Japan Archives - A Side of Sweet

Okinawa, Japan Travel Video!

A video diary of my trip to Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa has so many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, including an amazing food scene!

Thank you so, so much for the amazingly positive response to my first ever travel video – Iceland!

I was so inspired by the process of creating the Iceland video I dove headfirst into some old footage from my trip to Okinawa, Japan. I hope you enjoy this short look into what I did and ate during my trip!

If you liked what you saw, head over to my YouTube channel and give the video a thumbs up. Even better – leave a comment and hit the subscribe button! Thanks so much for your support.

P.S. – Planning a trip to Okinawa? Check out these posts:… Read More »

Homemade Vegetarian Ramen Bowls with Tofu

Gluten Free Vegetarian

A recipe to fuel my Japanese obsession – homemade vegetarian ramen bowls filled with tofu, mushrooms, bok choy and miso! Easy to make and gluten free.
As I’m sure you can tell from the series of posts from my trip to Japan, I’m absolutely enamored with Japanese culture. Everything from the style to food to people – it’s so different from any place I’ve ever visited. Ramen is. I ate it every day while I was in Tokyo (you can read all about it in my Tokyo Food Guide). It’s my ultimate comfort food and something I crave when I’ve gone too long without it…. Read More »

Tokyo Food Guide – Restaurant Recommendations

Everything you need to know to dominate the Tokyo, Japan food scene. Your Tokyo food guide for the best restaurants for sushi, ramen, snacks and more!

Tokyo, Japan is foodie heaven. I was so lucky to have a few days there on either side of my epic trip to Okinawa. I basically ate like it was my job. At least four solid meals per day and some stops for snacks in between! I wanted to cram as much of Tokyo’s amazing food in as I possibly could.

You may be wondering how I can call myself expert enough to give you recommendations on where to eat in Tokyo. Having spent only a couple of days there, I really only scratched the surface of this incredible foodie city!

Luckily for me, I approached Tokyo armed with the advice of four Tokyo foodie masters. My panel of experts included:… Read More »

Mahaina Wellness Resort in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a beautiful hotel in Okinawa, Japan with a focus on wellness, great food and excellent service, try Mahaina Resort in Motobu.

After two days of glamping at Nanma Mui, we checked in to Mahaina Wellness Resort in Motobu, Okinawa. Mahaina has something for everyone. You’ll find amazing food with multiple restaurants offering different dining options, spacious rooms, scenic views and even a traditional Japanese spa.

Read on for my review and my Okinawa travel video:
… Read More »

Glamping at Nanma Mui in Okinawa, Japan

If you’re looking for a unique hotel in Okinawa, Japan, try glamping at Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago. There’s no roughing it at this beautiful spot.

So, you read my Okinawa travel guide and now you’re headed to Okinawa. Perfect! Wondering where to stay when you’re there? A great option is Nanma Mui Nature Resort in Nago, Okinawa. It’s directly on the water, meaning you wake up to amazing views of the Hanejinaikai Sea. It’s perfectly secluded and surrounded by lush greens and beautiful flowers.

Read on for more from our stay and my Okinawa travel video!… Read More »

Okinawa Taco Rice with Beans, Cheese & Bacon

Gluten Free Nut Free

Okinawa, Japan Taco Rice Recipe with Black Beans, Cheese, Tomatoes and BACON! Makes a great casserole, it’s easy to make and it tastes AMAZING.Let’s taco ’bout taco rice.

Despite all the incredible traditional foods that Okinawa, Japan offers, one of the prefecture’s most recognizable dishes actually has an American twist. Okinawan taco rice, or takoraisu, is a true fusion dish. It’s American Tex-mex cuisine mixed with Japanese…. Read More »