Articles
Read our articles about Japanese food culture and LocalWays.
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How to Use LocalWays: Real Search Examples for Every Occasion
Search in natural language: "Birthday party for 20 in Shibuya." Real examples for dates, groups, solo dining, and more.
Is "Japanese Only" Discrimination? Understanding the Language Barrier Behind the Sign
Why "Japanese only" signs spark outrage abroad, what restaurants actually mean, and how to communicate better.
The Obsession of Japanese Chefs: How Far Will They Go for Flavor?
Restaurants that transport water from Kanazawa, whisky pioneers who trained in Scotland, and the obsession of Japanese craftspeople.
Kagurazaka: Tokyo's Hidden Gourmet District and the Culture of 'Ichigen-san Okotowari'
The allure of Kagurazaka with its 500 restaurants, and what "no first-time customers" really means.
AI-Powered Restaurant Discovery: Beyond Keyword Search
How AI understands complex queries like "quiet Japanese restaurant, romantic, under ¥8000."
Tokyo and Japan: A Food Mecca Like No Other
The city with the most Michelin stars, Japanese chefs who trained in Europe, and what Iron Chef revealed about food culture.
Essential Rules: Reservations, Payments, and Last Orders at Japanese Restaurants
Cash-only policies, reservation culture, and the unwritten rules of last orders.
Why It's So Hard To Find a Good Place To Eat in Japan (and How LocalWays Tries to Help)
Tabelog, social media, and why asking someone who lives in Japan remains the most reliable method. The story behind LocalWays.
The Value and Challenge of Aggregating Multiple Restaurant Data Sources
Why no single platform tells the whole story about Japanese restaurants.
7 Barriers Foreign Visitors Face When Searching for Restaurants in Japan
Language barriers, reservation systems, and rating differences that challenge tourists.
Japan's Hidden Neighborhood Restaurants: Why the Best Food Is Off the Beaten Path
Why some of Japan's best chefs choose quiet residential streets over busy stations.
Why Restaurant Ratings Differ Between Japan and Google Reviews
Why 3.5 is considered "high" on Tabelog, the cultural reasons Japanese avoid 5-star ratings.