• Read more about What You Didn’t Know About Tokyo

If you just love classical art, eclectic mixes of modern and traditional architecture, and you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a thriving city, Tokyo should be your next holiday destination of choice. It’s drenched in heritage and culture, is a stone’s throw from many of the world’s major attractions, and holds the title as the “almost Olympic host” pre-war. If you’re looking for reasons to visit Tokyo, here are five good ones below. 

You can be hired to push people

Tokyo’s railway stations are busy. They aren’t busy as in, a few people in front of you at the grocery store busy, they are busy as in, millions of people pass through them each and every day. In fact, Shinjuku Station sees over three and a half million visit the premises on a daily basis. That’s roughly the population of Uruguay in one place, on one day.

With so many people trying to board trains, it can be a chaotic scene. This is where Oshiya come in. Oshiya, or “pushers” are hired at many Tokyo railway stations. Their job is to push people onto trains during rush hour to speed up the process. If you’ve been shoved as you’ve made your way onto the platform, there’s a chance it wasn’t a fellow passenger who did it! 

Tokyo was the first country to build Disneyland outside of the US

Tokyo Disneyland, which is a 115-acre theme park at the Disney Resort in Urayasu, isn’t just famous because of all the Disney characters. It also holds the title as the first Disneyland to be constructed outside of the United States. It employs 20,000 people, and its main gate is adjacent to Maihama and Tokyo Disneyland Stations. 

The Eiffel Tower inspired Tokyo Tower 

If you’ve ever looked at the Tokyo Tower and thought it looked familiar, there’s a reason for it. The Eiffel Tower was used as inspiration for the Tokyo Tower. Looking similar to a road cone, it’s less of a tourist hotspot and more of an observation and communication tower. It stands at over 332 meters tall and is the second-tallest building in Japan. To keep it looking sharp, it’s repainted every five years and takes an entire year to do! 

The vending machines are a little…strange

Word got out that in Tokyo you could purchase used underwear in vending machines. We’d like to believe this was false, but it’s actually true. However, it’s not as commonplace as you think. Instead, your average Tokyo vending machine holds canned bread, canned carrots, noodle soup, toys, cigarettes, popcorn, wrist watches, eggs and a host of other items. It’s fair to assume you can carry out your week’s grocery shopping by simply visiting a few well-placed vending machines. 

The dust ruins your favorite tourist destination

Mount Fuji, an active volcano, is a world landmark. It is Japan’s tallest peak at 3,776 meters, is considered sacred, and is the subject of many works of art. However, a glimpse in its general direction can often leave you disappointed. Instead of being visible for all to see, the dust in the air in Tokyo makes it visible for just over half of the year! 

Tokyo is a magical place, but not always for the reasons you think. Sure, it’s full of culture, tourist attractions, and exciting nightlife, but it’s also unusual. While residents seem to go about their day without worrying about their underwear being used in a vending machine, tourists are entirely mesmerized by the weird and wonderful offerings this exciting city has to offer. Experience it for yourself, and be in for a real treat! 

• Read more about Top 4 Experiences In Naha, Okinawa

If you’re looking for the trip of a lifetime but you want to buck the trend of typical travel destinations, a trip to Naha, Okinawa could be the answer. Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture, a group of tropical islands to the south of Japan’s mainland. It’s known for its delicious food, ceramics, martial arts and its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. When you make Naha your travel destination, below are just four of the many places and things to experience.

Shuri Castle

If you ever find yourself in Okinawa, a trip to Shuri Castle is in order. Built during the Gusuku period, around 1322, it has seen many rebuilds over the years and has been destroyed on a number of occasions as well. From 1429 to 1879 the Ryukyu Kingdom used it for their palace, and then almost met its end during the “Okinawa Battle” in 1945. Post-war, Shuri Castle was rebuilt from photos, memories, and records, before becoming a campus for a University after 1992. It’s a truly stunning building, and is well worth a visit!

Awamori

Many travelers always ensure they not only try the local cuisine but the local alcoholic beverages as well. Awamori is definitely a beverage worth drinking, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s made from Thai rice and black mold and is put through a fermentation process to ensure it packs a punch. You can drink it with water, in a cocktail, on the rocks, or even in a traditional earthenware dish. Breweries are scattered all around Naha, so there’s certainly no shortage of this potent beverage!

