Sakura Cherry Blossoms in 8K

Cherry blossom (sakura) season is one of the most beautiful times of the year to be in Japan. During late March and early April, the Japanese flock en masse to famous cherry blossom spots on the main island of Honshu to view the magical spectacle of these flowers blooming.

Hanami, or flower viewing is a popular tradition in spring with many Japanese enjoying the stunning sakura which are regarded as a symbol of beauty and renewal.

Cherry blossoms can be seen along river banks, in parks & fields and lining both sides of roads like a cherry blossom tunnel. It is the perfect time to relax and enjoy a picnic beneath the flowering cherry trees.

You can even catch the wondrous pink and white petals of the cherry blossoms along with fields of rapeseed (nanohana), which bloom at the same time in the countryside of rural Japan, creating a stunning contrast.

Many Japanese like to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night after work, which is called yozakura in Japanese. Many towns and cities will have festivals attached to the cherry blossoms with the cherry trees lit with lanterns. The atmosphere is amazing, especially the smell of Japanese festival food from yatai (street stalls) drifting through the night air. These colourful stalls sell all kinds of delicious Japanese festival food such as yakisoba, takoyaki, taiyaki and grilled corn on the cob to name just a few of the tasty goodies on offer.

It is always sad to see the cherry blossoms start to fall when they float through the air like soft snow. It signals the end of another cherry blossom season and the start of the warmer months in Japan.

Armadas, a video production company based in Japan recently released a stunning 8K video which captures the beautiful spring scenery of Japan in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture and Shinshiro and Toyokawa in Aichi Prefecture. Check it out for a glimpse of the beauty of this season.

Learn Japanese at Home

One thing that being stuck at home has been able to improve is my Japanese ability. I’ve found a lot more time recently to hit the books again and to get back into the grove of studying Japanese.

Japanese is not too difficult to learn, but it does take a lot of motivation and practice to successfully learn the language.

Studying at home is an easy option that you can do in the comfort of your own home. In this post, I’m going to highlight some great tools and self-study books for learning Japanese.

Self-Study Books 

Japanese from Zero! 

A great book for current students of Japanese, or absolute beginners of the language is Japanese from Zero! This innovative and integrated approach was developed by a professional Japanese interpreter and refined over the years by testing in classrooms throughout the world. Using up-to-date and easy-to-grasp grammar, readers are taught new grammar concepts, over 800 new words and expressions, and learn the hiragana writing system.

See Japanese from Zero! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japanese for Busy People 

If you don’t have a lot of time to study with a full work schedule, check out Japanese for Busy People. This series of beginner-friendly books is one of the most popular Japanese language textbooks in the world. The first of the three volumes introduces “survival Japanese” – teaching you the absolute minimum amount of Japanese needed to live in Japan. A great feature are the notes on Japanese culture which expand your understanding of Japan, its customs and people.

See Japanese for Busy People 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Japanese Demystified 

Struggling to learn Japanese with your current textbook? Maybe you need a change of approach with Japanese Demystified. This step-by-step Japanese textbook will take the mystery and menace out of learning the language and will replace them with an unintimidating approach to speaking, reading and writing. Each chapter has a clear objective with hundreds of quiz and test questions to help you learn basic grammar structures and verb tenses, pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and how to communicate with confidence.

See Japanese Demystified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genki 

The highly acclaimed GENKI series of integrated resources for learning elementary Japanese focus on a well-balanced approach to learning all four language skill areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. This is a favourite textbook of many Japanese language courses around the world, and it is easy to see why with interesting stories and illustrations. This book is perfect for anyone studying for level N5 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

See GENKI 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tools for Learning Japanese 

Japanese 

This application is the ultimate study companion for anyone learning Japanese on the go. The Japanese search engine has over 175,000 words and 58,000 example sentences. You can create and customize flashcard lists and practice them, learn kanji for the JLPT, learn how to write hiragana and katakana, practice your pronunciation skills, and much more.

See Japanese

StickyStudy 

The perfect application for improving your kanji skills is StickyStudy which allows you to customize a learning plan that suits your way of learning Japanese. You can decide how you want to learn Japanese by studying kanji and vocabulary by level for the JLPT, or just learning kanji, hiragana and katakana the same way that Japanese children study at school.

