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

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.

We find Hozenji Yokocho charming. It has elements of Golden Gai in Tokyo and of Pontocho in Kyoto but unmistakably Osaka at the same time and is one of the few historical streets that the city still has. The moss-covered Buddha statue is much-loved among locals and is certainly one of the more unusual you will see in Japan. Personally, I find it a little creepy but maybe I watched too much Dr Who as a kid.

Step into another world without leaving Tokyo. Shin-Okubo Korea Town is a whirlwind of K-pop, sizzling street food, and mega-trendy...

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.

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

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