Healthy snacks from Japan are made with natural ingredients and just the right flavor, from crispy seaweed full of vitamins to crunchy beans and nuts that give you energy. These snacks are great for munching without feeling too heavy. Pickled vegetables help your gut stay healthy, and konnyaku (konjac plant jelly ) is soft, chewy, and almost has no calories. 

The ocean weed, aonori, may be simple in appearance, but its distinct properties set it apart from other “sea vegetables”. Unlike more bland ocean plants, its unique color, taste, smell, and texture are used to add flavor to foods. This makes it different from other seaweeds like wakame, which lack a strong flavor and aroma. 

In spring, young bamboo shoots, also called takenoko, push through the soil, ready to be picked. Let’s look at how bamboo shoots fit into Japanese cooking and why they’re such a beloved ingredient!

Today, we’ll explore one treat that perfectly captures the season’s essence, blending centuries of history with modern flair: warabimochi! Keep reading to learn more about its history and varieties to enjoy.

In his latest video, Jun from Jun’s Kitchen visits Papabubble, a famous candy shop in Shibuya, Tokyo. The collaboration features skilled artisans crafting candies inspired by Jun’s cats. This blend of tradition, art, and personalization delights viewers.

The intricate process and craftsmanship behind each piece often go unnoticed when it comes to traditional Japanese sweets or wagashi. Recently, renowned YouTuber Jun’s Kitchen had the rare opportunity to step into this world and witness firsthand the artistry behind these delicacies.

In a recent episode of Jun’s Kitchen, renowned YouTuber Jun Yoshizuki took his audience on an enchanting journey to Temari, a distinguished wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) shop nestled in the historic city of Kamakura.

The story of Japanese wine began hundreds of years ago. Today, we’ll explore the Japanese wine industry and learn how it has evolved for centuries. 

The Japanese tea ceremony is a beautiful tradition that values harmony, respect, and mindfulness. To fully experience chado, having the right tea utensils is important. Each tool has a special purpose, from preparing and serving tea to creating a peaceful atmosphere. Proper utensils help preserve the tradition, and by understanding their importance, you can appreciate the deep cultural roots of this art.

Japanese sake is a unique and diverse alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. With different brewing methods and ingredients, each type has distinct flavors and aromas. Let’s look at some of these drinks, starting with nigori sake!

Kitakyushu is a city famous for its factories and industry, but it also has a sweet past. It was an important stop on Kyushu’s historic Sugar Road, which was used during the Edo period (1603–1868) and helped shape Japan’s love for sweets.

The Asahina area is a hidden gem filled with natural beauty, rich history, and cultural traditions. It is most famous for producing high-quality gyokuro green tea!