Culture

A Beginner’s Guide to Sake in Japan: What to Drink, How to Choose & Where to Go

Planning a trip to Japan and curious about sake? Written by a UK expat with insights from a sake expert, discover top brews, venue tips, and where to drink.

2026.08.08 2026.08.29

Japan

Hidden Sake Paradises: Best Station Bars and Kakuuchi Spots in Tohoku

Planning a Tohoku travel itinerary? Discover the ultimate 2-week guide to Northeast Japan’s best sake, station bars, and Kakuuchi spots without needing a car.

2026.07.24 2026.08.08

Japan

Tachinomi Guide in Tokyo and Osaka: Navigating the Best Standing Bars and Yokocho Alleys

Want to experience real Japanese nightlife? Discover the best Tachinomi standing bars and yokocho alleyways in Tokyo and Osaka, from Shimbashi to Ura-Namba.

2026.07.24 2026.08.29

Japan

What is Tachinomi? Why Japan’s Standing Bars Are the Ultimate Travel Trend (and Why It’s Not Bad Manners)

Planning a Japan trip? Discover the booming trend of Tachinomi (Japanese standing bars and standing-and-drinking culture) in Tokyo and Osaka, and why it's not bad manners.

2026.07.24 2026.08.29

Japan

What is Kakuuchi? Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Cheapest & Most Authentic Bar Experience

What is Kakuuchi? Discover how to drink premium cheap sake in Tokyo inside working Japanese liquor stores. Master the rules, history, and etiquette of Kakuuchi bars.

2026.07.24 2026.08.29

Japan

The Practical Beginner’s Guide to Tachinomi & Kakuuchi: How to Sip, Order, and Blend In Like a Local

Want to try Japan's standing bars but don't know how? Here is a practical beginner's guide to Tachinomi and Kakuuchi etiquette, how to order, and how to spot the best local dishes.

2026.07.24 2026.08.29

Japan

First Trip to Japan? 12 Questions that We are Frequently Asked

Whenever my Japanese wife and I catch up with our friends back in the UK or here in Canada, the conversation almost always steers towards one particular topic: travelling to Japan. With Japan being such a bucket-list destination, everyone seems to be planning their first proper trip there at the moment. As a British-Japanese couple […]

2026.07.22 2026.07.24

Japan

Is English Spoken in Japan? How to Survive Without Japanese

Worried about the language barrier? Discover how much English is spoken in Japan, why a smile connects with the local culture, and how to use Google Lens smoothly.

2026.07.20 2026.07.22

Japan

5 Magic Japanese Phrases for Your First Trip to Japan

Don't stress about learning complex grammar! Master these 5 simple, high-impact Japanese phrases to show respect, ask for help, and connect with locals smoothly.

2026.07.20

Japan

Do You Tip in Japan? (The Honest Truth About Tipping Culture)

Wondering if you should leave a tip in Japan? Discover the real truth about Japan's no-tipping culture, why it can cause confusion, and how to show your appreciation properly.

2026.07.17 2026.07.24

Japan