See StickyStudy

That's all from me. If you have any great suggestions for resources that you use to study Japanese, please feel free to leave a comment below in the comment section.

Strawberry Picking in Gifu Japan

One of the great joys of the late winter, early spring season here in the mountains of Gifu for me is the strawberry picking season.

Strawberry picking or ichigo gari in Japanese is a great chance to get outdoors with the warmer weather and spend some time doing a fun activity with family or friends.

You don’t just get to pick these gorgeous sweet red berries, but the chance to indulge in quite a few as well, which might just be the best part of this whole activity.

Gifu Prefecture has its own brand of delicious strawberries called ‘nohime’ which are known for their large size, tender flesh, and superb balance of sweetness and tartness.

Nohime Strawberries from Gifu

A great place to try it out is Tumitumi Farm, a five minute walk from Tarumi Railway Motosu Station in Motosu City, where for ¥ 1,900 you can pick and enjoy your heart’s desire of strawberries for 30 minutes.

Make sure you are hungry as this is an all-you-can-eat fair and a must for any serious strawberry lover.

The farm is open from mid-December to early-June with an advance reservation required.

Tumitumi Farm Website

Shibuya Scramble Square

There has been a lot of new development going on in Tokyo over the last few years to get the city looking good for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. One of the shiny brand new places that opened up at the end of last year is the Shibuya Scramble Square Building right above Shibuya Station.

The multipurpose skyscraper rises to a height of about 230 meters, making Shibuya Scramble Square the tallest building in the Shibuya area of Tokyo.

Shibuya Scramble Square ~ Tokyo’s Newest Landmark

The new Tokyo landmark opened on November 1, 2019, and can boast 47 floors comprising of an observation deck, offices, an industrial exchange facility, and commercial facilities such as shops and eateries.

Work on the building started in 2014, and it was designed to embody the future of Shibuya, a dynamic, international, and ever-changing city in Tokyo.

Photo by: 江戸村のとくぞう on Wikimedia Commons

The observation deck called “Shibuya Sky” on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square offers fantastic views of the iconic scramble crossing below as well as 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and the surrounding area. You can even see Mount Fuji on clear days!

Photo by: Real Estate Japan on flickr

There is plenty of space to just relax and take in the amazing scenery with soft sofas and hammocks.

What is your favourite Tokyo landmark? Please leave your reply in the comments below. 

Shibuya Sky is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with entry ¥2,000 for adults.

Official Website 

 

Top 5 Tips on Making Sushi at Home

If you are a great fan of sushi and crave for this Japanese delicacy any time of the day, even in your dreams then trust us you are not alone. There are many who eat, sleep, and dream sushi but dining out at the finest sushi restaurants even once a week can be financially draining. Plus, if you have a dietary restriction such as sensitivity to gluten or you are strictly vegan, it can be difficult to find a restaurant that accommodates your needs. Even if they do, there can be a fair risk of contamination.

To satisfy your cravings and save your wallet too, we suggest that you learn to make sushi at home. You will just need a few basic ingredients to get started and trust me, it’s not as hard as you think. The ingredients can be sourced from any Asian grocery store and most of them have a good shelf life. The sushi rolls may not turn out restaurant-like on the first attempt, but you will love the fruits of your labor. Here are our top 5 tips to help you in this endeavor.

5 Tips on Making Sushi at Home 

1. Cook the Sushi Rice Perfectly 

Sushi rice is one of the most important ingredients that lends a body and texture to the dish so don’t ignore it. Always buy the shinmai variety (new crop) short-grain Japanese rice to get the perfect restaurant like flavor and taste. Avoid using medium or long-grain rice as they will not yield the same results. After you have cooked rice, let it cool down a bit before you season it with vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Photo by: James

2. Always Use Sushi-grade Fish 

When using raw fish for sushi, always buy sushi-grade fish that has been carefully handled from the point of catch to the point of sale. Always source fish from a trusted fishmonger and ask questions when in doubt. If you don’t plan on preparing sushi immediately, store the fish in a vacuum-sealed bag inside the freezer. Be very careful with handling, storing, and using raw fish as any bit of carelessness can lead to food-borne sickness.

