Tokyo's Toyosu Market saw a record-breaking New Year auction with a tuna selling for over 510 million yen (US$3.33 million). Sushi Zanmai plans to serve the prized tuna at regular prices.
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya is offering a 'Smile Box' lucky bag for 2026. It includes exclusive merchandise and coupons that essentially pay for the bag itself!
A 145-year-old Niigata brewery playfully suggests (and then doesn't suggest) dipping castella cake in sake. The Japanist taste-tests this unusual pairing, revealing a delicious new way to enjoy sake and Japanese sweets.
Cup Noodle tries to capture the iconic Jiro-style ramen, but falls short. The container's design makes it difficult to balance toppings, though the broth captures the essence of Jiro.
Sweets Paradise, the popular all-you-can-eat dessert chain in Japan, is still a great deal after a decade. A reporter revisits the Machida Modi branch and finds upgraded cakes, savory options, and reasonable prices.
Craving a unique Starbucks Japan experience? Discover the top 5 limited-edition Frappuccinos from last year that fans are hoping will make a comeback in 2026.
Pizza Hut Japan is offering hot lucky bags for New Year's 2026, filled with fresh pizzas, fried chicken, and a tote bag. These bags are available in three sizes, perfect for groups of two to nine people, and include a discount coupon for future orders.
Discover Nagoya's distinctive red miso, a regional specialty with a rich, intense flavor. For travelers, this means a chance to savor authentic dishes like miso katsu and dote-ni, offering a deep dive into local culinary traditions.
7-Eleven Japan is testing ramen-cooking robots in select stores. These Steama robots whip up a bowl of hot ramen in just 90 seconds, offering a quick and affordable alternative to restaurant ramen.
7-Eleven Japan is now selling rice burgers, blurring the lines between convenience store and fast food. Available in Charcoal-Grilled Beef Kalbi and Teriyaki Chicken & Garlic Mayo, these warm and savory treats are perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.
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