TRAVEL
How Much Japanese Do You REALLY Need to Know to Visit Japan?
This is a question most travelers to Japan want to know. The answer is less about memorizing vocab and more about how…
restaurants
TRAVEL
FOOD
Why Female Yakitori Chefs Are So Rare in Japan
Why are there so few female yakitori chefs? The story behind what keeps women out, and three female chefs defying the odds.
CULTURE
Why You Still Need Cash in Japan: A Cautionary Tale
You just finished your meal at a Japanese restaurant. Then you realize the store only takes cash. Don't panic - here's what…
FOOD
Ōsawa Takamasa’s Tokyo Restaurant Only Serves Biryani. It’s Earned Him Michelin Praise
Inside Biriyani Osawa: a tiny, reservation-only Tokyo spot serving one pot of biryani per seating, praised in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2026.
TRAVEL
The Tokyo Neighborhoods With Japan’s Most Acclaimed Restaurants, According to Its Harshest Reviewers
Which Tokyo neighborhoods really have the best food? Tabelog scores from 794 restaurants reveal surprising winners and losers across the city.
INSIDER
The World Gives Japan’s Konbini Five Stars. Why Japan Only Gives Them Three
Why konbini are especially low rated plus the highest-rated chain in Japan (it's not who you think).
TRAVEL
Traveling Gluten-Free in Japan: What You Need to Know
Traveling to Japan while also wrestling with a gluten allergy? It's tricky but it can be done. Here's what you need to…
FOOD
Yakitori in Tokyo: From Cheap Skewers to High-End Grills
All you need to know and more about yakitori: its history, nose-to-tail cooking, and popular chains vs. Tokyo's luxury omakase grills.