TOP FOODS TO EAT WHEN VISITING JAPAN
Japan tops the list of must-visit countries to visit after the pandemic. And surely one of the best things to do when visiting is try the country's local food. But for those of you who don't have any idea which Japanese food to try, read on to get some knowledge of Japan's delicious foods. These foods are easily found everywhere in Japan. Prices vary depending on location but it is still very pocket-friendly to the budget traveler. For more ideas on where to eat in Japan, check out my previous article here: https://www.tanboblog.org/top-restaurant-chains-in-japan-offering-japanese-food/ Sushi Undeniably Japan's popular food is sushi. The classic nigiri sushi is well-loved by most people. Simple yet flavorful, the sushi rice is topped with different toppings such…
10 FOOD TRENDS IN 2022: Which one would you pick?
Have you ever heard about food trends every year? I bet every foodie wants to learn about this topic. The pandemic brought so much change in the food industry and lifestyle, encouraging everyone to embrace the new normal. What is really the new normal when it comes to food? According to food experts, it is about healthy eating and sustainability. There was an increase in vegetable intake during the start of the pandemic, hoping to raise the immunity level of each person and fight off the virus. And sustainability in a way to reduce unnecessary food packaging and waste. This is a great trend to follow this 2022! Read on to learn more about the food trends this year. Veggie…
Moka SL: Steam Locomotive in Modern Japan
Have you ever wondered what it's like riding a steam locomotive? Perhaps we saw it once in vintage movies. And with trains evolving into faster and convenient ways, it is a rare event to see a steam locomotive in action. Because of their rareness, people often regard these antique trains as extraordinary and special. We often heard about bullet trains speeding their way from Tokyo to the rest of Japan's regional cities. But in Tochigi prefecture just north of Tokyo, you will see and experience a steam locomotive train that dates back to 1912. It is called SL Moka which is operated by Moka Railway. History of Moka Railway Moka Railway was launched originally before World War II in 1912.…
10 Japanese New Year Customs and traditions
Every country in the world has its own customs and traditions. But unlike in the West, Japan has its own traditions to follow in a more peaceful and calm way. We always associate New Year's Eve celebrations with fireworks and revelry. However, in Japan, families gather to celebrate the new year by cooking, eating, playing games, and praying. Read on to discover these New Year customs and traditions. DEEP CLEANING A few days before New Year's Day, most people deep cleaned their houses and even cars. In Japanese culture, it is believed that the New Year must begin with a clean slate to bring good luck into their homes. So it is the time to do major decluttering, whether your…
道の駅もてぎの良いところは何？ SLが見られる
よいところ1 SLが見られる 道の駅もてぎで SL蒸気機関車 12形 66号 デゴイチ(Ｄ５１１４６号) SLキューロク９６００形 を見るられるSLファンんにはとても魅力的な場所です。 時期によって変わるようです。 土･日･祭日に運行しています。 茂木発下館行や下館発茂木行のSL蒸気機関車が自分の眼の前を通るのを実体験出来ます。 SL好きにはたまらない瞬間でしょう。 とてもワクワク出来ます。 ここは、誰にでも、寄り道しやすい所です。 よいところ2 生産地直売野菜果物土産品が手に入るうえ、食事や子供たちの遊び場 駅と云っても通勤に使う駅ではないです。 純な農村地帯なので周りの農家で作られた農作物を新鮮な状態で手に入れられる。 食堂も何件かあり食事も満足できます。 たまに開催される音楽イベントも結構大掛かりに開いています。 敷設の遊具公園や花畑のピクニック気分の散歩。 子供たちが遊具での遊びながら、蒸気機関車を見る。 ゆずの里茂木、茂木はゆずの里でもあります きがるに立ち寄れ、野菜果物・休憩・食事・お土産を手に入れることが出来ます。 そして、子供たちも満足できる。 本格的なレース会場ツインリンクもてぎは道の駅もてぎの近く 本格的なレース会場 ” ツインリンクもてぎ ” は道の駅もてぎ のすぐ近くのサーキットです。 国内外のレース大会が開催されていることから、道の駅もてぎは全国的にも名が知られた道の駅です。 開催日には、我が家の横の国道もかなり混雑しています。 旅行中に経由して旅の楽しみを倍増させるとても良い。 よいところ3 道の駅もてぎでSLを見る時間帯は SLを見ることのできる時間帯は 道の駅もてぎの通過時刻は 12:00頃、道の駅もてぎ通過で12:02茂木駅着予定 14:30頃、道の駅もてぎ通過で14:28茂木駅発予定 運行日は毎週土･日･祭日です 2022年1−2月はD51146号の運転の休止 （SL真岡 12形66号 土曜・日曜に運行日カレンダーを開く） この場所には、屋外の屋台、遊び場、ピクニック用の芝生、そして博物館もあります。 よいところ4 博物館としての古いアメリカの建物 昔輸入された古いアメリカの家があります。 アメリカで活動した日本画家、古田土 雅堂（こたと・がどう 茂木生まれ）が輸入し建てた家が道の駅に移築されています。 古田土氏はニューヨークにあったノリタケの前身モリムラブラザーズでデザインの仕事をしていた。 歴史が有る物に興味のある人にとって、この家を訪れることは素晴らしい体験です。 古いアメリカ式のこの家に住んでいるような雰囲気を味わうことができます。 入場は無料ですが、常に開館していません。 営業時間 土曜日 10時00分～16時00分 日曜日 10時00分～16時00分 月曜日〜金曜日 休館日 電話 0285-63-1137 週末やゴールデンウェークなどの休日に開館しています。 まとめ 誰でもが楽しめることがたくさんあります。 茂木サーキットに近い。 食事も楽しめる。 子供も同伴でも満足できる。 お土産もゲットできる。 https://youtu.be/LiglCt-R_ZE
