Have you heard of Chawan Mushi, Japan's savory egg custard dish? Typically served piping hot in a small lidded bowl, Chawan Mushi is soft, juicy, and packed with flavor. Read to learn how to make you own Chawan Mushi!
Summer in Japan: Special Celebrations and Surviving the Soaring Temps
What is Summer Like in Japan? It’s the middle of August and boy has it gotten toasty! Every time I step outside, a blanket of warmth envelops me as if I were entering a sauna. (Sometimes this feeling takes me completely by surprise, especially if I’ve spent all day indoors) ?. Hello 90% humidity! The... Continue Reading →
How to Make Umeshu (梅酒, Plum Wine)
What is Umeshu and Where Can You Get It? Have you ever tried umeshu (梅酒)? Also known as plum wine, this is a sweet and refreshing drink often served on-the-rocks or mixed with soda water. Its fruity taste makes for easy sipping, and is one of my favorite summer beverages! You can find umeshu pretty... Continue Reading →
Unique and Fun Stationery to Buy in Japan
Japanese Stationery Supplies In case you didn't know, Japanese stationery rocks! Compact, cute, and clever... these characteristics describe almost every item in the stationery aisle, and let me just say - it's a real challenge refraining from buying it all. Maybe that should be an Olympic Sport ?. Since I've started to gather a nice... Continue Reading →
Sumo Grand Tournament: How to Get Tickets and Watch Japan’s National Sport
Sumo Wrestling: Japan’s National Sport Japan's National sport is.... sumo wrestling! Yes, the sport of large men wearing minimal clothing fighting to push each other outside of a small circle. While simple in theory, there is actually so much more to the sport than first meets the eye. I had the opportunity to attend the... Continue Reading →
Vending Machines: Convenient or Overkill?
Special in Japan: Abundant Vending Machines Introducing a new type of blog post I'm calling: Special in Japan! Recently I've only been writing about big trips and events, but there are so many other things I experience and learn every day that I also want to share. So to post more consistently and not leave... Continue Reading →
Aizome Traditional Indigo Dyeing in Kurume
A recent visit to the Chikugo region of Kurume brought me to the steps of a workshop specializing in the production of indigo textiles. The most highly regarded products are called Kurume Kasuri which feature intricate, handcrafted, dual tone patterns. Kurume Kasuri Textiles To be considered true Kurume Kasuri (an official national handicraft of Japan),... Continue Reading →
Herbal Steam Bath Detox -Kannawa Mushiyu in Beppu, Oita
Beppu, Oita - Kyushu's Famous Hot Spring Spot! To the southeast of Fukuoka, in neighboring Oita prefecture, you can find Beppu- a city famous for its steamy streets and abundant hot springs (onsen 温泉 in Japanese). In certain districts, the steam literally rises from grates in the ground! Two hours by bus, car, or train... Continue Reading →
Ochazuke (お茶漬け) at Kappō Yoshida in Fukuoka, Japan
This post is all about ochazuke! Do you know what that is? I recently went to Kappō Yoshida, a Fukuoka restaurant known for their special sea bream (tai) ochazuke.