If someone mentions Japanese food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Sushi (寿司) and ramen (ラーメン) have already gained substantial popularity in some countries. Right now, I live in a European city where I can eat them at many Japanese restaurants. But, sometimes, I do miss the taste of Japanese food available only…

JR Kyushu’s (九州) newest train makes its first trip this March and with it are tales of hope. Named after kingfishers local to the Kuma (球磨) region, the KAWASEMI YAMASEMI (かわせみ やませみ) is the first sightseeing train launched by JR Kyushu after the Kumamoto (熊本) earthquake in 2016 and is hoped to be a symbol…

Japan is known for having expensive food in the market. This is probably one of the most common complaints of foreign people visiting the country. Contrary to this, there is actually a wide selection of cheap food having good quality. Like anywhere in the world, if you eat like a local, there’s no need to…

When in Japan, you will most likely come across ekiben (train station bento boxes) shops housed within the train stations especially if there are long-distance train services passing through there. In order to ease your hunger pangs during the long journeys, there is a dizzying variety of prepacked bento meals sold at such shops to…

If you have ever spent any time watching Japanese TV, you will notice that 90 percent of it is dedicated to food. Food TV shows, cooking shows, comedians reacting to delicious food, comedians reacting to disgusting food, comedians touring their favorite eating places, etc., etc., etc… Why? Are Japanese people obsessed with food? Food is…

If you were traveling to Japan, what would be on your list of things to experience? Today I would like to recommend adding a live baseball game at Tokyo Dome to that list as it is truly an unforgettable experience. Japan has over 80 years of professional baseball history and can boast a high level…

The Kansai region is considered to be the historical heart of Japan. It is popularly known all over the world for its delicious cuisine which is the reason why many tourists are attracted to the area. If you’re traveling via Shin-Osaka Station, don’t forget to grab a bite even in the shortest possible time with…

Your trip to Japan will definitely not be complete if you fail to sample ekiben. Ekiben is a combination of the words “eki” (i.e. train station) and “bento” (i.e. lunch box) which when you combine together literally means lunch box at a train station. These ekiben have long been standing in Japan for decades with…

Feeling tired from a long day at the office? Don’t wanna cook? Need to get some quick but healthy food? Why not give Hotto Motto a go! Arguably the most popular take out bento (boxed lunch) chain in Japan, Hotto Motto is found all over the country, from rural enclaves to bustling city centres. The…

The word ekiben comes from a combination of the words “eki” (station) and “ben” (short for “bento”, meaning lunch box). Basically, ekibens are the station or region specific lunches that are sold at train stations all over Japan. History There are various stories as to when and where the first Japanese ekibens were sold, but…