Today in the SoraKitchen, we’re not just making umeboshi, we’re making umeboshi inside our office.
ume
One of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens gets even more beautiful with special ume illumination event.
Hanami, Kochi, and Hinamatsuri bath bombs are inspired by Japan’s three favorite springtime flowers.
Municipalities and prefectures are hoping they can stop the dreaded red-necked longhorn beetle before they get out of hand.
Japanese cuisine is often known for its subtle tastes which some might criticize as being downright “bland.” But there are some exceptions, one of which is umeboshi. This is a dried and pickled ume fruit which is a cross between a plum and an apricot. Umeboshi are very popular in Japan and have a sour and salty taste that will slap you in the face harder than a scorned lover.
By now you’re probably be thinking, “That vinegary plum sounds great! But what it really needs is some cheese mixed in.” Well, you’re in luck! Frito Lay Japan is way ahead of you and just released Ume & Cheese flavored tortilla chips. We sat down with a bag to see how this combination plays out in chip form.
It’s cherry blossom time in Tokyo, which means that the plum blossom season is just coming to a close, and one of Tokyo’s most popular spots to see plum blossom, Umeno Park in Ome, has finished the season with a sad announcement: it is chopping down all 1,266 of its famous plum trees to prevent the spread of a disease called plum pox.
We’ve seen our fair share of interesting and often downright weird snacks in Japan, from Mountain Dew poofs that actually fizz in your mouth to chocolatey dried squid. Now we’ve got one more for you: Chocolate covered shrimp chips. If you wrinkled your nose at the thought of crunchy shrimp snacks, you’ll double over at the sight of these sweet and savory snacks that smell of the sea.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Security guard jumped by bear at public restroom in middle of Numata City
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
We recreate the delicious-looking meatball stew from Laputa: Castle in the Sky【SoraKitchen】
Japanese woman stumbles on the power of the infamous “gaijin seat” phenomenon during flight
Weekly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes- Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
- Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】
Monthly
- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】- Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Security guard jumped by bear at public restroom in middle of Numata City
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
We recreate the delicious-looking meatball stew from Laputa: Castle in the Sky【SoraKitchen】
Japanese woman stumbles on the power of the infamous “gaijin seat” phenomenon during flight
Upcoming themed cafe answers the question “What if Hokusai had opened an eatery?”
Studio Ghibli adds “komorebi” Totoro plush toys to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Stylish, green and eco-friendly modern urban village to be built in the heart of Tokyo by 2023
What’s in a Family Mart lucky bag?
Buying Japanese concert tickets may get even harder for foreign tourists with new government plan
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Our reporter tries nuikatsu for the first time, but is he too old for this otaku lifestyle hobby?
-
