On a recent trip to visit friends in Tochigi Prefecture, I saw a bottle of “Yuzu Jure” in the saké section of a farmer’s market. I like saké, and I love yuzu, so although I had no idea what it was, I bought the bottle and brought it home. Before opening it, I consulted the Internet, and although a search for “yuzu jure” didn’t bring up anything in English, I was able to find the website of a saké merchant that sells alcoholic beverages produced in Tochigi prefecture–and, lo and behold, the exact Yuzu Jure I bought was also on
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Food Friday: Vending Machines (with Beer)
It’s no secret that I love Japanese vending machines–or that they stock an unusually wide variety of foods, beverages, and other items.
Read moreKumano Kodo 2023: Kyoto Pre-Hike Adventure
Last week, my friend and I headed south from Tokyo to spend a day in Kyoto before embarking on our week-long hike of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi…
Read moreFoodie Friday: teamLab Spicy Ramen
I was excited to learn that the teamLab Planets exhibition also has a restaurant, which serves ramen inside a separate art installation adjacent to the primary exhibition.
Read moreFoodie Friday: Inuyama Castle Parfait
After visiting Inuyama Castle, I stopped at 1st Terrace, a little cafe directly across the street from the castle entrance, where the featured menu item was something called an “Inuyama Castle Strawberry Parfait”…
Read moreJiggly Souffle Pancakes and Sakura Soda at Tokyo’s Micasadeco Cafe
A couple of weeks ago, author friend Jonelle Patrick and I headed out to Tokyo’s Harajuku district for a special springtime treat.
Read moreA Traditional Kaiseki Meal in the Heart of Kyoto’s “Floating World”
During the Golden Week holidays, I took a three-day trip to Kyoto, during which I booked a meal at Tousuiro, reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Kyoto. The experience proved to be every bit as spectacular as promised.
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