What is a Depachika? A depachika (デパ地下) is a gourmet food hall located in the basement levels (usually B1 and B2) of Japanese department stores (depato). The name is a portmanteau of depato (department store) and chika (basement). Unlike standard … Read More
If you have ever eaten sushi or grabbed a steaming bowl of ramen, you have probably encountered it: a thin, dark, paper-like sheet wrapped around your food. Is it plastic? Is it edible paper? No, it is Nori (海苔)—one of … Read More
If you’ve been to Japan, you likely know Kura Sushi—the famous conveyor-belt sushi chain with the fun plate-dropping game. But did you know there is a “hidden” luxury version called Muten Kura? With only 5 locations in the entire country, … Read More
When visiting Japan, many travelers fall in love with Japanese green tea, or ryokucha. But bulky bottles or loose-leaf teas can be difficult to pack. That’s why powdered “Oi Ocha” green tea is a brilliant souvenir choice—compact, easy to use, … Read More
If you’re traveling in Japan and craving a comforting, flavorful meal, CoCo Ichibanya (often called “CoCoICHI”) is a must-try. It’s Japan’s most popular curry chain, known for its delicious Japanese-style curry and its incredible level of customization. What Can You … Read More
When visiting Japan, you might think first of sushi, ramen, or tempura. But did you know that Japan has its own burger culture? Japanese burger chains offer unique flavors, seasonal items, and clever twists on the American classic. Just keep … Read More
Conveyor belt sushi in Japan is a fun and delicious experience, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you’re visiting for the first time. 1. Not All Sushi Costs the … Read More
Japan is known for its conveyor belt sushi chains, and among them, Sushiro, Kura Sushi, and Hamazushi are some of the most popular. In this article, we will compare the unique features of these three sushi chains to help foreign … Read More
Japanese people take off their shoes at the entrance and enter the house, and live barefoot or slippers in the house. In the world, very few countries live without shoes. Why do Japanese people take off their shoes and go … Read More
There are various types of tea in Japan.This article introduces the main types of tea.Let’s use it as a reference when tasting tea in Japan! Similar but different Japanese tea There are many products called “tea” in Japan.However, few people … Read More