Blog Masonry
ONSEN GUIDE: WASH YOUR STRESS AWAY
Japan contains approximately 10% of the world’s active volcanoes, boasting over 27,000 natural hot springs. Hot springs, known as “onsen” are beautiful gifts from god where warm water comes naturally to the surface from underground. They have been loved by the Japanese since ancient times and […]
READY TO BREW? AN INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE TEAWARE
Perhaps you’re ready to start brewing Japanese tea at home but not sure where to begin. Today’s post will share a few basic, but essential tea utensils that can help transform a mundane tea experience into a simple, but beautiful and deeply flavorful experience that can […]
DON’T MISS ANYTHING: YOUR 2024 JAPAN NATIONAL HOLIDAYS GUIDE
Are you ready to travel to Japan in 2024? After several event cancellations and strict COVID-19 measures, Japan is now fully prepared to welcome travelers once again. 2024 seems like the perfect time to visit! The most important thing to note is to book your Shinkansen, […]
5 Must Eat Foods in Kagawa
Kagawa (香川) is the smallest prefecture in Japan, known for its beautiful scenery and delicious food. Located in northeast Shikoku, neighboring the Seto Inland Sea and the Sanuki Mountains, a mountain range along the border of Tokushima Prefecture, there are many sights to see in Kagawa. […]
5 Must-Eat Things in Saga Prefecture
Located on the tip of Japan’s southernmost island Kyushu, sandwiched between the perhaps better-known prefectures of Fukuoka and Nagasaki, and bordered by the Sea of Japan, lies the fertile lands of Saga Prefecture. With this agricultural haven featuring some of the nation’s finest farming, fishing, and […]
Things to Do in Tokyo in December 2023
As the temperature drops and tourists and students alike return to their homes to celebrate the holidays, Tokyo transforms into a winter wonderland, offering events and activities not commonly seen throughout the other months. From unique conventions and traditional festivals, there is plenty to do in […]
SHINMAI: IT’S TIME TO SAVOR NEWLY HARVESTED RICE
In Japan, every autumn, “Shinmai” (newly harvested rice) is sold, making it the season when rice is the most delicious and popular. However, do you know when exactly rice can be called Shinmai? In this blog, I will introduce the definition of new rice, its harvest […]
5 Must-Eat Foods in Kumamoto
Kumamoto Prefecture, located in Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu, is brimming with culture and delicious cuisine. With an abundance of onsens and local delicacies sure to satisfy any foodie’s appetite, Kumamoto is a can’t-miss destination for people wanting to try unique cuisines. Basashi（馬刺し） In contrast to […]
SEAFOOD DELIGHTS AND ENTERTAINMENT IN SURUGA
The name of Suruga Ward in Shizuoka City, which I’m introducing today, comes from its location facing Suruga Bay. The origin becomes evident when Suruga (駿河) is written in Kanji. In this context, the rivers created by melting Mount Fuji snow flowed into the sea like […]
5 Must Eat Foods in Yamagata
Located in the Tohoku region of Honshu, Yamagata Prefecture is full of delicious foods and rich culture that are sure to satisfy both the palette and the curiosity of any traveling foodie. Hiyashi Ramen（冷やしラーメン） One beloved dish from the Yamagata region is hiyashi ramen, known in […]