Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Tokyo
Inside Kinokuniya: Japan’s Upscale Supermarket Culture
Discover how Japanese supermarkets turn shopping into a refined experience through seasonality and thoughtful…
Nakazawa Hiroko
The Craft of Kissaten: Japan’s Coffee Culture Across Time
Discover Japan’s coffee culture through kissaten traditions, hand-drip craftsmanship, and the quiet charm of…
Nakazawa Hiroko
Japan’s Hidden Gem: Wakocha, the Unique Japanese Black Tea
Learn about Japanese black tea, its unique origins, and flavor diversity, plus a visit…
Nakazawa Hiroko
In Ikebana, flowers become you: Experiencing Sogetsu-style Ikebana
An inside look at Sogetsu ikebana, exploring its philosophy, techniques, and how form and…
Ito Ryo
Discovering the Treasures of a Japanese Antique Market
Step into Japan’s antique markets and enjoy a treasure hunt through centuries of pottery,…
Nakazawa Hiroko
Chanko Nabe: The Power Food of Sumo Wrestlers
Step into the home of sumo culture, and learn how chanko nabe became the…
Nakazawa Hiroko
So Different! The Food Cultures of Eastern & Western Japan
Explore the distinct food cultures of eastern and western Japan, shaped by history, climate,…
Ito Ryo
Edomae Cuisine: A Guide to Tokyo-Style Sushi & Seafood
Learn about Edomae washoku, Tokyo’s original style of sushi, tempura, and unagi.
Ito Ryo
What Is Ohagi? Japan’s Seasonal Sweet Rice Balls for Fall
Learn about ohagi, Japan’s beloved autumn sweet made with rice and red bean paste.
Nakazawa Hiroko
Journey into the World of Bonsai in Tokyo
Join a hands-on bonsai workshop in Tokyo at Seikoen and explore the beauty of…
Tokyo's Best Kakigori: Where to Eat Shaved Ice Like a Local
Discover Himitsudo, Tokyo’s first shaved ice shop, serving fluffy, hand-shaved ice topped with fresh…
Nakazawa Hiroko
Uncover Japanese Distilled Gin at Fukagawa Distillery
Explore Fukagawa Distillery, a Tokyo-based gin maker blending scientific glasswork, Japanese botanicals, and artistry.
Nakazawa Hiroko
Travel Japan Through Tableware
Travel Japan through tableware this summer. Explore handcrafted pieces from Kyoto, Tokyo, Akita, and…
A Modern Tokyo Family’s Life in a Traditional Japanese House
Learn how a Tokyo family transformed a 100-year-old kominka into a modern and traditional…
Ito Ryo
Dive into the Umami Wonderland of Dashi Soup
Learn how dashi is made and explore its rich umami and history at Tokyo’s…
Visit MUSUBI KILN Crafts at Otonami Lounge Tokyo
Discover MUSUBI KILN crafts at Otonami Lounge Tokyo, a new cultural space near Tokyo…
Where Edo’s Flavors Linger: Visiting Kakuyama Honten in Tsukiji
Step inside a Tsukiji workshop to see how Edo-style fu is handmade and why…
Admiring the Beauty of Floral Art at Sannomaru Shozokan
Discover floral masterpieces at Sannomaru Shozokan's "Hyakka Hiraku," showcasing art treasured by Japan's Imperial…
Spring Fresh: Exploring Japan’s Delicious Fruit Sandwiches
Explore artistry behind Japan’s fruit sandwiches at at Shinjuku Takano Fruits Parlor in Tokyo.
The Art of Kodo: Exploring Japanese Incense Culture at Juttoku
Experience the meditative world of Japanese incense at Juttoku., where scent, history, and craftsmanship…
Japanese Soul Food: The Irresistible Charm of Sanuki Udon
At Kuranosuke in Tokyo, discover Sanuki udon—made with chewy handmade noodles, rich dashi, and…
Unbelievably Gluten-Free: Jiyugaoka Bakery's Challenge
Jiyugaoka Bakery crafts 100% rice flour bread and cakes, redefining gluten-free in Japan with…
Step Back in Time at Tokyo’s Oldest Dagashi Shop
Visit Kamikawaguchiya and experience 240 years of history through nostalgic penny-shaped candies and timeless…
Plum Blossom Hanami: A Trip to Ikegami Plum Park
Team Musubi goes to Tokyo’s Ikegami Plum Park to experience breathtaking scenery, history, and…
Rebecca Menasché