Umachan_arigato

03/11/2024

I am sure every country has a special day to celebrate their culture, and for the land of the rising sun, that day is today, November 3rd! Do you enjoy Japan's culture? It is quite fascinating the deeper you dive into it!

30/10/2024

Boo! Did I scare you? Oh dear dear that is quite alright because it is the day for scary scares and frighty frights! Uma wishes you have a spooky Halloween! (Woooo)

25/10/2024

*Crack*, oh is that what I think it is? Yup it is! Chestnuts! Finally the season is here and I'm ready to enjoy them in all of their glory! Do you know about this nutty treat?

It may come as a surprise that chestnuts have been a staple of Japanese cuisine for centuries. Whilst no longer as commonplace in the Japanese diet, they are still a popular autumn food, enjoyed in both sweet and savory form. They are referred to as kuri in savory dishes, but also go by the French n...

21/10/2024

Autumn in Japan is more than just leaves changing color. It's a culinary adventure waiting to be savored! Let's celebrate the simple joy of seasonal eating that captures the warmth and richness of the fall harvest. One delicious bite at a time!

As summer comes to an end, the crisp cold air in the morning reminds us that autumn is just around the corner. Japan has four distinct seasons to enjoy. The beauty of the autumn season in Japan is not only limited to sightseeing autumn foliage, but […]

18/10/2024

Watching leaves fall to the ground makes me wanna slow down and be away from the hustle of the city center. Let's go to Yanaka! Discover the hidden treasures of Tokyo's old town, where time seems to stand still yet maintain a great balance between retro and modern!

  Tokyo is famous for cutting-edge technology, soaring skyscrapers, perpetually-lit neon streets, and anything else that screams “Modern!” In places like Shibuya, Harajuku, or Akihabara, it can be difficult to remember that the city is hundreds of years old. It’s a shame when travelers leave ...

15/10/2024

Do you know today is World Food Day? Since we are a tourism and travel company who takes pride in our walking food tours, enjoying the many tastes of food along our travels are what excites us! However, not everyone has this opportunity. Let's make the world a better place when it comes to food!

12/10/2024

Tokyo, the capital of Japan! Filled with bustling streets, it is also loaded with food stops almost anywhere. Ever wondered what the top 5 foods of this prefecture are though? Definitely take a read, I assure you, it will leave you drooling. (yum)

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the best places to be for foodies. The busiest city in the country, it’s lit by neon lights, has high skyscrapers, and a historic and religious touch because of its famous Meiji Shinto Shrine (and plenty of […]

09/10/2024

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this is as important as keeping ourselves physically fit. How are you doing? Always remember that you are not alone and there is a whole community out there to help!

On behalf of the WFMH President, we are pleased to announce the Official Theme of World Mental Health Day 2024 - ‘It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’. Read the message from the WFMH President and learn more about this year’s theme!

07/10/2024

Pickled food is super healthy for your gut and you should definitely try it because...your health is your wealth. In Japan, they come in many forms and colors, making it super pretty to eat. Let's try some more, shall we?

Pickles are indispensable in Japanese cuisine with their colorful appearance and different flavors and are formed with a unique style from the centuries-old knowledge. They are a part of an inseparable trio with miso soup and rice. Japanese pickles are prepared by salting, vinegar, and fermenting wi...

04/10/2024

We cook with many leaves in life, but have you ever tried Shiso? Considered to be one of the 7 flavors of Japan, why not try adding this to your recipe next time? You can even make some yummy juice. Definitely worth a try!

It is believed that shiso leaves migrated to Japan in the eighth century from China. This herb was first used as lamp oil by crushing the leaves. However, with time the tradition died as there were other sources of oil and it was later discovered to be used in cooking and medicine due to its various...

30/09/2024

The weather is getting a bit cooler...Ah, time for some instant noodles! Japan has so many variations and we have some recommendations for you! Slurp some deliciousness this fall season. Did you spot your favorite on the list?

What better time to enjoy instant ramen than the Fall season? As the leaves dramatically change colors and the temperatures drop, instant ramen calls! Here are 5 delish Japanese instant ramen to enjoy for the Fall season. All of these are the better quality, “premium” instant […]

26/09/2024

Ahem, I heard it's a special day. And since we're a tourism company, I want to wish you a Happy World Tourism Day! Now let's cut to the chase. Are you planning a trip to Japan? We are so excited to meet you! Hurry up, book those plane tickets and join our tours to learn more about Japan and its amazing culture while having delicious food!

https://arigatojapan.co.jp/all-arigato-travel-tours/

24/09/2024

Wanna travel to Japan but concerned about your budget? Don't worry, we have some ideas for how you can save from transportation and lodging, even food, without sacrificing the experience of being in Japan!

Let's plan Japan travel for 2023. As we love to be open to supporting different travelers with different budgets and expectations, we would like to introduce to you this itinerary for a week-long trip to Japan. You probably want to visit the two biggest cities and […]

22/09/2024

Here comes autumn! The season officially starts today on the Japanese calendar. What's the first thing comes to mind when you think of fall? It's koyo for me! Discover the best spots to witness nature's vibrant hues! Ready to be enchanted?

