Not so long ago I took you on a foodie’s tour of Japan’s three major Chinatowns—and after all that delicious food it is time for a new cross-cultural experience right here in Japan. We are heading for the home (away from home) of kimchi, K-pop and cheap cosmetics: Koreatown!
You just moved to Japan. You paid an absorbent amount of key money and other fees, and now you’re ready to move into your empty apartment. Where to get all those things needed to make your place comfy and livable without going broke right off the bat? These secondhand shops in Japan, that’s where! Check out these affordable options for outfitting your new place.
Chinese have always been the largest group of migrants in Japan. While few still choose to live in neighborhoods with Chinese majorities, these Chinatowns are well worth a visit to experience something different and, of course, excellent food.
Of the numerous cute Japanese souvenirs for cat enthusiasts, there would be nothing more memorable than a self-made maneki-neko, or lucky cat. Café Nekoemon in one of northern Tokyo’s traditional districts, Yanaka, offers the opportunity to make your very own maneki-neko accompanied by a cute paw-shaped biscuit and a drink of your choice.
For most foodies, a trip to Japan includes a long list of different kinds of dishes to try out. But after you have visited dozens of restaurants, depachika (department store food halls) and of course the Tsukiji market, you might want to know where the cooks get their equipment to prepare those tasty wonders.
The city of Uji, located between the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, is blessed with the quality of soil and surroundings needed for one of Japan’s most famous products, matcha (green tea).
With a unique technique called “vintage sold by weight” from Paris you can get amazing value on brand clothing and accessories by shopping at a Kilo Shops.
Sweets are the souvenir, or omiyage in Japanese, of choice from Japan and especially from Kyoto.
Valentine’s Day, that crazy time of the year when men around to world rush to department stores and chocolatiers to find that one piece of sweet their (prospective) girlfriend or wife will adore.