• Welcome to

    Sushi & Stories

    A blog about Japanese food, culture, and travel tips to keep you daydreaming of your next adventure

  • Culture Shock

    One of the best things about Japan is how completely different the culture is from that of the United States and other western countries. But that does mean learning a bit about these differences before you travel to make sure you're prepared, and not offending anyone! Here are 7 things I think it important for anyone visiting Japan to know.

  • The latest from the blog

    December 24, 2025
    I get a lot of questions about planning a trip to Japan, and I think the biggest thing to keep in...
    One of the questions I get asked most often is ‘When is the best time to travel to Japan?’ Since...
    I’m a huge bookworm - as the many overflowing bookshelves in my house can attest to - and I love...
    September 14, 2025
    One of my favorite things to do in Japan is to wander through a traditional landscape garden....
    September 9, 2025
    Taking the train is generally the quickest and easiest way to get between cities in Japan. In...
    August 26, 2025
    Hakone (pronounced Hah-cone-ay) is a rural town close to Mt Fuji with natural hot springs, or...
    What is Obon? The Obon Holiday, celebrated Auguest 13-15 in most regions of Japan, is a...
    While many highlight reels of Japan focus only on shopping, eating, and temple-hopping, Japan is...
    Kyoto is one of the most famous places in Japan to visit. With over 2,000 temples and shrines,...
    After a busy day of sightseeing, you return to your accommodation. You step inside and leave the...
    June 1, 2025
    If you tell a Japanese person that you are going to Saga Prefecture, their response will probably...
    May 16, 2025
    Less than 2 hours from central Tokyo is a well-preserved Edo-era canal town. Sawara is a serene...
    April 20, 2025
    Is Japan really that crowded? In the last few years, we've seen such a huge increase in travel...
    The city of Tokyo is made up of 23 wards, is home to over 14 million people, and has over 300km...
    March 29, 2025
    Matsuyama is the largest city on the island of Shikoku, about 90 minutes by ferry and local train...
    Japan’s public transportation system is very efficient, clean, and safe. Using public transport...
    As an American who was used to driving everywhere, public transportation in Japan really boggled...
    Cherry blossom season is upon us! Arguably the most beautiful time of year in Japan, and also...
    Today's blog post was written by the lovely Tamar Miller from Italy Awaits Travel. For more...
    One of the questions I get asked most often is ‘When is the best time to travel to Japan?’ Since...
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