Food

A practical Japan guide to onigiri: classic fillings, how to open convenience store packaging, where to buy rice balls, and the best picks for breakfast and train travel.

A practical guide to Japanese convenience store breakfast options, from onigiri and sandwiches to coffee, yogurt, and traveler-friendly tips.

If you’ve ever wandered through a Japanese convenience store or dined at a local izakaya, you might have noticed something intriguing: mayonnaise isn’t just a sandwich spread—it’s a star ingredient. For those curious about how to say “mayonnaise” in Japanese, it’s straightforward: マヨネーズ, pronounced as “mayonēzu.” This loanword from English …

Quick answer: Beer in Japanese is biiru (ビール), pronounced roughly “bee-roo.” If you want draft beer in Japan, say nama biiru (生ビール). At an izakaya, the most useful phrase is toriaezu biiru, meaning “beer for now” or “let’s start with beer.” This guide explains how to say and order beer …

Why Are Japanese Fruits So Expensive?  Picture this: you’re wandering through a bustling market in Kyoto, Japan, marveling at the vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas of fresh produce. Your eyes land on a display of glistening strawberries, each one perfectly shaped and packaged like a precious gem. You reach for …

Picture yourself wandering through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo on a crisp evening. The air buzzes with energy from nearby izakayas—those cozy Japanese pubs where friends and colleagues traditionally unwind over sake or beer. But peek inside one of these spots today, and you might spot something unexpected: groups clinking …

Asahi Beer’s “Night-Only Sparkling Water” Revolution:  In a world where evening rituals are evolving faster than ever, Asahi Beer is shaking things up with a fresh take on non-alcoholic refreshment. On September 17, 2025, the Japanese beverage giant unveiled “Wilkinson Tansan Tag Sober” under its iconic Wilkinson brand—a line of …

Autumn in Japan brings a symphony of flavors, and few embody the season’s essence quite like fresh chestnuts. If you’re a food enthusiast or simply love exploring unique regional produce, you’ll want to know about the Porotan chestnut – a glossy, large-grained variety that’s hitting its harvest peak right now …

Quick answer: A Japanese highball is a crisp whisky-and-soda drink usually made with Japanese whisky, lots of ice, and highly carbonated soda water. In Japan, it is popular because it is light, refreshing, food-friendly, and easy to drink at izakayas. This guide explains what makes a Japanese highball different, how …

Have you ever wondered what the Japanese eat for breakfast or how to talk about breakfast in Japanese? Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, curious about its culture, or eager to expand your language skills, this article dives deep into “breakfast Japanese”—a term we’ll explore through both the culinary …