Best Michelin star restaurants in Japan

Are you a foodie – someone who eats, not just out of hunger, but because you have an ardent interest in food and make enjoying it your hobby? Do you like to travel? Trying new foods – and splurging beyond the ordinary – are two of the best aspects of travel.

Today, dedicated foodies go out of their way, sometimes making international sojourns, to sample the best foods that the world has to offer. Michelin-starred restaurants, ranked among the best in the world, are frequent destinations.

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Christmas in Japan: Facts and traditions

Christmas is in the air! While it isn’t a national holiday in Japan, since only about 1 percent of the whole population in Japan is Christian, it’s still felt throughout the country.

If you are visiting before the New Year in Japan, you will find many things traditionally associated with Christmas: decorations, Christmas markets, and magnificent lights. You can also discover a few unique Japanese traditions with numerous charms that can and should be appreciated in their own right. So while it may be a little different from what you might be used to, Christmas is still felt and celebrated in the land of the rising sun.

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The best manga and anime locations in Japan

To many, the artistic styles of anime cartoons and manga comic books are synonymous with Japanese culture. Not only are these entertainments enjoyed within Japan, but fans flock from around the world to experience anime themed places and events. Consider this list of some of the best anime and manga experiences that Japan has to offer.

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Top 10 restaurants in Japanese train stations

Traveling can be a hungry endeavor. If you are like many travelers, sampling unique and different foods is an integral part of the journey.

Whether you are looking to grab a quick snack during a train transfer, pass the time as you await your departure, or indulge in traditional or gourmet cuisine, Japan’s train stations offer something for every taste. Extended hours and shorter wait times mean you can count on something to eat almost any time of day, whether you are starting your travels early on returning after a long day of sightseeing. Book your Japan Rail Pass today, and send your taste buds on the journey of a lifetime.

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Japanese fireworks: The best 8 hanabi festivals to visit

Fireworks are a huge deal in Japan and during the summer there are Japanese fireworks festivals practically every weekend. In Japan, they are called Hanabi festivals (Hanabi meaning fireworks).

Practically all the major Japanese firework shows take place in July, August, and September. The annual extravaganza is a long-standing tradition that is very popular with locals.

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The 7 best food festivals in Japan

Across Japan, you will encounter celebrations called matsuri. Matsuri are festivals, ranging from Shinto shrine festivals to government holidays to food festivals. They may celebrate the changing of the seasons, a historical event, or traditional culture. In this travel guide, we will focus on a specific type of matsuri: the food festival.

When traveling abroad, sampling traditional cuisine is one of the best ways to experience authentic culture. Said cookbook author Ronni Lundy, “If you read between the lines of recipes, you can often find the things unspoken, the clues to their lives, the keys to discovering what they value. You see what’s important enough to make for a celebration… it’s all there, just between the lines.”

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