MAGAZINE

Known as a signature souvenir from Hokkaido, I’d heard the name ROYCE but didn’t expect much. Still, on a whim at the airport, I picked up a box—and what followed was a revelation. Opening it, I placed one melted piece on my tongue. Its softness, velvety melt, and...

One of the most delightful surprises for visitors coming to Japan is the sheer delicacy of its sweets. Even Western-style treats like chocolates, cakes, and pastries feel entirely transformed here. They’re subtly sweet, light in texture, and beautifully presented,...

While staying in Japan, a sudden craving for something sweet led me to Lawson. I discovered a dessert showcase that effortlessly surpassed any expectations the word “convenience store” might conjure. Petite, meticulously arranged cakes, puddings, and fusion-style...

While wandering the streets of Kyoto, I stumbled upon a small wagashi shop. In the glass display case, I found a lineup of confections so delicate and radiant, they looked more like jewels than food. Their colors, shapes, and textures were crafted with such precision...

While traveling in Japan, I wandered into a cozy izakaya and settled into a seat at the counter. I ordered a cold beer to start, and after a moment of indecision, I went with the “yakitori assortment.” Among the skewers was one labeled simply “kawa”—chicken skin. I...

While exploring a scenic spot in Japan, I stopped by a local teahouse and ordered a matcha soft serve on a whim. One bite—and I was completely unprepared for the experience that followed. It wasn’t overly sweet, nor overly bitter. Instead, the flavor unfolded gently,...

It was my first morning in Japan, and I wandered into a 7-Eleven without much thought. There, on the shelves of this modest convenience store, I found something that would unexpectedly stay with me throughout the trip—a simple rice ball, or onigiri. Just a few hundred...