Arigato Travel Weblog
The Secrets to Japanese Longevity: A Food Guide
In Japan, it’s not rare to see a street attendant working past retirement, or a kind 80-year-old woman still running her family soba restaurant. It’s a widely known fact that this country has some of the oldest people in the world, falling only behind Hong Kong in life expectancy. Why is this? Could it be the fantastic healthcare system, the high regard that seniors receive, or the fact that many of them remain active, getting up at 6 AM for their daily exercises? Of course these are all contributing factors, but we are missing a pretty important one: food.
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A Taste of Okinawa to Bring Home
Okinawa, with its turquoise seas and white sand beaches, touches the heart of anyone who visits. Whether you’re strolling down Kokusai Dori or you’re dipping your feet in the seas of Ishigaki, you want to take a slice of the Okinawan lifestyle back to reality. While Kariyushi (Okinawan aloha shirts) and island made jewelry are lovely baubles, I have found that the best way to show those back home how wonderful a culture is, is to bring back a little taste of their local delicacies…
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Hanami, the Fleetingness of Beauty in a Year of Crisis
Memories of fleeting beauty and friendship. All the more important to think about wonderful past experiences and look forward to future chances when this difficult time is behind us. MEMORIES: We laughed and shared stories, talking for hours and hours under the soft rain of sakura petals. It was like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, and a smile comes across my face whenever I recall it….
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Hiroshima, Hidden Gem of the Sake World
The town of Saijo in Hiroshima is home to eight Sake breweries and is where much of the sought-after soft water is sourced along with other locally produced ingredients. The winter weather experienced in Saijo also makes it an ideal site for Sake brewing…
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Sugamo, The Local Food and Culture Adventure For Everyone
My experience taking Arigato Japan’s Food, Culture and Calligraphy Tour in Sugamo felt like a breath of fresh air. After living in Tokyo for almost five years, it is always fun to get to know places that still have that local feeling. Read more about our Sugamo Foodie adventures…
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Sakura and Matcha: A Perfect Match for Spring
On the one hand, there’s sakura: sweet pink flowers, light and subtle. And on the other hand, you’ve got matcha: the green tea with a rich, earthy scent and taste.So put your hands together for the epic seasonal flavor that is sakura matcha!
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Saga Collective, Crafts to Conquer the World
It is always nice to see local efforts to highlight the best of a special place. Recently Arigato Japan had the pleasure to be invited by the Saga Collective to sample regional products from Saga Prefecture, an area on the north side of the Kyushu Island of the Japan.
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Guide of the Month From January 2020: Jordan from Tokyo
Each month we choose an amazing guide and feature them here in our blog in the following month. Please meet Jordan, our amazing guide from January 2020. Our guides are all special people that love to share their passion for Japan with all our visitors…
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March 2020 Kyoto Foodie Events
With March marking the beginning of spring, it’s not only nature that’s entering a new season, but the foodie world as well. Have a look at a couple of the exciting events available in Kyoto this March.
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March 2020 Events in Tokyo: Cherry Blossom, and MORE!
Spring is an amazing time to explore Tokyo. Please check our March events for experiences, things to do, see, and of course TASTE during your visit to Japan!
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