When I penned my farewell to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market I thought that was it. That I’d have to relive cherished moments of the largest fish market in the world — from witnessing the legendary tuna auction to eating sushi breakfast at 5 AM – just in my mind. That I’d never experience the…
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Ema is a small wooden board where Shinto worshippers in Japanese culture write their prayers. The Ema board will be burned on special days.…
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Of the many parts of Japanese culture I have come to appreciate, Onsen might be on top of the list. I remember hanging out with a tourist couple on my last Japan trip. It was their first day, and the wife asked me what was the one thing she shouldn’t miss to experience in…
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Ekiben will always have a special place in my heart for many reasons. From the school lunch box (my mom prepared with lots of love) to eating quietly while contemplating about life or sharing train rides memories in Japan while enjoying the ever-changing beautiful scenery.…
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I wondered how someone Japanese would perceive the Torii Gate tattoo. I will explain that it's my appreciation of Japanese culture.…
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I guess this would be when I let you in on a little secret; for someone who claims to be an adventurous foodie, I never had Ramen before.…
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There was no English menu, but the breakfast menu had cute hand-drawn pictures. It was the best Japanese breakfast I have ever had so far.…
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The first time I saw a complete Japanese Sumo match was on the TV at one of the train stations at a rural Hokkaido town on my last Japan trip. It lasted for about four seconds. Despite the gruesomeness, Sumo wrestling is utterly fascinating. A peek into the multi-layered Japanese culture. I truly hope…
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Geisha is a Japanese hostess trained to entertain patrons with conversation and performance. Chasing Geisha in Gion, Kyoto What I knew about Geisha then was limited, based only on Michelle Yeoh’s hit movie Memories of Geisha. I tried to read the book but couldn’t finish it. But a few hours earlier, a Japanese taxi…
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Fun fact, Unit Bathroom in a Japanese home is for soaking and relaxing after a shower. All family members use the same water. In Japanese homes, with Unit Bath, each family member bathes one by one, in order of seniority. Traditionally starting with the oldest male or the oldest person in the household. If…
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