Photo by: cottonbro on Pexels

3. Try Vegetarian or Cooked Sushi Options 

If you can’t find sushi-grade fish near you, there are many cooked sushi options to try from. For example, you can enjoy making California sushi roll, which is both delicious and easy to prepare at home. You will need imitation crab meat to use as fillings and they are easily available in any Asian grocery store. You may also make vegetarian sushi rolls using fresh fruits and vegetables such as seedless cucumber, avocado, asparagus, shitake mushrooms, and tofu.

Photo by: James

4. Try Sushi Making Kits and Tools 

If you are a sushi enthusiast and would love to enjoy making restaurant-like rolls at home then we suggest that you invest in a few essential tools to help you. A bamboo mat will help you give a perfect compact shape to your sushi rolls without the ingredients falling apart. A good sushi knife also comes handy to cut raw meat and vegetables with precision. You may also invest in some of the specially designed sushi roll kits and molds that can help you make a lot of sushi quickly for a kid’s party.

5. Measure the Ingredients Correctly! 

When cooking sushi at home, always use the right measurements depending on the number of people. A sushi roll can be cut into 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces and on average, a person can eat up to a maximum of three sushi rolls. So, cook rice and prepare the meat and vegetables accordingly or else you will end up with a lot of waste after dinner. Don’t forget to store the leftover raw fish immediately and if it has stayed outside for more than 2 hours then discard it as there will be a risk of food poisoning.

Conclusion 

Making sushi at home not only saves you from having to shell out a lot of money at fine dining restaurants, but it can also turn out to be a fun activity at home. Every member of the family can come together to prepare the fillings and do the rolling to make their own sushi rolls. If you are a beginner at sushi making, start with the simple and basic recipes and then move on to the more complex choices including various ingredients and inside-out style.

About the Author 

Today's guest post is from sushi blogger, James.

James is a sushi enthusiast and owner of a sushi blog called Easy Homemade Sushi. He has been to Japan several times and loves Japanese food and culture. He is also a passionate writer and likes to share his experiences and knowledge through his blog.

5 Food You Have to Try While in Osaka

It wouldn't be wrong to call Osaka the food capital of Japan, and the people take great pride in their local cuisine. There’s a popular saying ‘Osaka no kuidaore’ which literally means people in Osaka have the habit of eating themselves out of house and home. While there are several local specialties in Osaka worth experiencing, we will talk about the 5 food you have to try while in Osaka.

1. Takoyaki 

This is the classic Osaka dish made with simple ingredients but scores high in terms of taste. It typically involves a mixture of eggs and flour stuffed with sliced octopus, spring onions, ginger, and tempura crumbs. The dumplings are topped with a sweet sauce and mayonnaise, and sprinkled with nori seaweed and dried bonito flakes. The octopus may be substituted with shrimp, tomato, cheese or chocolate. The dish is prepared in a special pan that has hollow moulds and most homes in Osaka have this special tool for takoyaki parties. While most of the street side stalls in Osaka sell takoyaki, the Dotonbori Konamon Museum is one of the best places to try this delicacy.

2. Kushikatsu 

This is another must-try delicacy of Osaka and it mainly comprises of skewered kebabs of seafood, meat, or vegetables that are breaded and deep fried until they achieve a crispy golden finish. They are served with different styles of dipping sauces and flavored salt. Some of the typical ingredients you can expect to find on a kushikatsu menu are pork, beef, shrimp, eggs, sweet potato, pumpkin, onion, asparagus, lotus root, and shiitake mushrooms. Although you can find Kushikatsu in various restaurants around Osaka, it is believed to have originated in the Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant. Today Kushikatsu Daruma has branches in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Customers are allowed to choose a variety of kushikatsu skewers or order a la carte menu. The oldest branch still serves the delicacy and some people love flocking to the birthplace of Kushikatsu.

Photo by: Kimishowoto on flickr

3. Okonomiyaki 

Love pancakes? Then you must try this Japanese version of it made from flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and grated yam. You can add more on top of these basic ingredients – squid, pork, shrimp, tomato, or cheese. Okonomiyaki is basically a Japanese term that means ‘grilled stuff you like’ and it is dressed with mayonnaise, brown sauce, and powdered nori seaweed on the top. While you can find okonomiyaki restaurants in any part of Osaka, the most popular place is Mizuno in Dotonbori. You can watch the chef prepare pancakes in large iron griddles right in front of your eyes. You must try their signature dish ‘Mizuno-yaki’ which is filled with shrimp, scallops, pork, squid, oysters, and minced meat.

