MAGAZINE
Why Shojin Ryori Now Resonates with the Global Wellness Ethos
Once regarded as an ascetic practice confined to the serene halls of Japanese temples, shojin ryori—a cuisine composed exclusively of plant-based ingredients such as vegetables, grains, legumes, and seaweed—is now experiencing a renaissance on the global stage. This...
Keihan of Amami: A Culinary Memory Bridging Ryukyu and Yamato Traditions
Stretching across the southernmost reaches of the Japanese archipelago lies the Amami archipelago—a land where subtropical breezes mingle with coral-fringed seas and dense, verdant forests. Here, distinct culinary traditions flourish, separate from both mainland Japan...
From Status Symbol to Cultural Ethos: The Next-Generation Philosophy Behind Premium Wagyu
Once regarded as the pinnacle of luxury dining, Wagyu was synonymous with opulence. Its delicate marbling, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and euphoric flavor profile made it the centerpiece of celebratory occasions and gourmet indulgence. Yet today, the perception of...
After Sake Comes Craft Mirin: A Refined Rediscovery of Sweetness
Alongside traditional Japanese spirits such as sake and shochu—and amid the global rise of craft beers and natural wines—one quietly reemerging gem is drawing newfound attention: mirin. Long considered a foundational seasoning in Japanese cuisine, mirin is now being...
Japanese Dashi Refined: A Culinary Fusion Where Washoku Meets French Elegance
In the culinary world, the movement of "fusion"—where diverse cultures and gastronomic traditions intersect—has long served as a driving force behind global culinary innovation. Whether bridging Asia and Europe, the Mediterranean and Latin America, or harmonizing...
Captivating First and Last Impressions: The Attraction of Japanese Airport Design and Art
A journey is defined by two poignant moments—departure and arrival—and in Japan, it is the airport that gracefully frames both ends of that experience. More than just a transportation hub, the Japanese airport has evolved into a space that speaks to the senses,...
Urban Access from the Airport: A Comparative Look at the Fastest, Most Comfortable, and Cost-Effective Transit Options
After the air travel, the next priority becomes the journey into the city. For discerning travelers and investors alike, an airport’s true value is often measured by its connectivity to the urban core. Whether it’s travel time, fare, onboard comfort, or the ease of...
Impeccable by Design: The Astonishing Cleanliness of Japanese Airport Restrooms That Leaves Global Travelers in Awe
What shapes a traveler’s first impression? It may not be the grand architecture, the warm smiles of airport staff, or the dazzling retail displays. For many international visitors arriving in Japan, it is something far more subtle: the restroom. One traveler recounted...
Overnight at Kansai? Japan’s Best Airport Spots for a Luxurious Layover or Seamless Transit Stay
Mid-journey layovers are often unavoidable—whether due to extended transit windows, early morning departures, or late-night arrivals. But in Japan, these in-between hours need not be lost time. At select major airports across the country, time spent on the ground has...
Onsen, Luxury Shopping, and Designer Lounges: A New Era of Experiential Services at Japanese Airports
Once considered mere passageways to the sky, airports in Japan are redefining their role in modern travel. Increasingly, they are being transformed into destinations in their own right—spaces that elevate the hours between journeys into moments of exploration,...
Japan’s Regional Airports Reimagined: The Preferred Gateways for Private Jet Travelers
Private aviation is quietly gaining prominence in Japan, offering unmatched freedom from schedules, seamless security procedures, and most importantly—direct access to one’s destination with precision. These advantages have not gone unnoticed. Demand for private jet...
Narita’s Evolving Gateway: Where the Journey Into Japan Truly Begins
Long regarded as Japan’s primary international gateway, Narita International Airport has played a central role in welcoming global visitors. While it was once seen as less convenient due to its distance from Tokyo’s urban core, that image is rapidly becoming outdated....
The Art of Japanese Hospitality Begins at Haneda: Aesthetic Refinement from the Moment You Arrive
For many international visitors, their very first encounter with Japan is the atmosphere of its airport. After a long-haul flight, the moment one steps through the arrival gates, a carefully orchestrated sensory experience sets the tone for what lies ahead. Nowhere is...
Narita vs. Haneda vs. Kansai: Which Japanese Airport Truly Serves the Global Traveler Best?
For many international visitors, the airport serves as their first impression of Japan—a symbolic gateway to the culture, efficiency, and hospitality the country is known for. Among Japan’s numerous international airports, three in particular stand out: two in the...
What Makes Japan’s Airlines Exceptional? A Curated Look Through the Eyes of Global Travelers
In Travel, Impressions Begin on Board. Few experiences illustrate this better than flying to Japan with ANA (All Nippon Airways) or JAL (Japan Airlines). Across social platforms and international review sites, global travelers share reactions ranging from “I can never...