Food and Drink

Gluten-Free Matcha Sweets Made with Organic Ingredients—Straight from Omotesando

Just a short walk from the bustle of Omotesando in Tokyo lies Urasando Garden, a quiet little complex housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese home. Tucked away in one corner is “Riz Labo Kitchen Urasando Garden” (hereafter referred to as “Riz Labo Kitchen”), a cafe specializing in gluten-free sweets. The stars of the menu are pancakes and crepes made…

Ginza’s Must-Try Fruit Parfaits Are Made with Premium Fruit Shipped Straight from the Farm

Yamagata Prefecture is famous for cherries, Okayama Prefecture for peaches, and Hokkaidō Prefecture for melons—Japan is dotted with regions known for their signature fruits. Among them, Wakayama Prefecture stands out as a major fruit-producing region, thanks to its rich natural environment and mild climate. “Kannonyama Fruit Parlour Ginza,” with locations in Wakayama and Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, is a popular…

Explore the New World of Matcha: From DIY Tea to Stylish Sweets in Omotesando

Matcha has long been rooted in Japanese culture, from tea ceremonies to wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). But this time-honored flavor has evolved in surprisingly creative ways with the times. In recent years, a wave of specialty matcha dessert shops has ushered in a new era of matcha sweets that blend Japanese tradition with Western innovation. Why not step into this…

Savor the Finest Japanese Fruit Desserts in Shinjuku’s Top Dessert Spot

In Japan, where the seasons are clearly defined, spring brings strawberries, summer offers watermelon and melon, autumn presents grapes, and winter delivers mandarins—resulting in a rich variety of seasonal fruits throughout the year. Fruits grown across Japan’s diverse climates each boast unique sweetness, aroma, and juiciness. “MARUTOME the Juicery Parfaiteria LUMINE Shinjuku” (hereafter referred to as MARUTOME the Juicery Parfaiteria”)…

ぱいかじ 新宿新南口店

Take a Mini Trip to Okinawa—Without Leaving Tokyo! Dine at Paikaji in Shinjuku

Located at Japan’s southernmost point, Okinawa still preserves its unique culture today. That uniqueness is especially evident in its cuisine, which is quite different from what you’ll typically find in Tokyo or on the mainland. “Paikaji” is an Okinawan restaurant with six locations in Okinawa and two in Tokyo. It not only offers authentic Okinawan dishes, but also lets guests…

This Ginza Restaurant is a Top Spot for Okinawan Food and Awamori in Tokyo

Discover the vibrant flavors of Okinawa, a tropical resort destination surrounded by the sea, without leaving Tokyo. With its own distinct cultural background, Okinawa has developed many one-of-a-kind dishes that stand out even among Japan’s diverse regional cuisines. One highly praised spot where you can enjoy authentic, high-quality Okinawan food in Tokyo is “Okinawa Sakaba Haisai Ginzaten,” (hereafter referred to…

Savor Authentic Okinawan Cuisine and Island Vibes in the Heart of Tokyo!

Due to its unique historical background, Okinawa has developed a rich and distinct culture unlike that of mainland Japan. This includes a diverse food culture, and in recent years, more and more restaurants in Tokyo offer Okinawan cuisine. Among them, “Dachibin” in Kōenji stands out for its long-standing history. Founded in 1978, Dachibin has become a pioneer of Okinawan food…

かに地獄 新橋

How to Enjoy a Full Hokkaido Crab Feast in Shimbashi on a Budget

Shimbashi, one of Tokyo’s premier business districts, is a food lover’s paradise offering everything from casual izakaya to upscale restaurants. Standing right in front of Shimbashi Station’s Hibiya Exit (SL Square), the New Shimbashi Building is one of the area’s most iconic landmarks, known for its unique and deep-rooted atmosphere that continues to draw people in. Located on the second…

みやら製麺

This Tokyo Shop Keeps Classic Okinawa Soba Alive with Handmade Noodles

Okinawa soba is a beloved noodle dish that represents Okinawan cuisine, commonly eaten throughout the prefecture. With a unique flavor all its own, it’s distinct from both Japanese soba and ramen. “Miyara Seimen” is a rare Okinawa soba specialty shop in Tokyo, offering not only traditional Okinawa soba but also the hard-to-find Yaeyama soba, a regional variant seldom seen outside…

竹富島

The Perfect Okinawan Lunch in Tokyo? Try This Ginza Spot with All the Classics

Japan is a country of diverse cultures and culinary styles that vary by region. Among them, Okinawa Prefecture—the country’s southernmost region—boasts a unique culture that sets it apart from mainland Japan. This is especially evident in its rich and distinct food culture, with an impressive variety of local dishes. While Okinawan specialty restaurants have become more common in Tokyo in…

豚屋 鳥山

Enjoy Manga-esque Ultra-Thick Pork Steak and Local Izakaya Culture in Shimbashi!

Shimbashi is a fascinating Tokyo neighborhood where towering office buildings stand alongside down-to-earth eateries. One of the area’s signature sights is the crowds of office workers gathering each night to unwind after work. Connected directly to Shimbashi Station via an underground passage, Shimbashi Ekimae Building was built in 1966 and still retains its nostalgic, retro atmosphere. From the basement first…

海鮮丼 まるきた 2号店

Tsukiji’s Rare All-Day Spot for Seafood Bowls and Grilled Delights – Marukita 2nd Branch

“Kaisendon Marukita 2nd Branch” (hereafter referred to as “Kaisendon Marukita”) is a restaurant specializing in seafood bowls, as its name suggests (kaisendon meaning “seafood rice bowl” in Japanese). However, their grilled dishes and sashimi are just as popular, especially among international visitors! Located in Tokyo’s lively Tsukiji Outer Market, the shop offers a casual and energetic setting where you can…

立ち呑み 庫裏

Authentic Standing Sake Bar in Shimbashi – Why Fans Love Tachinomi Kuri

Conveniently located near Tokyo Station and Ginza Station, Shimbashi has long been known and loved as a classic after-work drinking district for Japan’s office workers. Even today, it remains lively day and night, weekdays and weekends alike. Shimbashi Ekimae Building, directly connected to Shimbashi Station’s Shiodome Exit via an underground passage, is home to some of the area’s most authentic…

築地寿司岩 築地支店

Looking for Authentic Sushi in Tsukiji? Try This Historic Edomae Spot

The Tsukiji Outer Market is a popular destination for tourists seeking fresh seafood. Located right at the entrance of the market at the Tsukiji 4-chōme intersection is “Tsukiji Sushiiwa Tsukijishiten” (hereafter referred to as “Tsukiji Sushiiwa”), a historic sushi restaurant founded in 1921. This esteemed restaurant is known for offering traditional Edomae sushi crafted with expert technique, all in a…