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Uji matcha tea is one of Japan's leading brands of green teas, along with Shizuoka and Sayama tea. This popular tea comes from Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of the tea cultivation methods used to this day.
Standing amongst the quaint cityscape is Nakamura Tokichi Honten, a Japanese teahouse founded in 1854 and designated as an Important Cultural Landscape in 2009. Today, we paid a visit to try this delicious Uji matcha tea for ourselves. Rest assured that measures against COVID are firmly in place.
Uji matcha: a popular tea since long ago
The history of Uji tea dates back to the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). It was introduced to Japan by Eisai Zenji, the founder of the Japanese sect of Zen Buddhism. Full-scale tea cultivation began when Eisai decided to plant the tea trees grown from seeds he brought back from China in Uji.
Thanks to the Uji region's fog-producing diurnal effect and abundant rainfall, it was a prime location for producing high-quality tea. Even more cultivation ..

In Western countries, the classic stories that parents commonly read to their children before bed include folktales such as Jack and The Beanstalk, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Goldilocks. These kinds of folktales are also well known in Japan and are familiar to many Japanese children. However, Japan also has its own set of unique folktales that parents read to their children and are beloved by all. Here are some of the popular folktales that you will find in Japan! 1. What are Japanese Folktales? Japanese folktales are children’s stories that are often read in Japan and have long been passed down from generation to generation. Today, they […]

One of the most enduring symbols of Japan, Mount Fuji is beloved by Japanese and visitors alike. And even if you don't plan to climb the mountain itself, there are lots of scenic places to visit in the area, many with lovely views of Fujisan.
1. Mt. Fuji
©Yamanashi Tourism Organization
A timeless symbol of Japan, Mt. Fuji is a majestic sight to behold, near or far, at any time of the year.
©Yamanashi Tourism Organization
The sacred volcano straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures is a haven for mountain climbers in the summer, and home to some of Japan's most lush nature.
Japan's tallest mountain, Mt. Fuji is easily accessible from central Tokyo, with public transport taking you as far as halfway up the mountain.
©Yamanashi Tourism Organization
Mount Fuji
Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi
GotembaA Virtual Tour: Top 10 Mt. Fuji Scenic Viewpoints at the Fuji Five Lakes Area
2. Takeda Shrine
©Yamanashi Tourism Organization
Kofu's premier shrine, Takeda Shrine, is dedicat..

Many Japanese have a the image that Europeans, and Italians in particular, are on the cutting edge of beauty. But how do Italians born and raised in such an environment feel about Japanese beauty? I asked Italians directly to find out their uncensored opinions! (The following is the respondent's personal opinions.)
Japanese mascara is incredibly waterproof!
“I think Italians are more particular about organic and naturally derived ingredients. In Japan, we often see cosmetics at drugstore chains, but in Italy there are many small cosmetic boutiques. Japanese cosmetics are amazing because there are a variety of products that match the type of skin. And Japanese mascara seems incredibly resistant to water, which is great.” (Italian woman)
Japanese cosmetics are highly valued worldwide. One reason is for their safety and quality. Some people who have used Japanese-made cosmetics even choose to order them directly from Japan even after returning to their home country. In particular, br..

Trains are an indispensable means of transportation for sightseeing in Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, and JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass for international tourists have been updated as of April 1, 2021 for added convenience. Plus, two new types of “Free Passes” are also available!
Main image: Peera_stockfoto / Shutterstock.com
Get through the ticket gates smoothly! Four Free Passes updated
tkyszk / Shutterstock.com
JR Hokkaido’s “5-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass,” “7-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass,” “JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass,” and “JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass” Free Passes for overseas tourists visiting Japan have been updated for 2021.
And as of April 1, the method of use, validity period, price, etc. have changed. Additionally, the “Hokkaido Rail Pass for 3 days” and “Hokkaido Rail Pass for flexible 4 days” were discontinued on March 31, 2021.
The four types of passes will be even more convenient, but how will they change specifically?
Automat..

