Japan Guide : Kinugawa Onsen in Nikko (栃木県)
Kinugawa Onsen is a popular hot spring resort located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its therapeutic hot spring baths (onsen) and scenic beauty, nestled along the Kinugawa River, which flows through steep, forested gorges. The area has been a favored destination for relaxation and rejuvenation since the Edo period.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of hot spring baths, both indoors and outdoors, offering views of the surrounding nature. Many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels provide access to these baths, and some even offer private onsen experiences. The town is also known for its proximity to famous attractions like Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Toshogu Shrine.
Kinugawa Onsen is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a convenient getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere of Japan’s natural landscapes.
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Tokyo Guide : Hatoya Asakusa
Hatoya is a Japanese tea stand where you can enjoy carefully selected Japanese teas, lattes, and sweets made from only the finest teas in Kyoto.
The owner, Nobuhiro Maruyama, originally came from the coffee industry and worked as a barista for 10 years. After encountering a cup of Gyokuro tea, he became fascinated by the world of Japanese tea. He then trained at a Japanese tea company before opening the first Hatoya location, Hatoya Ryouyousha, in Arashiyama, Kyoto, in 2019.
In addition to the Kyoto location, Hatoya has stores in Tokyo and Kamakura. My family and I recently visited Hatoya Asakusa, located behind Sumida Park in Tokyo.
The signature item, the Matcha Latte, is topped with homemade matcha ice cream made with an Italian gelato machine. The vibrant green color and the exquisite flavor of the high-quality matcha were truly captivating.
They also offer a variety of matcha-based baked goods and unique sweets like Half-Baked Matcha and Fresh Matcha Terrine. Whether you’re a matcha lover or looking for a unique souvenir, I highly recommend stopping by when you visit Asakusa!
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Kiriboshi Daikon no Nimono
Kiriboshi daikon no Nimono (切り干し大根の煮物) is a staple in Japanese bento boxes, appreciated for its rich flavor, satisfying texture, and ability to enhance the overall balance of the meal. Kiriboshi daikon (切り干し大根) are dried daikon radish strips that have been rehydrated and then used in various dishes. Kiri-boshi daikon, once simmered, has a unique texture that is slightly chewy and tender. It absorbs the rich flavors of the broth and seasonings, making it a flavorful addition to the dish. It is not only delicious but also nutritious. It is low in calories and high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is served as one of the various components in a bento box, often alongside rice, pickles, and other side dishes.
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Tokyo Guide : Vegan Ramen Shop T’s Tantan
The world of ramen is becoming more diverse. While traditional ramen often uses a lot of animal-based ingredients, high-quality vegan and vegetarian ramen options are definitely on the rise.
Vegan ramen often relies on dashi made from kombu (kelp seaweed) and shiitake mushrooms, along with various vegetables to create a deep umami flavor. For example, a broth based on kombu and shiitake mushrooms offers a rich taste without using animal products. Plant-based seasonings and spices are also used to achieve a well-rounded flavor.
Moreover, there are creative uses of ingredients like soy milk or nuts to make creamy broths, and toppings like tempeh or tofu to provide protein. These innovations result in ramen that is visually appealing and flavorful, without losing to traditional options in taste.
The growing popularity of vegan and vegetarian ramen means that there are more diverse choices available, which is a wonderful development for ramen enthusiasts. In this article, I would like to introduce one of the popular vegan ramen shop in Tokyo.
T’s Tantan (T’s たんたん) is a popular vegan ramen restaurant originating from Japan, known for offering Japanese-style tantanmen(坦々麺) based on Sichuan cuisine’s dandan noodles, all made from plant-based ingredients.
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Ramune (ラムネ)
Ramune(ラムネ) is a popular Japanese carbonated soft drink known for its unique bottle design, particularly the Codd-neck bottle sealed with a marble.
The word “ramune” is derived from the English word “lemonade,” reflecting its original citrus flavor, although today it comes in many varieties like strawberry, melon, and lychee.
The bottle’s defining feature is a glass marble that acts as the seal. To open the bottle, you push the marble into a chamber below the bottle’s neck. The marble is then trapped there and creates the iconic “clinking” sound when drinking.
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Hello from Tokyo (August 204)
It’s hot and humid from morning here in Tokyo. I’m staying hydrated, keeping up my iron levels, and getting good sleep!
Everyone, be careful not to get summer fatigue! Have a wonderful August!!! YUCa
Japanese Food & Lifestyle Brand : YUCa’s Choice
I am pleased to announce the launch of my new brand focused on Japanese-inspired food and lifestyle. The name of the brand is YUCa’s Choice.
Our offerings include items that are gentle on the body, health-conscious, high-quality, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly. Each product is carefully chosen to enrich your daily life and bring a sense of well-being. I would be delighted if you tried these meticulously selected goods and experienced their benefits for yourself.
As the first launch, we are offering “fabric sandals.”
Fabric sandals are cherished for their blend of environmental consideration and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
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Tokyo Guide : HIYAKASHI IPPODO TEA
IPPODO TEA, a long-established Kyoto tea house, is hosting a limited-time café called “Hiyakashii IPPODO TEA” in Omotesando, running until September 30th.
At the entrance, there’s a noren (traditional Japanese curtain) with a green ghost-like character on it. Instead of being scary, it has a kind of amusing and intriguing vibe.
As you part the noren and step inside, you’re greeted by a space inspired by Kyoto’s bamboo paths. It feels like you might encounter a ghost!
The café also offers an English menu, so international visitors can enjoy it too.
We ordered the following:
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Yokan (羊羹)
Yokan (羊羹) is a traditional Japanese confection made from azuki red bean paste, agar (a plant-based gelatin), and sugar.
It has a smooth, firm, jelly-like texture and is typically enjoyed as a sweet treat with tea. Yokan is often shaped into rectangular blocks and comes in two main varieties: neri yokan(練り羊羹), which is firm, and mizu yokan(水羊羹), which has a softer, more delicate texture due to higher water content, making it a popular choice in the summer.
There are also variations that include ingredients like chestnuts, sweet potato, or green tea flavoring. Yokan has a rich, mildly sweet taste, and its simple ingredients have made it a beloved dessert in Japanese culture for centuries. It is also appreciated for its long shelf life, which makes it a popular gift or travel souvenir.
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Matcha Soymilk Pudding
Do you like matcha green tea? Matcha is made by grinding special tea leaves on a millstone and is used for beverages as well as for confectionery. This time, we will use that matcha powder to make vegan pudding without eggs or milk.
* My brand YUCa’s Tea also sells organic matcha, which has been well received by matcha fans in Japan and abroad. I hope you will try them! For more detail, please check this page!
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