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Tokyo Guide : Yamamotoyama in Nihonbashi
Yamamotoyama (山本山) is a long-established Japanese company known primarily for its high-quality tea and nori (seaweed) products. Founded in 1690 (Genroku 3), it has a rich history and has been an integral part of Japanese food culture since the Edo period.
They have a shop in Nihonbashi area and I ordered their signature menu, “Nihonbashi”!
The long, slender bento box consists of three layers. At the very bottom is Koshihikari rice, a quintessential representation of Japanese white rice. On top of that is a half-sized sheet of roasted nori (seaweed). Another layer of white rice follows, topped with two distinct halves: one side features nori seasoned with dried baby sardines, olive oil, and salt; the other side showcases two types of nori—shredded nori drizzled with homemade soy sauce and crumbled seaweed in its pre-sheet form. With each bite, a variety of seaweed flavors unfolded in my mouth.
As a finishing touch, a single piece of mashed Nanko umeboshi (pickled plum) sat atop the dish, adding a nice accent and serving as a refreshing palate cleanser. If you want to fully enjoy the authentic taste of Japan’s unique seaweed, I highly recommend it!
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Tokyo Guide : Matsubaya-Saryo
Matsubaya Saryo (松葉屋茶寮) is a Japanese café known as a “bonsai tea house,” located on Kottō-dōri in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. Here, visitors can enjoy high-quality tea and traditional Japanese sweets while admiring the beauty of exquisite bonsai trees.
The interior of the café is filled with bonsai, antiques, and artworks, creating a serene atmosphere infused with Japanese culture. The attached *Hakobune GALLERY* hosts exhibitions and sales of antiques, contemporary art, ceramics, and unique furniture, and also operates an official e-commerce site.
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Osechi Ryori (お節料理)
Osechi Ryori (お節料理) is a traditional Japanese cuisine enjoyed during the New Year holiday, symbolizing gratitude for the past year and prayers for prosperity and health in the coming one. The dishes are meticulously prepared and packed in special multi-layered lacquer boxes called jubako(重箱), which resemble bento boxes.
This tradition dates back to the Heian period (794–1185) and has evolved over centuries. Each food item in Osechi holds a symbolic meaning, often based on wordplay or auspicious associations. Here are some examples in more detail:
– Kuromame (sweet black soybeans): The word mame (豆) also means “diligence” or “hardworking” in Japanese, symbolizing a wish for good health and industriousness.
– Kazunoko (herring roe): With numerous tiny eggs, it represents a wish for fertility and the prosperity of one’s descendants.
– Kuri-kinton (sweet chestnut and mashed sweet potato): Its golden color is associated with wealth and financial fortune.
– Datemaki (sweet rolled omelet): Its scroll-like shape resembles traditional scrolls, symbolizing learning and cultural achievement.
– Tazukuri (candied dried sardines): Once used as fertilizer in rice fields, it represents a bountiful harvest.
– Ebi (shrimp): Its bent shape resembles an elderly person’s back, symbolizing long life and longevity.
– Kohaku Kamaboko (red and white fish cake): The colors red and white are considered auspicious in Japanese culture, symbolizing happiness and celebration.
The preparation of Osechi is often done in advance to allow families to rest and enjoy the New Year without cooking. It also reflects the Japanese principle of omotenashi (hospitality), with each dish showcasing care and attention to detail.
Eating Osechi with family or loved ones is an essential part of welcoming the New Year, offering a delicious taste of Japan’s rich culinary traditions and cultural values.
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Happy New Year of 2025!
Happy New Year!
On New Year’s Eve, after finishing work, I focused on making a costume for my daughter’s performance. I didn’t want to carry over tasks I’m not good at into the new year, so I pushed through and managed to finish it. That night, my son stayed up late for the first time, so we got to celebrate the countdown together.
On New Year’s morning, as per our annual tradition, I watched the televised broadcast of the Diamond Fuji. Seeing it gave me a sense of relief and peace.
After breakfast with my family, I took our beloved dogs, Mario and Luigi, for a walk. We also stopped by the local shrine to pray for everyone’s health in the year ahead.
Later, my husband surprised us with tickets to the Tokyo Skytree observation deck. We took the Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram) to get there.
Seeing Mt. Fuji in person after watching it on TV earlier felt a bit surreal, but it also gave me a deep sense of joy, as though the mountain has always been watching over us.
And so, 2025 has begun!
