1月, 2022 | MUSUBI by BORDERLINK

Nasu, Tochigi: A Great Getaway

During my stay in Japan, there came a point when I felt a bit exhausted by the day to day demands. So I reached out to some friends. One of them suggested we take a trip to a place called “Nasu” in Tochigi prefecture. I had a little laugh at the name; nasu means “eggplant” in the Japanese language.

But still, I jumped at the opportunity to see something outside of the town I was living in. We managed to get several other people on board with the idea, and booked a cottage in Nasu. I couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Stocking Up

When arriving in the very mountainous region of Nasu, I was blown away by how spacious and free I felt. The first thing my little crew of friends did was stop at a local grocery to stock up on food for our stay.

One thing about Japan that often had me feeling homesick was the scarcity of cheeses in my local area. I was pleased to find out the production of cheese in Nasu is some the highest in Japan.

Of course, my friends saw me scurry away to an aisle where I could fill my grocery basket with all the cheese I had been missing previously. One in my group told me Nasu even boasts a chain store called “Cheese Garden” dedicated to all cheesy products.

Settling In

After arriving in our village of cottages, I was blown away by how luxurious our very affordable cottage was. “Hana Duet Resort” was an extremely accommodating service and interesting too, as each cottage was dedicated to a different country’s style. The cottage we booked was the Italian style one, and it was not at all disappointing.

Outside the cottage was a beautiful fountain situated near a covered patio that would serve as our grilling area. The inside boasted a beautiful kitchen, six private bedrooms, a karaoke room, and a living room. Within the living room was a piano and one of our crew members wasted no time in showing off his skills (What a performance!).

Killing Time

After a night of music, catching up, and just relaxing, we started the following morning with coffee and plans to explore. One of our group members who knew the area suggested we visit “Sesshoseki” or “Killing stone” located in a volcanic area of the mountains rich in sulfur.

Well, I certainly didn’t know what to expect from a place dedicated to a “Killing stone” but I was pleasantly surprised upon arrival. We reached the mountainous area where I could see for miles. The old Buddhist style structures made me feel like I was in ancient Japan. The sulfuric hot springs can make one feel a bit nauseous, but I quickly got used to it. The “Killing stone” itself is a sacred site in Buddhist mythology with a whole story behind it.

A Perfect Ending Meal

Coming to the end of the weekend, our group decided to have dinner at a local restaurant dedicated to Udon (a very thick noodle usually served in a salty broth). We sat down in a tatami room around a table seated on the floor. Forgive me for forgetting the name of the restaurant, but I won’t forget the experience. It felt once again like I was in ancient Japan, dining amongst friends.

As we ate, we talked about our trip and the fun we had. We showed each other the photos we collected. Our little group laughed about all the good times. Riding out of Nasu, I thought, “I hope everyone coming to Japan gets to experience this too.”

Your own Nasu adventure awaits, as does the rest of Japan! Find out more about being an Assistant Language Teacher today!

Photo Credits:

Top Image: ___ii8___ on Pixabay

Additional photos provided by Jacob B.

Top Image: Protein photo created by jcomp – www.freepik.com

During this time of year, you’re braving the daily transit to work and back. It’s easy to want to dive under the kotatsu or crank up the heat and escape the cold. But what do you throw together for an easy, comforting meal to help warm you up? The answer to that is a hot pot-style dish, or typically called nabe (鍋) in Japanese.

Whether you are alone or have friends over, you just need a portable IH or gas stove and some simple ingredients to help warm you up from the inside out. Here we will be looking at the different types of nabe dishes that are frequently cooked in Japan.

Yose Nabe

Yose Nabe is your typical hot pot dish that can include meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu and mushrooms, cooked together in a soup stock, or dashi. What you put into it is literally up to you and you’ll find that popular ingredients vary depending on which part of Japan you’re in.

Some people like to finish this off with throwing some rice into the flavored, left over stock and make zosui, which turns the rice into a porridge-like consistency. It too makes for some good comfort food.

Chanko Nabe

Chanko nabe is also called “sumo stew,” as it is heavy on proteins, such as chicken, tofu, fish and beef. This nabe is prepared in a richer soup stock than other variations. Like Yose Nabe, there really is no set recipe for this dish, so you can experiment whatever you like.

