“TORAYA AN STAND” is a café specializing in the sweet bean paste known in Japanese as anko or an, and as of November 2023, it has four locations in Tokyo and Kanagawa. The café was created by the renowned traditional Japanese confectionery Toraya, and offers a smooth-textured “An Paste” made from Toraya’s signature sweet bean paste. At TORAYA AN STAND,…

“Mo-Mo PARADISE” is a restaurant chain that has expanded its presence worldwide, with a focus on Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia. In Japan, it has two locations, one near Shinjuku Station’s East Exit and another in Kabukichō, where you can savor hotpot dishes made with domestically sourced beef. The standout feature of Mo-Mo PARADISE is undoubtedly their all-you-can-eat hotpot with…

At a great price of around 4,000 to 5,000 JPY per person, “Hina Sushi” is a fantastic place to head to for delicious sushi at a friendly price in Shinjuku. While you can order sets of sushi or seafood bowls, many visitors come for the all-you-can-eat sushi experience, making Hina Sushi a popular spot among both Japanese and overseas tourists….

“KYOTO SARYO SUISEN” is a highly popular destination in Japan for lovers of all things matcha. As of October 2023, they have seven locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures, offering a range of matcha-infused sweets that are beloved by many. Additionally, each branch offers exclusive menu items, and the location on the first floor of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building…

Established in 1972, “Sekai-ichi no Kaki fry to Sakana Wabu,” (referred to hereafter as “Wabu”) a popular restaurant in Shinjuku, is famous for its generous servings of kaki fry (deep-fried oysters) and other fried dishes. It’s known for having long lines during lunchtime, attracting many visitors every day. A super-sized portion! The “Fried Assortment Set Meal” at Wabu. Wabu offers…

It’d be no exaggeration to call udon one of Japan’s national dishes. The country boasts numerous udon specialty shops, and “Yamashita Honki Udon Shinjuku Kabukichō” (hereafter referred to as “Yamashita Honki Udon”) is one of them. Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district, Yamashita Honki Udon serves up udon with a strong emphasis on the broth and noodle texture, and it’s available…

Emblematic of Japanese cuisine, sushi has long been a popular gourmet option for international visitors to Japan. These days, a new and innovative era of sushi is emerging in Japan, reshaping its traditional image. One restaurant where you can get a taste for this “neo-sushi” is “Uogaku Mania Sushinjuku” (referred to hereafter as “Sushinjuku”), located in Shinjuku. “マグロまみれ,” Smothered in…

When it comes to Japan’s iconic noodle dishes, it’s safe to say ramen, udon, and soba are in the spotlight. These are well-known worldwide, with eateries dedicated to them even outside Japan. However, Japan boasts quite a bit more when it comes to noodle cuisine. In particular, sōmen, often referred to as a “summer tradition,” is a noodle dish that’s…

Gyoza dumplings are wildly popular in Japan, so you’ll find quite a lot of specialty shops dedicated to them. These beloved dumplings originated in China but have evolved uniquely in Japan, becoming incredibly popular. Gyoza are well-loved by locals and have also captivated foreign tourists in Japan. A gyoza and sake bar in Kabukichō that’s open 24/7 At “Shinjuku Kakekomi…

Tokyo’s bustling district of Shinjuku has many busy eateries, but there’s one spaghetti specialty restaurant where you’ll find long lines of people waiting to get in called Al dente Shinjuku Center building (referred to below as “Al dente”). It first opened in 1979 in the Shinjuku Center Building and continues draw in many customers to this day. Al dente’s bacon…

When it comes to cuisine, it’s safe to say that presentation is just as important as taste and plays a crucial role in the overall satisfaction of the diner. Located in an area surrounded by office buildings and hotels, “THE RAMEN WAR Nishi Shinjuku” (hereafter referred to as “The Ramen War”) is a ramen restaurant known for its visually stunning…

The Japanese word “kawaii,” meaning “cute,” has come to be a global term and phenomenon spread worldwide thanks to pop culture, including anime and manga. On top of that, you can see the influence of “kawaii” reflected in Japanese cuisine as well these days. Located in Shinjuku, “Shabu-shabu Honpo Shinjuku Usagiya (referred to below as ‘Usagiya’)” is a restaurant where…

Since around 2021, there has been a growing trend among young people in Japan for “Katakana Sushi.” This term refers to sushi restaurants that use katakana characters (one of the Japanese language’s phonetic alphabets, often used for flashy appeal on signs) to write their names. These restaurants are known for their creative menus that deviate from traditional sushi, as well…

Tenkichiya Shinjuku (referred to as “Tenkichiya” below) is a specialty tempura rice bowl restaurant that draws large crowds daily with its signature dish, the “Ten KICHI bowl.” One of the reasons why the Ten KICHI bowl continues to captivate so many people is its outstanding visual impact. “天吉丼,” Ten KICHI bowl 1,650 JPY (tax included) Tenkichiya’s loaded tempura rice bowl…

Shinjuku is one of Japan’s landmark downtown city areas. Starting with Kabukichō, the area is home to a number of restaurants, amusement centers, and commercial facilities. Bustling with people day and night, Shinjuku has earned a “city that never sleeps” moniker. In this vibrant locale, a curry specialty store has been a long-standing favorite, growing along with the community: Mon…