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Tsumami are served as accompaniments to a glass of sake. Here, we present four original recipes you can try yourself at home.

Discover all you need know about Japanese sake (Nihonshu) including how to make it, the different types of sake, the best sake in Japan..

The Japanese refer to sake as “nihonshu,” which translates to "Japanese alcohol." Taste the representative drink of Japan at these Japanese sake bars in Tokyo!

"KitKat Nihonsyu Masuizumi" produced by Hidetoshi Nakata who is actively working to let the world know about great Japanese traditional industries including

The Japanese refer to sake as “nihonshu,” which translates to "Japanese alcohol." Taste the representative drink of Japan at these Japanese sake bars in Tokyo!

yuuho no aka

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The Japanese refer to sake as “nihonshu,” which translates to "Japanese alcohol." Taste the representative drink of Japan at these Japanese sake bars in Tokyo!

Ever wondered how Japanese sake (nihonshu) is made? Follow Shizuka Anderson as she goes on a sake brewery tour of Toshimaya Shuzo, the oldest sake brewery in Tokyo.

Ever wondered how Japanese sake (nihonshu) is made? Follow Shizuka Anderson as she goes on a sake brewery tour of Toshimaya Shuzo, the oldest sake brewery in Tokyo.

These balls of cedar needles, called sugidama dangling above the casks of sake indicated that nihonshu is made, sold or served. Taken in Okage Yokocho outside of the entrance to The Inner Grand Ise Shrine.

There are many types of mixers and alcohol in Japan, and Japanese convenience stores—called ‘konbini’ in Japan—sell pretty much all of them, and at really affordable prices. They are a great alternative to bars that may overprice Japanese alcohol. Let’s go through this list alcohol that you can find at convenience stores in Japan!   Nihonshu (日本酒) Sake Times   The Japanese rice wine known as ‘sake’ overseas is actually called ‘nihonshu’. You can get large bottles of nihonshu at convenience stores in Japan, but we recommend getting the mini bottles!   Nippon.com   Some bottles have adorable or unique designs on them that you can keep as souvenirs! Japanese convenience stores also sell boxed nihonshu (some come with a straw), so give that a go, too!   Sparkling Nihonshu Source: Sake Times   This drink is sometimes referred to as the “Japanese champagne”. With an ABV of just 5%, sparkling nihonshu is sweeter and easier to drink than regular nihonshu which some find a tad too strong or intense. They’re often sold in convenience stores in pretty, mid-sized bottles.   Shōchū (焼酎) Source: Excite   Shōchū is another traditional Japanese alcohol, sometimes called the “Japanese vodka”. It’s not to be mixed up with the Korean soju! Shōchū can be made from rice, sweet potato, barley or buckwheat. They’re sold in large plastic bottles (pictured above) and cartons in Japanese convenience stores.   Chūhai (チューハイ) Source: mybest   The word ‘chūhai’ is an abbreviation of “shōchū highballs”—a mixer with a shōchū base. Japanese convenience stores sell canned chuhais in many different flavours that aren’t commonly found in bars or restaurants. They’re usually in bright and colourful cans so you can’t miss them!   Strong Zero Source: Amazon   The notorious Strong Zero, Japan’s blackout drink, is any chūhai with a high ABV—usually 7-9%—and zero sugar content. We have a list of Strong Zero brands sold at convenience stores in Japan, but the most famous one is Suntory’s -196°C Strong Zero (pictured above). So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of available brands, then we recommend this one. You can’t go wrong with it!   Japanese Beers As we covered in our blog article about classic (and craft!) Japanese beers, there are four main beer brands in Japan: Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Yebisu. Japanese convenience stores sell a ton of variations of the four main brands, and other brands that aren’t widely available in most bars and restaurants.   Japanese Whiskey Source: Suntory   Japanese whiskey has gained a lot of recognition after being featured in Lost in Translation (2003) and after nabbing the title of “best single malt whiskey in the world” in 2015. A popular and classic blend is the Suntory Whiskey, known as ‘kakubin (角瓶, square bottle)’ for its bottle shape. If you don’t like whiskey on the rocks, you can always get Suntory Whiskey Highballs, which are also sold in convenience stores in cans!   Umeshu (梅酒) Source: Fashion Press   It’s commonly known as a “Japanese plum wine”, but umeshu is actually a sour plum liqueur. It’s on the sweeter side and doesn’t taste like alcohol, but it actually has an ABV of 10-15%. Japanese convenience stores sell them in bottles and cartons, both large and small.   As you can see, you don’t have to go to bars or restaurants to try Japanese alcohol. If you don’t have much time to go to dine out, then stop by a convenience store and bring some Japanese alcohol back to your hotel room or Airbnb for a chill night in!   PIN THIS FOR LATER Want to join an online DIY Happy-Hour session based on Japanese-themed cocktails? Join our Cocktail Connections Experience!