GRIMM NO MORI: A Fairytale Park in Tochigi, Japan
Fountain at Grimm no Mori. Japan's countryside is not just ricefields and shrines but there are lots of surprises to be discovered. You can find European-inspired parks and museums. These attractions have interesting history affiliated with some places in Europe. And that's the reason why they are created. I had a chance to discover a hidden fairy tale park when I searched for "winter illuminations near me". And that beautiful park is called Grimm no Mori (Grimm Forest). A quick history of Grimm no Mori Figure museum depicting the fairy tales from Grimm brothers. Located in Shimotsuke City, the park has an interesting history. During the Showa era, Ishibashi-cho in Shimono City became a sister city with the village of…
Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies (Sugar Cookies)
With Christmas coming round the corner, we can't help but prepare something delicious for the holidays. It's not just planning for a Christmas Eve dinner but snacks do count for the preparation. Think about crunchy little cookies to nibble on during the cold winter days. Mostly popular in Western countries is the Christmas Cookies that come in different shapes and colors. They are mostly sold in Christmas markets in Europe. If your country doesn't have a European-style Christmas market, you can make these cookies at home too. What's great about cookies is that they can be preserved inside a jar for several days. It's a perfect accompaniment for coffee and tea. It's also a great gift to a friend, family…
Celebrating Christmas the Japanese Way
Every country in the world has its own way of celebrating Christmas. While most Western countries celebrate Christmas with religious traditions, Christmas in Japan is merely a celebration for commercial reasons and some traces of western practices. It is not also a national holiday so expect children in school and people at work during Christmas morning. That doesn't mean that Japan has boring Christmas celebrations but still, they've got glamorous Christmas decorations and top-notch Christmas foods to eat. History of Christmas in Japan Japan was isolated from the world for a long time. When Japan opened its doors to the world during the Meiji period, western influences took place as Westerners would bring Christmas items from abroad. After World War…
ONSEN EXPERIENCE for a De-STRESSING GETAWAY
Nasushiobara is a haven for onsen ryokans (traditional Japanese hotspring inn ). It is a mountainous region in the countryside of Tochigi being next to the famous tourist spot Nikko City. Most people who dwell in the urban areas of Japan would visit Nasushiobara for a quick getaway and enjoy the warm baths of a traditional onsen ryokan. Since autumn is coming to an end, my family decided to have an onsen experience to combat the coldness of the coming winter. We pick out OOIDEKAN ONSEN in Nasushiobara out of curiosity. The establishment was featured on Japanese TV for its rich sulfuric hot spring, turning metals like water faucets into black. It has an authentic Japanese ryokan appeal and it…
Yosenabe: Japan’s winter comfort food
Every country has its own winter food to enjoy, specially cooked to warm our bodies. In Japan, one of the most popular food to enjoy is "nabe". Actually, it's a wide variety of dishes known as nabemono. Nabe means pot and mono means things or stuff. It is an arrangement of different kinds of meat, assorted vegetables, and different kinds of broth. It includes popular dishes such as oden, sukiyaki, shabu shabu, yudofu and etc. THE MOST BASIC KIND OF NABE I will introduce you to "Yosenabe", the most basic kind of nabe you can try at home. It is easy to prepare and a great party food. Basically, there are no rules when making yosenabe. The main ingredients are…
