Stories from Japan
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Destinations, food, culture and travel wisdom from the TokudAw team
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Quick Food for People with Dietary Restrictions at Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station is one of Japan’s busiest transportation hubs, and finding a quick meal can feel overwhelming when you have dietary restrictions. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, avoiding nuts, or simply looking for something light before boarding a train, there are convenient options around the station.
Culinary experiences
TokudAw food, agricultural, and culinary experiences that explore the seasonal and local flavors of Japan and specific prefectures. Learn more about the types of experiences TokudAw can create for you.
10 Japanese Foods Neurodivergent Travellers Should Try
A breakdown of the top foods that support neurodivergent travelers in Japan should try and their benefits including Miso, Konjac, Nori, Soba, Tuna, Amazake, Rice, Rice, Dango, Strawbery Daifuku, and Umeboshi.
Japanese foods to try for first-time visitors and how to cook or eat the foods
Unlike many restaurants where food is prepared entirely in the kitchen, many Japanese meals invite guests to become part of the experience. Some restaurants bring raw ingredients to the table for guests to cook, while others serve noodles and broth separately or encourage diners to assemble their own meal. These traditions aren't meant to be complicated. Instead, they allow everyone to enjoy food at their own pace while creating a more memorable dining experience. Another thing many visitors appreciate is the flexibility. Several Japanese dining styles naturally make it easier to order smaller portions or share dishes with others, making them a great option for couples, families with children, and multi-generational groups traveling together. Rather than committing to one large entrée, many restaurants allow guests to choose exactly what and how much they would like to eat.
What Japanese Foods Are Best for First-Time Visitors to Try?
Wondering what Japanese foods to try on your first trip? From sushi and ramen to okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and ochazuke, discover beginner-friendly dishes every first-time visitor should experience.
Science in a Spoon: Why a Nutritional Scientist Recommends These Japanese Miso Spots
Explore the fascinating world of miso through the lens of nutritional scientist Wanping AW, founder of TokudAw. This article breaks down the complex two-stage fermentation process that elevates miso from a simple paste to a "functional food" packed with bioactive compounds.
Fueling the Powder Chaser: Guide to Post-Ski Recovery in Japan - Food to nourish your body and experiences to relax and connect
Skiing the Japanese "Japow" is a peak physical experience, but it demands a scientific approach to recovery. In this article, our Nutrition Scientist and DMC Managing Director breaks down the top 10 Japanese foods—from electrolyte-rich Tonjiru and "liquid IV" Amazake to anti-inflammatory Soba—specifically chosen to rehydrate and repair your body.
Getting over jetlag: The Science of Satiety: How to Reset Your Internal Clock for Japan Using Nutrition
Jet lag is more than just exhaustion; it is a physiological state of circadian desynchrony. While light is a well-known "time-giver," new research in gastroenterology and physiology reveals that your digestive system is a powerful tool for resetting your brain. This article explores how to use targeted protein intake, strategic meal timing, and Japanese probiotic-rich foods to cut your jet lag recovery time in half, ensuring you spend less time in bed and more time exploring.
The amazing world of Japanese cuisine: Unique must-try foods for your next trip
Japanese food is amongst some of the most famous and loved cuisines around the world. With special delicacies and deliciously detailed treats, there is so much to explore.
Of course, we know you’ll be having your fair share of ramen, sushi, and udon, but make not to miss out on these delightful cultural foods on your next visit!
Where to find the best matcha in Japan
Matcha isn’t just a health fad here, it’s part of daily life—and it has been for centuries. From ancient tea ceremonies to modern ice cream shops, Japanese matcha shows up in ways that are cultural, creative, and endlessly tasty. So where do you go if you want the best matcha in Japan?
Altitude and Motion Sickness in Japan
Whether you're hiking Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji or cruising along its scenic coastline, motion and altitude sickness can put a damper on your travel plans. This guide offers practical, science-backed tips to prevent symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue—covering everything from proper hydration and pacing strategies to deep breathing techniques and food choices. Learn how TokudAw’s premium, motion-stabilized vans designed for smoother, more comfortable rides.
An Insider’s Guide on Summer in Japan
You’ll hear it before you see it: cicadas buzzing like a static hum in the trees. Festival drums echo down backstreets. Paper lanterns sway above yakitori grills, while kids chase goldfish through makeshift pools. This is summer in Japan: loud, lively, and layered with tradition. If you’re planning on spending summer in Japan, here’s what you need to know.
Cherry blossom souvenirs in Japan—what to buy and where to buy it
The second sakura season begins, Japan transforms. Shelves fill with pastel-colored packaging, cafés roll out their once-a-year menus, and entire product lines disappear as fast as they arrive. It’s not subtle—it’s a full-scale seasonal takeover. Timing is everything. These aren’t souvenirs that wait around. If you want the good stuff, you need to know what to look for—and exactly where to find it before it’s gone.
Where to find the best sushi in Japan: 11 restaurants with prices
Experience the taste of the best sushi in Japan and make the most out of your time here. TokudAw can help you visit the best sushi restaurants.
Unlocking the Health Secrets of Cherry Blossoms
Traveling in Japn in March means you may often see sakura flowers blooming almost everywhere around. While cherry blossoms are visually appealing to the eye, their flowers can be turned into an extract and consumed too. Various products are currently in the market using the extract of cherry blossom, ranging from a moisturizing jelly cream, smoothing mask, to a cleansing oil. Let’s dive into the journey of uncovering the science behind the health benefits in consuming these cherry blossoms (specifically on ‘Somei-Yoshino’)!
Why Matsumoto City Should Be on Your Japan Bucket List
Your Guide to Matsumoto City in Japan. Discover the charm of Matsumoto City—known for its iconic castle, sumptuous dining, and serene onsen retreats in Japan's vivid Alps.
Yamanashi: Sweet Grape Paradise
The article details two non-alcoholic grape products from Yamanashi Prefecture, also known as sweet grape paradise to the Japanese locals. These products are made with pride with no additives and support the local farmers. Find out how you can experience the local agriculture and visit the farm.
The juicy Japanese apple experience you don’t want to miss
Japanese fresh apples have long been praised for their delicious sweet taste. But wait till you see the variety of products that Japanese apple experts from Gunma can produce using their 100% fresh apples.
Plant, harvest and cook: getting hands-on with Japan's most ancient cuisine.
Plant, harvest and cook: getting hands-on with Japan's most ancient cuisine: rice. TokudAw partners with locals in the region to help support the rice farmers and provide experiences that highlight organic and sustainable farming.
TokudAw Inc.’s Charity Rice Planting Project
TokudAw supports a Charity Rice Planting Project in Tomi City in Nagano Prefecture and invites guests to participate at Namonai-nouka. Experience sustainability and ecotourism first hand as you participate in the agricultural industry of Japan.