Curry is one of the most popular dishes in Japan that has been enjoyed since the early Meiji period. During that time, Japanese people started to eat British-style curry and other Western foods as a way to emulate modern Western culture. Over time the flavor of British curry, which is based on Indian curry, became sweeter with a more mild flavor to suit the Japanese palate, and the dish came to be known as a Japanese dish called “kare raisu” (curry rice).
Continue reading 7 Indian Restaurants in Tokyo to Spice Things Up
The Asakusa district is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Although it’s located in the middle of Japan’s largest city, Asakusa, which was historically the town’s entertainment quarter, maintains the traditional “shitamachi” downtown vibe of old Edo, and it’s one of the few places in Tokyo where one can still take a ride on a rickshaw. The local landmark Kaminarimon is a massive gate that leads to Sensoji Temple, which is flanked by the Nakamise shopping street, a traditional market that has sold souvenirs and local snacks to visitors for centuries.
Continue reading Asakusa Restaurants Showcase Flavorful Food Fusion
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s top destinations for visitors and locals alike. A beacon of youth culture and entertainment, the area offers everything from shopping and karaoke to cool bars and lively nightclubs.
Just outside of Shibuya Station is the Hachiko statue dedicated to Japan’s most loyal canine, which has become a popular rendezvous spot for groups of friends meeting up. And the intersection in front of the station, often referred to as “Scramble Crossing” is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, with as many as 2,500 people passing through it each time the traffic light changes. But Shibuya isn’t only a place to go for fun shopping and entertainment, it’s home to trendy cafés and numerous restaurants that provide a wide range of cuisines. If you’re wondering where to eat near Shibuya station, here’s a handy guide.
Continue reading Where to Eat near Shibuya Station - 10 Excellent Restaurants
Cherry blossom season in Japan begins each year in early spring, lasting until around Golden Week in May. During that time, swaths of pink and white sakura blossoms burst into full bloom starting from the Kyushu area in the southwest and moving in a northerly direction. During this season hanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, are common in Japan. Sakura viewing first began during the Heian period, the historical peak of the Japanese nobility and a period in which culture and the arts flourished in Japan. The Heian emperor would host extravagant feasts beneath the cherry blossoms at the imperial palace in Kyoto, which set the tradition for hanami picnics. Today, hanami parties can take place either during the daytime or at night among family, friends, and coworkers.
Continue reading Hanami Guide: Where to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka