Advice about Tea
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Enjoying Indian Masala Tea aka `Chai` in Japan
Since my teen years I am a big fan of Indian tea aka 'Masala Tea' aka 'Chai'. Chai comes in several variants such as 1) Masala Tea (milk tea with flavored spices, these are different spices than the ones used in Indian curry), or 2) Ginger Tea (raw or minced ginger paste added in small quantity whi…(466 words)
Samir Bodhe
Discover the Japanese Tea Ceremony at Chazen
The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is one of the best examples of "omotenashi," or Japanese hospitality. It's a beautiful demonstration of welcoming and a truly signature Japanese experience. At Ginza Chazen, visitors can learn all about the traditional tea ceremony and how matcha tea is prepare…(292 words)
Petra
Tea Time with a Little Monkey Magic!
Many Yokohama residents are familiar with Monkey Magic Teahouse, the well-known tea restaurant with its attractive wooden interior and marvelous tea selection in the heart of Chinatown. But most don't know about its sister store, the comfortable, affordable Goku Tea Bar on an unassuming side street…(304 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Learn Japanese Traditional Culture : Tea Ceremony
By learning Japanese tea ceremony, you will derive much pleasure in various things by doing the followings. - Put yourself in a special environment of tea ceremony room away from busy daily life- Enjoy seasonal Japanese confectioneries over green tea- Encounter with various lovely tea utens…(150 words)
OKAKI-sun
Watch out for green tea farms on Shinkansen
You can enjoy drinking tea, as well as watching it grow! Shizuoka-prefecture is the top producing area for Japanese tea, and you can see tea farms from Shinkansen. One hour from Tokyo on the bullet train, you may easily locate those farms on both sides of the railroad. Even if you don't know wh…(113 words)
ToshiA
Fans of Green Tea, Listen to This Helpful Tip
Ryokucha is my favourite type of green tea. I still drink it regularly and when I used to go to school, I would drink 500 ml a day. At any convenient store or supermarket, you will have a range of green tea brands to choose from. Any of them are good. If given the choice, I would probably choose Ay…(173 words)
GenS
Each part of the tea leaf is used to make different kind of teas
Japan is famous for its green teas and there are many different types and grades, which can be confusing for foreigners.Sencha:Sencha is the most common Japanese green tea made of the tea leaves. Whereas black tea has been roasted, green tea is steamed during the production process.Matcha…(589 words)
Nicolas
Healthy Tea for a Healthier YOU in Japan
My favorite tea found in Japan is called "Pu-Ar cha" and it can be found in most drug stores and some supermarkets. Originally from China and made from aged leaves, this has proven healthy and healing for me.When made in a heavy concentration and consumed after every meal, it can help you lose …(166 words)
Kong
While in Japan Enjoy the Planet's Healthiest Drink, Green Tea
Yes, I love green tea too! I remember working in my Japanese firm and there was always a green tea machine on the floor. Just like we have water stations in offices overseas, Japanese companies have hot or cold green tea dispensers for your health and happiness 24/7.There are many reasons why peo…(564 words)
How to be Polite in a Restaurant in Japan?
These are not just little finger towels placed neatly next to your plate for conveniently wiping stray food off of hands and fingers...these Oshibori are almost like an appetizer to the meal itself. You go into a restaurant, settle in with some water or tea and an Oshibori wet towel. Some places wi…(139 words)
Tatami smells good !!!
Tatami is a very traditional floor mat, which is a symbolic item indispensable for a Japanese style room; so called "Wa-shitsu", and is also considered as an official cultural gadget necessarily used in such Japanese architectures as temples, and tea rooms besides "Wa-shitsu". For example, when yo…(606 words)
Masa
Let’s get it Straight. Kelp “Kombucha” is a Must-Try During Your Time in Japan.
