Japan 2012: Tsukemen

The second most common japanese dish, the first being sushi, is probably ramen – japanese noodle soup.  Everywhere you go in Japan you will inevitably come across a ramen shop, most of them are small mom and pop restaurants with

Japan 2012: Mister Donut

For those of us who travel or live in the US have at the very least, heard of Mister Donut.  Now I know what you’re thinking, why on earth would I bother going to Mister Donut when there can be

Japan 2012 – Restaurant of the Month: Crown Restaurant

When most people think of teppanyaki, Benihana is what typically comes to mind.  I haven’t been to teppanyaki in years, not many options here in my city of Toronto so when my cousin M and her husband suggested going for

Japan 2012: Nishiki Market

Located in Kyoto, Nishiki Market is a fun place to discover, see and taste some really unique Japanese foods.  The market is located in downtown Kyoto, a short metro ride from the central JR (Japan Rail) Kyoto Station.  The market

Japan 2012: Depachika

If you were to ask me to list my top favourite things to do in Japan, wandering through a depachika would be near the top of the list.  Every department store in Japan has a “depachika” – “depa” is short

Japan 2012: Morning Service

This trip to Japan was my first time visiting and staying in Nagoya.  Ok, its actually my second – the first visit was when I was 13 years old and only for the day so I don’t remember much.  Nagoya

Japan 2012: Monjayaki

I’ve been to Japan a number of times over the years including a 5 month stint in Tokyo during graduate school.  Yet, every time I go back I discover something new! This time it was “Monjayaki”.  Monjayaki is originally from

Japan 2012: Wagyu

Being from Canada, I thought Canadian beef (especially Angus) was top notch – and don’t get me wrong, it is good….but after tasting some Japanese wagyu beef, Angus may just be my runner up!  The flavour you taste from the

Japan 2012 – Family Is Everything!

I’m back!  So I know I’ve been MIA for the last 3.5 weeks but let me tell you, my mother-daughter trip to Japan was absolutely fabulous!  I haven’t been back since 2005 but my mom hasn’t been back for almost