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Tonkatsu Guide — The Golden Cutlet
Japan's Beloved "Western" Food Tonkatsu (Breaded Pork Cutlet) is the king of Yoshoku—Western dishes that have been thoroughly Japanized. Invented in Ginza in the late 19th century, it transformed the French côtelette into a deep-fried ma... -
Sukiyaki & Shabu-shabu Guide — The Battle of the Beef Hot Pots
The Twin Kings of Wagyu When it comes to enjoying premium Japanese beef (Wagyu), steak is not the only option. The two most famous methods are Sukiyaki and Shabu-shabu. Both are Nabemono (hot pot dishes) cooked at the table, but they off... -
Sendai and Matsushima — The City of Trees and the Samurai’s Pine Islands
Located about 1.5 hours north of Tokyo by Shinkansen, Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region. Known as the "City of Trees" (Mori no Miyako), it is a modern metropolis that harmonizes beautifully with nature, deeply influenced by... -
Nara — The Ancient Capital and the Divine Deer
Located less than an hour by train from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara holds a special place in Japanese history as the country's first permanent capital (Heijo-kyo), established in 710 AD. It is a city where history is not just preserved in museu... -
Okinawa — The Tropical Kingdom of Blue Seas and Ryukyu Soul
If Hokkaido is the snowy crown of Japan, Okinawa is its tropical jewel. Located in the southernmost part of the archipelago, this chain of islands feels like a different nation entirely. Before becoming part of Japan, it was the independ... -
Hakone — The Hot Spring Resort and Mount Fuji’s Mirror
Located just an 85-minute ride from Shinjuku on the "Romancecar" express train, Hakone is Tokyo's favorite weekend escape. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it is a mountainous region famous for its world-class hot springs (onse... -
Fukuoka — The Gateway to Asia and the Capital of Street Food
Located on the northern shore of Kyushu island, Fukuoka is Japan's sixth-largest city and one of its most dynamic. Closer to Seoul and Shanghai than to Tokyo, it has historically served as Japan's gateway to Asia, fostering a unique, ope... -
Tokyo — The Neon Metropolis Where Tradition Meets the Future
Tokyo is not just a city; it is an experience of infinite magnitude. As the capital of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, it is a dazzling dizzying mosaic of neon-lit skyscrapers, historic temples, quiet gardens,... -
Kyoto — The Eternal Capital and the Heart of Japan
For over 1,000 years (from 794 to 1868), Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan. It is the spiritual and cultural heart of the country, a city where the modern world seems to melt away, revealing a landscape of ancient temples, silent Z... -
Osaka — The Nation’s Kitchen and City of Laughter
Located in the heart of the Kansai region, Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and the antithesis of Tokyo. While Tokyo is polished and polite, Osaka is loud, vibrant, and incredibly friendly. Known historically as Tenka no Daidokoro ("T...
