Since early times, dashi broth has been an essential part of Japanese cuisine. In 2022, a dashi specialty shop opened in New York City, and now the ingredient continues to attract attention from around the world. In order to better understand the allure of dashi, the Umami bites editorial team visited the restaurant “Okaka Shinjuku” located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. At…
Lumine EST Shinjuku, a shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station, houses numerous dining establishments. Among them, “Ochobohan” is one that stands out with its abundant selection of sweets with a focus on matcha! Signature dishes at Ochobohan are all about matcha Matcha used at Ochobohan is sourced from “Fujii Chaen,” a tea plantation in the renowned matcha-producing region of…
Restaurant renamed to Sushi and Robata Sushiyama Shinjuku. Hokkaido is considered one of Japan’s major treasure troves of food. It offers a bounty of delicious meats, vegetables, and fish. Located in Shinjuku, “Sushi and Robata Sushiyama Shinjuku” (hereinafter referred to as “Sushiyama”) is a restaurant that primarily uses those delicious ingredients from Hokkaido. The restaurant’s theme is what they call…
Renowned worldwide, wagyū (beef from Japanese cattle breeds) is highly esteemed for its quality. In Japan, every five years, there is a wagyu competition known as the “Wagyu Olympics.” In it, the highest award was recently given to “Kagoshima Kuroushi.” One place you can savor this award-winning type of wagyu is at the restaurant chain “Beef Professional,” which has multiple…
When it comes to fish cuisine representative of Japan, for many people overseas, sashimi would have to come to mind. Located in Nishi-Shinjuku, “Imagawa Shokudō Nishi-Shinjuku” (hereinafter referred to as “Imagawa Shokudo”) offers not only sashimi but also an array of seafood dishes prepared through methods such as searing and frying. Imagawa Shokudo’s “Sesame & mackerel Donburi” is a dish…
In Shinjuku, Tokyo, there’s a restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world upon entering. That restaurant’s name is “Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku” (referred to hereafter as “Nanairo Temariuta”). Once you ride the elevator up to the 5th floor of the building, the first thing you’ll notice in in the restaurant are massive spheres. Nanairo Temariuta’s interior…
A beloved dish in Japan, yakitori, or skewered grilled chicken, is enjoyed by adults and children alike. Available at many taverns as well as specialty shops, it attracts a large number of customers. Neslted in the busy Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, “Shinjuku Imaiya Honten” serves yakitori using Hinai chicken from Akita Prefecture. This free-range brand chicken is known for its…
With a history spanning over 270 years, tea specialty shop “Kyo Hayashiya” infuses the essence of a new era into its sweets while preserving the long tradition of tea. A Kyo Hayashiya Shinjuku branch exclusive! The “Matcha Parfait” At Kyo Hayashiya, you can indulge in their authentic “Matcha Parfait” made with matcha from Uji, the renowned tea-growing region in Kyoto….
Kabukicho, one of Japan’s premier entertainment districts in Tokyo, is not just a hub for locals but also a magnet for visitors of all nationalities. In the heart of Kabukichō, you’ll find “Tokyo Sushi ITAMAE SUSHI Shinjuku Toho Bldg.” (hereunder referred to as “ITAMAE SUSHI”), a bustling hotspot for international visitors, no matter what time of day or night. The…
Many tourists want to maximize their time at their destination. Those eager to actively explore Japan from the morning should head to the onigiri shop “Odamusubi Honten” (hereunder referred to as “Odamusubi”). Conveniently located in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku neighborhood, the shop opens daily at 6:30 AM. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of onigiri rice balls, popular worldwide as…
“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…