Umami bites

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

“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…

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…

Gyōza dumplings, with their endless variations of fillings and toppings, offer a wide range of flavors. In addition, at “KITTAN GYOZA” in Nakameguro, you can enjoy gyoza that not only taste delicious but also look great on social media posts. Kittan Gyoza’s dumplings are umami-rich and crafted with care The gyoza at KITTAN GYOZA are characterized by their distinct umami…

Kyoto, a city rich in history and culture, is equally famous for its refined cuisine. From traditional dishes rooted in centuries of culinary heritage to innovative flavors, Kyoto offers a unique taste experience. Here are the must-try foods in Kyoto that capture the essence of this elegant city! Matcha: Kyoto’s world-famous green tea Kyoto is well-renowned for its high-quality matcha,…

Wagyū (beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds) is a must-try for any meat lover visiting Japan. Globally renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, exquisite taste, and unique marbling, it can be enjoyed in many different ways, from grilled yakiniku cuisine to hotpot cooking. In this article, we will introduce some of the best wagyu restaurants Tokyo has to offer, and…

Unagi, Japanese freshwater eel, tends to be more expensive than eel from overseas. However, “Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN,” a restaurant in Akasaka, is changing the long-standing image that domestic unagi is expensive. The restaurant uses only domestic eels. Yet, they offer reasonably priced unagi bowls for under 1,000 JPY. “国産うな玉丼,” Domestic Unagi Tamago Don 980 JPY (tax included) The…

Japan offers a wide variety of ramen, with some types only available in certain regions. Here are some of the best local ramen varieties to try. Hokkaido Sapporo Miso Ramen — Sapporo City, Hokkaido Sapporo miso ramen, originating in Sapporo City, features a rich, miso-based broth, complemented by thin noodles. Common toppings include bean sprouts and onions, reflecting the hearty…