Tsuboya Pottery Street

If you decided to drink your Awamori (above) in a traditional earthenware vessel, it was most likely manufactured in, and purchased from, the Tsuboya Pottery Street. This street has been the center of ceramic production since 1682 and is home to several shops selling Okinawan ceramics for both tourists and locals. It’s a culturally-rich street, and even contains the crumbling remains of traditional Okinawan houses adjacent to the main road. If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your holiday by, a piece of traditional Okinawa ceramics is the ideal addition to your suitcase.

Tropical fruit

Because Naha is part of a group of tropical islands off the coast of Japan, you can certainly get your fill of tropical fruit. The air is humid, the temperature is high, and tropical fruits of all kinds grow throughout Naha. This means you can quickly gather a basket of dragon fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple and watermelon, all locally grown and sold! What’s also great to see is how well the local cafes and restaurants utilize their local produce. You don’t have to travel too far before you’re able to purchase a delicious smoothie or beverage made with the delightful flesh of the local fruit.

Naha Ōzunahiki

If you’re a big sports fan, but you also like to see the more unconventional sports being played, then watching Naha Ōzunahiki is sure to impress. Held in association with National Sports Day every year in October, this tradition features several large teams (around 15,000 people on each side of the rope in total) who take part in the world’s biggest tug of war. The rope weighs in at over 40 tons and is one meter thick! The game represents the historical competition between the rulers of Naha from both the East and West sides of the city.

 

It’s clear to see there’s plenty to do, see, eat, drink and experience in Naha, but it takes a visit to appreciate it all. There’s no time like the present to book a dream getaway to Naha for a much-needed break!  

• Read more about 4 Things To Experience On Your Travels In Fukuoka

On the northern shore of Kyushu Island in Japan sits a city that’s well worth adding to your travel itinerary. While it’s a busy city that’s home to 1.6 million people, it opens your eyes to a culture and a way of life you may have never experienced before.

How? This beautiful city somehow seems to welcome modern living with open arms, all the while retaining the very best historical aspects. Are you ready for an eclectic mix of modern and classic? Fukuoka is the city for you. Here are four things you can experience – out of several hundred – on your travels through Fukuoka.

Ohori Park

If you’re a lover of fireworks and you wish to experience culture, history and nature at the same time, a trip to Ohori Park is in order. The best time to visit is in August, when an annual fireworks festival is held. Ohori Park has been a favourite destination for locals and visitors alike since it opened in 1929.

Its name Ohori means ‘large moat’ and is derived from the historic tale involving the old lord of Fukuoka ‘Kuroda Nagamasa’ who made a moat for the now-destroyed Fukuoka Castle. Kuroda successfully reclaimed the northern half of a cove called Kusagae, and this enabled the Tajima River to be diverted from its course into the cove, to the west of it.

From this history, Ohori Park was born. It was modeled on the West Lake of China, and was reconstructed in Fukuoka City. This stunning park is a ‘must see’ for those wishing to capture a large part of Fukuoka history.

Yatai

Have you arrived in Fukuoka hungry for a bite to eat? Experience true Fukuoka food at its finest at a Yatai. Yatais are mobile food stalls that are well known for selling ramen and other local cuisines. They are generally set up during meal times, and have been a common structure since the 17^th century. In fact, they reached their peak of popularity during World War II.

However, there have always been mixed reviews about Yatai. Are they safe? Are safe food handling practices followed? Due to health and safety concerns, strict regulations were put in place before the impending 1964 Tokyo Olympics. While you can still find plenty of Yatai in Fukuoka, there are far fewer of them than there used to be.

Dazaifu Tenman-gū

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in true Japanese heritage, a trip to Dazaifu Tenman-gūis a must.

Dazaifu Tenman-gū is a Shinto shrine, dating back to 905. However, the shrine you see today was built in 1591 due to destruction during the Civil War. The shrine is built over the grave of Sugawara no Michizane, and its precinct spans over 3,000 acres. Not only can you learn all about the shrine’s history with a visit to the site, but you can enjoy the garden-style ponds, the bridge, and a treasure house. In fact, you are sure to be impressed by 167 varieties of plum trees that make up a total of 6,000 trees on-site.

