The arrival of spring in Japan is celebrated in February, earlier than most countries, with a festival called Setsubun.

Head to any kissaten (old-style coffee shop) in Japan, and chances are you’ll spot kohii zerii (coffee jelly) on the menu. A staple of Japanese coffee shops since the 1960s, Japanese coffee jelly has become so popular over the years that you can even spot it readymade in the chilled section in convenience stores.

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are well known outside Japan. Lesser known is its yearly predecessor the ume, or plum blossom.

Thanks to everyone who has submitted the review! Hi Sakuraco family! 🎉 What did you do for the holiday? We hope our Sakuraco family is having a great time and we wish you a wonderful new year! Now, it’s time to announce The December 2021 Reviewer Contest Winners. Let’s see who wins this time! Anadee…

Arare is a tiny type of Japanese snack, known and loved for its crunchy texture. Arare is made of glutinous rice or beans and comes in all shapes and sizes. In fact, based on the type, it can be called a Japanese candy or a snack.

Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it aged in a wooden cask, some like it in a cocktail. However you like it, Japanese sake (rice wine) is sure to be a winner.

While lacking the centuries-old history of wagashi, Japanese chocolate has risen to world fame in a relatively short amount of time.

Perhaps one of the most polarizing styles of ramen to ever emerge from Japan, Yokohama ramen, known as Yokohama iekei (family-style) ramen, has one of two reputations.

In Yokohama, to the south of Tokyo, lies the largest Chinatown in Japan, established nearly 150 years ago; full of shops, restaurants, and businesses bustling with activity. Visiting Yokohama Chinatown as a tourist can be a very fun experience.

Kamakura in Kanagawa was the capital and most populous city of Japan at one time. Explore this area for a taste of traditional Japan.

In Japan, New Year is way more important than Christmas and is seen as one of, if not the most important times of the year. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1st started in 1873, but Japanese New Year food has been around for way longer.

Less than 100 kilometers away from Tokyo and nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town of Hakone is renowned throughout Japan for its natural beauty, views of Mount Fuji and Ashinoko, and the numerous Hakone onsen baths. Each year, thousands upon thousands of domestic and international visitors flock towards the small onsen town looking for a break from the bustling cities.