The last 140 years have seen a slow and steady increase in interest and production of wine in Japan. Initiated under the Meiji government as a way to foster economic innovation, Japan is becoming a significant niche in the international wine landscape with over 500 wineries. Only wines made entirely…

Since 2013, I’ve been selecting my 20 favorite dishes each year. Here’s my roundup of the top 20 dishes from 2024 (Not in particular order). Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and successful 2025! Check out my previous lists here.

By Andrew Gyokudari Andrew Gyokudari is the CEO of Gyokudari Inc., a company specializing in the hospitality and technology industries. He is the co-owner of Yoshino New York, GMO OMAKASE, Sushi Sagawa, Sushi Kuranami, Savoy Pizzeria, Domi-La, Woodstock Japan, Fukujin, Ozaki Yukitaka, Hazuki, and Umizaru/Fukuei Suisan. He also provides advisory…

The Peninsula Tokyo holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favourites. Its location is truly unbeatable, right in the centre of Tokyo, close to both the Marunouchi and Ginza districts, which makes exploring the city so convenient. From the moment one enters, it feels like…

Entering through the historic Kajiimiya Gate, which has stood for over 300 years, I was enveloped in an atmosphere that felt almost spiritual. HOTEL THE MITSUI, Kyoto creates a sort of parallel world where history and modern luxury coexist in the perfect harmony of contemporary design. Situated on the site…

Where can you do poem tracing, where you carefully transcribe the words of master poets of the Meiji era, to imagine the gestures of those who lived over 100 years ago and then take a stroll next to Hozu riverthe Arashiyama with a bottomless glass of Japanese wine. Or take…

At Casa Pepe, nestled in the Teramo countryside of Torano Nuovo, wine production has been a tradition since 1899, handed down through five generations. At 30 years old, Chiara De Iulis Pepe, embodies the spirit of this, now, predominantly female-run family business. The daughters and granddaughters of Emidio Pepe navigate…

Heinz Beck, the German-born chef who has been at the helm of La Pergola for 30 years, brings a new-level of lightness of touch to traditional Mediterranean ingredients. La Pergola was the first restaurant in Rome to be awarded three Michelin stars, and it remains the only one in the…

No coffee or wine! This is not my usual way of enjoying a few days away. Yet my recent stay at Palazzo Fiuggi was one of intense enjoyment, incredible food and full relaxation. This health and medical resort takes wellness to a whole new level and my recent 4 day stay…

Repair is rebirth for Japanese glass artist Yukito Nishinaka, who highlights the beauty of imperfection. Offering a unique interpretation of the Japanese mending technique developed in the 17th century for tea bowls : Yobitsugi, Nishinaka san is dedicated to glass and the art of repairing broken objects. The Yobitsugi technique…