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…

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…