History & Culture
Japanese Drinks 101: Sake, Awamori, Shochu & Beyond
Discover Japan’s most iconic drinks: sake, awamori, shochu, whisky, and gin. Learn the history, differences, tasting notes, and how to drink like a local with our complete Japanese drinks guide
A Quick History of Sake
Discover the rich history and unique types of sake, Japan’s iconic rice wine. From Kyoto’s brewing traditions to modern styles like Nigori and sparkling sake, learn how it’s made, how to drink it, and what food to…
Seoul in Motion: A Day of Bread, Baseball & Blurred Neon Lights
A full day in Seoul through Lola & Noah’s eyes: from hanok alleys and HiKR Ground play to baseball cheers, Banpo’s rainbow fountains, Myeongdong markets, and late-night karaoke. Bread, baseball, neon, Seoul in motion.
Abalone & the Women Who Dive: A Jeju Legacy from Sea to Table
On Jeju Island, abalone isn’t just food, it’s a legacy. Harvested for centuries by the fearless haenyeo women divers, this prized shellfish has nourished families, adorned Korean art, and become a symbol of resilience. From royal porridge…
Jeju, Unfiltered: Bonsai Calm, Grandpa Statues & the Haenyeo Show
Jeju Island is a place of contrasts—bonsai calm and citrus sunshine, guardian statues with sly smiles, and women divers whose culture runs deeper than the sea. Our day was part magic, part performance, and all unforgettable. Here’s…
Cranes of Peace: Folding Hope in Nagasaki
In Nagasaki’s Peace Park, thousands of paper cranes flutter in the wind, each one a folded prayer for peace. Rooted in a legend and carried forward by a child’s hope, these delicate birds remind us that even…
Mud, Memory & Mastery: The Soul of Dorozome Mud Dyeing
On Amami Ōshima, color is born from the earth itself. Dorozome, the ancient craft of mud dyeing, transforms fabric into living art through layers of tree tannins, volcanic mud, and human
Guardians at the Gate: Discovering Shisa Lions in Okinawa
Discover the story of Okinawa’s Shisa lions, half lion, half dog, and beloved guardians of home and spirit. From their Chinese origins to their role in local legends, these fierce yet charming statues protect against evil and…
Kyoto in a Day: Castles, Sake, and Sunset Shrines
From Kobe to Kyoto in 30 minutes by bullet train, here’s how we spent one magical day: exploring Nijo Castle’s nightingale floors, tasting our way through Nishiki Market, sipping sake in Fushimi, hiking the torii gates of…
From Castles to Charms: A Perfect Port Day in Nagoya
Our day in Nagoya was short on time but rich in wonder. Stood beneath the gold-tiled roof of Nagoya Castle Got hands-on with history at the Toyota Innovation Museum Mastered the art of hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style grilled eel)…
