Basics

culture, food, history, language

Hatsumode crowds in Tokyo | © Danny Choo via Flickr

New Year In Japan

Jenny

New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in the Japanese calendar and a great opportunity to experience unique Japanese customs first hand.

Sushi Selection | © Japan Trip

Sushi – A Brief Guide

Jenny

Sushi is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Japanese food. We tell you about the different types of sushi, and how to order and eat it to get the most enjoyment.

Japanese Yen © [Jim] via Flickr

How Much Does It Cost? Budgeting for Your Trip to Japan

Jenny

Japan is often perceived as an expensive place; we share our best tips and tricks to ensure you get the most from your trip no matter what your budget.

Okonomiyaki

10 Must Try Japanese Foods

Jenny

Japanese culture values food greatly, and it's almost impossible to have a bad meal in Japan. We've picked some of our favourite Japanese foods that you should definitely try while in Japan.

Maiko Hostess Performing Tea Cermony | © scjody via Flickr

The Japanese Tea Ceremony

Jenny

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is both beautiful and baffling, with every movement loaded with meaning which can be lost on foreign visitors. This guide takes you through the basics of the tea ceremony and where you can experience it.

Japanese Passion Fruit Kit Kat

Japanese KitKats

Jenny

The Japanese have a much wider range of KitKat flavours than you might be used to. While many of the flavours sound appealing, there are several distinctly Japanese flavours which might be harder to stomach.

Chilled soba noodles with tempura

A Brief Guide to Noodles

Jenny

Noodles are a staple food in Japan and knowing a little about the different types of noodles will mean you'll always be able to find a tasty, filling and (usually) cheap meal. This guide talks you through the basics.

One of the many courses in an evening meal at a Ryokan

Ryokan Dinners – Kaiseki Ryori

Jenny

In many ryokans you will be served a style of food known as kaiseki ryori for dinner. This is an extravagant multi-course meal with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.

A sign with katakana script | © JapanTrip

How to Read Japanese Writing: Katakana

Jenny

Learning to read Japanese fluently takes years of practice, but this brief guide introduces the katakana writing system. The characters in this system represent different sounds and being able to translate them will make traveling in Japan easier and more fun.

An onsen

Japanese Onsen Bathing Etiquette

Jenny

Traditional Japanese bath houses are relaxing and therapeutic, but the rules can be complex. This guide takes you through the basics.

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