Japan has a long tradition of skilled craftsmanship, with different regions known for particular materials and techniques. Porcelain, lacquerware, handmade paper, woven silk, gold leaf and forged blades are among the Japanese traditional crafts that have developed over centuries and are still produced today. Arita has been making porcelain since the early 17th century. Kanazawa … Read more
Japan’s cherry blossom season is high on many travel wish lists, and with good reason. For a short time each spring, sakura fills parks, temple gardens, castle grounds and riversides with pink and white flowers. Friends and families gather beneath the trees for hanami, and blossom viewing becomes part of life across the country. If … Read more
I’ll start by being honest here: I went to Japan thinking it would be all about the food. Sushi here, ramen there, maybe a sake or two along the way. What I didn’t expect was that a culinary tour through Japan would leave thinking about knives and bowls and the particular way a tea master … Read more
To truly understand Japanese cuisine, look past the neon-lit facades and find your way to the quiet, transparent theater of the kitchen. While life in Japan life is generally defined by a refined sense of privacy, the dining counter acts as a rare bridge where every movement is visible and every secret is shared. Every … Read more