What is Katsuo Tataki? Katsuo (bonito or skipjack tuna in English) is a medium-sized fish related to tuna and mackerel. The meat of the Katsuo looks similar and has a similar texture to tuna meat. Katsuo is commonly used in Japanese cooking, but that is a subject for another blog. “Tataki” is a cooking method...Read More
Although Takoyaki originated in Osaka during the 1930s, today it is popular all over Japan. They can even be found in supermarkets and convenience stores everywhere. But there is little doubt it is still most popular in Osaka. “Tako” is Japanese for octopus. And “Yaki” comes from “Yaku”, meaning to fry or grill. They are...Read More
The number of this installment of Japan by the Numbers is 500. That is the percentage increase of the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan since 2011, the year of the Great Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami. In 2012, Shinzo Abe was elected Prime Minister. One of his first goals was to increase the number of...Read More
Goshokudon (five color rice bowl) is a taste of Hakodate. Hakodate is known in Japan for its fresh seafood. Some of the specialties of Hakodate are squid (ika), crab (kani), salmon eggs (ikura), sea urchin (uni) and many others. One popular way to enjoy the seafood in Hakodate is Goshokudon. Goshokudon literally translates to five...Read More
At the end of August, JR announced beginning May 2020, they will be implementing new luggage restrictions on the Shinkansen. The restrictions are being applied to the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. This will include all Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kagoshima. We do not have all of the details as of yet, but here is...Read More
We get asked often by people who have tattoos as to whether they will be able to use the Japanese baths , and it is a difficult question to answer. Just like everything else in Japan, acceptance of tattoos is evolving. But like it or not, tattoos have a negative connotation in Japan. It is...Read More
The city of Morioka, located in northeastern Tohoku, is best known in Japan for its noodles. Jajamen is one of the “Three Great Noodles of Morioka”. But lately, I have seen it in other cities in Japan including my local grocery store in Kyoto. What is Jajamen? Inspired by Zhajiangmian, a noodle meal made at...Read More
G’day it’s Jessica here from our Sydney, Australia office. I work in our customer service department and help run Samurai Tours social media. I have only been with the company for 4 short months but I already feel like family and can’t wait to continue to grow with the company. I was born and raised...Read More
This installment of Japan by the Numbers features crime statistics in Japan and comparisons to America. Japan has a well-earned reputation of being safe, and these statistics prove that. While non-violent crimes such as telephone fraud, pickpocketing and others are increasing, violent crime rates have been going down. The number of the month is 0.04,...Read More
“Gyu” is the Japanese word for beef, and “tan_ is the Japanese version of the English word tongue. Gyutan (beef tongue) is popular all over Japan, but it is most popular in Sendai. This is partly due to the fact that cooking beef tongue in Japan originated in Sendai in 1948. Gyutan itself consists of...Read More