Located in the eastern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Iwakuni City is only a 1 hour train journey away from Hiroshima station, 3 hour train journey from Kyoto and a 1h 45m flight from Tokyo.  Mostly known for its Kintaikyo Bridge, which is one of the most famous bridges in Japan, Iwakuni is a city close to the sea with a lot of charm. Here is a sneak peek of what you can see and do there.  Treating yourself with delicious local dishes Fugu As a foodie, when I travel around Japan, one of my favorite things to do is discover the local dishes that make an area so special - and Iwakuni City didn’t disappoint me at all! Yamaguchi prefecture is well known for Fugu (Japanese pufferfish), which is popular and famous around the world for being delicious and dangerous due to the highly toxic poison contained in its organs. However, it’s safe to eat when it’s prepared by a licensed chef and it’s wonderful. I had the opportunity to eat Fugu sashimi (fresh raw style) and tempura (battered and deep-fried). It was the first time I had it deep-fried and I totally recommend it!  Iwakuni Sushi Iwakuni city has been famous for Iwakuni sushi for many generations. It’s a kind of pressed sushi of 4-5 layers, usually including lotus roots (which is also famous in Yamaguchi), mushrooms, and kinshi tamago (a Japanese shredded egg crepe garnish made from a paper-thin omelette). The way it’s made is amazing: Local Soft Cream (soft-serve ice cream) After crossing the famous Kintaikyo bridge, you’ll find some food stalls selling soft cream but also korokke (croquette) and other delicious and local food! I will recommend trying the soft cream but to be honest, with all the flavors available, it will probably take you some time to decide on only one (if you combine all the shops after you cross the bridge, it results in a total of more than 100 flavors…). It was recommended to me that I try the natsu mikan (summer orange) one, which is really famous in Yamaguchi prefecture, and it was delicious. Japanese Sake (rice wine)  If you like nihonshu (Japanese sake), you should definitely take some time to enjoy the localities! Of course, you might probably know the most popular brand from Yamaguchi which is Dassai but if you are in Iwakuni, I’ll recommend you to try Gokyo. If you want to have a better idea of the taste before buying sake as a souvenir, sample-sized portions from different breweries in the city can be enjoyed at the Iwakuni city visitors center Honke Matsugane. Stroll around the city  Crossing the bridge must definitely be on your to do list! The admission fee is 310 yen (round trip over the bridge) or you can choose the 970 yen pass which includes the bridge, an entry to Iwakuni castle and a ropeway round-trip. This pass also allows you to get 100 yen off for the Kikkawa Historical Museum, 20% off for the Iwakuni Art Museum and 20% off for the White Snake Museum.  The Iwakuni white snake (shirohebi in Japanese) is a precious creature that has been nationally designated as a Natural Treasure. While its origin is unclear, it is said that around four centuries ago, they were found in many of Iwakuni’s rice storehouses preying on mice. Since then, it has become known and loved as a “lucky snake” and you can find charms and goods featuring the creature around the city. It is also said that seeing an Iwakuni white snake is believed to bring you luck with money, so it might be good for you to visit the Museum!  If you make it to the Iwakuni Castle taking the ropeway, the view from the top is amazing. This is a nice spot for your Instagram shots!    Where to stay? The Iwakuni Kokusai Kanko Hotel is well located, and very close to the bridge with a nice view of the bridge. They provide Wifi, have a nice onsen with inside and outside baths (the view from the outside one was great!). The food there was also delicious: fugu, hot pot, Iwakuni sushi, and dessert - you can easily make your belly happy. The Japanese-style breakfast was good as well, including cooked fish, rice, soup, salad and pickles.  We hope we gave you some ideas for your next trip! There are so many other great things to see and visit in Yamaguchi prefecture so stay tuned for the next article!   Featuring photo credit: WireJess Get great tips from local experts for your next trip to Japan thanks to our Personal Travel Consulting call service!   PIN THIS FOR LATER

