As an island nation, Japan has a deeply rooted culinary culture of eating fish. Among its many fish preparations, himono—fish that has been dried to preserve it and enhance its flavor—is one of the most familiar and beloved ingredients for Japanese people. At “Sumibiyaki Shokudo Koganeya,” you can enjoy himono in the form of teishoku, a set meal served with…
Japanese convenience stores aren’t just handy shops with wide product selections open 24 hours a day. Of course, that alone is convenient enough. But from morning coffee to hearty lunches, light snacks, and even full-scale dinners, the range of food is so impressive that you could practically get through an entire day eating only from a convenience store. On top…
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, tonkatsu—breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets—is one of Japan’s iconic dishes. Across the country, specialty shops each put their own spin on this classic, and the deliciousness of tonkatsu has also gained attention overseas. What Is Katsu? Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s Fried Cutlet Craze At first glance, tonkatsu may…
When people think of Shibuya, they often picture Japan’s fashion and cultural trends taking shape and spreading to the world. Naturally, the food scene here is just as exciting. From international restaurants and casual cafés to long-established Japanese dining spots, Shibuya offers an impressive variety. Among them, sushi is a must. As one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dishes, it’s…
Sushi is one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions. From classic nigiri to modern creations with bold twists — and even colorful “NEO sushi” designed to wow on social media — the world of sushi keeps evolving with fresh ideas and flavors. One of the best places to experience this cutting edge is Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest dining districts….
Tokyo is bustling with visitors from around the world. As internationalization advances rapidly, one phrase you’ll notice more and more is “Vegan Friendly.” From cafes and restaurants to fast food chains, diverse vegan menus are now available, making Tokyo an increasingly welcoming city for travelers seeking plant-based cuisine. For international visitors, having more dining options is always a plus—especially for…
Wagyū beef has now become a globally recognized brand, and it’s no longer uncommon to see it on the menus of high-end restaurants. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavor, wagyu enjoys immense popularity among gourmet enthusiasts. Wagyu at Wagyū no Kamisama However, enjoying wagyu abroad can be astonishingly expensive. In restaurants in the U.S. and Europe, a single…
Located in the lush western Tokyo area of Okutama, Mt. Mitake is a popular destination for both spiritual visitors and hikers, crowned by the historic Musashi Mitake Shrine at its summit. The approach to the 929-meter summit is lined with lodging facilities and souvenir shops, bustling with hikers and tourists alike. Amid this lively path stands “Momijiya,” a long-established udon…
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) encapsulate the beauty of the seasons and Japan’s unique culinary aesthetic sensibility. They’re not just for tasting; they’re a feast for the eyes as well. In Tokyo, wagashi can be found everywhere, from long-established shops to modern stores beloved by younger generations. These Are THE Places to Eat Traditional Wagashi Sweets in Japan—And Buy Some to…
Just an hour from central Tokyo by train, Mt. Takao is a popular destination where even beginners can easily hike using the cable car or lift, offering the perfect blend of nature and culture. Since earning three Michelin stars in 2007, Mt. Takao has attracted visitors not only from Japan but from all over the world. Midway up the mountain…
Kakigōri (shaved ice) is Japan’s quintessential summer sweet, but in recent years it has evolved beyond its traditional roots into a global trendsetting dessert. Tokyo in particular has become the epicenter of kakigori culture, with specialty shops serving creative variations year-round. From fluffy ice topped with rich fruit syrups to artistic presentations with unique ingredients, Tokyo’s kakigori scene is often…
Abura soba is a brothless type of ramen in which the noodles are mixed with a rich, savory sauce instead of soup. Each restaurant uses its own signature tare (sauce), resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying bowl that still delivers all the indulgence of ramen—without the broth. Thanks to its unique style, abura soba has long been popular among…
Rich in flavor yet surprisingly elegant—abura soba (oil noodles) is a unique dish that combines seemingly contradictory charms and is quietly sparking a boom in Tokyo. Tokyo’s Must-Try Abura Soba: Your Guide to Japan’s Soup-Free Ramen Sensation Abura soba is a type of ramen without soup, where noodles are thoroughly mixed with a special tare (sauce) and aromatic oils, creating…
If you’re visiting Japan and think ramen is a must-try, you should definitely know about a unique noodle dish called “abura soba” (oil noodles). At first glance, it looks like ramen, but surprisingly, it contains no soup at all. Instead, you mix a special tare (sauce) and fragrant oil with the noodles, allowing you to directly enjoy the rich flavors…
When traveling in Japan, you may come across a food category called yōshoku (Western-style Japanese cuisine). Yoshoku refers to dishes that originated overseas but have been uniquely adapted to suit Japanese tastes. It became popular during the Meiji era (1868–1912), when Western culture began flowing into Japan, and has since evolved to include classics like hamburger steak, curry rice, and…