Umeboshi is a traditional Japanese preserved food made by salting and sun-drying ume plums. Known for its intense sourness and saltiness, it has long been valued not only as food, but as a practical ingredient that balances flavor, preserves meals, and supports everyday eating in Japan.   What Is Umeboshi? Umeboshi is a Japanese pickled plum made by fermenting ume plums with salt and drying them under the sun. Although ume is a fruit, it cannot be eaten raw. Through salting, fermentation, and sun-drying, it becomes a preserved food with a sharp flavor and long shelf life. The result is a food that is: Extremely sour Distinctly salty Meant to be eaten in small amounts   Why Does Umeboshi Taste So Strong? For many first-time eaters, umeboshi can be shocking. The moment it touches your tongue, the sourness spreads instantly and triggers a rush of saliva. This reaction is so strong that, once experienced, even seeing umeboshi later can cause the same response. In Japan, this intensity is not considered a flaw. It is the defining characteristic.   How Umeboshi Is Traditionally Made Salting the Plums Firm ume plums harvested in early summer are heavily salted. As moisture is drawn out, it forms a liquid known as umezu, or plum vinegar. This naturally produced liquid is rich in salt and acidity and plays an important role in preserving the plums and shaping umeboshi’s sharp flavor.   Fermentation and Sun-Drying The plums remain submerged in umezu as fermentation progresses. They are then dried under direct sunlight ...

Onsen etiquette is the shared-bathing system that helps everyone enjoy Japan’s hot springs comfortably, quietly, and hygienically. In Japan, bathing is more than “getting clean”—it is a cultural ritual shaped by relaxation, purification ideas, and respect for other people in shared spaces. For first-time visitors, the rules may feel unfamiliar, but once you understand the logic, an onsen becomes one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in Japan. This guide explains exactly how to bathe, what to avoid, practical tips for beginners, and common variations (tattoos, mixed baths, and regional differences) so you can enter an onsen with confidence.   What Is Onsen Etiquette? Onsen etiquette is the cultural practice of bathing in a respectful and hygienic way in Japan’s natural hot springs. Unlike a private bath at home, onsens are shared spaces. The core idea is simple: clean yourself before entering the shared water. These customs are not meant to intimidate visitors. They developed through centuries of communal bathing and Japan’s preference for harmony in shared environments. In many places, you will also hear the same idea explained in a practical way: the bath is for soaking, and the washing happens outside the tub.   How to Bathe in an Onsen (Step-by-Step) 1) Enter the Changing Room Remove all clothing (most onsens are nude-only unless specifically stated). Place belongings in the locker or basket. Bring only a small towel into the bathing area. 2) Rinse Your Body First (Pre-Wash) You will see showers or small faucets along the wall. Sit on the stool and ...

Onsen in Japan are natural hot spring baths filled with mineral-rich water heated by volcanic activity. Unlike ordinary baths, onsen represent a unique cultural experience shaped by centuries of tradition, seasonal beauty, and etiquette. This beginner-friendly guide explains what an onsen is, how it differs from a public bath (sento), why hot springs became central to Japanese life, and what first-time visitors should know before entering.   What Is an Onsen? An onsen is a natural hot spring bath defined by geothermal water that meets specific mineral and temperature standards under Japanese law. Under Japanese law, water qualifies as “onsen” if it meets at least one of the following conditions: It naturally rises at 25°C (77°F) or hotter It contains a legally defined level of minerals or other geothermal components For centuries, people in Japan have visited onsen for healing, relaxation, and community bonding. Today, they remain one of the most iconic cultural experiences in the country — welcoming locals and travelers alike.   The Difference Between Onsen and Sento Although both are places for bathing, onsen and sento are not the same: Onsen: Natural geothermal hot spring water containing minerals. Sento: Public bathhouse using heated tap water, often decorated with murals. Both require similar etiquette, but the water sources and cultural purposes differ.   Why Are There So Many Onsen in Japan? Japan sits on active volcanic zones, which is why the country has more than 3,000 onsen areas nationwide. Because of this volcanic geology, thousands of natural hot springs form across the archipelago, ...

Japan’s best onsen destinations combine volcanic mineral waters, regional bathing traditions, and seasonal scenery that changes dramatically throughout the year. In this guide, you’ll discover some of the most iconic hot spring towns in Japan, what makes each region special, how onsen water types differ, and practical tips for choosing the right onsen experience for your trip. From sulfur-rich baths in Gunma to gold-colored springs in Hyogo, these destinations represent the heart of Japan’s bathing culture and its deep connection to nature.   Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) – Japan’s Most Famous Sulfur Springs Kusatsu Onsen is consistently ranked among Japan’s top hot springs. Its water is naturally acidic and rich in sulfur, giving it a strong, distinctive onsen character that many visitors remember long after their trip. Because the mineral content is so noticeable, Kusatsu is often described as a “powerful” soak—especially compared with gentler spring types found elsewhere. It’s a great choice if you want an onsen town that feels classic, iconic, and unmistakably volcanic. Why It’s Special Yubatake (hot water field) in the center of town Strong sulfur aroma and milky-white water Traditional yumomi cooling performance by local attendants   Hakone Onsen (Kanagawa) – Easy Access From Tokyo One of the most convenient destinations for travelers, Hakone offers multiple onsen areas with a wide range of water types. Hotels and ryokan in this region often feature outdoor baths with views of forests, valleys, or Mount Fuji, making Hakone a great “first onsen trip” option—especially if you’re short on time. Why It’s Special Just 1–1.5 ...

Kagami Biraki is a Japanese New Year custom in which people eat kagami mochi that has been offered to the New Year deity. By consuming the mochi believed to hold divine blessings, people wish for health and good fortune, quietly marking the end of the New Year season.   What Is Kagami Biraki? Kagami Biraki is the custom of eating kagami mochi that was displayed during the New Year period. The mochi is first offered to Toshigami, the deity believed to visit households at the start of the year. After the New Year celebrations end, the mochi is taken down and eaten to receive the deity’s power and wish for health, safety, and happiness throughout the year. It is not simply a matter of food preparation. Eating the mochi completes the New Year ritual.   When Does Kagami Biraki Take Place? In most regions of Japan, Kagami Biraki is observed on January 11, though the date can vary by region and tradition. New Year decorations are removed Ordinary routines have resumed The festive period has clearly ended Kagami Biraki marks this transition in a quiet, symbolic way.   Why Is It Called “Opening” Instead of “Breaking”? Although the hardened mochi must be physically broken, the act is traditionally described as “opening,” not “breaking.” In Japanese culture, words carry symbolic weight, and negative expressions are often avoided in rituals. For this reason: “Breaking” can sound unlucky or destructive “Opening” suggests harmony, continuity, and good fortune The choice of words reflects a belief that language itself shapes ...