Introducing onigiri featuring salt-pickled cherry blossoms. These sakura pickles are more than just food; they symbolize a cherished Japanese culinary tradition deeply rooted in history, spirituality, and the spirit of omotenashi hospitality.

Mari sushi are colorful sushi balls popular for Hinamatsuri (March 3rd, Peach Festival), shaped like traditional Japanese handballs.

Let me share a glimpse of our recent cooking classes.
In my class, guests learn recipes that are easy to recreate at home, even after returning to their own countries.
After meeting at Todoroki Station, we'll take a leisurely walk through the beautiful green gardens of Setagaya on our way to our class.

Plum blossoms bloom earlier than cherry blossoms, from the end of winter into early spring, releasing an elegant, sweet fragrance. Their petite white or pink flowers grace gardens and parks, evoking poetic sentiment as they bravely unfurl amid the chill.

Tokyo is currently experiencing light snow, with weak snow clouds passing through the area. As of this afternoon, intermittent flurries are possible until around 6 PM, potentially leading to minor accumulations on roads or walkways.

I prefer meals savored in the countryside over those in Tokyo.

Here, allow me to introduce a wonderful restaurant I discovered in Hakodate. I would love to return to the place that served unforgettable squid ink pasta and venison dish.

It takes just over an hour by plane from Haneda to Hakodate. The snow-covered city offered a breathtaking winter scene that seemed to clear my mind and soothe my heart.

Wajima-nuri is a traditional lacquerware produced in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for its durability and beautiful luster.

The trip from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka Station on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen takes approximately 2.5 hours. Osaka shines brightest when balancing food, sights, and experiences.
Iconic photo spots abound, and above all, the cuisine offers authentic flavors at more affordable prices than Tokyo.
Come on, let's head to Japan's Latin Quarter—Osaka!

This time, I drove to Odawara Fishing Port, about an hour from Tokyo by a car, to enjoy some fresh seafood. While Tsukiji and Toyosu have now taken on more of a “touristy flavor,” Odawara feels like the most accessible place for Tokyo residents to experience truly local tastes. The port is especially famous for its horse mackerel, but all the other fish there are incredibly fresh and absolutely delicious.

December in Tokyo brings a crisp chill that signals the arrival of winter. The city glows with stunning illuminations, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.

Kuhonbutsu Joshinji Temple is located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, and is considered one of the top spots for autumn foliage in the city. Every year, many worshippers and photography enthusiasts visit to enjoy the colorful scenery. The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from late November to mid-December, with the peak occurring in early December.

Hagi City flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, with landmarks such as the ruins of Hagi Castle, samurai residences, and merchant districts that have been beautifully preserved. The city is also renowned for sites associated with Yoshida Shoin and other prominent samurai from the late Tokugawa period, such as the Shoka Sonjuku Academy and Shoin Shrine. These spots offer visitors a deep sense of the history surrounding the Meiji Restoration. Furthermore, Hagi is well known for its delicious local cuisine, providing visitors with a rich cultural and culinary experience combined

Hagi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan is a historic castle town abundant in natural beauty. It is a renowned tourist destination where visitors can experience the rich heritage of Meiji Japan's industrial revolution sites, stroll through preserved Edo-period streets, admire traditional Hagi-yaki pottery, and savor fresh seafood.

Preparing a meal is more than just a daily routine. The dining table is a place for creative expression-a wonderful opportunity to strengthen bonds with family and friends, whether on special occasions or ordinary days. Here, we introduce easy tableware coordination tips you can try right away.

Table coordination means combining tableware, cutlery, tablecloths, placemats, and other items according to the purpose, season, or theme to beautifully decorate the dining table. This time, I would like to focus on one of my cooking classes- Fluffy Pancake Class—and share my personal ideas.

I went grape picking at a vineyard near my home. In the Tokyo area, especially around Setagaya and Meguro, there are several farms where visitors can enjoy grape picking. The 2025 harvest is sweeter and more flavorful than in previous years. Popular varieties include Fujiminori, Shine Muscat, Nagano Purple, and Black Beat, with the main harvest season running from mid-August to late September.

On the second day of my stay in Kagawa Prefecture, I visited Zentsū-ji, the birthplace of the Buddhist monk Kūkai, also known posthumously as Kōbō Daishi. Revered as a religious leader, educator, cultural figure, and engineer, he has had a profound and lasting influence on Japanese history, and his character and achievements continue to be admired by countless people today.

Kagawa Prefecture is known as the “Udon Prefecture,” with more than 700 udon shops lining its streets. Authentic Sanuki udon ranges from simple bowls like kake udon or bukkake udon to hearty variations such as niku bukkake (beef udon) and seasonal specialties like shippoku udon, each showcasing unique touches in the broth and toppings. From long‑established local favorites cherished by residents to bustling shops with endless lines, the tradition of udon meguri—going from shop to shop in search of the best flavors—has become a cultural hallmark of Kagawa itself.

Seeking relief from the heat, I visited Tateshina. Nagano is a place I love deeply, filled with various charms throughout the seasons. This year, Japan has experienced unprecedentedly severe heat, with record-breaking high temperatures one after another. Especially in Tokyo, where I live, there were 23 days of extreme heat (with temperatures over 35°C) by late August, marking the longest consecutive streak of heatwave days on record.