The first sensation you may feel as soon as you get to Shinjuku station may simply be being overwhelmed. Commonly recognized as the busiest train station in the world, it is easy to get lost in between the insane amount of people passing through it, all of whom seem to know exactly where they’re going and exactly which path they’re taking. Nonetheless, do not be scared to indulge in this chaos and explore the station: although every major station in Tokyo has stores and eateries, the area around Shinjuku is like no other. Once you’ve decided to step out, you’ll be confronted with the view that you probably thought of when you set yourself on visiting Tokyo. There are going to be lit signs everywhere promoting places from arcades and restaurants to love hotels and host cafés. With this view in front of your eyes, you’ll start walking around the streets, and you’ll probably be mesmerized by the number of stores and well-dressed people you’ll see. While areas of Tokyo like Harajuku are known for the number of boutiques they house and areas like Omotesandō are known for their high-end fashion, Shinjuku is known for both. You’ll find all kinds of stores there, and they are often found inside buildings that, although may have the appearance of an apartment complex in an expensive neighborhood, are some kind of shopping mall. Shopping is not the only thing you’ll be able to do there: the amount of restaurants is also immense, and most of them offer delicious food. Omoide Yokocho is one of those must-visit streets located in Shinjuku. With many different yakitori restaurants and izakayas lined up on this street, it is a great place to find something cheap to eat or meet new people that are also entranced by all the lights surrounding them.   Now, if we’re talking about neon lights, we have to talk about Kabukicho. Although it’s famous for its adult entertainment spots, Kabukicho is also a good place to simply spend a good night at a bar or izakaya. In Kabukicho you’ll find the Golden Gai, an area composed of around six streets that are all extremely narrow and all lined up with various izakaya and small restaurants. It has a very unique ambiance, which is why we highly recommend visiting it and going into one of the small izakayas to have a beer or two.   Aside from all the busy street life, you’ll also be able to find the Shinjuku Gyoen in between the streets of the area. A famous place for cherry blossom and autumn tree viewing, it’s a garden that, although located in one of Tokyo’s most hectic areas, has a very tranquil and family-friendly environment. It is the perfect place to have a relaxed picnic after hours of walking through the streets of Shinjuku. The Samurai Museum is also a kid-friendly activity to do in Shinjuku, given that the viewers are even able to try a samurai costume while watching the exhibition. If you wish to have a good bird’s-eye view of the city without paying the fare for Shibuya Sky or Skytree, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, which even allow you to have a nice view of Mount Fuji.   Now, Shinjuku was not always known for being this bustling center of city life. Although it has been a well-regarded center for business for centuries, at first it didn’t have a specific reason to set it apart from other commercial areas. Nonetheless, after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, it gained importance given that it was mostly left unscathed. Some of the businesses built around this time still prevail today, like the Kinokuniya bookstore and Nakamuraya bakery. During the 60s Shinjuku was also well-known for being a center for counter-culture, having jazz and classical music cafes where young people gathered to discuss politics. Over the years it has grown immensely to become the social center it is today, as malls, restaurants, and bars opened their doors all around the area. Now, there are certain restaurants and cafes we consider a must-try in the area. Brooklyn Parlor is an underground café that offers lunch options as well. What’s most compelling about this place is its cozy, dark ambiance, showcasing books around the area and featuring dim yellow lighting. Nihonshu Genka Sakagura is the perfect place for those who love or want to learn more about sake and want food to accompany it as well. Now, if what you’re in for is a nice cup of ramen, Fūunji is the best place in the area for that. The creamy and thick soup in which the noodles are dipped is one of the best out there.  All in all, although it may seem a tad intimidating, Shinjuku is famous for a reason. It is one of Tokyo’s emblematic neighborhoods, so be sure to enjoy its restaurants and shopping malls whenever you visit!   Feature photo credit byPema Lama onUnsplash   Book your expert guide for a local and authentic adventure in Shinjuku!