You can find Japanese food pretty much all over the world, from sushi to ramen. But some things are just different when you get to taste them in their country of origin.
So here we'll look at 5 Japanese dishes that surprised our Canadian interviewees.
(The comments below are a reflection of the opinions of the respondents only)
“Japanese people take delicious sushi for granted!”
“Sushi is very popular in Canada. There are restaurants in Canada but there are only a few types of authentic nigiri sushi. There is a wide variety of sushi rolls, like California rolls, salmon, steamed shrimp, with a lot of onion slices and dressing.
When I went to a 'real' sushi restaurant in Japan, I was totally surprised there were so many kinds of fish. The tuna and sushi with salmon roe on seaweed shari (sushi rice) were particularly delicious!
The fish was fresh and delicious, and the rice was soft and mildly sweet, different from the sushi I had in Canada. Japanese people take deliciou..

Apartment hunting in Tokyo can be an overwhelming ordeal. Regardless of the season, rooms are taken off the market quickly, sometimes even before you decide to apply for them. Whether you base your apartment hunt on the neighborhood, commuting time or pricing, the Best Train Lines for Living in Tokyo guide is here help you make the best decision.

Today let’s take a look at perhaps the most popular train line in Tokyo: the Yamanote line.

Overview
The commute
Popular neighborhoods
Best three Yamanote line stations for living in Tokyo

Overview
Photo: WikiCommons/MaedaAkihikoOperational since 1885, the Yamanote line is best identified for its light green color.
The Yamanote line (山手線, Yamanote-sen) was opened in 1885 and is perhaps one of the most famous train lines that circles Tokyo. The train line spans over 30 kilometers and covers the city’s main transportation hubs and business and entertainment districts all over Tokyo. In total, there are 30 local stops on the line and it takes ..

Widely known as the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to historic temples and shrines which attract numerous tourists from around the world. Among them, Kiyomizu Temple is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples and is officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful Buddhist temple boasts 1,300 years of history and is often featured on guide books as a must-visit tourist spot for anyone visiting Kyoto. Whether you have visited the temple before or are planning your first visit, this article will give you helpful insight about the Temple, and how to make the most of your time there! 1. What is Kiyomizu-dera? Kiyomizu Temple is […]

For some of the best autumn leaves in Hokkaido, you need to head to the central part of the island! Here you'll find breathtaking foliage, with hues of red, orange, and yellow.
This area has various well-known fall foliage viewing spots, from Sapporo’s city center to the natural landscapes of Niseko and Lake Tōya.
Read on to find out more about eight recommended fall colors viewing spots for you – all of which are easily accessible from the Sapporo City area!
3 Hokkaido Ryokan & Hotels for Autumn Getaways With Fall Foliage Views
1. Ginkgo Avenue: Hokkaido University’s tunnel of pretty yellow trees (Sapporo)
First, we start with a famous leaf-peeping spot within Sapporo City. This is Hokkaido University’s Ginkgo Avenue, regarded by Sapporo locals as their go-to location for enjoying the yellow leaves that mark the coming of autumn.
There are some 70 ginkgo trees grown here on the street, stretching around 380 meters. The best time to catch these yellow leaves is the period from l..

Sushi is likely the first thing that comes to everyone’s mind when thinking about Japanese food. Healthy and delicious, it has become a favorite of many all around the world.
As an international success, sushi lovers likely know the difference between nigiri sushi and maki rolls, but when it comes to sushi variations, that is merely the beginning!
Have you ever heard of chirashi or oshi sushi? Restaurants themselves come in different categories, such as “over the counter” or “conveyor belt.”
All in all, sushi may seem simple – it’s just something raw with rice, right? – but there’s a complex world that does not only require intricate skill and craftsmanship but also a certain amount of knowledge to make the most out of your sushi experience.
In this thorough guide, we’ll cover all the important basics of sushi. From how to eat it to secret etiquette, you’ll be a sushi pro in no time!
Nigiri, Maki, Oshi – Sushi Varieties
When a Japanese friend says “Let’s go eat sushi,” they’re most ..