by Roni Xu Mori Roni Xu Mori, a Tokyo-based diamond and pearl specialist with a deep passion for food, has been meticulously documenting her culinary experiences since the age of 10. Drawing inspiration from her Chinese and Japanese heritage, she delights in sharing the most unique and delectable dishes. Currently, she…

Over the last ten years the importance and uniqueness of many unique Japanese ingredients has been recognised with and encoded into a Geographical Indication system (GI). This relatively recent legal framework was enacted in 2014 and enforced from June, 2015 and is similar to Italy’s DOP (Denominazione d’Origine Protetta) first…

From seasonal fruits and vegetables, picked at specific times of day, to local seafood found only at exact depths, seasons and locations, Japanese ingredients are bound to their specific heritage and the landscape on which they were raised. This singularity is reflected in a cuisine where each element on a…

by Andrew Gyokudari The last time my friendAisteasked me to do this exercise was in 2019. COVID has certainly altered the global food scene during the succeeding few years but the sushi industry in Tokyo remained strong withnumerousnew openings during the pandemic. According toTabelog, there are over 5,000 sushi restaurants…

Tachigui Sushi Tonari, “standing sushi” restaurant in Tokyo by chef Hatano Yoshiki. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of more casual sushi-yas appearing throughout Tokyo, which was accelarated further by the pandemic and the lack of foreign visitors. Tachigui Sushi Tonari is one example of this trend.…

On my recent trip to Kyoto and the installation “Eternal Affinity” by the wonderful glass artist Yukito Nishinaka. “Eternal Affinity” is a unique piece of artwork created and located at the entrance of the Honen-in Temple in Kyoto, which has been in existence for over 340 years. Nishinaka’s installation is…

Upon entering Auberge Tokito in Tachikawa, just 45 minutes from Tokyo, you are transported to an exclusive and serene oasis. The stunning architecture and interior design, created by renowned Japanese architect and designer Shinichiro Ogata, offer a modern take on the traditional Japanese ryokan. In keeping with the ryokan tradition, all…

Hyoteiis a traditional kaiseki restaurant located at the entrance of Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto. It also boasts 3 Michelin stars. Crossing the doorstep of Hyotei is like traveling back in time. The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for 450 years, with the current chef-owner, Yoshihiro…

Soba noodles is a staple food originating from the Edo period and one of my favourites in Japanese cuisine. During this period, it was considered a cheap and fast food that was enjoyed by people of all social classes. Made of buckwheat, Soba noodles are often served with a dipping…

If you’ve ever had the good fortune to visit Japan, you’ll doubtless have been left with the same wealth of feeling I have, as I write from my home in London. The chaotic modernity of Tokyo versus the historical richness of Kyoto, to the Idyllic countryside, kind gestures of the…