Summertime in Japan is full of outdoor activities like festivals, fireworks shows and beach parties. The Japanese summer food list is so long, colorful and delicious that it’s very difficult to choose just five of them to savor. That’s why we ended up making this selection of 5 summer food recommendations to help you choose, or to add to your bucket list!   1. Zaru Soba Photo by Michael Lee on Unsplash   Japanese summers are hot and humid, and nothing keeps you cool and refreshed better than some chilled noodles like zaru soba. Among the various type of noodles that can be found in Japan, there are soba noodles made of buckwheat flour and water. They are kneaded and cut into thin strips, then boiled and chilled in ice water, and finally served with tsuyu, a sauce made of dashi (soup stock) and shoyu (soy sauce) that you can flavor with condiments like wasabi, ginger, green onion and daikon radish.   The noodles are arranged in a bamboo basket or mat that is called a zaru, and the sauce comes in a separate bowl for you to dip the noodles in and slurp them up. The combination of all the ingredients of this meal result in a healthy and delicious dish that is perfect for cooling off in the summertime. Zaru soba is available everywhere in Japan at specialty restaurants, izakaya (Japanese casual drinking establishments), supermarkets and convenience stores, and it’s very common to find them paired with fried food like tempura.   2. Cucumber Photo by Devi Puspita Amartha Yahya on Unsplash   Japanese cuisine places a strong emphasis on quality and seasonality of ingredients. Thanks to that, vegetables production involves careful selection methods for breeding, and application of various farming methods in order to achieve high-quality products. This results in vegetables with deep flavor, excellent texture and freshness.   During the summertime, you will find vegetables like eggplant, bell pepper, goya (bitter melon), edamame (unripened soybeans in the pod), lettuce, Japanese ginger, okra , shiso (Perilla leaf) and tomato. But the real star in this list is the cucumber.   Produced in areas such as the Miyazaki, Gunma and Saitama Prefectures, the cucumber is the perfect food for cooling off during the summer due to its high water content. There are several ways to prepare this crispy ingredient in Japanese cuisine, including Japanese-style pickled cucumber, sunomono (vinegar-based dishes), or can even eat them raw with miso paste or Japanese mayonnaise.   If you go to a natsu matsuri (Japanese summer festival), you will probably find the curious pickled whole cucumber at food stalls. They are surprisingly refreshing and really tasty! If you try it, you won’t regret it.   3. Yakitori Photo by Fabio Sasso on Unsplash   Speaking of matsuri, another superstar food that you will find at food stalls is our third recommendation: yakitori. Yakitori are bite-sized chicken skewers grilled over a charcoal fire. They are typically seasoned with tare (soy sauce-based sauce) or salt, and the meat can come from a variety of chicken parts such as breasts, thighs, skin, or even internal organs and entrails like liver.   Some of the most popular yakitori are negima (skewered chicken with pieces of leek in between), tsukune (meatballs made of chicken, eggs, vegetables and spices), momo (thigh meat), torikawa (chicken skin), tebasaki (chicken wings) and reba (liver).   This tasty summer delight can be found not only at a matsuri, but also in izakaya (Japanese casual drinking establishments), roadside stalls or in specialty restaurants known as yakitori-ya. Yakitori is even better when you enjoy it along with a glass of beer or nihonshu (Japanese rice wine) after a long day of work.   4. Yubari Melon Photo by AI FENG Hsiung on Unsplash   There is a wide variety of fruits that you can enjoy in the summer, such as Japanese apricot, muskmelon, peach, watermelon, yuzu, grape and cherries. Japanese fruits in general are famous for their high quality and sweetness, but we want to highlight one that is not just admired for its taste, but also for its appearance: the Yubari melon.   These melons are farmed in volcanic ash soil in greenhouses from a small region in Hokkaido called Yubari, and they are considered a luxury fruit in Japan. The top grade of these melons can cost more than $200.00 USD! In order to produce the best tasting and perfectly round melon with smooth skin and a vibrant orange color inside, the farmers give the fruits careful and constant attention, resulting in a piece of art.   The early days of summer (especially in June) are the best times to enjoy the complexity of flavors in this juicy fruit. And if you want to show your appreciation to someone in Japan whom you admire - like a teacher, a boss or a superior – a Yubari melon can also be an excellent gift!   5. Mizu Yokan Photo by Takafumi Yamashita on Unsplash   As tea lovers, our list wouldn’t be complete without at least one wagashi (Japanese confections that are often served with green tea), so our final suggestion is mizu yokan. Yokan is a general term for jelly desserts made with azuki (Japanese red beans), agar and sugar that are typically molded into a long rectangular block that is sliced before serving.   Mizu means water, and as the name suggests, mizu yokan is a type of yokan that has a higher water content than the traditional yokan, creating a lighter texture that makes the treat very easy to swallow, and the perfect snack during the summer. This refreshing dessert is even better if it is chilled. Some specialized shops sells mizu yokan inside a bamboo pipe as a limited summertime product, but you can easily find them at supermarkets and convenience stores as well.   --------------------   If you want to know more options for yummy summer food, then check out our previous lists (part 1 and part 2). We hope to see you soon here in Japan to explore the amazing world of summer delights with us! PIN THIS FOR LATER Want to try Japanese-style cocktails? Be sure to join one our Tokyo Sake, Cocktail, Whisky and Pairing Tour. Great for locals in Japan and visitors when we can welcome you in the future!