This year, I plan to focus even more on holding cooking classes at my home kitchen studio, while strengthening my efforts to share information about Japanese food culture and lifestyle through social media and blog writing. I’m excited and nervous to see what kind of changes will unfold!
Finally, I would like to extend my New Year’s greetings to you and your loved ones. May 2025 be a year filled with happiness, health, wealth, peace, and success.
Warmest regards,
YUCa
Hello from Tokyo (December 2024)
The year 2024 is coming to an end, and YJC is entering its busiest season of the year.
We will be taking a break only on New Year’s Day and January 2nd, but other than that, we will continue sharing Japanese home cooking every day, including weekends!
Despite the hustle and bustle, I’ve unfortunately strained my voice. Over the past week, I’ve been conducting classes with a whispery and husky voice. (To all those who attended, I truly apologize!)
Thankfully, my voice has started to recover over the past few days. I urge everyone to take care of themselves—watch out for chills around your neck, wrists, and ankles, and be mindful of dryness while sleeping!
Reflecting on this year, it’s been a time filled with exciting challenges and new beginnings.
– I started training new instructors, building on 12 years of experience in the cooking class business.
– I launched a premium Japanese tea brand based on the theme of “Tea Travels,” which included trips to Kagoshima, Kyoto and Kochi and participating in food events.
– I made the big decision to incorporate my sole proprietorship and, somewhat unexpectedly, became a CEO!
Next year, I aim to continue enjoying my cooking classes while collaborating with more companies and talented creators to promote Japanese food culture and lifestyle.
Here’s to a healthy and creative year ahead for all of us!
Lots of love (愛) from Tokyo!
YUCa
Season’s Greetings from Tokyo!
Maybe it’s the end-of-year fatigue, but my voice has become hoarse.
However, with the support of my family, I’m managing to teach cooking.
I’ve recovered enough to be somewhat understandable, but I still have a husky voice.
I apologize to those who attended my cooking class over the past few days for any inconvenience…
Health comes first, after all.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
Related video :
Buta no Kakuni (豚の角煮)
Buta no Kakuni is a traditional Japanese dish made by simmering thick cuts of pork belly in a flavorful broth until they become tender and rich.
The dish typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and sometimes ginger or scallions for added aroma.
This slow-cooked delicacy has a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet-savory flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. Popular in Japanese home cooking and restaurants, Buta no Kakuni is not only a comfort food but also a showcase of the art of Japanese braising techniques.
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Japan Guide : The Shinmonzen in Kyoto (京都府)
“Shinmonzen”（新門前） is a neighborhood located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, particularly near the Gion district and Yasaka Shrine. This area is historically and culturally significant, retaining much of Kyoto’s traditional townscape and culture.
These days, Shinmonzen is a popular tourist destination, with many high-end ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), inns, beautiful gardens, and shrines in the surrounding area. It is known as a place where visitors can experience the charm of Kyoto and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of old Japan.
In this area, a boutique hotel designed by Tadao Ando, one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary architects, has been completed. The name of the hotel is “The Shinmonzen”.
The project has been a labour of love for over 10 years and has been designed by Mr. Ando and other artist friends for the modern travellers.
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Japan Guide : Asahiyaki shop & gallery in Kyoto (京都府)
Asahi-yaki pottery (朝日焼) is a traditional ceramic kiln with over 400 years of history, located in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Uji is renowned for its production of high-quality Japanese tea, and Asahi-yaki pottery has supported this tea culture by crafting tea utensils and everyday ceramics. It is particularly famous for tea bowls used in the tea ceremony.
History and Characteristics :
1. History
– Asahi Pottery was established in the late Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century).
– Taking advantage of its location along the Uji River, it developed alongside the growth of tea culture.
– It has been cherished by tea masters, including the Sen family, and has played a vital role in Kyoto’s tea traditions.
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Tokyo Guide : Sugamo Jizo-dori (巣鴨地蔵通り商店街)
Sugamo Jizo-dori (巣鴨地蔵通り商店街) is a famous shopping street located in the Sugamo district of Tokyo, Japan. It’s often referred to as “Grandma’s Harajuku” because it’s particularly popular among older generations. The street is known for its traditional atmosphere and its variety of shops that cater to elderly customers.
The street is easily accessible from Sugamo Station on the JR Yamanote Line, and it features many stores catering to both locals and visitors, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
The street is also home to the famous “Togenuki Jizo” (Togenuki Jizo Bosatsu) statue, located at the grounds of the nearby Kōgan-ji Temple, which attracts many people who come to pray for health and healing.
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