The reason it is nicknamed “sumo stew,” is because it has traditionally been used by sumo wrestlers to bulk up. For them, a meal can consist of up to 20,000 calories, hence the nickname. If your New Year’s resolution was to lose weight, then it would be wise to steer clear of this traditional dish.

Sukiyaki

This dish is made up of thinly sliced beef, a variety of vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Together, they are cooked in a soy sauce- based stock with sugar that makes it a little sweet.

The difference maker with sukiyaki is that whatever ingredients are cooked are then typically dipped in a raw beaten egg before being eaten. I was hesitant to try this dish out when I first came to Japan, because where I am from, it is a big no-no to use raw egg for any recipe. Once you get past that hurdle, it is a fun dish to enjoy with family and friends, or even alone (many beef bowl chains will have their version of a 1-person sukiyaki set every winter).

Shabu Shabu

This dish uses thinly sliced pork or beef and vegetables (beginning to see a pattern here?). The soup stock is typically made from kombu seaweed and water. It’s very light and allows the flavor of the ingredients to stand out rather than the soup overpowering them.

One would normally use a preference of dipping sauce for the meat, such as ponzu, which is a light citrus flavored sauce, and/or goma-dare, which is a creamy sesame sauce.

The name “Shabu Shabu” comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia for the swishing sound it makes while cooking in the pot. This is also more of a communal type dish that can be a party favorite.

Oden

This hearty dish is made up of daikon radish, eggs, konjac, a variety of fish cakes and potatoes which are cooked for hours in a light soup stock and soy sauce. It can also be eaten with karashi, which is a Japanese mustard. Again, the ingredients for this dish can vary depending on which region of Japan you are located.

This can be found in almost all convenience stores in winter, so if you are not feeling up to cooking something after a day’s work, you can just pop over to the nearest convenience store and get a cup or bowl of this popular dish.

These are just a handful of the types of hot pot dishes you can find or make in Japan. There are a lot more varieties to be had around the country, and you can experiment with any of them to your liking. They normally take little prep time and can be enjoyed with family or friends. They’re also a great thing to eat before drinking sake, since the heaviness of the food will offset the alcohol!

So if you’re looking for a good comforting meal to warm up with during these winter months, give these dishes a try.

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Protein photo created by jcomp – www.freepik.com

Top Photo: Sherman Kwan on Unsplash

Japan is an old country, in more ways than one. In the most literal sense, it is the populance: a quarter of the population is age 65 or older. In Tokyo alone, it is projected that some 3.1 million residents will be 65 or older by 2025 according to the health ministry. And yet, 65 is still considered fairly “young”! With a life expectancy as long as Japan’s, it does make sense. But how do the people here manage to live so long? One of the main contributing factors is their diet.

Eating Smart and Healthy in Japan

Japanese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest in the world, and rightly so. That is, if you stick to the traditional cuisine, as this is also the land of all-you-can-eat yakiniku, convenience store dinners and butter-soaked burger buns. So there are a few pitfalls to avoid!

Two key things you should know about the Japanese cuisine — first, not every Japanese food is healthy, as we’ve established. Second, it’s hard to eat healthy in Japan if you’re simply counting the calories. You’ll quickly find yourself struggling between eating anything of real substance and taking in more calories than you want. To dodge this problem, follow a few key rules of eating, in addition to regular movement/exercise.

Skip the Ready-Made Foods

There are tons of ready-made foods available at convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan. Quite tasty, they are also tempting due to how they become discounted by the end of the day. However, be wary as many of them are loaded with salts, oils and preservatives- everything you don’t want if you’re watching your waistline.

While convenience store bento are fine now and then (since nobody wants to cook after a late day at school or the office) be sure to limit your intake. Instead, try to get in the habit of buying fresh ingredients at the supermarket or even convenience store (many larger ones in Japan will stock fresh produce and meats). If you have one nearby, shop at the local Gyoumu Super and save some yen, too!

Variety is Key

A traditional Japanese meal has number of small dishes filled with numerous different foods from both the land and sea. These types of meals are usually made under the ichijyu sansai principle (one soup with three vegetable dishes, plus rice and fish) to assure good balance. This, according to everyone I spoke with, is the key to a healthy Japanese diet.

These small portions feature well over 15 different foods per day or even per meal, and include numerous legumes, veggies, and sea food. There’s also always rice, noodles or meat involved, which altogether provide all vitamins and minerals the body needs. For every meal of the day, try to include several different products in smaller portions.

