5 Refreshing Japanese Summer Treats
Spring is finally gone and officially, summer is just around the corner. It is not really hot yet, but gradually temperatures will soar in the next few weeks. Normally, most people prepare what to eat and do during the coming of the hot season. Think of frozen treats, summer foods, and a splash in the pool! I've rounded up five refreshing summer treats to try in Japan that absolutely beat the heat during the sweltering weather. Kakigori Kakigori is known as shaved ice, a traditional dessert that dates back to the Heian Period in Japanese history. During summer festivals, this beloved dessert is simply made with snow-like shaved ice flavored with various syrups. In cafes and restaurants, kakigori is more…
OFF THE BEATEN PATH SERIES: KEISOKUSAN HIKING TRAIL
Today, I'm going to introduce to my readers some places that are underrated but worth visiting. So I started the off-the-beaten-path series to share with you what it's like to travel cheaply without breaking your wallet and avoid tourist traps. My family loves to explore hidden gems in Japan. While it's definitely cheaper and free to visit, these places are tucked away from the crowd and commercial tourism. The loosening of travel restrictions in Japan after two years is good news for the overall economy of Japan, however, let us still consider that Covid- 19 still exists and that we should always abide by precautionary measures. Expressways and national highways are filled with vehicles stuck in traffic and I could…
Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair 2022
The sleepy town of Mashiko located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan once again has been brought to life! After 2 years of hiatus due to the coronavirus restrictions, the pottery fair was held once again in full swing. Held from April 29 to May 8, The Golden Week event was a blast and a relief to most artisans and entrepreneurs. It was a sign of economic recovery as people from other places flocked together and enjoy buying goods, not to mention, the restaurant businesses in the nearby areas benefited from this fair. And the event even came back with more variety in terms of merchandise. WHAT I SAW DURING THE FAIR In addition to ceramics and potteries, there were handmade goods,…
Earth Day 2022: Not just a one-day celebration
As I opened my Chrome browser the other day, I came to realize that it was Earth Day. I may be late for writing a blog post about this special day, but for me, it is the most relevant and timeless topic to talk about. We as inhabitants of this planet might be different in some aspects of life such as ethnicity, race, culture, social-economic status, and religion but we have something in common as Earthlings. We are all interconnected no matter the geographic location we are living in. To preserve this planet is not only a one-day awareness and celebration. For me, we should change our lifestyle to preserve Mother Earth. And live sustainably for the years to come.…
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JAPAN’S CHERRY BLOSSOMS SEASON
Spring season has finally arrived in the Northern hemisphere. Just like me, people got very excited about the floral season. But in Japan, there is a fifth season that is enjoyed by both locals and foreign visitors. It is called the cherry blossoms (sakura) season. It is so popular in the country and all over the world that people looked forward to this event. In fact, there are numerous reasons behind this very special season. Let's find out more. 4 REASONS THAT CHERRY BLOSSOMS ARE CELEBRATED History and cultural significance. Hanami (flower viewing) has a very interesting history. It dates back to Nara Period around the 8th Century when it was plum (ume) blossoms that people admired in the beginning.…
9 Amazing Things To Do in Japan this Spring
Japan is one of the countries in the world that has four definite seasons. And because of it, there are lots of activities to do anywhere in the country. It's the perfect time to explore the outdoors and if this is your first time in Japan, read more on how to enjoy this beautiful season. HANAMI Japan is undeniably beautiful throughout this floral season as the country gears up for the cherry blossom season. Hanami means flower viewing and there are lots of activities associated with it. The most popular activity is throwing a picnic underneath the sakura tree with family and friends. You can make lunchbox meals (obento) according to your liking and bring along your favorite drinks and…
JAPANESE CREAM STEW
February is coming to an end and the unusually cold weather this month has brought misery to most people. The cold winds from the north were icy cold, making temperatures drop to sub-zero every morning and night. A large amount of snowfall especially in North Western Japan may be good for ski resorts but for ordinary day-to-day living, it could be very challenging. To cope with such cold temperatures, I share with you a winter recipe perfect for keeping the body warm and making the immune system strong. This recipe is called cream stew which is a popular Japanese dish served at home or in cafes. This dish originates from the West and is considered a "yoshoku" with a Japanese…
Japan’s Unique Chocolate Flavors
Valentine's Day is officially here and what a better day to explore different kinds of chocolates among Japanese supermarket shelves!. Chocolates are loved by people all over the world regardless of their customized flavors. Chocolate originated from Europe but was said to be introduced to Japan in 1797. After a few years in the 1920s, chocolate factories open up and became easily available to everyone. Nowadays, chocolates evolved into more flavorful bars added with caramel, nuts, almond, milk, green tea, or even alcohol! They are commonly enjoyed by both children and even adults just like anywhere else in the world. What makes Japanese Chocolate unique? Nama Chocolate. Image by Boderat Kuratchatchaval from Pixabay Like in other countries, Japanese chocolates have…
7 Affordable Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is just around the corner! And you may think it's all about flower giving and fancy dinners, Japan celebrated this special day somewhat differently from other countries. In Japan, don't expect a bouquet of roses from your romantic partner. Rather a box of chocolate is considered a romantic gesture. If you expect to receive a gift from a man, you are mistaken. Women usually give chocolates to the male figures in their life- their husbands, boyfriends, or male boss and co-workers. In return when White Day ( celebrated every March 14) comes, women receive chocolates and other feminine gift items from men. Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day can be celebrated the way you want it to…
ALL ABOUT JAPAN’S STRAWBERRIES
February is the coldest month in Japan. It's also the time to harvest delicious strawberries, in addition to chocolate giving on Valentine's Day. Everyone loves strawberries and this power fruit can be served in various ways, including desserts, shakes, and parfaits. And best of all, it's loaded with Vitamin C. Japan has the best strawberries in the world-known for their beautiful shape and juicy varieties! Currently, there are six varieties being developed in Tochigi Prefecture, the strawberry kingdom of Japan. Tochigi is also the number one producer of high-quality strawberries in the country. In addition, learn more about these interesting varieties that come in different sizes and shapes. STRAWBERRY VARIETIES Tochiotome とちおとめ The most popular strawberry variety commonly found in…
