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.

そば

Tokyo Soba Spot Loved for 50+ Years – Don’t Miss Their Top Menu Picks!

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

まぜそば

What Sets Mazesoba Apart from Ramen? A Look at the Must-Visit Shibuya Restaurant

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

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...

Tsukishima’s Must-Try Monjayaki: Loaded with Fresh Tuna, Shrimp & Oysters!

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

Where Celebrities Go for Monjayaki: Tsukishima’s Seafood-Filled Favorite

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

A Complete Guide To Maguro, Japan’s Delicious Tuna! More Than Just Sushi and Sashimi!

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

Latest

萬馬軒 橙 池袋店 味噌ラーメン

Ikebukuro’s Hidden Gem for Miso Ramen: Manbaken Daidai!

Miso ramen, which originated in Hokkaidō, is now enjoyed throughout Japan as a standard ramen type. Over time, it has evolved in various regions, and these days, it’s not uncommon to find specialty shops offering modern twists such as tsukemen (dipping noodles) and mazesoba (soupless ramen). “味噌ラーメン,” Miso Ramen 990 JPY (tax included) Located in the bustling area around one…

つけそば

Where to Eat the Most Creative Soba Dipping Noodles in Shibuya!

Tsukesoba is a modern style of soba where the noodles are dipped into a variety of flavorful broths before eating. At “Shibuya Tsukesoba Osaji,” (stylized with a “.” at the end) which opened in November 2024, you can enjoy innovative tsukesoba like nowhere else in a modern and stylish setting. Traditional Japanese soba, such as zaru soba or mori soba,…

The Ultimate Ueno Park Walking Guide: More Than Just a Sakura Spot

Known as one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots, Ueno Park in Tokyo delights visitors when approximately 1,000 cherry trees throughout the park grounds and surrounding areas reach full bloom in spring. However, Ueno Park is not just a springtime attraction—it’s a destination that offers something year-round. In addition to Ueno Zoo, the park is home to numerous museums…

Yamanote Line Nightlife: Where to Go After Dark

Tokyo’s nightlife is legendary, and the Yamanote Line serves as the ultimate gateway to some of the city’s best nighttime experiences. Whether you’re looking for cozy izakayas, trendy bars, or vibrant nightclubs, this 34.5-kilometer loop line connects Tokyo’s major entertainment districts. From the neon lights of Shinjuku to the intimate alleys of Ebisu, each stop offers a different way to…

Hidden Gems Along the Yamanote Line

Tokyo’s Yamanote Line is more than just a transportation route—it’s a gateway to the city’s diverse neighborhoods. While tourists often flock to famous stops like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno, many hidden gems remain unexplored. These lesser-known spots offer a glimpse into Tokyo’s rich culture, history, and local charm. This guide introduces some of the best hidden locations along the Yamanote…

The Hidden Gems of Ikebukuro: Unique Experiences Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots

Nestled in the northwestern part of Tokyo, Ikebukuro is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Shibuya and Shinjuku. While it’s renowned for bustling shopping districts and vibrant nightlife, there’s a side to Ikebukuro that many travelers overlook. Beyond the crowded streets and towering department stores lie cultural treasures, serene green spaces, and unique facets of Japan’s otaku culture….

豆乳担々麺

Ramen Lovers, Don’t Miss This Hawaiian-Inspired Spot in Ikebukuro

The Ikebukuro area, one of Tokyo’s major entertainment districts, is a fierce battleground where many ramen shops compete. Among them, “Menya Hulu-lu” has carved out a unique position and maintained top-tier popularity for over a decade. Menya Hulu-lu is located roughly a ten-minute walk from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo’s biggest transportation hubs. Removed from Ikebukuro’s…

One-Day Tokyo Tour on the Yamanote Line: A Model Itinerary

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, is a city of contrasts—where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old temples, and bustling shopping districts blend seamlessly with serene parks. One of the most convenient and efficient ways to explore this dynamic metropolis is by using the Yamanote Line, a circular railway that connects many of Tokyo’s major neighborhoods and must-see attractions. In this guide, we’ll…

Japan’s Hot Summer: Recommended Travel Destinations to Visit During the Scorching Season

Japan’s summer is renowned for its intense heat and high humidity. The country’s climate during the summer months—June to August—can be overwhelming for those unaccustomed to the sweltering temperatures. While Japan offers an incredibly rich cultural experience year-round, visiting during the hot summer can sometimes be challenging for travelers, especially those who aren’t used to extreme heat. So, how hot…

Karuizawa’s Annual Climate and Best Season: How to Enjoy Each Season

Introduction Japan is famous for its four distinct seasons, each offering breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences. No matter which season your trip to Japan is, Karuizawa should definitely be on your Japan itinerary. Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, mild summers, stunning fall foliage, and snowy winter landscapes, Karuizawa is the perfect year-round destination. In this Karuizawa travel guide,…

味噌ラーメン

Craving Ultra-Rich Miso Ramen? Hokkaido’s Asahikawa Style Awaits in Ikebukuro!

Hokkaidō, one of Japan’s coldest regions, has long embraced hearty, warming bowls of ramen. Among its most famous ramen hubs is Asahikawa, a city known for its fierce competition in the ramen scene. One standout shop that traces its roots to Asahikawa is “Asahikawa Miso Ramen Bankara” (referred to hereafter as “Bankara”). For the purposes of this article, we will…

Okinawan Sweets and Desserts: A Guide to the Best Local Treats

Imagine strolling through the lively streets of Okinawa, where the gentle sea breeze carries the sweet aroma of freshly baked purple sweet potato tarts and the irresistible scent of sizzling, golden-brown sātā andāgī (Okinawan deep-fried dough buns). Okinawa isn’t just known for its turquoise waters and sun-soaked beaches—it’s also a hidden paradise for dessert lovers. The island’s unique fusion of…

そば

Tokyo Soba Spot Loved for 50+ Years – Don’t Miss Their Top Menu Picks!

Standing soba restaurants, known as tachigui soba in Japan, are a uniquely Japanese fast food concept, serving one of Japan’s representative dishes – Japanese soba noodles – quickly and efficiently. “Sobadokoro Kameya” (referred to hereafter as “Kameya”) is one of the capital’s quintessential popular soba restaurants. The Okachimachi branch, located near Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), is…

A Guide to the Best Local Restaurants to Visit on Your Trip to Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is renowned for its unique culture, breathtaking beaches, and vibrant cuisine. With a rich history and a distinct culinary identity, Okinawa’s food scene is shaped by a blend of local traditions and diverse influences, offering flavors unlike anywhere else in Japan. From fresh seafood and nutritious superfoods to hearty pork dishes and savory stir-fries, the island’s…

Okinawan Superfoods: How Local Ingredients Promote Longevity

Okinawa was once known as a prefecture of longevity. Recognizing this remarkable achievement, Okinawa Governor Masahide Ōta officially declared Okinawa a “World Longevity Region” in 1995. From 1975 to 2005, Okinawan women consistently held the top spot for longevity, while Okinawan men also claimed the highest life expectancy in the nation in 1985. One of the primary reasons for this…