Practice Hara Hachi Bu Principle

A common thing you might hear at Japanese restaurants from newcomers: “it looked bigger in the photo.” Japanese portion sizes are usually much smaller than those served overseas, and this is a good thing. The Japanese have a saying that you should eat hara hachi bu (or hara hachibun-me) . This is an ancient Japanese eating rule which proposes never to fill one’s stomach to 100 percent; always stop when it is 80 percent full.

Over 80 percent is seen as overeating, which results in the digestive system taking a longer time to process the food. Eventually, this leads to cellular oxidation, which makes one age faster. When the stomach is 80 percent full, it has some extra space, which allows it to perform the digestion process much quicker. It also helps it to churn and break food more efficiently. This results in lower chances of health problems.

There are many health benefits of Hara Hachi Bu. It helps to maintain a healthy body weight and waistline. Furthermore, it also helps avoid obesity, gastrointestinal problems, acid reflux, and metabolic disorders. It helps in a better-functioning digestive system. Hara Hachi Bu also leads to lower free radicals in blood, which means lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other old-age related diseases.

In Conclusion

Aside these few rules, there are other ways to lead a healthy lifestyle in Japan. Taking a short walk, avoiding the consumption of too much sugar; incorporating fermented food naturally into your daily diet and drinking a lot of water to name a few. In addition, the Japanese healthcare system has achieved significant accomplishment in terms of longevity of life, infant mortality, and the eradication of communicable diseases. Living healthy in Japan isn’t always easy, but it is most certainly doable.

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: Sherman Kwan on Unsplash

Additional information cited in this article came from the following sources: 1 2 3

Top photo: Sorasak on Unsplash

If you love all things Japan, then Kyoto is a must-see on your list of travel destinations. It offers plenty of exciting things for you to enjoy. From amazing spots for sight-seeing to a variety of mouth-watering dishes, the ancient capital city has it all. The rich history, culture and tradition of Japan can all be found here. And with a little preparation and planning, you can experience it all in just a few days.

Sightseeing

Kyoto is ranked 7th of the most populous cities in Japan with around 1,459,640 inhabitants. Famous for its many sights of antiquity, Kyoto maintains a good reputation and is consistently considered among the best tourist destinations in Japan.

You can visit several ancient structures in Kyoto. There’s Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) located in Kamigyo Ward. This was once the ruling palace of the Emperor long ago.

Second is Nijo Castle, located in Nakagyo Ward. It was built in 1679, but it was struck by lightning causing a city-wide fire.

Most famous is the Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-Ji). It attracts a large number of tourists each year, making it the most-visited temple in Kyoto.

And that’s just scratching the surface. There are many more temples, shrines and sights to see across the city!

Good Eating

The classical Japanese diet is quite healthy, and tofu is a major staple of it. Tofu is very famous in Kyoto, and it is said that to not eat it is to miss half the Kyoto experience.

Because tofu is a good source of protein, amino acids, iron, calcium, and vitamins, it will help to boost your energy during your busy day enjoying the fascinating scenery around Kyoto.

Kyoto prepares their Tofu dishes in a lot of ways. There are simple, elegant, sophisticated, or just the traditional way (set in ice and water). But two common things that will guarantee satisfaction: the authentic taste and the unforgettable dining experience!

Not a tofu lover? No worries! Kyoto also offers almost all kinds of food, Japanese or otherwise. Everything from sushi to steak to tempura can also be found here. Due to the heavy emphasis on traditional culture though, we recommend trying at least one truly washoku-heavy establishment, even if just for afternoon tea.

In Conclusion

There’s a lot more amazing things to explore in Kyoto; this introduction is just the beginning. Look forward to more articles about exploring Kyoto and other cities here on MUSUBI soon!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Sorasak on Unsplash

Top Image: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

Are you looking for an interesting place to visit with something really fun to do? Then the Cup Noodles Museum is the place for you! Famous around the world Cup Noodles celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and has been a go-to inexpensive meal for millions ever since.

This is Japan, home of Cup Noodles, so of course there is a Cup Noodles Museum. In fact, there’s two! One in Yokohama and one in Osaka. The Yokohama version is the bigger of the two, and the one I visited. The museum was a lot of fun and there were so many interesting things to see and do. I made my very own custom Cup Noodles at the Cup Noodles Factory, the most exciting part of the Cup Noodles Museum. Let’s take a look at how it’s made.