Photo by: fat worm on Pexels

4. Yakiniku 

This delicacy is pure and simple barbecued beef and it is prepared by grilling thinly slices of beef on a charcoal griddle. The pieces are then dipped in a savoury sauce before eating. It is believed that this style of barbeque was introduced to Japan by Korean restaurant owners. Even today the best restaurants are still the ones run by Koreans. If you want to taste the best yakiniku in Osaka, then you must visit Tsuruhashi, also nicknamed Korea town. In this section of Osaka, you will find Koreans who have lived here for ages. This is where you will find the most authentic Korean restaurants selling Yakiniku and the most popular among them is Ajiyoshi. You can order different cuts of grilled beef served with Ajiyoshi’s signature sauce.

Photo by: urakido on flickr

5. Fugu 

This is a type of raw fish delicacy is known as sashimi in Japanese, and it is notorious for being risky if prepared by an inexperienced chef. Despite this, you don’t need to worry when savouring a bowl of fugu as all chefs must train for three years before they get the license to make this delicacy. The dish is not only delicious to taste but also visually appealing with thin slices of fish arranged in a beautiful pattern. In sashimi style, the raw fish has a light and subtle flavour but you may also savor it in shabu shabu style in vegetable stew, tempura, or deep fried. At some places, you may get dried and baked fins of fugu, served with hot sake. In Osaka, the most popular area to find good fugu restaurants is Shinsekai, and the most sought after restaurant is Zuboraya.

Photo by: takedahrs on Pixabay

About the Author

Today's guest post is from sushi blogger, James. 

James is a sushi enthusiast and owner of a sushi blog called Easy Homemade Sushi. He has been to Japan several times and loves Japanese food and culture. He is also a passionate writer and likes to share his experiences and knowledge through his blog.

ByFood: Japan’s One-Stop Food Platform

ByFood is Japan’s one-stop food platform with over 250 food experiences (and counting) across Japan, such as food tours, cooking classes, tastings, and dining experiences. With filters for vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, and more, byFood strives to make Japanese food experiences accessible to all. We bring locals and visitors together through food experiences, help small local businesses, and celebrate authentic Japanese cuisine. In doing so, we hope to preserve local Japanese heritage and promote cross-cultural understanding through food.

Spreading Happiness Through Food! 

ByFood’s mission is “spreading happiness through food.” For every experience that is booked through the platform, byFood donates to a different NPO or NGO of the month. So, just by enjoying a meal in Japan, guests can help children in developing countries get access to necessities like nutritious meals, schools, and housing, so they can grow up healthy and happy, and ready to change the world.

Here’s a preview of our recommended experiences: 

Food Tours 

Hop on a two-wheeler for a foodie bike tour, taste 6 bowls of ramen on a ramen tour, explore bustling fish markets on foot, or munch on the most Instagram-worthy sweets in Harajuku. There’s something for everyone!

Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

Bar Hopping in Harmonica Yokocho (The Midnight Diners Experience)

Cooking Classes 

Learn to make ramen noodles from scratch, roll your own decorative sushi, fry up crunchy tempura, and more. The best souvenir you can take back home is the skills to make these classic Japanese dishes in your own kitchen!

Traditional Japanese Sweets, Wagashi and Mochi Class

Handmade Soba Noodles Cooking Class

Dining Experiences 

From omakase sushi with a personal chef to luxurious multi-course kaiseki meals to classic izakaya bar food, byFood offers a vast selection of dining experiences in Japan.

Sake Pairing & Omakase Sushi with Personal Chef

Most Expensive Ramen in Tokyo (Luxury A5 Wagyu)

Tastings 

Visit Japanese sake breweries, whisky distilleries, and tea farm regions in Japan during a byFood tasting experience. Tickle your tastebuds with new flavors and aromas, learn how to brew a superior cup of tea, and become an expert in your favorite Japanese beverages.

Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District

Tokyo Bars & Mixology

To see more, browse food experiences in Japan! 
Every booking helps children in need through byFood’s Food for Happiness Program.