Q&A
Questions about life in Japan answered by those who live it
Hot Topic
6 Answers
What sakura apps / websites are you using in 2024?
What websites or Apps are you using to keep track of the bloom stages of cherry blossoms in 2024? I usually use a mix of Tenki.jp, Yahoo and Jorudan and another one that I have forgotten! (I delete them at the end of each season to free up space on my phone). I occasionally use the app from JMA, but I don't like its set up. Are there any other Apps or websites you recommend? TIA
on Mar 14
On Going
11 Answers
Best cafe outside the chains stores?
I know that cafes like Starbuck's, Tully's, and Doutor's supply a consistent cup of coffee, but I'm looking for that cafe that is mom & pop or a place that has one location that you stumbled upon and love. What's your go-to drink or what would you recommend?
on Feb 21
Questions [food]
1 Answer
Best sakura snacks this season?
As an avid snacker and convenience store aficionado, I had my first sakura mochi of the year recently! It got me wondering though, what sakura-flavored/themed snacks have you seen this year, and are there any you've already tried and enjoyed so far? Let me know in the comments if there are any you've already tried or got your eye on trying!
on Mar 18
4 Answers
Not to be missed culinary experiences
I'm thinking about my next travel destination in Japan and culinary or local produce that I ought to try to savor authentic flavors and preparations. What foods or cuisines do you recommend where you live?
on Feb 10
5 Answers
What's in your toshikoshi soba?
What do you put in your toshikoshi soba? One year I sauteed some chicken and naganegi to start a broth augmented with tsuyu, cooked the soba separately, and served the broth with kamaboko slices.
on Dec 30
4 Answers
My FIRST Log! Would You Like to Hear it?
In my last post I asked what you would like to hear from me now I have left. I was digging through some stuff the other day and I found my very FIRST book log that I kept when I toured Japan originally. I was thinking about typing it up and reminding myself of what my younger self thought of Japan. Would you like to hear about what I got up to? I'm not sure if I can even remember! HA!!
on Dec 2
6 Answers
Would you like me to continue?
You'll never believe this... it's now 2023 and I left Japan nearly 6 years ago. I didn't post on this site for an extremely long time. In fact, I almost forgot I had this account. Whilst I don't have a Japanese phone number anymore (which means I can't convert my points) I was wondering if anyone who sees this post would like me to continue talking about Japan? If so, what would you like me to talk about?
on Nov 25
6 Answers
Foods you miss most from back home?
I was talking with another expat friend recently about the foods we miss most from back home, and one that I can't seem to get replicated well here is fish and chips! I've tried a few places but there aren't any that have really lived up to what I'd expect in my home country. Curious about what elusive foods you've struggled to find decent substitutes for here!
on Oct 7
3 Answers
Inflation relief measures in your city or prefecture
Are you getting a break where you are from the increase in prices? Noda City, Chiba Prefecture has reduced the water bill by half for a limited time. Chiba Prefecture cooperates with some electronic payments so residents and visitors get 10% cash back for the month of November. Are you getting breaks where you are?
on Nov 19
7 Answers
Japanese Traditional Snacks in Niigata?
I've found a few smaller Japanese style finger-food style snacks or sweets, but I'm always in search of new places. Dora-yaki, manju, daifuku, those sorts of snacks/sweets. If you've got recommendations, please share them!
on Aug 22
6 Answers
Recipes for goya besides chamburu?
I scored cheap goya this week and made Okinawan goya chamburu once already. Do you have a good recipe for other dishes that use goya?
on Aug 6
8 Answers
What do you put in nabe?
Do you make your own broth? What do you put in it? What ingredients do you put in your nabe? Do you follow a recipe, or just do the yose nabe thing and put whatever fits in the pot?
on Apr 10
11 Answers
Best cafe outside the chains stores?
I know that cafes like Starbuck's, Tully's, and Doutor's supply a consistent cup of coffee, but I'm looking for that cafe that is mom & pop or a place that has one location that you stumbled upon and love. What's your go-to drink or what would you recommend?
on Feb 21
2 Answers
Best bakery in Niigata?
I am perpetually in search of the most delicious baked goods in Niigata. My homestead is close to Niigata city, but make no mistake, I have and will travel for bread of all varieties. Please make a recommendation and let me know, but include the good AND the bad. And if there's one bread that you enjoy more than all the others, tell me about it!
on Jan 18