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…
When people hear the words “tachigui soba” (standing soba restaurants), many probably picture a no-frills, casual eatery. However, “SUBA VS,” which opened in Shibuya in September 2024, is a new concept in standing soba shops where soba meets wine. Its stylish interior and creativity put a new twist on standing soba restaurants, and have been garnering attention on social media….
Why visit Takeshita Street from Shibuya? If you’re staying in or around Shibuya, a popular base for many tourists in Tokyo, you’ll be glad to know that Takeshita Street is only about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) away. This means you can easily reach it within 3-25 minutes, depending on your chosen method. Known for its quirky fashion, youth culture, and…
Edomae soba (Edo-style soba), with a history stretching back some 400 years, is one of the representative culinary traditions of Japanese cuisine. What sets Edo-style soba apart is its thin, sharp noodles. The dough consists of approximately 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour. This ratio allows you to fully experience the flavor of soba while balancing a satisfying bite…
Abura soba (similar to mazesoba) is a type of brothless ramen that evolved from traditional ramen culture. It’s said to have originated in the 1950s as a staff meal at Tokyo ramen shops. Today, abura soba has grown into a popular genre with specialty shops popping up all across Japan. The distinctive feature of abura soba is its style of…
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,…
Shibuya, a trendy Tokyo area where food culture constantly thrives and evolves, is home to “soba MAREN Shibuyaten” (hereafter referred to as “soba MAREN”) a restaurant offering distinctive mazesoba crafted by a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Mazesoba (often referred to as “soupless ramen” outside of Japan) is a noodle dish mixed with a rich sauce or oil, instead of being served…
Imagine exploring Tokyo as if stepping into scenes from your favorite anime—vibrant, dynamic, and endlessly intriguing. Each station on the Yamanote Line unfolds like a new episode, offering unique adventures, distinctive characters, and delightful surprises. As Tokyo’s busiest train line, the Yamanote Line pulses through the city, connecting iconic districts as seamlessly as story arcs intertwine in a captivating anime…
Tokyo is a photographer’s dream, where every corner tells a story through dazzling lights, towering skyscrapers, and streets pulsing with life. But when it comes to the most photogenic spot in this vibrant city, two locations stand out— Shibuya and Odaiba. Odaiba, a futuristic island in Tokyo Bay, blends cutting-edge architecture with waterfront serenity. From the illuminated Rainbow Bridge to…
Japanese parfaits are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Whether you’re a fruit lover, matcha enthusiast, or someone seeking unique Japanese sweets, these hand-picked spots will take your dessert experience to the next level. Here’s your ultimate guide to Tokyo’s top parfait destinations! Authentic matcha delights: Kyo Hayashiya Takashimaya Times Square “Kyo Hayashiya,”…
Tokyo is a culinary paradise for katsu lovers, from classic tonkatsu to hearty katsu rice bowls and juicy beef katsu. This guide highlights some of the city’s best spots to enjoy these crispy, flavorful delights that have become a worldwide beloved dish! The ultimate Tonkatsu with perfect sauce in Roppongi: Butagumi Shokudou Located in Roppongi, “Butagumi Shokudou” is a tonkatsu…
SHIBUYA STREAM HOTEL is located within the mid-level floors of SHIBUYA STREAM and boasts an unbeatable location directly connected to Shibuya Station. It’s also just a short stroll from prime shopping destinations such as Shibuya Hikarie and Shibuya Scramble Square. With its exceptional convenience and stylish amenities, SHIBUYA STREAM HOTEL stands out as a unique choice for visitors to Tokyo….
Japanese hot pot cooking, known for its rich flavors and communal dining experience, is a must-try in Tokyo. From the savory sweetness of sukiyaki to the delicate broth of shabu-shabu, these dishes offer warmth and comfort in every bite. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best spots to enjoy authentic Japanese hot pot! Solo sukiyaki and shabu-shabu dining…
Skewered dishes, known as kushiyaki, became popular in post-war Shibuya. As the name suggests, “kushiyaki” refers to dishes where vegetables, meat, and fish are skewered (“kushi” means skewer) and grilled. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, are one such type of kushiyaki. These skewers, which supported the development of the city through food, can definitely be considered a Shibuya soul food. Reflecting…