January is a quiet time of reflection in Japan, and once February arrives the country jumps back into gear beginning with Setsubun. Read on to see what follows.

When talking about traditional Japanese alcohol, many people think of Japanese sake (rice wine). However, another popular drink that many people fall in love with is the popular Japanese plum wine.

Dessert soups, sake-infused buns, and hot fermented drinks are some of the unique Japanese treats in winter perfect for a cozy teatime.

Spending any amount of time in Japan will see contact with ume fruit. Whether it is pickled or used in alcohol, its products are very popular and used in a variety of dishes and as flavoring.

Japan’s luxury fruit commands unbelievable prices, and is closely tied to age-old gift giving culture.

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.

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 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.

In recent years, bubble (or tapioca) milk tea has become a rage among the younger Japanese community. If you are also a fan of milk tea, a famous milk tea specialty from Japan that you surely have to try once is Hokkaido milk tea.