Step One

Step one features a very familiar sight in Japan, a vending machine. Put ¥300 in and buy a Cup Noodles cup. “What’s this? No noodles inside?” Well, don’t worry, the noodles will come later.

Step Two

Next, sanitize your hands. It’s very important to have clean hands when handling food, of course!

Step Three

This is the fun part. We get to decorate our cups. I colored the cup noodle text orange. I drew the anime character Ranma and the noodles flying out of a cup. I was inspired by this amazing sculpture.

My drawing turned out a bit more like Frylock from “Aqua Teen Hunger Force”. Maybe I’ll get it closer to the sculpture next time!

Step Four

This is where things really get exciting. The cup and the noodles unite and become Cup Noodles. The cup is dropped on top of the noodles to prevent any noodles going into cups sideways. And then, you make them right side up again by turning a crank.

Step Five

Here’s where you get to customize the taste and make the perfect Cup Noodles suited just for you. First pick your soup base. You can choose from Cup Noodle, Curry, Seafood, or Chili Tomato. I chose Cup Noodle’s signature base.

Next, choose your toppings. There’s Hiyoko-chan fish cakes, garlic chips, green beans, cheese, crab-flavored fish cakes, corn, kimchi, shrimp, roast pork, egg, green onions and a special limited time only ingredient that is often changed.

I chose Hiyoko-chan fish cakes, roast pork, green onions and egg. Mmm… Doesn’t it look delicious?

Step Six

It’s time to seal your cup. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. I almost did!

Step Seven

This is where your cup noodles freshness gets locked in. It’s time for the shrink wrap!

Step Eight

The final stage. Stick it in a bag and blow it up with air. This does two things. It protects your precious one-of-a-kind Cup Noodles and it turns you into a living, breathing Cup Noodles Museum advertisement for the rest of the day.

Wasn’t that amazing?

As for how my unique Cup Noodles tasted, it was delicious!

The Cup Noodles Museum and Cup Noodles Factory were loads of fun for me and I think you’ll enjoy them too. When you make your own custom Cup Noodles, you will only be limited by your own imagination.

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

Additional photos provided by Raymond Doan

Top Image by Michael Sum on Unsplash

For anyone coming to Japan, chances are you’ve done a lot of research. There are likely many things you find interesting about Japan’s culture. For instance, its people are often said to have a reserved, even shy nature (even locals themselves will say as much.) And yet it seems like everyone is comfortable taking baths together out in the open air. It may seem strange until you try it, but you should- any Japan experience is not complete without it!

You’ll have plenty of time to ponder this dichotomy while you soak in mineral-rich, super relaxing onsen water. Before you seek out one of the many popular onsen and hop in though, there are a few things to understand about proper onsen etiquette.

Leave Shyness at the Genkan (Entrance)

We get it- the concept of getting naked in front of a pack of strangers can be intimidating. But not it’s not just polite or respectful to disrobe before entering the onsen waters; it’s a strict rule. The onsen you visit might have a small towel to cover up, but once you get through the locker room that’s it. Most onsen have separate areas for men and women, which may (or may not) put you more at ease.

The important thing is to let go of your self-consciousness for a bit, and remember that everyone else is doing the same. As awkward as it may be at first, be friendly- the person next to you might want to chat considering you are an “overseas visitor” (or resident!) You get a golden opportunity to socialize and to brush up on your Japanese skills. So leave your shyness behind, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful experience!

Leave Your Belongings in the Locker

As you already know, you’ll have to leave your clothes behind. Every onsen will have a locker room before the bathing area. Again, these will be separate for men and women.

Some older onsen may not have locks on the lockers (or cubbies), but you need not worry. Theft is still rare in Japan and virtually unheard of at onsen. If it gives you peace of mind though, lockers with locks are often available for a small fee. Failing that, there may be a staff member acting as “monitor” of sorts there as a reassurance. Larger, newer establishments may have locked lockers as a default.

In this digital age, as much as you may want to snap photos of your onsen experience (even just of yourself) smartphones are a big no-no. Leave them with your other belongings. The same goes for any other electronic device- aside from the risk of damage/electrocution, it just isn’t proper to bring them with you.

Also, leave your eyeglasses behind too. Navigating your way to and around the bathing area isn’t that hard, especially if you’re with friends. You won’t be able to see through foggy glasses anyway.

