Tasty travels in Japan

Welcome to Umami bites, your ultimate guide to exploring the unique flavors, culture, and lifestyle of Japan, crafted especially for international visitors.

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Tokyo in Winter (December to February): What to Wear – An Essential Clothing Guide for International Tourists

Tokyo’s winter season (December to February) brings crisp, cold weather, with temperatures ranging from chilly to brisk, but rarely extreme. To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve created a month-by-month packing guide to ensure you’ll be comfortable and ready to explore the city during this beautiful season. December in Tokyo December Weather in Tokyo December in Tokyo marks the…

すき焼き

Savor Incredible Wagyu Sukiyaki Hot Pot Cooking and More in Shibuya at Akutoridaikan Nabenoshin

In Japan, nabe (traditional hot pot cuisine) is enjoyed typically during chilly winter months. However, at “Akutoridaikan Nabenoshin” in Shibuya, you can savor 12 varieties of nabe all year round, regardless of the season. “国産黒毛和牛のすき焼き,” Kuroge Wagyu Sukiyaki (minimum order for 2 people) 3,498 JPY per person (tax included) The most popular dish is their “Kuroge Wagyu Sukiyaki,” featuring Kuroge…

Experience Wagyu Beef Teppanyaki Excellence at Kagoshima Karen in Ginza, Tokyo

Located in the popular Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo, “Kagoshima Karen Ginza-ten” (hereafter referred to as “Kagoshima Karen”) offers exceptional service for international guests. Managed by the Kagoshima Federation of Economic and Agricultural Cooperatives, the restaurant is renowned for its dedication to showcasing the finest products Kagoshima Prefecture has to offer, and most notably the prized Kagoshima Kuroushi brand of wagyū...

穴守稲荷神社

Just by Haneda Airport: Visit Anamori Inari Shrine for Travel Safety

The Anamori Inari Jinja Shrine, located near Haneda Airport, is said to offer blessings for safe air travel and journeys. The nearest station is Anamori-Inari Station, just three stops away from Keikyū Airport Line’s Haneda Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Station, making it a convenient spot to visit during your travels. The shrine is known for offering various blessings,…

とんかつ茶漬け

An All-New Way to Enjoy Tonkatsu in Kabukichō, Shinjuku! Suzuya Is a Must-Visit for Tonkatsu Lovers!

Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō, one of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, is the long-established restaurant “Suzuya Shinjukuhonten” (referred to hereafter as “Suzuya”), beloved by many. This restaurant is famous for turning one of Japan’s most popular dishes, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), into a unique ochazuke (a dish where green tea or dashi is poured over rice). “とんかつ茶づけ,” Tonkatsu Chazuke 1,690…

鬼子母神

Discover a Serene Temple Near Ikebukuro, Zōshigayakishimojindō, Dedicated to Family and Protection

In the midst of a quiet residential neighborhood, there is a scene that looks as though time has stood still. Deep within the grounds of a temple, surrounded by lush greenery, stands a solid and majestic hall. This is Zōshigayakishimojindō, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the deity of safe childbirth and childrearing. You may find the scene familiar, as it…

Top 10 Reasons to Love Winter in Japan: Foods, Festivals, and Fun (December to February)

December to February is winter in Japan, a magical season offering a combination of heartwarming cuisine, traditional events, and breathtaking scenery. Here are ten experiences that make the Japanese winter unforgettable. Seasonal Foods 1. Hearty winter hot pots Japan’s cold weather calls for a warm, nourishing hot pot, known as nabe in Japanese. For example, you can indulge in shabu-shabu,…

Japan’s Ashikaga Flower Park: Home to World-Famous Wisteria, Dazzling Illuminations, and Unmissable Photo Opportunities

Ashikaga Flower Park is one of Japan’s most celebrated floral destinations, gaining worldwide attention for its breathtaking beauty. At the heart of this park lies the iconic wisteria flowers, which continue to captivate visitors from around the globe. The expansive wisteria trellises and tunnels are must-see attractions, offering an unparalleled visual spectacle that leaves a lasting impression. The wisteria experience…

Savor the Finest Grilled Wagyu and Sukiyaki at Beef Kitchen Nakameguro!

The Nakameguro area is known for its diverse range of stylish restaurants. Among them, “Beef Kitchen Nakameguro Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Beef Kitchen Nakameguro”) has been satisfying meat lovers for many years. This popular restaurant that deals in carefully selected Kuroge wagyū (Japanese black) beef has garnered particularly high ratings on gourmet websites. The spotlessly clean interior and attentive…

How to Use Japanese Restaurant Condiments: A Table Guide to Leveling up Your Food in Japan

When dining in Japan, you’ll often find a variety of condiments at your table, each enhancing your meal in unique ways. From familiar soy sauce to more adventurous spices, these seasonings aren’t just extras—they’re a key part of the flavor experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common tableside condiments found at different types of restaurants, what…

Okinawa soba

The Best Food to Eat in Okinawa: Must-Try Dishes in Japan’s Tropical Paradise

Explore the vibrant flavors of Okinawa, where island culture meets unforgettable cuisine. From savory Okinawan soba to fresh seafood and tropical sweets, these must-try dishes offer a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. Dive into Okinawa’s food scene and discover its unique flavors! Gōya champurū: an Okinawa classic Gōya champurū is a signature Okinawan stir-fry made with tofu, egg,…

Nabe Cuisine: A How-To Guide to Japanese Hot Pot

Hot pot, or nabe ryōri in Japanese, is a delightful way to enjoy a communal meal that warms both body and soul. Types of Japanese hot pot Japanese hot pot features a variety of broths and ingredients catering to different tastes. Common broths include simple dashi made from kombu (kelp), rich chicken stock, or bases flavored with soy sauce or…

Michelin-Starred Restaurant Group’s Amazing Ramen : Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN in Omotesando, Tokyo

A Tokyo neighborhood known for its refined and stylish ambiance, Omotesando is home to “Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN,” a ramen shop that perfectly embodies the character of this chic area. Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN’s shoyu broth brings out the full flavor of each ingredient “麺 銀座おのでら 至高~supreme~,” Supreme ramen 2,200 JPY (tax included) Men Ginza Onodera HONTEN is the first…

Unrivaled Unagi Cuisine in Ueno! Why This Eel Restaurant is a Must-Visit in Tokyo

“Unagi Kaneichi Higashi Ueno” (referred to hereafter as Kaneichi) opened its doors in the Ueno area of Tokyo in 1965. Since then, Kaneichi has been a part of Ueno’s landscape, specializing in unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) dishes with a sauce that has remained unchanged since its founding. “上うな重,” Premium Eel Box 3,500 JPY (tax included) A sauce unchanged since the…

Legendary Asakusa Ramen Shop Yoroiya Is Worth It Just for the Soup! Gyoza and Vegan Options Are a Tasty Bonus

On Asakusa’s Denboin Street (also called Denboin-dori), which is constantly bustling with tourists, there’s a ramen shop that attracts long lines daily. That shop’s name is “Asakusa Nadai Ramen Yoroiya” (hereafter referred to as “Yoroiya”). The lines outside include not just Japanese locals but also many international diners, making it one of Asakusa’s most popular restaurants, attracting people from all…