What is Katsuo Tataki? Katsuo (bonito or skipjack tuna in English) is a medium-sized fish related to tuna and mackerel. The meat of the Katsuo looks similar and has a similar texture to tuna meat. Katsuo is commonly used in Japanese cooking, but that is a subject for another blog. “Tataki” is a cooking method...Read More
It’s not often (in fact, this was the first time) that we get a call asking us to host a tour for a celebrity. When Fancation contacted us and told us that they were in need of a 7-day tour of Japan for an MLB baseball player and his guests for his Wild Horse Foundation,...Read More
On an island in the Seto Inland Sea, you can find beautiful modern art museums, architecture, and sculptures. Naoshima is an art island and known for its art museums. You might have seen images of one of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures located near Miyanaura Port. “Ando Island” also features many structures created by...Read More
New Year’s Day (shogatsu) is said to be the most important holiday for the Japanese. It begins at night on December 31st and goes until January 3rd. During this time, most businesses’ are closed and families come together for the festive period. In Japanese culture, the new year is a clean slate. As a result,...Read More
Christmas is celebrated not because of religious reasons but because of its festive mood. It is celebrated like Valentine’s Day and is the most romantic time of the year for couples. Young couples reserve dinner at high-end restaurants and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve while many others hold parties. Unlike in western countries, Christmas is...Read More
Although Takoyaki originated in Osaka during the 1930s, today it is popular all over Japan. They can even be found in supermarkets and convenience stores everywhere. But there is little doubt it is still most popular in Osaka. “Tako” is Japanese for octopus. And “Yaki” comes from “Yaku”, meaning to fry or grill. They are...Read More
Hello, I’m Sarah. I began my career with Samurai Tours in 2016 with our registration and billing departments. Since then I have joined our tours team and continue to work in our billing department. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago offered me lots of great opportunities. I completed my bachelor’s degree in...Read More
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that impacts the circadian rhythm. All the biological rhythms are controlled by the body’s circadian clock, so if you suffer from this disorder, you will show several biological disruptions. Here’s a list of the most common symptoms you can experience during jet lag: • Insomnia • Fatigue •...Read More
Japan has a very interesting duality in its culture. They are known for creating some of the world’s most cutting edge technology while perfectly maintaining traditions, like the tea ceremony. You may think a tea ceremony is about drinking tea. But at the heart of it, the ceremony is really about the host humbling themselves...Read More