Walking around Denver and Colorado Springs on my recent trip, I was flabbergasted to see little cafes and shops listing “Kombucha” as one of their special offerings. Well, after a bit of research, I have come to understand that the “Kombucha” enjoying great popularity in the US is actually a bl…(690 words)
Japan off the Beaten Track: 13 Things to Do, the DeepJapan Experience
Where would you want to go if you traveled to Japan? You might think of the typical places like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, but why not try somewhere different? Somewhere people don’t always visit? Japanese countryside areas have a lot of great ways to show you the local lifestyle, real Japanese cultu…(1231 words)
DeepJapan Editor
KOUMEN - Best Egg Tarts in Yokohama Chinatown
Egg tarts are my absolute favorite dim sum items, but it's very hard to find them in bakeries in Japan unless I make a trip to Yokohama Chinatown.The egg custard tart (commonly romanized as daan taat) is a kind of custard tart pastry found in Portugal, England, Hong Kong, and various Asian countrie…(209 words)
Suetsumuhana
Find your inner zen in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is one of these romantic treasures that have survived time. If you visit the Higashi Chaya district, you will find old tea houses and dream of geishas. Kenrokuen, a Unesco world heritage place, looks great and precisely the typical Japanese garden that you fancy. It is beautiful and it fee…(516 words)
Claire
Kissaten: Lovely Retro Coffee Shops
Kissaten 喫茶店 is one of the words that appear in the early chapters of Japanese text books. Kissaten are coffee shops, but not of the chain variety. Most of these coffee shops are delightfully retro, unique, and atmospheric. A kissaten is the perfect place for taking a break from everyday busy ti…(298 words)
David
"Jibie" Cuisine in Okayama
A trend utilizing wild game, specifically wild boar meat, is sweeping Okayama Prefecture. Known as "jibie" （ジビエ）in Japanese, the word is derived from the French "gibier" and simply means "wild game".Although I am generally very adventurous when it comes to trying new food, I have never rea…(280 words)
Andrea Miyata
5 Tips On How to Eat Sushi in Japan
As we sat at the Sushi Bar in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station we were so excited about what would emerge over the glass separation from the Sushi Shokunin (Chef). We watched as he deftly clumped slightly sweetened and vinegar-kissed white rice into little Nigiri Gunkans (literally translated at “Pressed …(1182 words)
Vending Machines
Yes, Japan has vending machines. Japan has the highest concentration of vending machines per person anywhere in the world. Supposedly there are approximately 1 vending machine for every 23 people. I don't know if this number is true or not, but you certainly won't go far, whether in the big city…(273 words)
Kevin
Kamakurabori Museum Encounter the world of Kamakurabori carving, a traditional handcraft
Even if you have never heard the name “Kamakurabori”, I am sure that many people would say “oh, I have seen this before!” when they see the real thing. Some might incorporate Kamakurabori carvings in their daily lives, whether in a tray, incense container or tea canister. It is a traditional handcr…(1148 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Yatsuhashi
If you get a chance to visit Kyoto, you can find Yatsuhashi here and there at almost every souvenir shops. It is one of the best known regional products of Kyoto. Growing up in Kansai, there was a time I got actually a bit tired of this too popular sweets as a kid, but now I sometimes feel like…(134 words)
EmiOnishi
Odawara, a castle town
Odawara Castle is probably the best example of a castle to visit in the immediate Tokyo area. The museum in the main keep has a nice collection of artifacts, armor, and weapons. They have also done a great job reconstructing some gates and maintaining the castle groundsThe history of Odawara Castle…(340 words)
Kintaro-man
Majestic Japanese Garden and Tea House in the Middle of Tokyo
Although you will not be able to participate in a formal Japanese tea ceremony at Hamarikyu garden, you will be able to relax in a Japanese style gazebo, in the middle of a historical garden where the Shogun used to indulge in his falconry hobby, with a freshly made cup of Japanese tea in your hand…(186 words)
GenS
Tokyo Midtown is A Great Place to Hangout in Japan
Since the trains start so early and there is an Oedo line exit for Roppongi station under the Midtown shopping area, this place is buzzing and fun from about 7:30 a.m. If you get there too early, you can rest right outside in the park right next store. There is a lovely little stream there, open ya…(227 words)
About ONIGIRI... and O CHA TSUKE
Well, the easy way is to get them at your closest and favorite combine store. But, you can prepare them yourself. All you need is:- rice- a sheet of dried alga or if you do not like it, some sesame- salt- something to put inside: basically, anything you like. Purist will use the salty and a…(290 words)
Claire
Japanese Chrysanthemums, A Wonderful Sight To See During Your Visit in Japan
"Kiku" is the Japanese word for Chrysanthemum. After residing in Japan for some 28 years, I understand that the Japanese relationship with this beautiful flower is deep, intricate and somewhat mysterious especially when you are a newbie visitor.I happen to live next to Japan’s second larges…(798 words)
Urth Caffe in Daikanyama
Recently, I went to Urth Caffe in Daikanyama with my friends. This cafe is known for its organic ingredients, especially its organic coffee. I drank their Earl Grey Boba Tea, which was mouthwatering especially during the hot summer month of July. Although it is a big cafe with many seats, it is ext…(112 words)
RieS
Come and visit "Mihamaen" in Makuhari, Chiba!!!
