When Westerners hear the word ramen, the first thing they think of might be those dried noodles in a packet that we eat when there’s no food left in the pantry. Those instant noodles we know and love were originally made and distributed from Japan to resemble the very popular noodle soup that dates back...Read More
Have you ever noticed that the quality of things in and from Japan is usually so much better than in other parts of the world? How do they accomplish this? The answer is simple but takes a lifetime of commitment to achieve. They specialize in one very specific area. So it is no surprise that...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
The Japanese are known as some of the hardest working people in the world. Japan has very few natural resources. The best resources we have are human resources. Many office workers are willing to work overtime and work even during the weekends. Some of the small-sized companies were not able to allow their employees to take consecutive holidays...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
As a husband, I always like to help my wife carry a heavy bag up the stairs when I can. But our trips cover more than a few train rides, negotiating busy train station and a variety of transportation methods. Most people try to avoid feats of strength on vacation so we use takkyubin and...Read More
