arici – Your Japan Insider

Tokyo’s Fermented Sweets Revolution: The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Trendy and Traditional Japanese Desserts

Tokyo’s dessert scene is renowned for its creativity and reverence for tradition, but 2026 marks a truly revolutionary year. Across the city, both trendsetting cafés and centuries-old wagashi shops are…

arici January 14, 2026

Travel

Chasing Stars in Hidden Japan: The Ultimate Winter Glamping and Stargazing Adventure

Have you ever dreamed of watching millions of stars twinkling in a crystal-clear winter sky while wrapped in the warmth of a luxurious glamping tent? Japan is often celebrated for…

arici January 14, 2026

Food

Hidden Scoops: Discovering Japan’s Secret Craft Kakigori Cafés and the Shaved Ice Revolution

Japan's summer treat, kakigori (shaved ice), has long been synonymous with vibrant festival stalls and beachside vendors. However, in recent years, a quiet revolution has taken place: artisanal craft kakigori…

arici January 13, 2026

Travel

Snow-Covered Serenity: Discover Nagano’s Hidden Winter Forest Bathing Retreats

Imagine stepping softly into a winter wonderland where ancient forests, dusted pure white by snow, wrap you in a meditative hush. Far from the crowds, deep within Nagano’s frosted valleys,…

arici January 13, 2026

Travel

Off the Rails: Discover Japan’s Hidden Winter Wonderlands Through Remote Station Trekking and Local Cuisine

Japan’s winter paints the landscape with a quiet beauty that’s best experienced far from the crowds. In 2026, a thrilling trend is luring adventurous travelers off the beaten track—remote station…

arici January 12, 2026

Travel

Hidden Harvests: The Allure of Satoyama—Japan’s Secret Farm-to-Table Paradises in 2026

Are you searching for an authentic adventure deep within Japan’s heartland—a place where tradition, nature, and gastronomy blend seamlessly? Welcome to the secret world of Satoyama: rural valleys alive with…

arici January 12, 2026

Travel

Japan’s Fermentation Frontier: Unveiling Hidden Sake Breweries and Koji Workshops in the Countryside

Are you ready to journey into the heart of Japan’s rich fermentation culture? In 2026, “Fermentation Tourism” is emerging as the newest travel trend captivating adventurous food lovers worldwide. This…

arici January 11, 2026

Food

Tokyo’s Neo-Izakaya Movement: Young Chefs Redefining Nightlife in 2026

Tokyo’s backstreets are alive with a new energy in 2026—one that blends culinary artistry, buzzing social life, and Japan’s inventive spirit. The Neo-Izakaya movement is transforming the traditional Japanese pub…

arici January 11, 2026

Culture

Sip into Showa: Discovering Japan’s Retro Kissaten Revival in 2026

Japan is experiencing a captivating revival of retro nostalgia in 2026—with Showa-era kissaten (classic Japanese coffee shops) at its very heart. While glitzy contemporary cafés line the streets of Shibuya,…

arici January 10, 2026

Travel

Hidden Winter Onsen Paradises: Exploring Kyushu’s Secret Steaming Valleys

Looking to escape the crowds and discover Japan’s most serene winter escapes? Kyushu, the southern jewel of the Japanese archipelago, hides remote onsen (hot spring) paradises deep within its misty,…

arici January 10, 2026