When traveling, many people struggle with the “foreignness” of food and drinks, seeking comfortable (read: familiar) dining options. While I understand the desire for familiarity, especially where food is concerned, I take the opposite approach in Japan–and discovered some amazing, tasty treats along the way. Case in point: the local beverages of Magome. Magome (or Magome-juku) lies in Gifu Prefecture, northeast of Kyoto, in the Japan Alps. This mountainous region is home to many orchards and vineyards, and produces some of Japan’s finest fermented and non-fermented juice-based beverages. Upon arriving in Magome, I noticed a small beverage store just two doors down from Magomechaya, the minshuku (guesthouse) where I stayed. I
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For Love of the Japanese Vending Machine
During my research trip to Japan last summer, I fell in love with vending machines. No matter where you go in Japan, you’re likely to find an assortment of large, well-lit machines selling everything from beverages to toys…and I do mean everything. We even saw one selling ladies’ underwear. On a public street. (And NOT in a questionable district.) It’s difficult to walk a block in Japan without passing a vending machine–or two, since they usually seem to appear in pairs–and every train or subway station platform has at least one set. The drink selection in vending machines depends on the company that owns and
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