Since the Heian Period (794-1195), every year on March 3rd is Girls’ Day, also known as Doll’s Festival or ‘Hina Matsuri’ in Japanese. This is a day in which families all over Japan wish for the health and prosperity of their young girls,

Soba noodles take a back seat to ramen as a Japanese culinary export, but they are hugely popular across Japan with many local variations.

Called ‘takenoko’ in Japanese, bamboo shoots aren’t just for crafts or construction, but are one of many seasonal foods in Japan.

Spring’s bright colors feature prominently in Japanese sweets, with cherry blossom pink particularly popular during sakura season.

Valentine’s Day in Japan consists of two main treats: giri-choco for the colleagues, and honmei choco for the loved ones.

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.