Travel in Japan

Everyday Food

Hōtō: Yamanashi’s Miso Noodles That Aren’t Quite Udon

Hōtō may look like udon, but this Yamanashi specialty is cooked differently: broad wheat noodles simmer directly with vegetables in miso broth, creating a thick, hearty one-pot dish.
October 3, 2026
Everyday Food
Culture Gaps

Why Japanese Omiyage Are More Than Souvenirs — A Nagasaki Sweet With a 400-Year Story

A Nagasaki sweet brought back to a Japanese office opens a window onto omiyage culture: regional classics, workplace sharing, and a wrapper carrying a 17th-century letter from exile.
August 31, 2026
Culture GapsEveryday Food
Culture Gaps

Japan Is Now 58% Cashless — But That Does Not Mean What Visitors Think

Japan’s cashless payment ratio reached 58.0% in 2025, but that does not mean 58% of purchases are digital. Here is what the number actually measures, why cards still dominate, and why cash, IC cards and QR payments continue to coexist.
August 28, 2026
Culture Gaps