inspo & info

The matcha-flavoured products outside Japan frequently disappoint with their homeopathic amounts of real matcha. All the more reason to fill your suitcase with the good stuff when you visit Japan. Here's our guide to buying matcha in Japan, the best matcha brands, what to buy, where to buy it and how to make the most of it while you're there

Visiting a matcha farm is a bucket-list experience for tea lovers in Japan, but timing is everything. Go during the wrong month and you might find the fields covered in black tarps - or completely bare. Here is a practical guide to finding the best matcha farms, the ultimate season to see them, and how to book the best local tours.

Let's have a minute of silence for all of the TikTok influencers who claim they spent their whole Japan trip constipated or came home with scurvy because they hadn't been able to afford any fresh fruit in Japan. Most fruit in Japan isn't expensive at all. Here's how to make sure you get your vitamins, plus a season-by-season guide so you know exactly what to buy (or pick yourself) on your trip.

Japanese curry is the comfort food you never knew you needed. Make some at home this winter! You, dear reader, might be sitting on that...

A konbini (Japanese convenience store) is a 24/7 shop in Japan offering affordable food, snacks, drinks, ATMs, and everyday services.

Fresh fish for sale at the Tsukiji fish market Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場, Tsukiji Jōgai Shijō) is a vibrant district adjacent to the...

Niki no Kashi (二木の菓子) is a legendary confectionery store nestled within the bustling Ameya Yokocho market in Tokyo's Ueno district. For over 70 years, it has been a local and tourist favorite, famous for its vast and eclectic selection of snacks and sweets. This collection of shops (all within a few metres of each other) is a veritable paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth or a craving for Japanese treats. We never visit Ameyoko without dropping in here. The only problem is

The name says it all: Hoppy Street in Asakusa is famous for its casual, retro-style drinking establishments and eateries Step into a wonderfully retro and laid-back world on Hoppy Street (ホッピー通り, Hoppī Dōri), a charming alleyway in Asakusa that's a true hidden gem for foodies and those seeking an authentic, old-school Tokyo experience. You won't find too many fancy restaurants here. Instead, explore a wonderfully preserved slice of "Shitamachi" (old downtown) Tokyo, offering

The legendary Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) is a journey back to post-war Tokyo Get ready for a trip down memory lane – literally! Omoide...

The legendary Golden Gai is a journey back to post-war Tokyo Shinjuku Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) is one of Tokyo's most unique and atmospheric nightlife districts. Tucked away in a small corner of Shinjuku's Kabukicho area, it's a labyrinth of six narrow alleys packed with over 200 tiny, quirky bars, many of which can only seat a handful of customers. The vibe here is wonderfully retro, intimate, and bohemian, offering a stark contrast to the bright lights and larger clubs of mode

Cheers to your 20th birthday! The legal drinking age in Japan Dude, I could absolutely hammer an Asahi right now! Ahh, look at you all...

Beat the summer heat with a cool, creamy matcha ice-cream There’s a secret weapon Japan deploys when the summer heat truly kicks in: its incredible arsenal of cooling, refreshing, and utterly delicious summertime treats! When the cicadas are singing their loudest songs and the air is thick with humidity, Japan doesn't just endure the heat – it eats and drinks its way through it with ingenious and delightful concoctions. So, ditch the heavy stews and hot sake for a moment, and