Keya Beach

If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Fukuoka city, Keya Beach (YT Video) is a good destination. While it’s still close to the city, it’s far enough away to be less-populated than the majority of the area’s other beaches. This beach not only offers white sands and crystal-clear water, but it’s also encompassed by lush green mountains, and sits adjacent to beach houses and cafes. If you’re making the trip in September, you may even catch the Sunset Live three-day music festival.

Japan, as a whole, is an exquisite country to visit. It’s full of culture, heritage and new experiences. The next time you choose it as a holiday destination, ensure you add Fukuoka to your list of cities to visit.

• Read more about 5 Things To Experience In Kobe

When you’re ready to experience new culture, new food and a whole new adventure, Kobe in Osaka Bay, Japan, can tick all those boxes. Known from its signature marbled beef and several historical hot spots for tourists; it’s the epitome of culture and heritage.

So, the next time you decide to step out of your comfort zone and travel, why not take a trip to Kobe? Below are five things to experience while you’re there.

Gyoza

While everyone is raving about the delicious Kobe beef the city is known for, we thought we’d enlighten you on another dish that offers a taste sensation. Gyoza are dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables, and are then wrapped in paper-thin dough(tips on how to make). Not only can you choose from a range of different filling options, but you can even opt for pan fried, deep fried or boiled gyoza in many different sauces. You can also find Gyoza in most eating establishments and noodle shops in Kobe.

Takoyaki

If you’re looking for a dish to fill the gap between lunch and dinner, Takoyaki is perfect. Tantalizing your tastebuds from the very beginning, Takoyaki are small balls of octopus, ginger, green onion and tempura, dipped in a light flour batter and fried.

They are then rolled in a range of different sauces, before being wrapped in seaweed and dried fish. While they won’t appeal to everyone, they are a taste sensation for those who are looking to experience Kobe and all it has to offer.

Kitanochō

Whenever you travel, you should always make an effort to visit at least one museum. Often, ancient artefacts can give you an insight into how the area was established, and where it’s set to go, moving forward. But what if you had an entire street to choose from as a museum? That’s what on offer if you venture into Kitanochō (youtube video). It is located near Rokko Mountain, Kitanochō  and has long-been known as the area where diplomats/foreign-merchants settled in the 19^th cent. after the official opening of the Port of Kobe.

Home to many mansions, the area is now largely open to the public as an opportunity to view homes from yesteryear. This can even include stepping inside French and English mansions. Many of these home owners charge admission fees, but it’s a small price to pay for seeing homes where time has stood still. This area is also popular with tourists who wish to take advantage of the many shops, cafes and restaurants dotted throughout the city.

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Even with a checkered past involving bankruptcy and a change of management, Kobe Animal Kingdom still remains a popular tourist destination. If you’re a nature lover and enjoy getting up close and personal with animals, it’s well worth a visit. Kobe Animal Kingdom is home to several different birds and flowers, and is located within, and around, a green house.

As an all-weather park, visitors can touch, experience and enjoy the many kinds of birds and flowers that call this place home. In fact, visitors are even welcome to feed the birds.

On your travels to Kobe Animal Kingdom, you can enjoy getting acquainted with owls, toucans, African penguins, fuchsia, begonia and so much more.

Goshikizuka Tomb

If you’re looking for stunning photos on your travels in Kobe, there’s no better place to get that winning shot than at Goshikizuka Tomb.

This mounded tomb from the 4^th century, also known as Sentsubo Kofun, is located between Kobe and a bridge called Akashi Kaikyo. It’s an ancient burial ground and is considered one of the largest keyhole shaped tombs. It was reconstructed to help it stand the test of time, but has been done so in such a way that it preserves the history and the heritage. The sides of the tomb are constructed of river bed stones, and offer exceptional views over Kobe Bay and the Akashi Kaikyo bridge.

There is so much to see and do in Kobe, so why not make it your next travel destination? Prepare to be immersed in culture like never before.

