Travel Japan on Guided Tours: Nara, Kyoto, Himeji & Osaka | Explore Japan with Tanuki Stories

Kyoto is known worldwide as Japan’s cultural capital, and nowhere is this identity more visible than in its confectionery traditions. Among all traditional Kyoto sweets , praised for their elegance, symbolism, and seasonal beauty, there exists one dessert that stands apart—older, rarer, and more mysterious than any other wagashi you can buy today. This sweet is called 清浄歓喜団 (Seijō Kankidan) .Believed to be the oldest Japanese sweet still produced , Seijō Kankidan predates moc

In Japan, spring is not just a change in weather—it's a celebration of fleeting beauty, fresh flavors, and deep-rooted customs. Among the seasonal delights that mark this time of year, bamboo shoots , or takenoko , stand out as a symbol of renewal and connection with nature. These tender young shoots emerge for a very short period—barely ten days—each spring. During this narrow window, families across regions known for bamboo cultivation spring into action, harvesting, cookin

When it comes to tuna in Japanese cuisine , few ingredients are as iconic or deeply ingrained in the nation’s culinary identity. From delicate sashimi slices to sumptuous sushi rolls, tuna is celebrated as a cornerstone of Japanese food culture. But how did this fish rise to such prominence, and what makes it so special? Let’s embark on a journey that delves into the history, preparation, and cultural significance of tuna in Japan. Tuna Sashimi The Rise of Tuna in Japanese Cu