Bring a Towel (and a Friend)

Although many onsen provide towels for free or for a small fee, many others won’t provide you with that blessing and might just make your experience a little extra awkward. After a long, relaxing, stress-relieving soak, realizing that there is no towel might kill the mood somewhat. Always bring one along with you, even if you don’t need it and the onsen provides free towels as part of the package.

An additional tip: bring a friend or friends with you, especially if they are an experience onsen-goer. It’s a great way to strengthen your friendship. And, it may help ease some of the initial awkwardness by having people you know who also know what they’re doing.

Wash First, Bathe Later

The golden rule of going to an onsense: the onsen is not for bathing, just for soaking. Prior to entering the heated waters, you have to clean your body from head to toe. It’s not hard to forget this step as there will be plenty of showerheads, stools, and rinsing products on your way from the locker room.

After washing, don’t jump into the hot water, as it might be a little too hot for your liking and needs some getting used to. Temperatures typically vary from 39°C to 42°C. Do what Japanese people do and take it slowly. Splash some onsen water over your lower body, a process known as kakeyu.

So About the Tattoo Thing

Let’s be upfront about it: Tattoos have long been taboo in Japan due to their association with organized crime. For years, entrance to onsen and other public bathing facilities was denied to those with even a little ink on principle. This also deterred those from overseas where there is no such stigma. Fortunately, attitudes are changing, if very slowly.

Some onsen will allow people with tattoos, especially if there are options for private onsen. Although rare, others may simply overlook small tattoos on foreign guests who clearly so not look like they would be involved with the yakuza. The best solution though is that some pharmacies and even onsen places sell temporary tattoo covers. You can use these to cover your tattoos and enjoy the experience of the onsen.

Now, Let’s Soak!

Onsen is an integral part of Japanese culture. By being respectful to their norms and following the customs, you can enjoy this amazing experience. It’ll make you Japan experience just that much more memorable.

Photo Credits:

Top Image by Michael Sum on Unsplash

Top photo: katorisi – Own work, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license (CC BY 3.0 ) No changes or modifications were made. Wikimedia Commons Link

Happy 2022 from your friendly neighborhood ALT everyone! I hope you have had a great holiday season! Last December, I constructed a decoration named “kadomatsu”. It’s another New Year’s tradition and one that is worth trying yourself!

What’s Kadomatsu?

A kadomatsu, also known as “gate pine”, is a New Year’s decoration that is placed in pairs in front of houses to welcome the harvest gods.

They are put outside the left and right sides of your door after Christmas and are regarded as temporary housing for deities or gods. When you cut the bamboo, you have to make sure you cut at the joint of the bamboo to make a “smiling face”.

The kadomatsu I made to the left is placed at the left side of the door and as you can see, the bamboo is cut so they look like they are “laughing”.

Let’s Make Kadomatsu!

Truth be told, you can just buy a Kadomatsu if you want (including miniature ones). But making them yourself is more satisfying! The process was pretty simple, pick six bamboo of roughly the same size:

Cut them at the joints to make the smiling face, then place them in a large can:

Wrap the can in decorative straw and tie a rope around the can. Also, place the bamboo (tied with rope) in the can and pack dirt in the can so the bamboo sit right in the middle:

The Meaning Behind Kadomatsu

Kadomatsu designs in Japan are different depending on location, but most are made of pine tree, bamboo, ume tree sprigs and kale, which symbolize lifespan, prosperity, and determination, respectively. The final touch is to place a fan with the gold symbol “kotobuki” on it which means longevity.

Because the Japanese term “kadomatsu” has the kanji character for pine tree (“matsu”), pine is the primary plant used in decorating. The pine tree has been special to Japanese people since ancient times: they believe the spirits of the gods live in pine trees. So, even though bamboo is the most prominent, the pine tree is extremely important.

In terms of decoration, the bamboo is the most interesting. During the samurai period, bamboo was connected to kadomatsu. Bamboo was thought to be great to wish away sadness in life since it grows straight up to the sky, according to Japanese legend.

Plum and kale blossoms both have positive connotations, and they are often used as decorations. Plum flowers are a powerful and enduring plant since they bloom early in the year when the weather is pretty cold. The layering of leaves on the blossoming kale is seen as adding more and more good fortune.