• Read more about Yokohama Travels: 5 Things To Experience

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture on your travels, Yokohama is certainly a good option. While it can be difficult to get used to the hustle and bustle, it soon becomes part of the appeal. In fact, as the second-largest city in Japan – behind Tokyo – it’s very much expected.

If Yokohama appears on your travel itinerary, here are five things to experience while you’re in this beautiful city.

Fun Fact - The newspaper "Japan Times" is planning to launch a showcase exhibition for their 120th anniversary (oldest English newspaper in Japan) birthday in this city.

Sankeien Garden

It’s easy to assume that Sankeien Garden is going to be like any other garden in the world, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Aside from the fact it offers breathtaking beauty at every turn, it’s also exceptionally big. Sankeien is a traditional Japanese garden in Naka Ward, Yokohama. Its rich history dates all the way back to 1906, and covers 44 acres of grounds.

From the ponds and streams dotting throughout, to the well-kept pathways, Sankei Memorial and historical buildings, there’s much to love about this sanctuary. It even has inner and outer gardens for tourists and residents alike to enjoy.

Yokohama Chinatown

Chinatown has long been a hot spot for tourists and locals alike, but did you know Yokohama has the largest Chinatown in the world? With Kobe and Nagasaki’s Chinatowns paling in comparison, it’s clear to see there’s much to be discovered when you meander through its streets.

^{by mdid}

It’s also deemed that very few Chinese people actually live there – less than 4,000 in fact – but the Chinese shops and restaurants in the area amount to over 300. Many of these are centred within a 300 square metre radius.

If you’re looking to buy gifts for family and friends back home, or you’re simply looking to immerse yourself in Chinatown culture, Chinatown in Yokohama is the place to go.

Shomyoji

Whether you choose to visit the Shomyoji temple at night when the lights are shining brightly, or in the day time, you are sure to be blown away by its beauty. Off the beaten track and rarely visited by tourists, it’s a must-see if you need a place to relax and gather your thoughts. It boasts a rich history dating back to 1260, and was rebuilt to its former glory after the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake.

Its location also meant it was very rarely the target of attacks during times of terror. This enabled historical artefacts to be preserved in the Kanazawa Bunko museum and library, along with its extensive historical literature.

Gyunabe

Gyunabe, or Sukiyaki as it’s known in the west, is a popular Japanese one-pot meal. It consists of sliced beef simmered in a pan of sukiyaki sauce, along with mushrooms, bean curd, sliced onion and seasoning. It’s then eaten directly from the pan, after it’s been dipped in a bowl of raw egg.

Gyunabe is popular for many reasons. it’s mild on the palate, yet caters to those who require deep and full-bodied meals, and it’s easy to prepare and consume. Whether you’re accustomed to Asian cuisine or not, you’re sure to enjoy it – even if you choose to leave the raw egg out.

Naporitan

Naporitan, while seemingly different from most Asian cuisine, is exceptionally popular with both residents and tourists. It’s a spaghetti dish featuring tomato sauce, onion, mushrooms, green pepper, tobacco sauce, sausage and bacon, and it’s consumed across Japan. It’s so popular that people can buy an instant form of Naporitan to enjoy on the run.

Whether you’re planning on visiting Yokohama, or you’re considering it in the future, be prepared to have the time of your life. You will experience culture, delicious food and attractions like no other.

• Read more about What Is Awamori?

If you’ve got a palate for fine ingredients or indigenous Japanese culture, you are sure to have heard of Awamori. After all, this delectable alcoholic beverage has played a big part in Japanese culture for over five centuries

Unique to Okinawa in Japan, Awamori consists of long grain indica rice and is distilled rather than brewed like other beverages such as Sake. In order to get its mellowness and flavour, it’s traditionally aged in clay pots.

Originally, the indica rice was produced in Japan. However, growing demand for Awamori meant the majority is now imported from Thailand. In fact, a lot of itself is imported as well.

How much alcohol is in Awamori?

Awamori produced in Japan can easily be between 30 and 43 percent pure alcohol. However, the percentage can vary from one brand to the next. Export brands which have been shipped to Japan are sometimes 25 percent alcohol, whilst some are 60 percent alcohol and can be flammable. These are more potent and therefore should be consumed with care.

