Umachan_arigato

25/12/2024

Wherever you are in the world, whether it is sunshiny, rainy, or ice cold, make sure to enjoy the last few days of 2024. Happy Holidays to everyone from the team here at Arigato Travel!

21/12/2024

Looking for an indoor holiday activity? Why not Karaoke? What, you don't know how? Ah that is okay. Daijoubu desuyo! Here we have a guide for you to follow along, and you will be a PRO in no time.

Have you ever been to karaoke? Lots of laughter, maybe some out-of-tune singing, and overall, it’s just a really fun time. However, not all karaoke is the same, and I was very surprised by the differences I saw between the ones I experienced in New Zealand […]

19/12/2024

Hey did you hear? We have a huge Holiday giveaway that is going on right now and lots of amazing prizes to be won. Come on and try your luck!

Seasonal Surprises: Enter Our Giveaways Now! The holiday season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce our BIG Annual Holiday Giveaway for 2024! This is our favorite way to spread holiday cheer and show heartfelt appreciation for you—our guests, readers and supporters. […]

19/12/2024

From sweet strawberries to savory oden, Japanese supermarkets have so much to offer in winter! Want to find out what else you can discover this season? Check out our latest article for all the must-try items that will make your winter shopping extra special!

Winter brings a lot of change as temperatures drop. Yet, regardless of whether the concept of winter spurs happiness or dread for you, the special food of the season is bound to give us all a reason to smile. We created a list of foods that you can look forward to finding in the supermarket this win...

15/12/2024

If the chill of winter is slowly creeping up your spine and you need a relaxing and warm way to defrost, why not try an onsen? A slow dip in some steaming, clean water sounds perfect, don't you think? Check out this amazing onsen town that is also tattoo-friendly.

Imagine it’s 1300 years ago in the year 724 AD, the Nara era of Japan. You’ve heard whispers of Kinosaki, a small town nestled along the Sea of Japan. Word has it a Buddhist priest named Dochi Shonin prayed for one-thousand days in order to help […]

10/12/2024

Usually, when it gets to Winter in Japan, a lot of people may be familiar with the season bringing forth lots of yummy, citrusy goodness to our doorsteps. It's also an amazing way to get in your vitamin C and remain healthy during the cold days. Yuzu is a familiar famous friend we always enjoy during this time, especially as a jam. Have you tried it?

https://arigatotravel.com/blog/japanese-yuzu

06/12/2024

Oseibo season is here! In Japan, December is all about sharing gratitude through thoughtful gifts. From delicious sweets to beautiful teas, it’s the perfect way to show appreciation! Who’s on your Oseibo list?

Oseibo refers to the year-end custom of giving gifts in Japan to show appreciation for kindness in the past year and to request continued kindness in the new year.

04/12/2024

In case you did not know, Saitama has some delicious munchies that are sure to leave you enthralled. There are even miso potato balls on a stick! Interesting right? Then why not go try it yourself?

Saitama, located right next to Tokyo prefecture, might be most famous for its close proximity to the capital city, with many viewing Saitama as a sort of ‘suburb’ to Tokyo. Although it is true that many of those who live in Saitama commute to Tokyo daily […]

28/11/2024

Is the chill slowly creeping up on you? Onsen (Japanese hot springs) are a magnificent way to wind down and get rid of your frostbite. Before you head off there, we have a guide that is perfect for you. You'll become a professional, I'm sure!

25/11/2024

Ne ne! Have you met our guide Miyuki? She is such a hard-working spirit that is super knowledgeable about Hiroshima, a city many may overlook. Don't worry, there is more to discover here and Miyuki-san is here to help you enjoy it to the fullest!

Today, we’re back with our guide series and we are super excited to introduce you to Miyuki San, one of our lovely and talented tour guides in Hiroshima. Awarded the honor of

21/11/2024

Momiji; beautiful and vibrant red leaves fill the air as the colder season settles in. Don't you just love these amazing colors? Find the best spots around Japan and make sure to take lots of gorgeous pics!

Autumn in Japan is truly a wonderous sight. Be sure to check out our guide on the best places to see the beautiful autumn colors in Japan and how to get there.

20/11/2024

Hey, I see you are getting better at using chopsticks! Bravo! Bravo! I am so proud of you. Do you know about where they came from, the different kinds and Japan's taboos? No? That's okay! You can learn more with me!

Have you ever gone to a Japanese restaurant where instead of the typical fork, spoon, and knife set, you received… a pair of long sticks? Well, these “long sticks” are called chopsticks in the West, and are known as “hashi” (箸) or “ohashi” (お箸) (the polite version of the word) in...

17/11/2024

It can only be enjoyed best during this season because it goes through an extensive process to be ready for your taste buds! It is none other than Hiyaoroshi Sake! Better grab a sip while you can or else you will have another year of waiting to do.

“Hiyaoroshi” sake is a special Japanese drink that holds a special place in the country’s autumn seasonal traditions. The drink has an alcohol content of 15%. Hiyaoroshi stands for the way the drink is made. The sake is brewed in the winter, and then stored throughout the spring and summer. In...

14/11/2024

If you are a fan of Kabocha, then take advantage of this fall food and whip yourself up some deliciousness. It's a healthy Japanese squash that is also versatile. Head to the kitchen now! We got some cooking to do!

Kabocha, commonly known as "Japanese pumpkin" in English, is a variety of winter squash harvested in the late summer or early fall that turns sweeter in autumn and winter after a post-harvest ripening period. Kabocha is known for its velvety texture and signature sweet flavor similar to a cross betw...

10/11/2024

Today is Pocky Pretz Day! *Kari-kari* gosh these are so yummy. Here you go! Have a taste. These delicious cookie-based and pretzel snacks are such a popular Japanese item, and we should definitely celebrate by sharing all the crackling goodness!

09/11/2024

If Autumn makes you crave for appetizing seafood, then Saga prefecture has an array for you. Why not indulge in their delicious eats and also warm yourself up?

Located on the tip of Japan’s southernmost island Kyushu, sandwiched between the perhaps better-known prefectures of Fukuoka and Nagasaki, and bordered by the Sea of Japan, lies the fertile lands of Saga Prefecture. With this agricultural haven featuring some of the nation’s finest farming, fish...

06/11/2024

Kyoto should definitely be on your bucket list when it comes to Autumn season because it has the best views around! If you are the type who wants to keep their fitness level in check and enjoy the sites, then discover these beautiful trails!

Kyoto and its surrounding areas offer some beautiful hiking opportunities during the autumn season when the leaves change color (known as

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!