25 Feb | Petra Sufliarska |No Comments
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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21 Feb | Sneha Nagesh |No Comments
Yatsuhashi – Kyoto’s Famous Sweet Souvenir
Kyoto has innumerable souvenirs to choose from. Yet, one souvenir continues to outrank the rest. Yatsuhashi is one of the most popular souvenirs from Kyoto. Some studies have shown that over 40% of the tourists visiting Kyoto, Japanese or otherwise, take yatsuhashi back with them as a souvenir for their loved ones.
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2 Feb | Michelle Lam |No Comments
Kaiseki Ryouri – Historical Haute Cuisine
Kaiseki ryouri evolved throughout the ages. From simple meals served at a tea ceremony to fancy Heian imperial court cuisine with influence from the Buddhist boom during the Kamakura period, to the emphasis upon balance from the Muromachi age of Samurais, modern Kaiseki cuisine has been shaped by many aspects of Japanese culture and history – and now you can taste these dishes too.
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27 Jan | Alan Tse |No Comments
Guide of the Month December 2019: Ida from Kyoto
For foodies interested in exploring various aspects of Kyoto cuisine, I would recommend our Nishiki Market tour. This tour takes place in “Kyoto’s kitchen,” Nishiki market in the heart of Kyoto city. We sample local foods during the first hours of the tour, then sit down and enjoy a kaiseki (traditional Kyoto-style meal) course prepared by the chef using ingredients from the Nishiki market. Definitely a must-do for any foodie out there!
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15 Jan | Michelle Lam |No Comments
Best Vegan/Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
Being vegan/vegetarian while traveling in Japan can be quite hard, especially when it comes to eating out. Most of modern Japanese cuisine consists of more meat and animal products as most veggies are imported and therefore a bit expensive. But fear not – here are some of the best places to eat with affordable AND delicious vegan cuisine in Kyoto.
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8 Dec | Sneha Nagesh |No Comments
Japan’s Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine – Shojin Ryori
Until the18th century, plant-based agriculture was preferred to livestock rearing. This combined with the influence of Buddhism and Shintoism meant that most of the country harboured a vegetarian friendly diet. Emperors regularly issued meat bans and for a while, plant-based diets thrived. A version of this historic cuisine is still available today…
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28 Nov | Michelle Lam |No Comments
Kyoto: 100+ Years of Food History
At Arigato Japan we believe FOOD is the best gateway to culture, customs and history and this is true even more in the ancient city of Kyoto. From tea houses more than 300 years old to restaurants that have been serving food for half a millennium, Kyoto has a rich food history that is still relevant today.
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16 Nov | Jessica Iragne |No Comments
Guide of the Month October 2019: Yoshie from Kyoto
I have been working with Arigato Japan since May 2019. Sharing Japanese food and culture with people from all over the world has been the most rewarding experience.
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14 Nov | Michelle Lam |No Comments
Macho Bar, a bar themed around Macho Men in Kyoto
Japan is famous for weird and wacky restaurant themes, but this one is sure to carry weight. Macho Cafes or Macho Bars have recently become popular amongst locals and foreigners alike. Although it is quite pricey, you can experience Magic Mike-esque evening with muscley eye-candy.
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21 Sep | Jessica Iragne |No Comments
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with a Belgian Tea Master in Kyoto
Practicing the tea ceremony gave me the opportunity not only to deepen my understanding of the ritual, but simultaneously to expand my knowledge into other areas of Japanese culture because of its relation to the practice. In essence, I have come to feel that the tea ceremony is a microcosm of Japanese culture as a whole.
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Ichihomochi from #tsukiji love the juicy strawberries, chewy-gooey mochi (pounded rice) powdered sugar and sweet red bean paste. It’s a great flavor and texture combination! #mochi #ichigomochi
Aburi-sushi a technique where a kitchen torch is used for a quick “grill” on various types of sushi, especially with rather fatty fish, is a must try when visiting Japan. Sushi masters are artists combing technique and fresh seasonal ingredients so that every bite is perfect! #sushi #sushichef #shinjuku #foodtour
Looking for something fun to do this Memorial Day weekend? Why not take a virtual trip to Japan? You can learn how to make a Japanese inspired craft cocktail, or learn the secrets of brewing perfect green tea, or perhaps take a trip through to exciting neighborhoods with a local guide on zoom! Why not all three! Link to our online experiences in bio. Offered schedule not possible? Need a custom time? Send us an email and we can arrange for you! #memorialdayweekend #virtualtours #arigatojapan❤️ #traveltokyo
Harajuku is known for cute fashion. Guess what this trendy neighborhood in Tokyo also has some of the cutest food in the world! We have a super fun, family friendly, delicious tour all around this colorful and Kawaii (cute in Japanese) area! Have a dream trip planned to Japan after #Covid19? Be sure to add our Crazy Kawaii Food Tour to your trip plan! #plannowtravellater (thanks to our local guide @npezadilla for this photo of a happy guest!) #harajuku #foodtour #kawaiistyle
Senbei (or sembei) the humble rice cracker 🍘 is a beloved snack in Japan. There are probably thousands of styles and flavor combinations. Sweet salty savory! Be sure to try a few when you visit. Did you know that traditionally senbei in the Tokyo region are harder and crunchier than in the Kansai area including Kyoto and Osaka? This photo is from a 100 year old shop we visit on our “Old Town Tokyo Tour” #senbei #japanesesnacks
