japanese food culture

: School Lunch in Japan: More Than a Meal, a Lesson in Living Together

In Japan, students receive school lunches — kyūshoku — from elementary through junior high school. Everyone eats the same meal, served at the same time, in the same classroom. It’s part of the country’s compulsory education and continues until the end of junior high. From high school onward, students usually bring their own obento lunch boxes. Kyushoku=School Lunch The system began as a way to ensure that all children, regardless of family income, could eat a nutritious meal during the day. It also lightens the burden on parents, who no longer need to prepare daily lunches. With a small ...

: Fruit Picking in Japan: Sweet Seasonal Adventures You Can Eat All You Want

Fruit picking in Japan isn’t just about eating fruit — it’s a seasonal tradition that connects people with nature, family, and food. From juicy strawberries in spring to crisp apples in autumn, every season brings a new flavor to discover. Agritourism in Japan Across Japan, farms open their gates to visitors for hands-on fruit-picking experiences. This form of agritourism has quietly existed for decades, long before the term became popular. Families, couples, and travelers visit the countryside to enjoy fruits fresh from the tree. How It Works Most farms charge a flat fee for “all-you-can-eat” fruit within a ...

: Obento: Japan’s Beautiful Art of the Lunch Box

In Japan, taking a home-made lunch to work or school is more than just a practical routine — it’s a small expression of care, balance, and beauty. The meal packed inside is called an obento, and it reflects a deep cultural sense of thoughtfulness in everyday life. What Is an Obento? An obento is a single-portion meal neatly packed in a box. It’s the Japanese way of bringing a complete, balanced meal wherever you go. You’ll see office workers opening them in parks, students unwrapping them at lunch, and travelers enjoying them on trains. The Box Itself The ...