Kamikochi is a scenic mountain area located in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture in Japan, at an elevation of about 1,500 meters. It is designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Its pristine natural beauty and breathtaking scenery attract visitors from around the world.

Obanzai enjoyed in Kyoto, and kyo-kaiseiki dining along the Kamo River in Pontocho.

I believe the key difference between Tokyo and Kyoto cuisine lies in the dashi. Kyoto’s cooking, which gently brings out the umami of each ingredient, is one of my favorite cuisines.

Even in Kyoto in Japan, the air feels slightly cooler once you venture as far as Oku-Sagano. Kyoto in summer is often associated with the intense heat of its basin, making it difficult to walk around. Surprisingly, however, there are still places with relatively few foreign tourists where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

The Kifune "Kawadoko" (riverbed) dining is a well-known summer tradition in Kyoto, and in 2026, it is held from May 1st to September 30th.

In Japan, Doyō no Ushi no Hi refers to the Day of the Ox that falls during the Doyō period. It usually refers to the summer Doyō no Ushi no Hi and is well known for the custom of eating eel.

Japanese ramen and gyoza still seem to be very popular around the world.
Let me share with you what our Japanese cooking class is like.

Fried chicken is one of the classic “mother’s taste” dishes in Japanese home cooking. It is often made at home and is also a staple side dish in lunch boxes in Japan.

Both “Arita ware” and “Imari ware” are representative Japanese porcelain produced in Saga Prefecture (Hizen Province).

“Yobuko,” the “Town of Squid,” is located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.

Yobuko, famous throughout Japan, is beloved by many as a place that offers fresh, top-quality, delicious squid.

A trip to enjoy gyutan and visit Matsushima, MIyagi prefecture in Japan.

Akita Prefecture boasts significant ceremonial sites featuring Jomon-era stone circles as their main components. The accompanying guidance centers offer a profound look into Jomon-period rituals and ceremonies through excavated archaeological finds. These properties are officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The Tohoku region of Japan is currently in a beautiful season, with rice planting now largely complete and the landscape enveloped in lush, fresh greenery. This is the perfect time to fully enjoy the seasonal spring delicacies and fresh seafood unique to this time of year. With convenient access—just a one-hour flight from Haneda Airport—why not take this opportunity to visit?

Hydrangea (ajisai, or purple hydrangea) is a deciduous shrub native to Japan that blooms during the rainy season (June–July), characterized by beautiful flowers in various colors including blue, purple, pink, white, and green.

The appeal of our sushi-rolling class is that you can freely use your creativity to make sushi rolls just the way you like them. Choose your favorite ingredients and designs to enjoy creating your very own original sushi rolls.

There are many beautiful parks in Tokyo, but this time I visited Showa Memorial Park to enjoy the nemophila in bloom. There were very few foreign tourists and no crowds, so I was able to take my time and fully appreciate the seasonal flowers.

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.

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.

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.