How to Display Kadomatsu

You can leave the kadomatsu in front of your door until January 7th or the 15th (in the Edo era they were placed until the 15th). The reason for kadomatsu during the New Year celebrations is to worship and greet the deity, who will then bring a plentiful harvest to farmers and bestow the blessings of the ancestors on everyone. The kadomatsu is burned after January 15 (or in some places, the 19th) to pacify the god or divinity and free them.

This was my first experience making kadomatsu, but hopefully it is a tradition I can continue into the future as well as learning many others. I hope you also get to experience the fun of making traditional Japanese decorations throughout the year! Happy New Year! Let’s make it a great one!

Photo Credits:

Top photo: katorisi – Own work, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license (CC BY 3.0 ) No changes or modifications were made. Wikimedia Commons Link

Additional photos provided by Natasha Davis

Welcome to 2022! A brand new year is ahead of us, if you’re reading this in January, anyway! Before we dive deep into the Year of the Tiger, let us think back and reflect on the year that passed. While MUSUBI celebrated its 1-year anniversary back in September, 2021 was also a first year for us. That is, it was the first time we posted new articles for the entire year- over a hundred between January and December.

As the chief editor of this blog, it’s my duty to read & review every article that we post. While there are many great blogs about Japan and Japanese culture out there, with MUSUBI we wanted to do something different. All our articles are written by folks living and working in Japan, many as English teachers.

Indeed, we do like to indulge in topics related to teaching and ALT life here and there. But we also wanted to give our writers a venue for sharing their own favorite aspects about Japan and its culture. Places they’ve been, foods they’ve eaten, or just their own advice for living a healthy lifestyle. As we move forward towards our 2nd anniversary and another full year of posting on this blog, we hope to continue expanding and improving on the work we’ve done before.

So in the spirit of looking to the past in preparation for the future, here’s a good old-fashioned recap of MUSUBI in 2021! Every article I edit is great in its own way, and I can’t namecheck them all (there are over a hundred, after all!) But here are a few that left a strong impression on me personally in the past year.

2021 in Health

What are we without our health? In 2021 we covered a variety of topics, such as:

Feeling sick and tired in Japan? Here’s our short overview of what to do!

Health isn’t just about physical well-being, but also mental. Here’s how to avoid “a transplant” and dealing with homesickness.

Living out in the countryside? Here are some tips for staying fit in the inaka!

Looking for cosmetics in Japan? We featured two different guides on this topic!

Last year there were articles on healthy food and drinks you can find in Japan, from gut-friendly substances to good old Green Tea.

And finally, sometimes travel and health are intertwined, as this great exploration of the Tohoku region showcased.

2021 in Food

Writing about Food is always a popular topic on MUSUBI. As our writers are all across Japan, we have articles about the foods of big cities like Nagoya and Osaka.

In 2021 we also evaluated convenience store sandwiches. We extolled the wonders of the drink bar. And we shared how to enjoy an inexpensive, tasty curry dinner!

Looking for authentic Japanese dining that is also Halal? Last year, we found it!

Japan is more than just Japanese food though. Here are our guides on finding Indian curry in Yamanashi and vegan places in Tokyo. And sometimes you just want a really good burger.

There were many quirky and enjoyable restaurants to be found, such as one themed on a dungeon and another in a little slice of Americana in Saitama.

And perhaps most useful for those cooking at home is our guide on reading Japanese food labels.

2021 in Lifestyle

‘Lifestyle’ is our broadest category in that it can cover a wide range of sub-topics. Some of these included:

Taking a dip in Japan’s famous onsen! There’s plenty to visit!

Traveling to scenic destinations such as Sado Island and Okayama City!

Avoiding social faux pas and learning good train etiquette.

Learning the wonders of the 100-Yen store or the traditional art of haiku.

Driving in Japan, a must-have skill if you plan on living in the beautiful countryside.

Living in Japan, be it in an apartment of your own or a share house with others!

And, if you’re studying in Japan, how to smoothly transition into a teaching career!

And on to 2022!

We hope you enjoyed this blast from the past. As mentioned, we posted many articles last year, so there’s much more beyond these! Please check out the Health, Food and Lifestyle tags for them all.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of our writers and readers who keep MUSUBI going. As 2022 gets underway, I hope this blog will continue to grow and improve. It’s our mission at MUSUBI to keep delivering high-quality articles that serve as your bridge to inner Japan.