Mihamaen is located in the Makuhari Kaihin Park, 10 minute walk from Kaihin Makuhari Station of JR Keiyo Line. The place is a stroll-round garden with a pond, where you see the beauty of the nature with its changing scenery as you walk around. There is a tea room right in the middle of the garden. …(94 words)
Hatha Yoga Lover
Tokuyama Shoes
Tokuyama Shoes has its home in Kawanehoncho, tucked away in the northwestern side of Shizuoka Prefecture, inland from Shizuoka City and away from the more famous parts of the prefecture, which is home to half of the sacred Mt. Fuji and also the Izu Peninsula, with its world-class onsen and sightsee…(444 words)
mikekato
How to Beat Japanese Summer Heat When Traveling in Japan?
You know those times on the train platform where the crowds make you cringe? You are not cringing at the people per se, just the clammy ugginess of the possibility of contact with clammy, sweaty summer skin. Yes, we all share your feelings. Not even an elbow bump here or a happenstance brush up…(549 words)
Be a princess during the feudal era in Authentic Japanese Kimono
The kimono is famous worldwide as a national costume in Japan and many tourists who visit Japan would like to try on a kimono or purchase one. However, a genuine kimono is very expensive. Besides, the maintenance is difficult and the dressing skill is needed. Kimono Photo Studio WA offers a por…(187 words)
skymaho
Experience Zen
People feel different things when they hear the word “Zen.” It can conjure images of rock gardens, meditating monks, or spiritual Nirvana. Zen（禅） has influenced and can be found in many of the things we find around us daily. The meaning of zen varies with different schools of practice, but a good …(227 words)
Kintaro-man
What can you tell me about Japanese "snack" bars?
"Snack" - or sometimes called pubs, or pub snacks,- are small, Japanese style bars. They can be found in any neighborhood in Tokyo or any other town in Japan.They can be intimidating to enter for the first time as they usually have no windows and no outdoor menus or signs that give you an idea of…(209 words)
Nico
For a fancy and healthy teishoku
Recently, I ate at a cute, fancy restaurant near Shibuya and Omotesando station and the UN University, called PARIYA. As this is catered towards women as well as business-people, they offer take-out as well as a sitting-area with a fancy, relaxing atmosphere. When you go in, you can choose amon…(156 words)
RieS
Make sure in Japan to drink tea at a restaurant
Today, we stopped in at a beautiful little Sushi Shop in Ginza in Tokyo. The warm tea that came out right at the beginning prepared our palate perfectly for the lovely fish to come after. It was a truly perfect experience. We would recommend that when you come to eat sushi you make sure to prepare …(76 words)
Shopping in Kyushu
Yufuin （湯布院） is one of the main tourist attractions of Kyushu. It is in Oita prefecture, which is famous for its hot springs. If you are looking for traditional Japanese goods, cute souvenirs or delicious food, this is the place to go!Yufuin is a small area (similar to Komachi-dori in Kamaku…(116 words)
RieS
INTERVIEW 2: How did you get to Japan?
For those of you who are considering coming to Japan and are looking for ideas or inspiration from the path others have taken to find work and live here, read on for a short interview with a good friend of mine; Russell, from Australia.JB: We've know each other a long long time Russell, from we…(1240 words)
GoodPeople
Food, Drinks, Utilities- Restrooms - convenience stores is a small world in itself..
Convenience stores will store the following - 1. Food - salad boxes, ready to eat bento box (pasta/curry etc) (mostly non-vegetarian), fruits (banana, apple, oranges), Curd, Diet biscuits, nuts, chips, chocolates, chewing gum, cup ramen noodles, soups, french fries or chicken nuggets (ready to ea…(287 words)
suku
Uji-kintoki is best in summer!
Japanese shaved ice is called kakigori. There are a variety of flavors, and a traditional kind is Uji-kintoki which is flavored with green tea syrup and anko (sweet azuki beans). Kakigori is available in a wide range of quality: ranging from average quality found at the local grocery, to high q…(90 words)
EmiOnishi
Try not to eat or drink while walking and riding trains!
The generally accepted rule of conduct is to not eat or drink on the train and while walking (taking a sip of water or tea is fine). This is because Japanese people tend to be very considerate for other people on the train and streets. They also want to keep the trains and streets clean by not spil…(86 words)
RieS