Tag: wagashi

  • Kurikinton in Gifu – Japan’s Pure Chestnut Sweet That Marks the Start of Autumn

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    Discover Gifu’s kurikinton (栗きんとん) — a simple chestnut + sugar wagashi that signals Japan’s autumn. Learn the difference between osechi 栗金団 and Gifu’s fall version, explore Nakatsugawa & Ena shops, and taste the spirit of the season.

    Three pieces of kurikinton, traditional Japanese chestnut sweets, placed on a glossy black lacquer plate with soft autumn lighting, surrounded by blurred red and orange maple leaves on a warm washi paper background.
  • Experiencing Japanese Hospitality at Work – Tea Time and Omotenashi

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    Omotenashi, often translated as “Japanese hospitality,” is more than service—it’s a mindset of thoughtfulness, respect, and anticipating needs. My first true experience with omotenashi happened not at a restaurant or hotel, but at work, during a training session. That moment shaped the way I see Japanese culture, and even how I approach my own role…

    A smiling woman dressed in traditional Japanese attire, welcoming guests with a respectful gesture beside a beautifully arranged tea set, embodying the spirit of omotenashi.