I wanted to title this with some sort of pun, like “best place to go see the forest in the fall? Ao-MORI of course!” then I realized the better pun is “Best place for fall fun? AKI-ta,” but I digress. Japan’s seasons bring cycles of limited-edition […]

17/09/2024

Look, a full moon tonight and we should definitely celebrate it with "Otsukimi" ("moon-viewing"). On this day, people eat dango in hopes of bringing good fortune and health! Wanna try making some at home? Then try this recipe!

Every country has their own twists on local sweets, and the Japanese bring forth theirs in the most simple of ways, yet it's a one of a kind experience we should all try! Traditional Japanese sweets, also known as wagashi (和菓子) can be traced back to […]

16/09/2024

There's a saying in Japanese that "elders are the treasure in the family." On Respect for the Aged Day, presents for grandparents will be bought to honor their contributions. If you also want to do something special for your family, we have some ideas for you!

Traveling with your family is so rewarding and fun, but there are also different challenges and requirements to make sure everyone in your group has a great time. Most of our tours can be adapted for adventurers of all ages, but below you will find the tours in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka that we recomme...

13/09/2024

Have you heard of temari? This traditional Japanese craft carries profound cultural significance, embodying Japan's commitment to meticulous craftsmanship. It also symbolizes familial tradition, often cherished as heartfelt gifts passed down through generations.

Arigato Travel has recently had the delightful opportunity to sit down with Satomi, the proud founder of TEMARIMO. Originally from Hyogo, Japan, Satomi’s journey has taken her to multiple countries such as Thailand, the Netherlands, Canada, and back to Japan. Her travel experiences and great appre...

09/09/2024

Do you know what else to expect for Autumn? Let me give you a little hint, it has something to do with the main staple food in Japan.*Drum roll* Shinmai! It's freshly harvested rice sold in this season. Check this link out to learn more about it!

In Japan, every autumn, “Shinmai” (newly harvested rice) is sold, making it the season when rice is the most delicious and popular. However, do you know when exactly rice can be called Shinmai? In this blog, I will introduce the definition of new rice, its harvest […]

06/09/2024

Summer is coming to an end soon. Let's seize the lasting days of the season with some ayu! You can often find it grilled at summer festivals. It is loved for its simple, yet savory flavor. Fun fact: the kanji for ayu, 鮎, is made up of a unique combination of fish and fortune!

Generally considered to be the most savory river fish in Japan, ayu is a staple food at the many festivals and barbecues throughout the summer months.

03/09/2024

Have you been to Ishikawa? No? Let's go! Known for their traditional craftsmanship developed from their rich history, this reflects in the prefecture's food culture. If you are a seafood lover, you can surely satisfy your appetite with the freshest catch around in Ishikawa!

In the Chubu region of Honshu sits Ishikawa, a historically important prefecture rich in history, culture and delicious food. Ishikawa is well-known for traditional craftsmanship such as lacquerware and gold leaf making, and the spirit of delicate craftsmanship reflects their rich food culture as we...

30/08/2024

You might have heard about washi paper, but do you know how to make it? Visit Ozu Washi! They have workshops where visitors can make their own, and practice calligraphy and sumi-ink painting. The perfect activity to bring home some traditional souvenirs!

Ozu Washi is a shop that sells traditional Japanese paper in Tokyo. This is not just any store, besides selling all kinds of different high-quality products based around traditional paper, they also have workshops, a museum, Shoran exhibition and an art gallery. They have been around since 1653, and...

26/08/2024

"Wan-wan!" It's International Dog Day today! We all know of Japan's famous and faithful doggie, Hachiko, who sadly passed away after waiting for his master. Nevertheless, these furry friends are special. Wanna spend the day surrounded by "Inu?" I know just the place to go!

Come home to Odate, the hometown for Hachiko, whose loyalty inspired millions in Shibuya and around the world

23/08/2024

Wagyu is considered one of the must-try dishes when visiting Japan, but how much do you know about it? Japan's world-renowned beef? It's okay, I got you covered. Check the link below to learn more about this beloved delicacy!

Wagyu (和牛) is a breed of cattle originating from Japan, known for its marbling and high-quality meat. The word

19/08/2024

Japan is filled with religious temples and shrines almost everywhere you go! There are some that can be quite magnificent, and it is sure a wonder to behold. Check out these sites on your next trip to Japan!

When one thinks of Japan, images of vibrant cities, technological advancements, and rich cultural heritage often come to mind. At the heart of this beautiful country lies a world of ancient traditions and spiritual practices. Japanese temples and shrines, deeply rooted in history and spirituality, s...

17/08/2024

Don't say you have visited Japan in summer if you didn't have the Kakigori! As a local guide, Uma can assure you this is the best summer survival tip. Syrup over shaved ice...!! Gotta go grab a bowl right now, care to join? ;)

https://arigatojapan.co.jp/surviving-summer-in-japan-all-about-kakigori/