How do you drink Awamori?

How you choose to drink Awamori is up to you, however it’s traditionally served with water and ice. You can expect to receive it, without request, served with ice and a carafe of water in your local restaurant in Japan.

^{by Geroithe}

If you’re looking to branch out from traditional, you can drink it straight (on the rocks) or in cocktails as well. Traditionally, it was poured from an earthen vessel with marble walls which reflected both the exquisite taste and the high cost.

The recommended drink is as follows:
Water to Awamori: 6:4 ratio.
On the rocks: Pour Awamori over ice.
With hot water: Mix it with a 6:4 ratio of hot water.

Food pairs

If you’re looking to make an occasion out of drinking Awamori, below are some great snacks to accompany it.

• Mozuku – seaweed
• Goya chanpuruu – melon with pork
• Tofu-yo – fermented tofu
• Umi budou – green caviar

The Awamori process

In the beginning, a mold that helps with decomposition (black-kuro-koji)  is sprinkled over rice that has been just steamed.  This process helps with creating the rice malt. This mold, with the scientific name Aspergillus oryzae, is often also used to ferment soybeans for soy sauce, bean paste, and to saccharify rice for beverages.

It also gives its interesting and special taste and smell. From this process, all of the raw ingredients are blended together, with rice being the focal item. This happens all before Awamori is put into clay pots to age and distill before being consumed by many of its lovers!

Okinawa

Awamori originated in Okinawa, a Japanese island in the East China Sea.  If you’re new to the area, are visiting, or call the area home, you are sure to have experienced what else Okinawa has to offer. From Shuri Castle, and other Ryukyuan fortresses, through to the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and so much more; there is so much to see and do. On your visit, don’t forget to visit Kokusai Street as well, which is lined with many shops and restaurants looking to immerse you in the local culture and distinct dishes.

 

• Read more about Kyoto Travels - 5 Things To Do Including Eating

If classical Buddhist temples, spectacular gardens, imperial palaces and delectable cuisine take your fancy, a trip to Kyoto in Japan is in order.  For if you take delight in experiencing new culture and cuisine unlike any other, you get some of the best in the world on the island of Honshu.

In fact, Kyoto is well known for its kaiseki dining, entertainers and premium cultural experiences.  Located about 58 KM from Osaka( take the Shin Osaka Train and will it take you 12 mins for around 1400 yen), is a wonderful escape from the concrete of Osaka.

Below are five things you must experience when you choose Kyoto as a holiday destination.

Gion

Kyoto is very well known for its entertainment industry, and more specifically, its female entertainment. Gion is a famous form of entertainment, with a geisha quarter on the eastern banks of the Kamo-gawa.

  ^{Gion by AlexSlocker}

It can be hard to believe Gion wasn’t always the form of entertainment it is today. Its true origins lay in catering to visitors, but Kyoto is now the largest pleasure district. Japanese female entertainers known as Geisha, Geigi and Geiko, act as hostesses to perform classical music, dance, general conversation and even games for guests.
You can experience the true Gion entertainment with teahouses and lit lanterns along the main street of Hanami-koji.

Omen

With so many temples, shrines, palaces and gardens to experience, you are sure to work up a healthy appetite. You’re in no better place to get your fill of authentic Japanese cuisine.  Omen is a noodle shop in northern Higashiyama, catering to the needs of locals and tourists for many years.

As you make your way to the restaurant, you are met with a picture-perfect setting as well as a traditional Japanese home lit up by lanterns.  Located just a short distance from Ginkaku-ji, it’s well located as well.
Once you’ve taken as many photos as possible, you can then experience delicious cuisine like never before. Hot or cold noodles are presented with fresh vegetables and a broth, or why not take your pick from the a la carte menu? You can choose from a range of delectable meal options such as tempura and sashimi (more info).

Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu

No holiday is complete without shopping for traditional Japanese goods to take home to family and friends. You can pick up some beautiful handmade canvas bags from Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu in southern Higashiyama. The best part is, these bags have been handmade for over a century. This means no two bags are the same, and they are exclusive to this captivating little store. You can choose from a range of styles and color options, as well as being offered the opportunity to view the workshop in which these bags are made. it’s truly an experience not to be missed.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a captivating park within Arashiyama and there’s a high chance you’ve never seen anything like it. Green bamboo stalks line the road in every direction, reflecting a pale green light that’s absurd yet unreal. You can expect to find this grove in Tenryu-ji, below Okochi Sanso villa.

Nishiki Market

A huge part of visiting Kyoto is to experience cuisine and culture like you’ve never experienced before. The Nishiki Market should be at the top of your list for those reasons alone. 

^{by rjv541}

These markets are covered, and contain weird and wonderful foods you will certainly want to try. From fruits and vegetables, to sweets and more; this is definitely a photo-worthy experience.

• Read more about 4 Reasons To Drink Matcha Tea

A simple web search will reveal that Matcha tea has long been a favorite for not only tea drinkers, but those in the culinary industry too.  After all, it's such a versatile tea, and its finely ground powder form embodies very intense flavors that people truly love. It's also grown differently, prepared differently and even brewed differently. It's a different tea and it differentiated itself from other forms of green tea.

Below are four reasons why Matcha tea should have a place in your pantry.

It's for more than just drinking

Once it was discovered that Matcha had a truly beautiful flavor – and that it varied depending on the way it was grown
and processed – people went crazy with inventions for its use. It became more than just a powder dissolved in water or
milk. It became an art form (especially desserts).

Now people use it in:

• Mochi and soba noodles for flavor and dye
• Green tea ice cream
• Various beverages
• Japanese Wagashi confectionery
• Mixed with salt for tempura batters
• Chocolate and confectionery
• Desserts
• and the list goes on...

^{by T.Tseng - Chashaku for koicha}

It's not just your Average Tea

We've established that Matcha tea is something special, but did you know it's not leaves or tea bags like you're used to? The word Matcha itself means powdered tea, meaning you don't get leaves to infuse in your water, nor do you get a tea bag you need to discard on your saucer. The leaves have already been finely crushed into a fine powder. 

The whole process is quite technical which is why it's on the higher end of cost to regular green teas. It involves putting the tea plants under shade right before harvesting, which helps enhance the flavor and texture. The leaves are then steamed to stop fermentation followed by the drying and aging process in a cold storage. 

This will further enhance that gorgeous flavor. The dried leaves are then ground up into the product you buy today. When you drink it, you mix the Matcha powder with hot water or milk, then whisk until it froths. It's almost a magical and
delicious science project.

It contains caffeine

You can be forgiven for thinking that swapping coffee for tea has enabled you to “give up” that caffeine addiction. It's true in the fact that you will be consuming less caffeine, but certainly not none at all. Matcha has three times as much caffeine as a standard cup of tea. It also has approximately the same amount as a standard coffee.

Just as you wouldn't drink a strong brewed cup of coffee before bed, it's recommended you lay off the Matcha before bedtime as well. Although you don't get the same level of buzz as you do from coffee, it's still putting caffeine in your body at a time you should be fully relaxed.

It's healthy

Matcha provides a huge range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients – more so than a standard cup of green tea. It's also very rich in anti-oxidants which have been known to be beneficial in such conditions as cancer and heart disease, as well as reducing blood pressure and anti-aging! Recent study have shown that it benefits your brain as well.

• Read more about Hojicha Japanese Green Tea

With over three thousand varieties of tea currently available throughout the world, it's little wonder that in 2016 over 80 tonnes of it were produced to satisfy those avid drinkers of the thirst quenching substance. As the second most consumed beverage after water, it's a favourite in many households and often acts as a soul soother and 'fixer' of all problems.

Is it not true that when one is upset, one is offered a cup of tea?

So it's little wonder that Japanese green tea 'Hōjicha' rates so highly. It is different from most Japanese green teas in the respect that it is roasted rather than steamed. Those wishing to consume it will put the green leaves into a porcelain pot and will place it over charcoal. This will change the color of the leaves from the standard 'tea' green, to a red-almost-brown color.

Although not conforming with the standard tea brewing process, this way of brewing tea was invented in Kyoto, Japan, in the early 1920s and very little has changed.

