Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka! I am sure many of you are familiar with shabu shabu. This traditional Japanese hot pot dish has become popular internationally. It is a hot pot where you would stir in thinly sliced meat (usually beef, pork or both) and pieces of vegetables in boiling water or broth, then consume them・・・
Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka! Yakitori, literally translated as grilled chicken, is a popular dish among the Japanese businessmen. It is grilled chicken skewers, made from different parts of chicken or other ingredients such as vegetables. They are usually grilled over charcoals, eaten either with tare (sweet salty soy-based sauce) or shio (salt). Kyoto is full・・・
Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka! Though Japanese cuisine is usually loaded with healthy vegetables, it is rather difficult to go completely vegan or vegetarian in Japan due to our heavy reliance on fish based stock. Kyoto possibly is the best place to keep up with your vegan or vegetarian life-style. Kyoto being the host of the・・・
Kyoto has a vibrant nightlife and you really cannot talk about the Japanese nightlife without mentioning izakaya. Izakaya has long been an important place where the Japanese gather with friends and colleagues after work. It is a local bar, catering drinks and delicious inexpensive food. “Unwinding” in izakaya can get fairly loose and at a・・・
Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka! An onsen, or a hot spring, can be a classic Japanese experience in winter. We enjoy soaking in nice hot water packed with various minerals as an ultimate leisure activity as well as a medical treatment. You might be hesitant with an idea of being naked or soaking in hotter than・・・
Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka! One of the most popular Kyoto specialties in Kyoto is Tofu. Also known as bean curd, tofu is made by coagulating soymilk and then form the soybean curds in blocks. If you travel to Japan, you may notice that there are various kinds of tofu: from extra firm to silken soft;・・・
Hi,I’m Keiko from Osaka! Kyoto’s specialty coffee scene has evolved in the past several years. Traditionally Kyoto is full of traditional tea houses, serving bitter yet rich matcha (green tea). As an extension, the coffee scene has developed in Kissaten or Kissa (tea shops) that serve tea and coffee along with light meals. Many of・・・
