haruka takagi

Has Kyoto Prefecture’s super spicy food area still got the heat, or has it sizzled out?

A trip that was meant to be pleasantly nostalgic resulted in a big shock, but also came with a silver, spicy lining.  

Read More

7 ways people in Japan deal with heavy snow, including the use of special ponds called “tane”

Locals teach us how to live comfortably in areas that experience heavy snowfall.

Read More

Opening 70 toys in a capsule toy lucky bag is our best tip for killing time over the holidays

We crack open an overwhelming batch of toys–from the charming to the wacky–in which there’s gotta be something for everyone.

Read More

We score big with Kaldi’s wine lucky boxes thanks to some sage advice

A helpful hack sets up our reporter for success to get the sparkling wine of her dreams.

Read More

Sweet Japanese couple serve jumbo parfaits at hidden underground joint in Osaka

Desserts as sweet as the couple who makes them.

Read More

Gacha capsule toy machine sells Casio watch rings in Japan, and we try to get all of them

Will the gacha gods smile kindly on our desire to own all of these cute miniature watches?

Read More

Puyo Puyo Manju return after 21 years…and our Puyo Puyo fan reporter achieves a childhood dream

Two dreams, in fact. It was a good day for Haruka!

Read More

Japanese vending machine sells…retro toothbrushes?

This is one weird machine you won’t find anywhere else!

Read More

Weird Japanese vending machine find gives us unique sweet potato sweets

The quality of these chilled sweet potato treats surprised our seasoned reporter.

Read More

How much difference does the choice of mold make in fermenting food?

Two companies, both alike in miso, in fair Okazaki where we lay our scene.

Read More

Japanese vending machine in Edo-period town sells a very rare type of tofu

There’s something so beautiful about modern conveniences in traditional surroundings.

Read More

We visit Kaiyodo Kappa Museum: dedicated to a yokai that loves cucumbers and human souls

Kappa lovers — add Kochi Prefecture to your bucket list!

Read More

This Kochi sightseeing spot is one of Japan’s “three most disappointing spots,” but should it be?

In fact, this tourist attraction is four things–and a whole lot of history–in one!

Read More

Do you know what this caterpillar-like food is? We had no idea!【Taste test】

Apparently, it’s a popular regional ingredient in New Year’s food. 

Read More

We try the bizarre ‘Get Your Finger Chomped By A Sturgeon’ experience at a Hokkaido aquarium

Our reporter gets her finger bitten by a sturgeon yet lives to tell the tale.

Read More

Don Quijote’s “Magic Powder” promises to make food taste mind blowingly delicious

The store’s “Premium Magic Powder to Make Instant Ramen Taste Amazing” can be used for all kinds of meals!

Read More

This Hokkaido-local curry chain serves curry so good it ought to be popular all over Japan

Seriously, who’s in charge of this place and why haven’t they expanded to the rest of Japan?!

Read More

Joining the battalions of the undead on a budget.

Read More

Who the heck is this dancing foreigner advertising products in Japan?

The mystery deepens once you enter this store.

Read More

Daiso vs. Seria: Which sells the better egg white whipper? We find out【SoraKitchen】

Two major 100-yen stores go head-to-head in a thrilling time-attack race!

Read More

  1. 1
  2. 2