OFF Kinosaki is one of those places I keep coming back to — I’ve enjoyed both lunch and dinner here with friends and family, and it never disappoints. The restaurant serves a variety of Western-style dishes such as pasta, burgers, and fresh salads, often featuring local ingredients like premium Tajima beef. 🔗 See location on…
Yashiro Tea & Coffee was recommended to me by a Japanese friend. It’s a small, family-run café in Toyooka that has been around for over 20 years. First Impressions From the outside, the café doesn’t look flashy — dark tones, slightly hidden near the Aity shopping center. But once you step inside, the warm and…
Halloween is not celebrated as a big festival in Japan like it is in the USA. Here, Halloween is more of a small event that some people celebrate, but in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it’s more popular. In a small town like Toyooka, where I live, October 31st feels just like any other…
Discover the heart of Japan’s Ekiden marathon, where teamwork and tradition come together to create a race unlike any other. Early Start and Team Preparation On the 23rd of November 2024, I had an unforgettable experience participating in my first ekiden relay marathon in Japan. My day began early, at 5:30 am, as I prepared for…
I. Introduction Before I met my wife, I had never known about the Japanese way of using chopsticks. I thought everyone used chopsticks the same as the Vietnamese. I never questioned how I use chopsticks, assuming it was correct. The correct way is to grab the chopstick, hold it tight, and take food as quickly…
Ramen is one of my favorite foods in Japan. I could name it at the top of my favorite foods weekly or monthly. And, of course, Ramen is the must-try food for those who travel to Japan! Ramen is something familiar in Vietnam, something you could easily find for your tasting. This food is available…
It was not only my first time enjoying an Onsen, but working in Kinosaki allowed me to wholly experience all seven public baths here. I want to write about my journey with each stop and share what makes each unique. After my first weeks working at Kobayashi-Ya (the premium Ryokan), I began my onsen experience…
Among the seven iconic public baths in Kinosaki, Goshono-Yu stands out as the best. Not only me but my wife and little boy love it too. Whenever we visit Kinosaki for an onsen experience, Goshono-Yu is always our united choice. But what makes it so unique? Why did it win our hearts? Let me share…
Preserving Cultural Identity While Welcoming Tourism On December 25, I visited Kinosaki, which presents as any other day without Christmas decorations. Despite the influx of visitors, I admire how well they preserve their culture and traditions, effectively boosting tourism without succumbing to Western influences. It makes me reflect on Vietnam, where we welcome tourists and…
Chả Giò and Nem Rán: Two Styles of Spring Rolls Chả Giò is a dish from Southern Vietnam. In the North, it’s called Nem Rán. While they share similar cooking styles, they have unique ingredients and looks. Chả Giò uses thick, wheat-based wrappers, making them golden and crunchy. Nem Rán, on the other hand, uses…
