Discoveries from around the archipelago
UPDATE: Although Akasaka Tantei is still in business at the same location, they no longer offer the fantastic lunch deals they once did. Lunch now begins around ¥4000, while dinner runs at least ¥10,000 per person. Although I have spent three of my five years in Japan on the island of Okinawa, I must admit... Continue Reading →
Asakusa is such a well-trampled neighborhood (and deservedly so, it's one of my favorite in Tokyo) that it's difficult to find an eatery off the beaten track. Yet that's exactly the description I would apply to Waentei-Kikko, my choice for lunch on one of my recent weekend trips to Tokyo. Waentei-Kikko sits far enough off... Continue Reading →
When most travelers come to Japan, they don't necessarily envision themselves bedding down in the nearest Best Western. Yet ryokan (Japanese inns) may seem a bit mysterious and intimidating. So, what exactly goes on behind the curtain? Here's a quick look at what staying in a ryokan entails. Ryokan came to prominence in the Edo Period (1603-1868), when... Continue Reading →
Following on the heels of my last post on Mt Aso, this is my newest absolute favorite find in my new home prefecture of Kumamoto. Coming down from the Nakadake crater, my travel buddy and I were looking for something more to eat than your standard noodles or curry restaurant. A quick iphone search of... Continue Reading →
UPDATE: Grotto has since closed. I'm fairly certain that the tiny culinary outpost of Grotto (in Kyoto's Northern Higashiyama district) would be welcoming on any evening - seeing as how it was downpouring the night that I had my reservation, the warmth of the restaurant was especially appreciated. Grotto is definitely not on the tour... Continue Reading →
