What 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…

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How 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…

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Favorite 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…

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Top 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…

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The 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…

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How 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…

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TanTan (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…

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Okinawan 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…

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My 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…

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Ramen 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…

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Teppanyaki 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…

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Learn 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…

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Unagi / 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…

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Tonkatsu 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…

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What 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…

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How 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…

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