When traveling in Japan, the highlights include beautiful scenery, historic streetscapes, and, of course, the food. But many wonder—how much can you enjoy Japan on a limited budget? The truth is, with a bit of planning, you can savor Japanese food culture from morning to night, even on a budget of 5,000 yen or less. You can, for instance, save…
Yoyogi Park is a rare pocket of nature in the heart of Tokyo—a lush urban oasis that’s perfect for a relaxing walk, picnic, or jog. With its spacious grounds and seasonal beauty, it’s a beloved hangout for both locals and tourists. The park is conveniently located next to Meiji Jingu shrine and is within walking distance of popular neighborhoods like…
Just a few train stops from major tourist spots like Tokyo Station, Asakusa, and Akihabara—and about 30 minutes from Haneda Airport via the Toei Asakusa Line—Asakusabashi is a traditional downtown neighborhood with great accessibility. Amid a row of small, locally run shops with a laid-back atmosphere, one spot that has been gaining a strong reputation among sake enthusiasts is “KAMOSU.”…
In a quiet corner of Ueno’s bustling entertainment district lies a discreetly signed shaved ice specialty shop: “Ueno Kakigōri Senmonten Yondaime Ōnoya Hyoushitsu” (hereafter “Onoya Hyoushitsu”). It operates during the day out of a space that becomes a bar after dark—an inventive use of space that adds to its charm. The highlight here is silk‑fluffy kakigōri (shaved ice) that melts…
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…