The Bare Truth. Saving Tokyo’s Bathhouses: Kentaro Imai Interview
Debbie Oakes
0 For centuries, Tokyo’s sento (public bathhouses) have been more than just places to bathe—they’ve been hubs of community, relaxation, and tradition. In recent decades, sento have been disappearing. Naturally, modern homes all have bathrooms, so the Japanese tradition of communal bathing culture of sento has seen a dramatic decline. Enter Kentaro Imai, an […]
The Art of Sake Pairing: A Guide to Japan’s Most Famous Drink
0 There’s no doubt that Sake, Japan’s delicious national drink, (often drunk – in my experience at least – to raucous cries of ‘Kampai!’) Not only is it the perfect pairing to your favourite sushi, sake is a deeply nuanced, centuries-old craft. Much like wine, there are an incredible range of flavours from delicate floral […]
Why I Collect Goshuin and Why You Should Too
Goshuin, are beautiful, hand-inscribed seals that are a unique piece of calligraphy that connects you to Japan’s deep spiritual and historical roots.
Nikko: My Favorite Autumn Escape Near Tokyo
Two hours from Tokyo, Nikko is the go-to spectacular autumn escape
Luxury and Spirituality: Mie’s Sacred Shrines and Ryokan Retreats
Discover the perfect blend of luxury and spirituality in Mie Prefecture. Explore the sacred Ise Jingu, and unwind at a traditional ryokan
The Way of Wagashi
Debbie Oakes
The creation of wagashi requires skill, precision, and an artistic eye. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients – typically rice flour, beans, sugar, and water—master artisans spend years perfecting their techniques
