Amazake Chaya: A stop-off on the old Tōkaidō
Kotoyo Okugawa knows every stone on this path. Her family has been running a teahouse for 13 generations. Amazake, the energy drink of the Edo period, has been served here since 1618
Japan
The Golden Route of Hakone
This route combines spectacular natural phenomena with kitsch tourist attractions. It’s still worth it, though, just for the view into the ‘Große Hölle’
On the Nakasendō to Tsumago
Once a corridor of power between the shogun and the emperor, today a hiking region with the potential to take you back in time
Three notches for the goddess
Ise is Japan’s holiest place. The pilgrimage route smells of smoked fish and fresh sake. The tradition is older than any building
Shichimi and the red tin from Nagano
Take 7 exquisite ingredients and put them in a fabulously beautiful tin. You don’t have to be a foodie to love shichimi from Yawataya Isogoro
The Ama – Women of the sea
Kimiyo Hayashi has been working as an ama for 56 years. She feels more comfortable in the water than on land. An encounter between diving and seafood
World of Onsen in Yunomine
Yunomine Onsen is a “hot spot” of onsen culture. People have been using the hot water here for bathing, heating – and cooking – for ages
The lucky pearl from Ise-Shima
Pearl picking in Japan: I have to choose one of 30 oysters. But which one? About the invention of the cultured pearl and a very special souvenir
Umeshu Tasting in Tanabe
The first plum liqueur was brought to Edo from Wakayama over 400 years ago. The beginning of a success story
Pilgrimage to Hongu Taisha
Hike in Japan through the Kii mountain forest, past traces of the pilgrims of past centuries to the Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine
Kumano Kodo in kimono
Between Instagram motifs and cultural depth: historical hiking on Japan’s famous pilgrimage trail
Osaka’s famous octopus snack
In Osaka, there is no way around the bright red octopus. The mix of crunchy octopus, soft batter and crispy shell makes them so popular
