Why “YUNOMI”?

The name comes from the casual phrase “you know mean?” — something people say when sharing small stories. It sounds just like yunomi (a Japanese teacup), which also represents warmth and everyday life. That’s exactly what this blog is about: sharing small, warm moments of Japanese culture that make you say, “Ah, I get it now.”

The Ultimate Guide to Storing Tea Leaves: Keep Your Tea Fresh and Flavorful

Tea leaves are delicate and can easily lose their flavor and aroma if not stored properly. Factors like heat, humidity, light, and even odors can cause tea to degrade quickly. In this guide, we'll explore the best practices for storing both unopened and opened tea leaves, how to prevent common causes of deterioration, and tips for adjusting your storage methods based on the season and environment. With the right approach, you can enjoy your tea at its freshest for a longer time. 1. How to Store Unopened Tea Leaves Unopened tea leaves are typically packed with nitrogen gas or oxygen ...

Relax and Recharge: 5 Must-Visit Hot Springs in Japan

Japan is home to countless hot springs (onsen), each offering unique healing properties and beautiful surroundings. Whether you're new to hot springs or a seasoned visitor, this guide will introduce you to five of the most famous onsen in Japan. These destinations are perfect for relaxation and recharging your body and mind, with easy access from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.   1. Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) Access from Tokyo Distance: Approx. 85 km Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train (Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku) Key Features and Recommendations Hakone Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring destinations ...

A Complete Guide to Enjoying Japanese Hot Springs

Japan is a country blessed with an abundance of hot springs, known as "onsen." These natural baths offer more than just relaxation—they provide a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned onsen enthusiast, this guide will help you make the most of your onsen experience, covering essential etiquette, how to enjoy the hot springs, and recommendations for top onsen destinations.   What is an Onsen? An onsen is a natural hot spring bath, heated by geothermal energy from the earth. The mineral-rich water in onsen is known for its various health benefits, ...

Chopstick Etiquette: 13 Common Taboos Adults Should Avoid

Understanding chopstick etiquette is essential for respecting Japanese culture and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. In Japan, using chopsticks correctly goes beyond basic manners—it reflects your awareness, upbringing, and respect toward others at the table. Here are 13 common chopstick taboos, known as “kiraibashi”, that adults should be especially mindful of.   1. Reversing Chopsticks (Kaeshi-bashi) When serving from a shared dish, some people reverse their chopsticks to avoid using the end that touched their mouth. However, this means using the part your hands touched, which is unhygienic. Additionally, the now-soiled tips are used again to eat, which looks unpleasant ...

The Rich Flavor of Tamari Soy Sauce: Understanding Its Unique Qualities and Uses

Tamari soy sauce is a traditional Japanese seasoning that stands out from regular soy sauce due to its unique production process. Originating from the Tokai region, Tamari was first developed as a byproduct of making "miso" (fermented soybean paste). Specifically, it’s the liquid that seeps out during the fermentation of miso blocks, known as "miso-dama." This liquid is carefully collected and aged for over a year to produce Tamari soy sauce.   The production of Tamari involves steaming soybeans, adding koji (a type of mold used for fermentation), and forming them into miso blocks. These blocks are then aged for ...

Real vs Fake Wasabi: The Truth Behind Japan’s Iconic Spice

Most “wasabi” served around the world—and often even in Japan—isn’t real wasabi. It’s usually a blend of horseradish, mustard, and green coloring designed to imitate the heat and color of the genuine plant. This guide explains what real wasabi is, why it’s so rare, how it differs from the common substitute, and how you can experience the authentic flavor for yourself.   What Is Real Wasabi? Real wasabi, called hon-wasabi (Wasabia japonica), is a perennial plant native to Japan. It thrives in cool, pristine mountain streams where water runs constantly and cleanly. Because it requires stable temperatures (roughly 13–16°C year-round), ...

The Appeal of Kishimen: Nagoya's Tradition and Unique Flavor

Kishimen is a traditional flat udon noodle widely enjoyed in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Known for its broad and flat shape, Kishimen offers a distinct texture and slurping experience compared to regular udon. It is a beloved dish that represents Nagoya's food culture, cherished by both locals and visitors alike. In this article, we explore the unique characteristics and deep flavors of Kishimen.   The Unique Shape and Texture of Kishimen One of the most distinguishing features of Kishimen is its broad and flat shape. Unlike regular udon, Kishimen has a larger surface area, allowing the broth and dashi to cling ...

Amazake: The Traditional Japanese Superfood – Health Benefits, How to Make It, and Where to Buy in the U.S.

Amazake (pronounced ah-mah-zah-keh) is a traditional Japanese fermented drink that has been enjoyed for centuries. True to its name, which means "sweet sake," Amazake is known for its naturally sweet flavor. Unlike other sweet beverages, Amazake's sweetness comes not from added sugars but from the natural fermentation process, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious individuals. There are two main types of Amazake: one made from rice koji and another made from sake lees. Rice Koji Amazake is made by fermenting rice with rice koji, resulting in a naturally sweet and nutrient-rich drink. On the other hand, Sake Lees Amazake ...

Discovering the World of Ninja: The Mysterious Warriors of Japan

A ninja, also known as shinobi, refers to spies and assassins who operated secretly in Japan's historical periods. Predominantly active from the medieval era through the Edo period, ninjas were deeply rooted in Japan's history and culture. Their presence was especially significant during the Sengoku period (late 15th to early 17th century), a time of intense conflict among warlords vying for power. The primary tasks of ninjas included gathering intelligence, conducting sabotage, and assassinating key figures. Unlike samurai, ninjas had to operate in secrecy, mastering the arts of stealth and disguise to carry out their missions effectively.   The Training ...

The Difficulties Of Learning The Japanese Language

It has been said that Japanese is difficult to learn, but perhaps not as difficult as you would think. Whilst it may take a while to come to terms with the huge differences between Japanese and English, the spoken language is actually pretty simple, and the written language can be learned very successfully with a little hard work and logical planning. Obviously more difficult than most European languages, but probably easier than other "exotic languages", the lack of tones is a blessing for westerners.   The Japanese Language Is Not Difficult...? If looked at from a linguistic point of view, ...