The Japan Notebook

Japan’s “Morning Service”: Buy Coffee, Get a Free Breakfast

Discover Japan’s unique “Morning Service” culture, where ordering a coffee gets you a free breakfast. Learn how it works, where to try it (including Komeda Coffee), and why Nagoya is the heart of it all.

2026.04.16

Must-Try Food in Japan

Japanese Barbershop (Tokoya) Experience: What to Expect + Prices & Tips

Discover the Japanese barbershop (tokoya) experience — straight razor shaves, hot towels, ear cleaning, prices, and how to find one in Japan.

2026.04.16

Must-Try in Japan

You Don’t Need a Rice Cooker. You Just Need This Guide.

Learn how to cook perfect Japanese rice without a rice cooker. Step-by-step stove method, water ratios, rice varieties like Koshihikari, and the secret to fluffy, non-mushy rice.

2026.04.14

Must-Try Food in Japan

The Ultimate Attack on Titan Travel Guide to Japan (2026 Edition)

Explore real-life Attack on Titan locations in Japan, including Hita City, Awaji Island’s Night Walk, and Tokyo attractions. A complete 2026 travel guide for AOT fans.

2026.04.10

Must-Try in Japan

Why Are Shiba Inus So Adorably Sassy? (And Other Secrets of Japan’s Most Unique Dogs)

Obsessed with Shiba Inus? Discover the science behind their cuteness, the truth about the "Shiba Scream," and meet Japan's other amazing native breeds like the Akita and Shikoku Inu. A deep dive into why these stubborn, sassy "furry potatoes" have captured the world's heart.

2026.04.09

Unique Things in Japan

Best Japanese Cooking Classes in Tokyo, Osaka & Beyond (2026 Guide)

Discover the best Japanese cooking classes in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kamakura. Learn sushi, miso soup, and authentic home cooking with local instructors — from budget-friendly workshops to premium private experiences.

2026.04.05

Must-Try in Japan

Eat Like a Japanese LocalーJapan Hidden Gems Guide to Cooking Classes & Home Recipes

Skip the tourist food. Learn real Japanese cooking — from sushi and onigiri to miso soup. Find beginner-friendly classes in Japan and simple recipes you can recreate at home.

2026.04.03

Must-Try Food in Japan

Why Japan’s ¥100 Shops Might Be the Best Stop on Your Trip

Visiting Japan? Don't skip the ¥100 shops. Daiso and Seria offer ingenious kitchen gadgets, perfect souvenirs, and items you didn't know you needed — all for around ¥110. Here's what to buy.

2026.04.02

Useful Things in Japan

Pokémon Centers in Japan: The Ultimate Guide for Trainers Visiting in 2026

Explore Pokémon Centers across Japan in 2026, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and the new PokéPark KANTO. Learn where to go, what to buy, exclusive Pikachu merch, café reservations, and budget tips for your trip.

2026.04.02

Must-Try in Japan

So You Have Tattoos. Can You Use a Japanese Onsen? (Yes — But It Depends)

Can you enter a Japanese onsen or sento with tattoos? This guide explains the real rules in Tokyo, tattoo-friendly baths, cover options, and how to avoid being turned away.

2026.03.30

Must-Try in Japan