If you ever find yourself near one of Japan’s major railway stations — be it the humming metropolis of Tokyo, the cultural maze of Osaka, or even smaller, off-the-tourist-map towns — do yourself a favor: skip the main streets for a moment and slip into the nearest narrow alleyway that looks like it belongs in…
If you’ve been around the block long enough, you’ve probably heard whispers about the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. It’s part of Leica’s absurdly sharp, absurdly expensive APO line, designed to make even the most clinically precise engineer shed a single tear of optical joy. At roughly the price of a decent used car, this…
Some Japanese cafés are interesting. You walk in expecting solid coffee and a croissant, and boom—you’re staring at spaghetti topped with seaweed and a soft-boiled egg. Somehow, it’s really good. They’ve basically hacked Italian food and patched it with soy sauce and anime vibes. Then there’s the coffee. Look, it’s usually… fine. Not great. If you actually…
A Chinowa (茅の輪) is a sacred grass ring, part of an ancient Shinto purification ritual known as Chinowa Kuguri (茅の輪くぐり), performed to cleanse spiritual impurities, ward off misfortune, and invite good health. Walking through it might not transport you to another planet, but in the eyes of Shinto belief, it’s a powerful step into a cleaner, luckier version of your life….
New in Shimbashi: a cozy noodle spot serving flame-grilled chicken with rich, savory noodles. Each bite delivers smoky, juicy flavor straight from the grill. Perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch!
Eating slightly flame-grilled iwashi (sardine) sushi is a punch of flavor and warmth that hits fast and lingers. The oily richness of the sardine turns buttery when kissed by fire. That quick sear brings out its natural umami, softens the sharpness, and adds a touch of smokiness. You bite in, and the warmth contrasts the cool rice…
NTT green public phones remain a common sight in Japan due to a unique blend of cultural habits, practical needs, and disaster preparedness. Though they might seem outdated in an age dominated by smartphones and wireless communication, these payphones serve an essential role, particularly in emergencies. Japan is a country prone to natural disasters such…
Sanhe Ancient Town (三河古镇), located about 30 kilometers south of Hefei in Anhui Province, is a living relic of Chinese history and culture. Named for the three rivers that meet at its center—丰乐河 (Fengle River), 杭埠河 (Hangbu River), and 小南河 (Xiaonan River)—Sanhe has been shaped by water for over two millennia. The rivers not only gave it…
Every day on Japan’s trains, a quiet but familiar ritual plays out. As soon as commuters settle into their spots, they reach for their phones. It’s automatic, almost unconscious—like an addict lighting up. They’re not just checking messages. They’re diving into a stream of nonstop stimulation: breaking news, games, gossip, outrage, sexy influencers, shopping deals,…
In Japan, one of the most satisfying and popular meal combos is ramen paired with gyoza. Found in countless ramen shops across the country, this classic duo offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The steaming hot bowl of ramen, rich with umami-packed broth, chewy noodles, and toppings like chashu pork and green onions,…
