In the peak of summer heat—July and August—there’s a perfect place to cool down that you’ll definitely want to visit. That place is Hachiya, a specialty cafe devoted to the fragrant world of Japanese tea. Here, you can enjoy premium teas like matcha, hōjicha (roasted green tea) and sencha green tea, paired with beautifully crafted Japanese-style sweets that are not…
Sōmen is a traditional Japanese noodle dish made from wheat flour, known for its thin, delicate noodles—thinner than udon or ramen. Thanks to its light, refreshing texture, somen is especially popular in summer when appetites tend to drop due to the heat. It’s considered one of Japan’s classic seasonal dishes. Recently, more and more creative takes on somen have emerged,…
Ramen, one of Japan’s most beloved evolving food cultures, has become a national culinary icon. Walk the streets of Tokyo, and you’ll find quietly tucked-away ramen shops cherished by locals for years. Just one station from Shinjuku, nestled in a peaceful alley in Yoyogi, “Menkoidokoro Isoji” is a well-known ramen gem among those in the know. Menkoidokoro Isoji has 10…
In recent years, omurice (omelette rice) has gained popularity both within Japan and abroad. Omurice is a Japanese-origin dish made by wrapping stir-fried rice in an omelette and topping it with ketchup, demi-glace sauce, or other condiments. Its beautiful appearance and gentle flavors have captured the hearts of people across generations and countries. One especially popular spot is “ESPRESSO D…
Ohagi, a traditional Japanese sweet said to have been enjoyed since the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333), is typically made from sweet rice and red bean paste.Depending on the season or region, it may also be known as botamochi. These confections, deeply rooted in Japan’s spiritual customs, were traditionally enjoyed during Ohigan, a Buddhist holiday celebrated during the spring and…
“Habutaedango Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Habutae Dango”), a historic teahouse founded in 1819, has its main shop in Tokyo’s Nippori neighborhood. For over 200 years, it has been beloved by locals and visitors alike. With such a long history dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868), the shop has appeared in the works of many Japanese literary giants, including…
Located at the base of Tokyo Skytree in Oshiage, the Tokyo Solamachi shopping complex is home to “Horiuchi Fruit Farm TOKYO Solamachi” (referred to hereafter as “Horiuchi Fruit Farm”), a cafe directly operated by the fruit farm of the same name. It’s a true destination for fruit lovers—where you can indulge all five senses in the delicious world of fruit….
Wagashi, made from natural Japanese ingredients like azuki red beans, mochi, and agar, are delicate and artistic traditional sweets that reflect Japanese sensibilities. Featuring designs inspired by nature and the seasons, and characterized by gentle sweetness, they exude a quiet beauty. “Imagashitsukasa Ginza Fugetsudo” is a modern-style Japanese cafe where you can enjoy the charm of wagashi with a contemporary…
The brand concept of “Azabu Yasaigashi” is “a little luxury made from vegetables.” This unique sweets shop offers wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and kakigōri (shaved ice), all made using generous amounts of vegetables. These creative, vegetable-based sweets are both unique and delicious—something you won’t find at other shops. Here are some of the top picks worth trying. Vegetables and sweets:…
Asakusa, Tokyo, is a charming district known for its traditional atmosphere and bustling downtown streets. At its heart stands “Funawa Honten” (hereafter referred to as “Funawa”), a beloved Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1902. Famous for its signature imoyōkan (a traditional jellied dessert made from sweet potatoes), Funawa offers a delightful variety of simple yet flavorful wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)…
Situated just a short walk from Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, “ATELIER MATCHA” is a unique destination that offers a completely new kind of matcha experience built around the concept of the “Third Wave of Matcha.” If the First Wave of matcha refers to the formal enjoyment of matcha while seated in a traditional tea room, and the Second Wave to…
Abura soba, or “oil noodles,” is a brothless ramen that represents a bold evolution of traditional Japanese noodles. Instead of soup, abura soba uses a savory sauce that coats the noodles and toppings. Diners mix everything together before eating, creating a flavorful and customizable experience. At “Akihabara Tsukemen Aburasoba Gaku,” the owner believes that “good oil brings out the best…
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans and rice, with over 1,000 years of history. It’s a staple in Japanese cuisine—found in miso soup, stews, hot pots, and grilled dishes—and deeply rooted in Japanese food culture. If you’re looking to see, taste, and truly experience Japan’s miso culture, “Miso Soup Cafe Ajien” is the place to go….
Abura soba is a type of ramen served without soup. Unlike typical ramen, it features a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the noodles, allowing you to savor the true taste of the noodles themselves. Among the many shops offering abura soba, “Tokyo Aburagumi Souhonten” stands out as one of the top chains, with locations all across Japan—and even overseas. It’s…
Miso—a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soybeans with rice, barley, or salt—is a staple in Japanese cuisine. From miso soup to hot pots and simmered dishes, it’s an essential element of everyday meals. Different regions of Japan have their own miso traditions. In Aichi Prefecture, a major soybean-producing region, aka miso (red miso) has been a local favorite for…