Sometimes, when you sit down in a pub-style bar (aka an izakaya) in Japan, you’ll get served a small dish of nibbles you haven’t ordered. This is an otoshi, and, it’s part of the Japanese seat fee system. Here’s what’s going on…
Dining in Japan
Everything you need to know about dining and drinking in Japan – from where we eat when we visit, places to find more familiar foods or that fit special diets, and guides to Japanese favourites.
Top Tips for Staying in Tokyo Bay
Located on the far west of Tokyo, the Tokyo Bay resort area is surrounded by sea, has some large, family-friendly hotels, some of which have pools, and it’s right by the Tokyo Disney Parks, but if you do stay here, what can you do, where is there to eat – and, what are the best hotels to stay in? Find out here…
Visiting Tokyo Disneyland with a Picky Eater
One thing I’ve heard people mention that they find difficult when visiting the Tokyo Disney Parks is the food offered. Because the parks aim heavily at a local market, many dishes come with a Japanese twist, making it tricky if you’re travelling with someone with a less adventurous palate. Our guide aims to make things easier…
The 8 Most Memorable Things I’ve Eaten in Japan (so far).
I’m not an avid foodie. When I’m in Japan, I don’t seek out restaurants with Michelin stars or queue for the latest viral restaurant. Most of the time, my meals are more to give me the energy to keep sightseeing than gourmet sensations – but that doesn’t mean I don’t eat some amazing food on my trip. And here are the eight dishes I think have been the most memorable so far – either because of their taste or the experience of consuming them.
Where to Eat, Drink, Sleep- and Shop – in Ginza
Ginza is one of the most centrally located districts in Tokyo. Famous for its shops, it’s also a fun place to wander around for other reasons—if you know where to go. And we do. So, whether you’re thinking of staying in Ginza or are just visiting for the day, here’s our guide to where to eat, drink, sleep, and shop in Ginza.
This Tokyo Izakaya Just Got Named One of the Best in the World
A small izakaya in Tokyo’s Shibuya was just named one of the best restaurants in the world by Food and Wine magazine in its Global Tastemakers Poll. Here’s how to find it and what to expect.
The 9 Chain Restaurants I Live On in Japan
While it wouldn’t be the perfect Japanese trip without stumbling into some mom-and-pop restaurant, ordering from the menu even though you’re not quite sure exactly what you’ll get, and enjoying the whole experience of being somewhere out of your comfort zone, sometimes you might just want to eat somewhere quick and easy. This is where the Japanese chain restaurants come in very handy.
What to Eat in Japan – if You Don’t Like Fish
When many of us think about Japanese food we tend to think about the fish dishes – sushi and sashimi – which leads a lot of people to wonder what on earth they are going to eat in Japan if they don’t like fish. Well, here are 13 suggestions for types of Japanese food – without fish – that you might want to try…