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…
Ever wondered how a small detail can make or break a guest’s experience? Let me share a story that highlights the importance of understanding what your guests need—especially when it comes to food. A vegetarian guest booked a room with breakfast included. When they saw the standard set menu, they realized there wasn’t anything suitable…
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…
Kaiseki is a fancy Japanese meal made up of several small courses. A skilled chef carefully prepares each dish using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. It’s not just about eating—it’s also about enjoying food that looks beautiful and feels special. What Makes Kaiseki Unique? Connecting with Nature Kaiseki’s meals are inspired by nature. Chefs use local…
Hina Matsuri (ひな祭り), also known as the Doll Festival or Girls’ Day, is celebrated every year on March 3rd in Japan. While it’s not a national holiday, it is a special day when families display beautiful dolls to wish for the health and happiness of their daughters. One thing that surprised me was that even though my…
Japanese people have a habit of bathing with their children, while in Vietnam, parents usually bathe their children but don’t bathe together. This is one of the biggest cultural differences I noticed when I first moved to Japan. It really reflects how intimacy and privacy are viewed differently in each country. In Japan, bathing together…
First Time Trying Natto – A Memorable Experience I first tried Natto when I came to Japan for the first time. At that moment, I was curious but also a bit hesitant because of its slimy texture and unfamiliar appearance. When my wife handed me a small white container, I had no idea what it…
The breakfast set at the ryokan where I work consists of three main dishes: soup dumpling, deep fried lotus root bun with crab sauce, and steamed rice served with small side dishes. Among them, one dish that often surprises foreign guests is Tamago Kakegohan—raw egg mixed with soy sauce, served over hot steamed rice. This…
In Japan, I don’t go to fast food places all that often. When we eat out, I usually pick local spots or small restaurants where we can enjoy good flavors and warm service. At home, my family prioritizes cooking and enjoying dinner together. But whenever we’re too busy or tired, McDonald’s is usually the first…
