Posts - Me Time Japan

Journey Through Mindful Eating

Me Time Japan Team | February 18, 2026

How a Temple Meal Can Teach Us About Awareness on the Road A quiet temple meal can reveal something unexpected about how we eat—and how we travel. This is one moment from our journey in Japan, and what it quietly taught us about mindfulness. A Meal That Changes How We Travel After sitting down at a temple for shojin ryori, we notice something striking. A simple meal—rice porridge, clear soup, a few vegetables—can quietly shift how we pay attention. Eating slowly, noticing each flavor, and bringing our hands together makes us aware of the life in the food, almost without trying. There is no instruction to “be mindful.” The setting … arrow_forward

The Japanese Rituals : A Guide for Lucky Charms & Modern Lifestyle

Me Time Japan Team | January 1, 2026

Around the world, there are many unique traditional lucky charms sacred to our hearts. There’s no proof or evidence of the talismans’ power, but we appreciate those things that protect us and bring happiness. The cultural symbols enchant us and are always picked up as souvenirs when we travel to Japan. Many Japanese lucky charms were created during the Edo period(1603-1868). They are still in production and made by hand. It is always nice to have your favorite lucky charm as we are living through very uncertain times. The art of wood: Otakapopo, Yamagata Prefecture The wooden hawk is a popular Japanese symbol of good luck, originally made to ward … arrow_forward

Table For One Cultural Footprint

Experiencing Shojin Ryori: A Mindful Japanese Travel Experience

Me Time Japan Team | December 28, 2025

How a Temple Meal Teaches Mindfulness on Your Japan Journey A quiet temple meal can reveal something unexpected about how we eat and travel. This is one moment from our journey in Japan, and what it quietly taught us about mindfulness. One Meal at a Temple During our Japanese journey, we sit at a long wooden table inside a temple dining hall. The room is simple and quiet, separated from the busy world outside. Soft light filters in, and for a moment, no one speaks. Much of what we learned about shojin ryori came directly from the monks who prepared these meals. A tray is placed in front of us. … arrow_forward

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Uncovering the Best “Old School” Ramen Shops in Japan

Me Time Japan Team | November 8, 2025

Ramen is a world-famous noodle dish and certainly a must try food in Japan! Many ramen lovers in Japan say, “the best way to know the local culture here is to try their ramen.” All over the world, we can find fine and casual ramen dinning, but ramen in Japan remains different with these other places. One of the reasons international ramen tastes different from the Japanese ramen is the water. We spoke with a Japanese master/chef from a popular Japanese ramen shop opened which opened a few new branches in New York a few years ago. The master/chef said “it’s very unfortunate that we aren’t be able to produce … arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style

50 Me-Time Ideas from Japan for Mindful & Relaxing Moments

Me Time Japan Team | October 18, 2025

Whether you’re at home in Japan or abroad, there are countless ways to enjoy your own company. Here, we share 50 real-life “me-time” ideas from Japan—perfect for inspiring your solo moments, helping you relax, find joy, and bring a mindful touch to your day. Food & Drink Solo Outdoor & Active Entertainment & Creative Cultural & Mindful Experiences Luxury & Personal Growth arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style

Me Time Matters: The Secret to Thriving in a World That Never Stops

Me Time Japan Team | August 30, 2025

Life can get overwhelming—and that’s exactly why making space for a little me time matters. It’s not about being selfish. It’s about staying grounded, healthy, and clear-headed. In this article, you’ll find gentle prompts and reflections to help you make the most of your alone time—however that looks for you. Q: I really enjoy eating alone. Is there anything I should watch out for? A: Eating alone can be a quiet joy. It gives you full control over what, when, and how you eat—something many people find calming. Still, when you’re on your own, it’s easy to eat faster than usual or overeat without realizing it. You might forget to … arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style

Solo Travel: Five Essentials for a Great Trip

Me Time Japan Team | August 1, 2025

Traveling alone has a way of changing you. Without the usual distractions, you’re free to follow your own rhythm—whether it’s lingering at a café, chasing the sunset, or simply sitting still and soaking in a view. Solo travel isn’t just a break from routine; it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, reflect, and find joy in small moments you might otherwise miss. This “me-time” is more than a luxury—it’s a gift to your own well-being. Secrets to Making the Most of Your Solo Journey Set a Clear Purpose for Your Trip Your first solo journey can feel a little overwhelming—new places, unfamiliar sounds, and the occasional hiccup along the way. … arrow_forward

Table For One Me Time Guide Japanese Diaspora Cultural Footprint

Our Choice for the Best Korean-Japanese BBQ In Japan

Me Time Japan Team | June 30, 2025

Yakiniku means grilled meat in Japanese, and Yakiniku restaurants can be found in every restaurant row in Japan. There are approximately 20,000 yakiniku restaurants in the country. Some specialize in premium brand-name beef such as Kobe and Matsusaka beef, while others specialize in offal and game meat. There are All-You-Can-Eat buffets, as well as conveyor belt yakiniku, just like conveyor belt sushi! These days, the yakiniku trend keenly focuses on the dizzying variety of sauces. Many restaurants choose specific sauces depending on the particular type of meat that they serve. In addition, it is not unusual for customers to be served at least four or five different kinds of sauces. And there are … arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style

Learning to Eventually Thrive in Your Alone Time

Me Time Japan Team | May 27, 2025

In this article, we explore ways to maintain mental health of those living the solo lifestyle. One of those methods is seeking help though psychotherapy and approaching it from an American perspective, which appears to be more open and progressive. Japan is seeing a surge of suicides among women and young people during the pandemic, according to a recent news report. There is a dire need for mental healthcare, including therapy, especially for those who are socially isolated or living alone and have limited social interaction with the outside world. In comparison to the U.S., it is not as common for the Japanese to seek help from a therapist. There is still … arrow_forward

Life Style Japanese Diaspora

Uncovering the Thriving Food Culture in South Korean Society

Me Time Japan Team | May 11, 2025

Korean dramas and movies, which have gained popularity globally, often feature scenes of meals, which stimulate the viewers’ appetite. If you search online for “Korean drama meals,” you can easily find recipes to recreate meals that have appeared in popular dramas. Many books have been published on this subject. We also see that people are flocking to Koreatowns around the world and paying a visit to South Korea in search of authentic gourmet meals. Why do Korean dramas and movies often feature dining scenes? We can find part of the answer in 『続・韓国カルチャー　描かれた「歴史」と社会の変化』written by Junko Ito. Her book examines social changes through entertainment in South Korea and provides detailed explanations … arrow_forward

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