Food

🍂 The Ultimate Autumn Treat: Lawson’s “Doramocchi Tsubuan & Whipped Cream” Is Devilishly Good

Discover the rich, chewy delight of Lawson’s Doramocchi — a Japanese dessert blending tsubuan (chunky red bean paste) with fluffy whipped cream. The perfect indulgence this autumn!
Food

A Scone Recipe from My Childhood & the Unexpected Magic of Kimchi Containers

Bake easy scones using a retro Japanese recipe book, explore calming herbs, and see how I reuse kimchi tubs for stylish food storage.
Cooking

A Refreshing Summer Side Dish: Quick Pickled Cucumbers from My Hydroponic Harvest 🌿

Learn how to make quick Japanese cucumber pickles (asazuke) in minutes. A refreshing summer side dish using fresh hydroponic cucumbers, packed with umami flavor.
Culture

The Obon Night My Mother Collapsed – Heatstroke, 119, and Life in a Single-Mother Household

Explore the religious meaning of Obon’s vegetable offerings—cucumber horses and eggplant cows—used to welcome and send off ancestral spirits in Japan’s Buddhist memorial observance.
Cooking

Harvesting Okra from My Garden: From Itazuri to Chilled Tofu

Learn how to make Hiyayakko, a refreshing Japanese chilled tofu dish topped with blanched okra, bonito flakes, and soy sauce—perfect for summer.
information

The Real Japan Has Moved to a New URL

The Real Japan blog has a new domain to improve SEO and avoid overlap with similar sites. Enjoy stories on Japanese culture, life, and travel.
Culture

🎆 I Went to a Summer Festival!

From mikoshi parades to street food and local culture, explore the unique charm of Japanese summer festivals through real stories.
Day Trips in Japan

A Weekend in Nagatoro: Hot Springs, Gourmet Bites & Quality Time with Mom 💕

Unwind in Nagatoro with hot springs, gourmet meals, local sweets, and heartfelt time with mom. A perfect weekend escape in Saitama.
Day Trips in Japan

A Little Extra Surprise in Nagatoro: Sweet Touches That Made My Trip

Discover Nagatoro’s peaceful riverside views, summer dishes, and thoughtful touches on a mother-daughter getaway in Saitama.
Food

Zucchini Flower Tempura

Explore the joy of home gardening in Japan and try an easy zucchini flower tempura recipe made with fresh garden blossoms.