As they say, why fix what isn't broken?

What to expect when you take that first sip:

• Chocolate aroma
• Sweet taste
• Smoky taste
• Caramel flavor

Hōjicha is also less sharp and bitter tasting than other teas due to the loss of catechins during the roasting process. The toasty, caramel flavor of this type of tea is also more pronounced than the vegetative hints you generally get in other popular green tea options.

Less caffeine

Most, if not all, green teas contain caffeine – albeit, small amounts and significantly less than most regular coffee beverages.

The roasting process does more than just alter the flavor, it also reduces the amount of caffeine. Due to this, many people choose Hōjicha as their tea of choice just before bed, or in the evenings. It's also often used for children and the elderly to aid them in a restful sleep.

Not just for drinking

Not only can you enjoy Hōjicha as a delicious and refreshing beverage, but modern times have also paved the way for it – and other green teas – to be used in porridge called Narachagayu, and candy as well. You may even find it in vending machines across Japan, although it's less common than other leading green tea types.

What is Hōjicha made from?

Hōjicha is made from a common tea called bancha. The most commonly harvested Hōjicha tea is from the last harvest of the season, but it can also be made from sencha and Kukicha. These are types of tea which are made from the twigs of tea plants rather than from the leaves.

Twigs are less commonly used in the production process, but it enables producers to use every part of the plants they are harvesting. This, in turn, reduces wastage. So the next time you reach for a steaming cup of green tea, why not decide to change it up a little and try Hōjicha?

• Read more about Gyokuro - Japanese Green Tea

Green tea is a favored beverage among many – no matter the location - and in fact tea in general is the second-most preferred beverage in the world. So it's little wonder that producers of the 'liquid gold' are trying new ways in which to enhance and change the flavor.

The biggest secret, however? Not altering what our forefathers established.

Gyokuro, also known as Jade Dew or Jewel Dew, is a Japanese green tea with a growing process differing from most others. Instead of being grown in full sun, Gyokuro is grown in the shade for three weeks.

There are other variations of tea grown in the shade, however the length of time varies, such as Kabusecha which is only shaded for one week. Getting its nickname from the pale green color of the infusion for the length of time it's removed from the sun, Gyokuro is a specialized type of tea with a sweeter taste than most.

What can you expect from Gyokuro?

Gyokuro is made up of theanine, caffeine, tannin and vitamin C. The theanine component gives the tea flavor whilst caffeine adds a level of bitterness. This, coupled with the shading process, gives the consumer a full-bodied, smoother drink which is perfect to enjoy at any time of the day or night.

^{by A Girl With Tea}

How does it work?

For 20-21 days Gyokura is shielded from the sun with straw mats and screens before being harvested. The lack of sun causes an increase in theanine – an amino acid – and alkaloid caffeine in the tea. The process is not without its benefits as it does yield a sweeter flavor to be enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth. It also has a distinctive aroma, not unlike tencha green tea.

What happens when it's ready for harvest?

In early May the carefully grown Gyokuro tea leaves are picked. This is when the leaves are at their best, in both flavor and freshness. Next is the steaming process which takes place generally on the same day of harvest, if not within 20 hours.

This process stops leaves becoming oxidized and help retain nutritional content and fragrance. The tea leaves are also softened which enables the intense flavors to be released. From here, rolling and drying begins to remove the majority of the water from the tea. The tea leaves will begin to resemble needles as they are twisted and rolled to retain natural flavors.

After rolling and drying has been completed, the leaves are filtered out from the buds, stems and flaking pieces which have come off the leaves. All that remains are the tightly twisted tea leaves. These are then sorted according to their size and are ready to be sent to a manufacturing plant for blending.

The remaining buds, stems and flakes are packaged separately to be used elsewhere. Tea manufacturers and harvesters pride themselves on using the entire tea plant opposed to just the leaves.

One of the best

Gyokuro is considered one of the most expensive sencha tea varieties available in Japan due to its quality and taste. Some varieties of Gyokuro were even ranked first in front of the National Tea Jury.

It's a tea worth investing in, and one that has been a favourite in households for centuries.