Discover Japan

What Is Sukonbu (酢昆布)? Japan's Sweet and Sour Kelp Snack

What Is Sukonbu (酢昆布)? Japan's Sweet and Sour K...

It might not look like the kind of snack you'd reach for first. But in Japan, Sukonbu (酢昆布) has been a familiar treat for generations. Made from strips of kelp...

What Is Sukonbu (酢昆布)? Japan's Sweet and Sour K...

It might not look like the kind of snack you'd reach for first. But in Japan, Sukonbu (酢昆布) has been a familiar treat for generations. Made from strips of kelp...

What Is Amazake (甘酒)? Japan's Traditional Sweet Rice Drink

What Is Amazake (甘酒)? Japan's Traditional Sweet...

Despite its name, Amazake (甘酒) isn't always alcoholic. In fact, many Japanese children grow up drinking it at festivals, shrines, and New Year's celebrations. Made from fermented rice, Amazake has...

What Is Amazake (甘酒)? Japan's Traditional Sweet...

Despite its name, Amazake (甘酒) isn't always alcoholic. In fact, many Japanese children grow up drinking it at festivals, shrines, and New Year's celebrations. Made from fermented rice, Amazake has...

What Is Ochūgen (お中元)? Japan's Summer Gift-Giving Tradition

What Is Ochūgen (お中元)? Japan's Summer Gift-Givi...

Every summer in Japan, department stores fill with beautifully wrapped gift boxes. Inside, you might find fruit, coffee, beer, noodles, sweets, or premium cooking oil. These aren't birthday presents. They're...

What Is Ochūgen (お中元)? Japan's Summer Gift-Givi...

Every summer in Japan, department stores fill with beautifully wrapped gift boxes. Inside, you might find fruit, coffee, beer, noodles, sweets, or premium cooking oil. These aren't birthday presents. They're...

What Is Katori Senkō (蚊取り線香)? Japan's Iconic Mosquito Coil

What Is Katori Senkō (蚊取り線香)? Japan's Iconic Mo...

On warm summer evenings in Japan, you might notice a thin trail of smoke rising from a small green spiral. It isn't incense. It's Katori Senkō (蚊取り線香)—Japan's famous mosquito coil....

What Is Katori Senkō (蚊取り線香)? Japan's Iconic Mo...

On warm summer evenings in Japan, you might notice a thin trail of smoke rising from a small green spiral. It isn't incense. It's Katori Senkō (蚊取り線香)—Japan's famous mosquito coil....

What Is Ukiyo-e (浮世絵)? Japan's Iconic Woodblock Art

What Is Ukiyo-e (浮世絵)? Japan's Iconic Woodblock...

When many people imagine traditional Japanese art, they often picture The Great Wave—the famous giant blue wave towering over small boats. That masterpiece is an example of Ukiyo-e (浮世絵), one...

What Is Ukiyo-e (浮世絵)? Japan's Iconic Woodblock...

When many people imagine traditional Japanese art, they often picture The Great Wave—the famous giant blue wave towering over small boats. That masterpiece is an example of Ukiyo-e (浮世絵), one...

What Is Mochi (餅)? Japan's Soft and Chewy Rice Cake

What Is Mochi (餅)? Japan's Soft and Chewy Rice ...

Soft. Chewy. Wonderfully stretchy. Mochi (餅) is one of Japan's most iconic traditional foods. Made from glutinous rice pounded into a smooth, elastic dough, it's enjoyed year-round in both sweet...

What Is Mochi (餅)? Japan's Soft and Chewy Rice ...

Soft. Chewy. Wonderfully stretchy. Mochi (餅) is one of Japan's most iconic traditional foods. Made from glutinous rice pounded into a smooth, elastic dough, it's enjoyed year-round in both sweet...