMOTESANDO WINE CELLAR GRILL The team of Wine Cellar Grill is incredible. The entire menu is made to be paired with different wines. As expected, they had a great wine selection even from California. Its great date spot or group night out spot.…
Read MoreIibadashi Italian and Pizza in Japan
Iibadashi Italian and Pizza The Japanese way of Pizza + Restaurants Pizza is one of the most popular and loved dishes around the globe and as such, new recipes are being developed frequently to make it more delicious and appetizing. The Japanese have infused a few their local ingredients in pizzas to increase its edibility…
Read MoreCoffee Culture In Japan
Coffee Culture In Japan Learn about coffee in Japan and visit these coffee shops Coffee culture, just like any popular culture, has evolved over the years to become an inevitable part of the lives of coffee lovers. There are so many unique coffee cultures out there that are presented from different countries around the world.…
Read MoreTop 4 Brunch Restaurants in Tokyo
Top 4 Brunch Restaurants In Tokyo Do not bypass brunch in Tokyo. Here’s some great places. While visiting Japan, you do not actually think there might be some similarity to your own city or you can get what you like. I was taken aback multiple times when I discovered Japan closely. Brunch, I wasn’t sure…
Read MorePart I: Six Reasons Startups Should Invest in Japan
Six Reasons Startups Should Invest in Japan Japan is an ideal place to open up offices and invest for the long-term. After Japan’s economic crash of the late 90’s, a fog settled over the land of the rising sun. Nearly two decades of deflation, a perceived lack of Japanese innovation, and a rapidly aging workforce…
Read MoreSkiing and Snowboarding in Japan – Outside Hokkaido
Skiing and Snowboarding In Japan – Outside Hokkaido After numerous trips to Japan to go skiing, I often get asked about the places to go. So I thought I’d put together a short guide on my top picks for Japanese ski resorts. Aside from Niseko in Hokkaido (which offers some of the best skiing in…
Read MorePart II: Six Tips for Startups to Invest in Japan
Investing In Japan II Six Tips for Startups to Invest in Japan Japan perplexes foreigners. Stepping out of Tokyo Station for the first time can feel like landing on the moon. Even those who have lived in Tokyo for years can be overwhelmed by its linguistic and cultural nuances. This kind of culture shock is…
Read MoreTop Ten Reasons Why San Franciscans Would Love Tokyo
Top Ten Reasons Why San Franciscans Would Love Tokyo And they are… 1. Foodies! – Everyone knows I don’t like super expensive tasting menus and would always prefer a burrito or Yoshinoya. That said, I’ve always said SF has the best restaurants whether a cheap burrito or expensive Michelin rated; Tokyo has cheaper, better restaurants…
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