Matcha, the finely powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, has become a popular ingredient in sweets across Japan. In Tokyo, you can find a variety of matcha-infused treats, from creamy desserts to delicate pastries, that highlight the rich, slightly bitter flavor of this iconic tea. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or trying it for the first time,…

Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is a classic Japanese dish that brings out the simple, rich flavors of charcoal-grilled chicken. Whether seasoned with salt or coated in savory tare sauce, these skewers are a culinary cornerstone of any Japanese pub visit. In this article, we’ll explore some of Tokyo’s top yakitori spots, where you can enjoy this beloved dish in its…

“Unagi Kaneichi Higashi Ueno” (referred to hereafter as Kaneichi) opened its doors in the Ueno area of Tokyo in 1965. Since then, Kaneichi has been a part of Ueno’s landscape, specializing in unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) dishes with a sauce that has remained unchanged since its founding. “上うな重,” Premium Eel Box 3,500 JPY (tax included) A sauce unchanged since the…

Wagyū (beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds) is a must-try for any meat lover visiting Japan. Globally renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, exquisite taste, and unique marbling, it can be enjoyed in many different ways, from grilled yakiniku cuisine to hotpot cooking. In this article, we will introduce some of the best wagyu restaurants Tokyo has to offer, and…

Ueno, much like Shin-Okubo, is known as one of Tokyo’s more multicultural areas. Not only are there many restaurants with diverse atmospheres lined up, but many people who frequent and gather in Ueno are also multinational. Thanks to that, one of Ueno’s charms is the opportunity to encounter restaurants offering cuisine unusual in Japan. At “SANKYU HALAL JAPANESE FOOD,” you…

If you’re visiting Tokyo, katsu curry is a must-try. This iconic Japanese dish combines the satisfying crunch of a breaded pork cutlet with the comforting flavor of Japanese cury, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the very best katsu curry restaurants in Tokyo, each offering its own unique…

Just a five-minute walk from the famous Ameya-Yokocho market in Ueno, Tokyo, there’s a legendary restaurant called “Ponta Honke.” In business for over a century, they specialize in yōshoku, Western-style dishes that have uniquely developed in Japan. The venerable establishment’s impressive wooden nameplate stands out amidst the bustling buildings and eateries in the neighborhood. At Ponta Honke, you can savor…

Ramen is one of Japan’s top comfort foods, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world. With so many variations in broth, noodles, and toppings, Tokyo is a ramen lover’s paradise, offering a dizzying array of options that can make it tough to choose where to start. To help you navigate the bustling ramen scene, this article rounds up some…

“Bouya Horumonkan Uenorokuchōme” (hereafter referred to as “Bouya Horumonkan”), a yakiniku restaurant in Ueno, is so popular that most seats are filled as soon as it opens for business. Nearly half the customers visiting the restaurant are international tourists. The reason for its popularity is the high-quality wagyū beef available at reasonable prices, explaining why it’s almost always fully booked!…

Since their public debut at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in 1972, pandas have become beloved symbols of the Ueno area. From monuments to food, you can spot pandas everywhere in Ueno. Just steps from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station, “Ueno Green Salon” offers delightful panda-themed sweets. Ueno Green Salon’s adorable panda sweets One popular panda-themed treat at Ueno Green…

Located within the atré Ueno shopping and dining mall directly connected to JR Ueno Station, “Tonkyu Ueno” (referred to hereafter as “Tonkyu”) is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality tonkatsu at reasonable prices. From the brand of pork to the condiments and seasonings, everything is infused with Tonkyu’s passion. Savor the umami of rare black pork tonkatsu At…

Located right next to Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Ueno Marui department store houses a number of enticing restaurants. One of them, “yusoshi chano-ma Ueno,” offers a delightful selection of sweets made with distinctly Japanese ingredients such as matcha and kinako (roasted soybean flour). These visually appealing desserts are so beautiful, you’ll find it hard to stop taking photos! Two…

Tonkotsu, made from pork bone, is a classic ramen soup known for its milky white color and creamy texture. Tonkotsu soup is commonly used in the Kyūshū region, the southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands. However, it’s enjoyed all throughout Japan and has an enduring popularity. Located right inside Ueno Station, “Tokyo Jangara ecute Ueno” (hereafter referred to as “Tokyo Jangara”),…

Ueno, with its plethora of eateries where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages even during the day, is bustling with people day and night. The scene of strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder on outdoor seats and sharing drinks can be considered a symbolic sight of this neighborhood. For an authentic experience of casually enjoying a meal with alcohol at a Japanese…

Japanese ramen can be categorized into various types based on factors such as the flavor and characteristics of the soup, the region where it’s commonly eaten, and more. One of these many ramen types is known as tanrei-kei ramen. Tanrei-kei ramen is characterized by a refreshing aftertaste and a clear, transparent broth. A particularly notable representative of the tanrei-kei style…