Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner

Episode 4: Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner – The Seasonal Beauty of the Geisha District and the Grace of Geisha – An Interview with Ayumi Terada, Proprietress of Yukimoto In Tokyo

The Kagurazaka Geisha District Recovered Earlier Than the Other Five Districts in Tokyo This is the fourth installment in our Kagurazaka...

Episode 3: Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner – Discover the 400-Year History of Soumaya, a Stationery Store in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka

Exploring Japanese Culture and History Through Stationery Store in Tokyo's Kagurazaka This is the third installment in our series...

Episode 2: Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner – The History and Evolution of Toushien Pottery Shop in Tokyo

Kagurazaka Store Owner Interview Series In the second installment of our Kagurazaka store owner Interview series exploring the charm of...

Episode 1: Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner – “Japanese Pottery Should Be Held to Be Appreciated” – Exploring Maruoka Toen and the Charm of Ceramics in Tokyo

Kagurazaka Store Owner Interview Series Begins This marks the start of the series " Exploring the Charm of Kagurazaka’s Shopping Street...

A Traditional Japanese Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha in Tokyo: Celebrating Seasonal Ingredients Even Locals Envy

Imagine two very different evenings. In one, your curiosity about the dishes and the geisha’s attire remains unanswered. In the other, every question is illuminated—your menu reveals the rhythm of the seasons, and the okami, the proprietress of the historic ryotei, shares the meaning behind the kimono and hair ornaments, with her words seamlessly translated for you. Which would you choose? If your aim is simply to admire the beauty of a geisha’s dance, a stage show may suffic

Shinya Yamada

Sep 3, 20255 min read

An Insider's Guide to Izakaya in Japan [2026 Edition]: A Local Expert's Secrets

Freshly updated for 2026 — including the latest on the weak yen, prices, and how to find the tours locals actually go on. Why I've Fallen in Love with Izakayas After a long day of exploring the vibrant streets of Japan, the inevitable question arises: "Where should we go for dinner tonight?" Of course, a world-class sushi counter or a comforting bowl of ramen are always good choices. But for me, the answer to that question always lies behind the warm, inviting glow of a singl

Shinya Yamada

Jul 21, 202510 min read