Umami bites

Ramen is one of the most iconic dishes in Japanese cuisine. The classic soup bases include soy sauce, salt, tonkotsu (pork bone), and miso. Among them, miso ramen—made with a soup base using miso—offers a rich, savory depth of flavor. At “Miso ga Ichiban” in Nakano, Tokyo, you can enjoy ramen that brings out the full flavor and aroma of…

When traveling in Japan, the highlights include beautiful scenery, historic streetscapes, and, of course, the food. But many wonder—how much can you enjoy Japan on a limited budget? The truth is, with a bit of planning, you can savor Japanese food culture from morning to night, even on a budget of 5,000 yen or less. You can, for instance, save…

Imagawayaki (thick pancake sweets) is a beloved Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). This hockey puck-shaped, thick treat features a crisp, golden exterior and a soft interior filled with sweet anko (red bean paste) or other fillings. A favorite since the Edo period (1603–1868), imagawayaki remains popular at festival stalls and shops. Known regionally as ōbanyaki (large pancake sweets) or kaitenyaki…

Yōkan (a traditional Japanese sweet made of bean paste, agar, and sugar) is a quintessential Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), made by solidifying anko (red bean paste) with kanten (agar). Its smooth, dense texture and rectangular shape are iconic. Said to have originated in the Kamakura-Muromachi period (1185-1333), Zen monks created it as a meat substitute using anko and kuzuko…

Senbei (rice crackers) are iconic Japanese rice snacks, primarily made from uruchi-mai (non-glutinous Japanese rice) and shaped into thin, crisp treats. It features a range of flavors, from savory soy sauce and salt to sweet varieties, with distinct regional characteristics. Made through baking or frying, senbei are a beloved national snack and popular tourist souvenir. For a deeper dive into…

Yoyogi Park is a rare pocket of nature in the heart of Tokyo—a lush urban oasis that’s perfect for a relaxing walk, picnic, or jog. With its spacious grounds and seasonal beauty, it’s a beloved hangout for both locals and tourists. The park is conveniently located next to Meiji Jingu shrine and is within walking distance of popular neighborhoods like…

Nestled beside JR Yamanote Line’s Harajuku Station, Yoyogi Kōen (Yoyogi Park) is a lush urban oasis. Transforming with the seasons, this park offers fresh discoveries with every visit. Here’s a helpful guide to its natural and cultural highlights, perfect for a spontaneous stop during your travels. Why visit Yoyogi Park Spanning about 540,000 square meters (133 acres), Yoyogi Park nurtures…

Just a few train stops from major tourist spots like Tokyo Station, Asakusa, and Akihabara—and about 30 minutes from Haneda Airport via the Toei Asakusa Line—Asakusabashi is a traditional downtown neighborhood with great accessibility. Amid a row of small, locally run shops with a laid-back atmosphere, one spot that has been gaining a strong reputation among sake enthusiasts is “KAMOSU.”…

In a quiet corner of Ueno’s bustling entertainment district lies a discreetly signed shaved ice specialty shop: “Ueno Kakigōri Senmonten Yondaime Ōnoya Hyoushitsu” (hereafter “Onoya Hyoushitsu”). It operates during the day out of a space that becomes a bar after dark—an inventive use of space that adds to its charm. The highlight here is silk‑fluffy kakigōri (shaved ice) that melts…

In the peak of summer heat—July and August—there’s a perfect place to cool down that you’ll definitely want to visit. That place is Hachiya, a specialty cafe devoted to the fragrant world of Japanese tea. Here, you can enjoy premium teas like matcha, hōjicha (roasted green tea) and sencha green tea, paired with beautifully crafted Japanese-style sweets that are not…

Sōmen is a traditional Japanese noodle dish made from wheat flour, known for its thin, delicate noodles—thinner than udon or ramen. Thanks to its light, refreshing texture, somen is especially popular in summer when appetites tend to drop due to the heat. It’s considered one of Japan’s classic seasonal dishes. Recently, more and more creative takes on somen have emerged,…

Ramen, one of Japan’s most beloved evolving food cultures, has become a national culinary icon. Walk the streets of Tokyo, and you’ll find quietly tucked-away ramen shops cherished by locals for years. Just one station from Shinjuku, nestled in a peaceful alley in Yoyogi, “Menkoidokoro Isoji” is a well-known ramen gem among those in the know. Menkoidokoro Isoji has 10…

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets with over 2,000 years of history, embodying Japan’s unique culinary cultural heritage. Crafted to reflect the changing seasons and complement tea, their elegant appearance and refined sweetness captivate both locals and tourists. Today, varieties like mochi-based, steamed, baked, and molded sweets offer diverse seasonal flavors. This article explains wagashi’s essentials, types, and selection tips for…

Anpan is a quintessential Japanese sweet bread, featuring soft dough filled with sweet anko (red bean paste). A portmanteau of an (bean paste) and pan (bread), it has been beloved since its creation in the Meiji era. Sold at bakeries nationwide, it comes in varieties like tsubu-an (chunky red bean paste), koshi-an (smooth red bean paste), and shiro-an (white bean…

Japanese snacks captivate people worldwide with their unique flavors and vast variety. From time-honored wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) to modern Western-style confections, Japan’s rich food culture has created a diverse snack world. Exploring these treats offers visitors a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. This article covers the characteristics, popular genres, and souvenir selection tips for Japanese snacks. Characteristics and cultural…