Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is one of the country’s most exciting and diverse culinary destinations. Kyushu spans seven prefectures — Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita ...

Kurabito are the skilled workers who brew sake under a toji. Learn their roles, ranks, daily life, and why sake is truly a ...

Every bottle of sake leaves something behind. After the fermented mash is pressed, a soft, pale, fragrant solid remains in the press. The Japanese call it sake kasu, and many people wrongly dismiss it ...

A kura, or sakagura, is a traditional Japanese sake brewery. Explore its rooms, architecture, water, and the people who bring ...

Black garlic, or kuro ninniku, is garlic aged into sweet, tangy cloves. Learn how it is made, what it tastes like, its health ...

Gifu Tanmen is a garlicky, salt-based local ramen born in Aichi and named for Gifu. Learn its taste, history, spice levels, ...

Kitakata ramen combines two defining elements: flat, wavy, high-hydration noodles and a relatively light soy sauce broth. The noodles measure roughly four millimeters wide. Their flat shape and firm ...

Sanuki Udon is the famous chewy wheat noodle of Kagawa Prefecture, the smallest prefecture in Japan and the proud home of udon culture. Locals proudly call Kagawa “Udon Prefecture,” and more than a ...

Ishikawa Prefecture is known for its refined food culture centered around the historic city of Kanazawa. The region offers fresh seafood, traditional Japanese cuisine, and dishes influenced by ...

Tokyo has more restaurants per capita than any other city on earth. For first-time visitors, that abundance is both exciting and overwhelming. This guide cuts through it: 20 dishes that are genuinely ...

Iekei ramen (家系ラーメン) is a Yokohama ramen style built on a rich tonkotsu shoyu broth, glossy chicken oil, and thick chewy noodles. Chefs finish each bowl with chashu pork, spinach, green onions, and ...

Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is one of the country’s greatest culinary destinations. Known for its vast landscapes, cold climate, and rich natural environment, Hokkaido produces some of ...