Is it Okay to Slurp Noodles in Japan?

ByBrianna
Slurping ramen noodles

Japanese hospitality, sometimes called omotenashi, is praised as being a step above the rest of the world. With this reputation for elegant respect and ceaseless courtesy, travelers fresh off the plane and hungry for their first authentic bowl of Japanese ramen may be in for a shock.  Lift the curtain and step into any ramen restaurant in Tokyo to be met with a loud symphony of slurping noises as customers happily squelch down their noodles. Your inner etiquette may scream…

Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

ByBrianna
Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: When is Cherry Blossom Season in Japan?

A cloud of soft pink petals coating the world in a blanket of springtime joy- it sounds like a fairytale or a scene from an anime. But in Japan, this beautiful dream comes true once a year- during cherry blossom season! Called 桜 sakura in Japanese, cherry blossom time in Japan is without a doubt one of the most famous and celebrated events of the year.  Read on to learn how you can time your trip right in order to…

Where to Find American Comfort Food in Japan

ByBrianna
Where to Find American Comfort Food in Japan

Japan has an array of smells and tastes that attract foodies from around the globe. In fact, the city of Tokyo has earned the title of the most Michelin-starred city in the world! But while Japanese cuisine is undeniably delicious, it is true that too much of even the tastiest thing can become tiring over time. Whether you are an American expat craving a taste of home or a fan of the decadent food from the Land of the Free-…

Why is Japanese so Hard to Learn?

ByBrianna
Why is Japanese so Hard to Learn?

Why is Japanese so hard to learn? Is Japanese really that difficult? It’s true that Japanese can be a hard language to learn, but it comes with a lot of benefits. You could watch your favorite anime without subtitles, play video games before their international release, no longer have to wait for manga to be translated, and be able to travel comfortably in the Land of the Rising Sun. Learning a new language opens many doors and unlocks countless possibilities-…