Meow 'n' Fuji

Nagoya’s Famous Hojicha Shop ― You’ll Smell Before You See

Myokoen has been crafting hojicha in Nagoya since 1916. Step into an underground shopping arcade in Nagoya and the aroma finds you first. A local guide to the most iconic tea shop in the city.

2026.05.25

Travel

Baked Matcha Cheesecake with Oreo Crust ― Rich, Creamy, and Deeply Green

A baked matcha cheesecake with an Oreo crust — rich, creamy, and deeply green. No cracks, no fuss. Just matcha, cream cheese, and a little Japanese-Western collaboration.

2026.05.23

Recipes

Takeshima Island Day Trip from Nagoya: A Hidden Gem in Gamagori

A tiny sacred island just 40 minutes from Nagoya, connected to the shore by a bridge that passes under a torii gate. Free to visit, and genuinely unlike anything else in the region.

2026.05.15

Travel

Classic Japanese Purin Recipe: Baked Custard Pudding, No Cream, No Gelatin

The classic Japanese purin — firm, milk-forward, and slightly bitter caramel. No cream, no gelatin. Just eggs, milk, and sugar. A recipe I have been making forever.

2026.05.09

Recipes

Sugakiya Ramen Guide: Nagoya’s Local Chain & Its MoMA-Selected Fork

Sugakiya is the homegrown ramen chain of Nagoya — everyday local life in a bowl, with a ramen fork picked up by the MoMA Design Store. What to order, from a local.

2026.05.08

Travel

How to Make Japanese Salmon Flakes at Home ― Perfect Onigiri Filling

No Asian supermarket nearby? You can make Japanese salmon flakes at home with just a salmon fillet, sake, and mirin. Perfect for onigiri, bento, fried rice, and more.

2026.05.07

Recipes

Nagoya Morning Culture: Free Breakfast with Your Coffee ― A Local’s Guide

In Nagoya, ordering a coffee comes with a free breakfast — locals even call it a culture. A guide from a local to Nagoya Morning, what to expect, and where to go.

2026.05.04

Travel

Homemade Anpan Recipe: Soft Japanese Sweet Red Bean Buns from Scratch

Soft, fluffy Japanese anpan made from scratch — sweet bread dough filled with homemade or store-bought anko. Easier than it looks, and worth every minute of proofing time.

2026.05.03

Recipes

Completely Useless Random Thoughts on English from Japanese Eyes

Talking about obsession, for me, a native Japanese speaker who learned English as a second language, English is pretty c...

2026.05.01

Thoughts

The Ninja Soy ― Japanese obsession

Soy sauce, miso, tofu, natto, edamame — soy is everywhere in Japanese food. A rambling love letter to soybeans from a Japanese local, and why Japan became so obsessed with them in the first place.

2026.04.29

Thoughts

Amami Oshima Travel Diary: Photos & Tips from My First Visit

A first visit to Amami Oshima — UNESCO World Natural Heritage island between Kyushu and Okinawa. Beaches, keihan, brown sugar, and the kind of slow travel that stays with you.

2026.04.25

Travel

Hanami Onigiri: Easy Japanese Rice Ball Recipe for Your Spring Picnic

A simple onigiri recipe made for spring — salmon flakes and edamame mixed into rice, shaped into triangles for your hanami picnic. No nori, no special skills needed.

2026.04.18

Recipes