This article describes the geologically and historically fascinating destination of Shimonita, an easy overnight excursion from Tokyo. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today)
Category: Japanese food
Post-Modern Tea Ceremony: A Lesson in Tea Appreciation in the Heart of Tea Country
This article describes an afternoon of tea tasting in Fukuoka's Hoshino-mura, not far from the place were tea was first cultivated in Japan some 800 years ago. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today)
Making Umeshu: a sign of early summer
This morning my doorbell rang just as I was finishing my hausfrau duties (dishes, laundry, etc.). It was my friendly, neighborhood Sagawa Kyubin delivery man with a small box, a care package from my friend Kana. Kana lives in her family home in Nagano Prefecture and, like many "country folk", has a big fruit and … Continue reading Making Umeshu: a sign of early summer
Extraordinary sushi from Nishiki-zushi
Late last December, while I was traveling in Kyushu, I received a rather mysterious message that a friend had made a dinner reservation for me at a sushi restaurant in the Oita regional fishing port of Saiki, where I was planning to overnight. The restaurant, Nishiki-zushi, was just a couple of blocks from my hotel … Continue reading Extraordinary sushi from Nishiki-zushi
Takachiho Farm: fun hands-on experience of life on a farm
The Kirishima volcano system in Kagoshima Prefecture is fascinating for the variety of landscapes visitors can experience. The flanks of some of the volcanoes are covered with grassland conducive to raising cattle. Takachiho Farm is a kind of "show farm" within sight of Mt. Kirishima where visitors can see a working dairy and experience several … Continue reading Takachiho Farm: fun hands-on experience of life on a farm
Mariko: The littlest Tokaido post town
This article describes a walk through Mariko-juku, formerly a Tokaido post town and now a Shizuoka suburb. Try out the walk to discover a bit of history! (Archived article originally published by Japan Today.)
Bamboo Shooting: the Spring hunting season
As the season of new beginnings, Spring is the season when bamboo shoots emerge from the earth to shoot their way skyward. But clever hunters know they can hunt out the little brown spears just as they are breaking the surface for an excellent seasonal treat. This year, late Spring found us visiting our friend … Continue reading Bamboo Shooting: the Spring hunting season
How Sweet It Is! Making wasanbon tea sweets
The frothy whipped green tea served in traditional Japanese tea ceremony is strong and bitter. But unlike Western style tea or coffee, one does not ever add sugar! That is not to say that we completely ignore Mary Poppins' maxim. Rather, for over 400 years in Japan, whenever traditional tea ceremony tea is served, it … Continue reading How Sweet It Is! Making wasanbon tea sweets
Nori making: insights into a staple of Japanese cuisine
Nori, those paperlike sheets of dried seaweed, are popular in Japan as a tasty snack, as well as featuring in sushi and other famous Japanese dishes. But the stuff doesn't grow on trees! Or does it? Rows of dark rectangles in the water--telltale signs of seaweed farming are portrayed in Hiroshige woodblock prints of the … Continue reading Nori making: insights into a staple of Japanese cuisine
Noodling on Shikoku: lessons in traditional noodle making
Japanese people love their noodles. Across the country, you can't visit any size community that doesn't have a ramen shop. But ramen is a Chinese import. There are lots of indigenous Japanese noodles, too. On a recent trip to Shikoku, I not only encountered plenty of these noodles, I got to have lessons in how … Continue reading Noodling on Shikoku: lessons in traditional noodle making
Food tour: a different way to explore Japan
Japan has world heritage-listed cuisine; Japanese people, it seems, are always thinking about food. So perhaps it is little wonder that "food tours" have become popular with visitors to Japan. Even though I am not a "foodie", when a friend invited me to join the Arigato Japan Food Tours "Flavors of Japan" tour, I couldn't … Continue reading Food tour: a different way to explore Japan
A dozen things to do deep in the mountains of Shikoku
This article introduces the Iya and Oboke valleys of Tokushima on the island of Shikoku, describing 12 different sights or experiences not to miss when you visit. (Archived article - Originally published by Japan Today)
