Love hotels are a short-stay hotel found in Japan that are designed for sex and are renowned for their focus on the privacy of their customers by providing anonymity to those seeking to engage in discrete intimate liaisons. Not the love hotel Banana & Donut (バナナとドーナツ) it seems. This Kyushu-based romance hotel, whose logo is a symbolism of sexual representation depicting an over-exerting banana on the verge of penetrating a coy looking donut, brazenly advertises on billboard-style highway signage this union of the phallus and yoni. They might as well have a big neon flashing sign saying “people getting laid here”. And what do you tell a car full of kids when driving past? Hey look children, this is how Mister Donut make those yummy banana donuts! But Mister Donut doesn’t push the banana in too far otherwise it will turn into a Krispy Kreme.

Ramen noodles, a divine religious experience in Japan with followers congregating in houses of worship called ramenya (ramen shop) to perform acts of praise, honour and devotion to hand-crafted noodles and accompaniments in an intensely flavourful broth.

Ippudo (一風堂) is a reputable franchise for quality noodling in the Fukuoka tradition. First opened in Hakata in 1985 with a counter seating capactiy of 10, Ippudo has grown to 34 locations throughout Japan with outposts in New York and Singapore. Shigemi Kawahara, who earned the title of Ramen King in 2005 when he was named Japan’s top Ramen Chef, directs and oversees this well known entity.

Ippudo Ramen Ebisu

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A list of ten tasty traditional-style Japanese cuisine that are a must try when travelling in Japan.

1. Yakitori 「焼き鳥」

Skewered chicken pieces that are grilled over hot charcoals.

2. Sukiyaki 「すき焼き」

Thinly sliced beef and vegetables simmered in a shallow iron pot in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar and mirin.

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