Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, tonkatsu—breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets—is one of Japan’s iconic dishes. Across the country, specialty shops each put their own spin on this classic, and the deliciousness of tonkatsu has also gained attention overseas. What Is Katsu? Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Fried Cutlet Craze At first glance, tonkatsu may…
When people think of Shibuya, they often picture Japan’s fashion and cultural trends taking shape and spreading to the world. Naturally, the food scene here is just as exciting. From international restaurants and casual cafés to long-established Japanese dining spots, Shibuya offers an impressive variety. Among them, sushi is a must. As one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dishes, it’s…
Tokyo is bustling with visitors from around the world. As internationalization advances rapidly, one phrase you’ll notice more and more is “Vegan Friendly.” From cafes and restaurants to fast food chains, diverse vegan menus are now available, making Tokyo an increasingly welcoming city for travelers seeking plant-based cuisine. For international visitors, having more dining options is always a plus—especially for…
Rich in flavor yet surprisingly elegant—abura soba (oil noodles) is a unique dish that combines seemingly contradictory charms and is quietly sparking a boom in Tokyo. Tokyo’s Must-Try Abura Soba: Your Guide to Japan’s Soup-Free Ramen Sensation Abura soba is a type of ramen without soup, where noodles are thoroughly mixed with a special tare (sauce) and aromatic oils, creating…
If you’re visiting Japan and think ramen is a must-try, you should definitely know about a unique noodle dish called “abura soba” (oil noodles). At first glance, it looks like ramen, but surprisingly, it contains no soup at all. Instead, you mix a special tare (sauce) and fragrant oil with the noodles, allowing you to directly enjoy the rich flavors…
When traveling in Japan, you may come across a food category called yōshoku (Western-style Japanese cuisine). Yoshoku refers to dishes that originated overseas but have been uniquely adapted to suit Japanese tastes. It became popular during the Meiji era (1868–1912), when Western culture began flowing into Japan, and has since evolved to include classics like hamburger steak, curry rice, and…
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,…
In recent years, omurice (omelette rice) has gained popularity both within Japan and abroad. Omurice is a Japanese-origin dish made by wrapping stir-fried rice in an omelette and topping it with ketchup, demi-glace sauce, or other condiments. Its beautiful appearance and gentle flavors have captured the hearts of people across generations and countries. One especially popular spot is “ESPRESSO D…
Tokyo has no shortage of shopping districts, but with so many neighborhoods to explore, it helps to know what each one does best. Shibuya and Shinjuku are two of the city’s busiest retail hubs—both packed with options, but each with its own character. They cater to different styles, budgets, and shopping habits, so understanding what sets them apart can help…
Abura soba is a type of ramen served without soup. Unlike typical ramen, it features a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the noodles, allowing you to savor the true taste of the noodles themselves. Among the many shops offering abura soba, “Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten” stands out as one of the top chains, with locations all across Japan—and even overseas. It’s…
Embarking on your first trip to Japan is an exciting prospect, filled with dynamic cities, deep-rooted traditions, and unforgettable food. Although a week may feel short for such a diverse country, thoughtful planning makes it possible to see the highlights and gain a real sense of its character. This 7-day itinerary has a well-rounded mix of urban discovery, cultural immersion,…
Must-see festivals in central Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc.) Central Tokyo comes alive in summer with festivals that blend traditional arts and contemporary culture. One of the season’s highlights is the Shinjuku Eisa Festival, taking place on July 26, 2025. This vibrant event brings the dynamic Okinawan dance tradition of Eisa to the streets of Shinjuku. Performers in colorful costumes fill…
Oden is a traditional Japanese dish in which ingredients like daikon radish, fish cakes such as chikuwa and kamaboko, and more are simmered slowly in a large pot. Across Japan, you’ll find many establishments where you can enjoy oden paired with alcohol. The type of broth used and the selection of ingredients—called oden-dane—vary widely, giving each shop a distinct character….
Shibuya attracts many tourists from around the world and is widely known in Japan as a hub for youth culture and trends. However, the Maruyamachō area of Shibuya was once a flourishing geisha district, lined with many restaurants during the Meiji and Taisho eras. It’s said that scenes of geisha entertaining guests with dances and shamisen performances were once a…
Soupless ramen varieties like mazesoba (mixed noodles), abura soba (oil noodles), and kamatama soba (hot noodles with egg) are among the popular genres in Japan’s evolving ramen culture. “Shibuya Mazesoba Chops” is a specialty restaurant where you can thoroughly enjoy soupless ramen in Tokyo’s trendsetting district of Shibuya. It’s also conveniently located near Shibuya Station. There are no strict definitions…