Umami bites

In the heart of the neighborhood of Tsukiji in Tokyo, there’s a hotel called “TSUKI Tokyo” that aims to make you a Japan connoisseur, or in their words, “Nippon savvy.” Here, you’ll experience more than just a place to stay—you’ll get to savor Japan with all your senses. The hotel is within walking distance of the famed Tsukiji Market, and…

“I’m donut ?” is a wildly popular donut shop with locations in Tokyo and Fukuoka. Long lines are a regular sight. The Harajuku shop, located just five minutes from Harajuku Station, sees lines forming even before its 10:00 AM opening. So, what’s the secret to their popularity? The donuts here have a completely different mouthfeel compared to the traditional variety….

“Shinjyuku honten Takano fruits parlour,” (referred to hereafter as “Shinjuku Takano”) one of Japan’s most renowned fruit parlors, has been serving multiple generations in Shinjuku since its establishment in 1926. Their menu, featuring lavishly prepared colorful fruits, is really something to marvel at! The seasonal fruit sweets and the classic year-round options hold an enduring charm. The delicate yet bold…

Yushima Tenmangu Shrine enshrines the deification of Sugawara no Michizane, scholar and poet of the Heian period (794-1185), and deity of academics, literature, poetry, calligraphy, and the arts. It’s well-known as a place where students come to pray for success in their entrance exams. Additionally, it’s famous for its beautiful plum blossoms. Notice the plum crest in the shrine grounds…

Ginza is a Tokyo neighborhood where tradition blends seamlessly with cutting-edge trends. “Tempura Ginza Onodera Higashi Ginza” is a restaurant that embodies the sophistication of Ginza’s refined atmosphere through its cuisine. Luxurious tempura featuring Kuroge wagyū beef We’d like to take some time to introduce Tempura Ginza Onodera Higashi Ginza’s “Japanese Harmony Course,” which allows you to enjoy both tempura…

Asakusa, while being one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, is also a gourmet area packed with long-established, famous restaurants. Established in 1951, “Yoshikami” is a name that invariably comes up when discussing Asakusa’s dining scene. Yoshikami is a restaurant that specializes in yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine) that evolved uniquely after international dishes were introduced to Japan. Signature dishes of Asakusa’s…

As soon as you enter this restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the sumo wrestling ring. What unfolds from there is a vibrant sumo show filled with laughter, intense matches, and an immersive atmosphere! “Asakusa Sumo Club” opened in Asakusa in January 2024 as a restaurant where guests can enjoy meals while watching sumo shows performed by former sumo…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…