Since ancient times, rice has been deeply connected to Shinto rituals and festivals, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. It remains Japan’s culinary identity—an everyday source of energy, with a simple and gentle taste that perfectly complements a wide range of side dishes.
At “Ookamadomeshi Torafuku Lumine Shinjukuten,” (referred to hereafter as “Torafuku”), a popular teishoku (set meal) restaurant, you can enjoy freshly cooked rice—the most delicious way to savor it—served in Japan’s unique teishoku style.
Set meal at Torafuku
A teishoku is a classic Japanese meal style consisting of rice as the staple food, a protein-rich main dish such as meat or fish, several vegetable-based side dishes, and a soup like miso soup.
The rice served at Torafuku is a custom blend delivered fresh every day from Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture. From carefully selected ingredients to traditional cooking, Torafuku takes pride in showcasing the appeal of rice and teishoku.
Interior of Torafuku
Bringing out the rice’s natural sweetness with a traditional rice cooker
Step into Torafuku Lumine Shinjuku, and the first thing you’ll notice is the enormous traditional rice cooker, or kamado.
At Torafuku, rice is prepared in a custom-built 150 kg (about 330 lbs) kamado using a classical cooking method that enhances its natural taste.
The custom-built kamado used at Torafuku
Torafuku insists on milling its rice fresh every day to ensure the best quality. To draw out a clean flavor and aroma, the water used for cooking is carefully filtered with charcoal.
The most important element in cooking rice is heat control. At Torafuku, the process begins over a strong flame, then the temperature is gradually reduced and adjusted with precision.
Charcoal used to filter the water
After about 30 minutes, the rice is ready—each grain glistening like a pearl with a beautiful sheen.
The sweet aroma of freshly cooked rice fills the air, bringing a smile to your face.
When the rice finishes cooking, a bell rings throughout the restaurant, followed by voices calling for “okawari” (refills).
“Okawari” is a handy Japanese word to remember when you’d like another serving of the same dish or drink—try using it here!
The luxurious “Two-Item Teishoku” is a big hit
“選べる二種盛り定食,” Two-Item Teishoku, lunch: 1,780 JPY (tax included), dinner: 1,890 JPY (tax included)
The most popular set meal at Torafuku is the “Two-Item Teishoku.”
This generous set lets you choose two main dishes, such as the daily grilled fish or fried item, along with options like ginger pork, beef and tofu, or simmered colorful vegetables with fish and fried tofu.
(Left) Karaage Fried chicken, (Right) Grilled salmon marinated in Saikyo miso
Since rice is the star here, Torafuku makes sure its lineup of side dishes lives up to the main attraction.
On our visit, the fish was perfectly seasoned salmon, grilled until fragrant, and the fried dish was juicy karaage chicken. Both paired wonderfully with the freshly cooked rice.
(Top) Kiriboshi daikon, (Bottom left) Pickled napa cabbage, (Bottom right) Komatsuna ohitashi
The small daily side dishes act as perfect supporting players, enhancing both rice and mains.
That day’s selection included crisp pickled napa cabbage with a refreshing tang, hearty simmered kiriboshi daikon (dried daikon strips), and a gentle-tasting komatsuna ohitashi (blanched greens in broth).
The miso soup, made fresh each morning by combining house-prepared dashi with white miso, is the kind that instantly warms and soothes you with the first sip.
Seasonal mixed rice and multigrain rice—unlimited refills!
At Torafuku, you’re not limited to plain white rice. Seasonal mixed rice and fiber-rich multigrain rice are also available, all with unlimited refills.
Seasonal takikomi gohan / (Left) Octopus mixed rice, (Right) Corn and barley multigrain rice
One of the highlights of Torafuku is the freedom to switch up your rice with each refill—for example, starting with plain white rice, then trying takikomi gohan (rice cooked with seasonal ingredients) for your second bowl, and finishing with multigrain rice for the third.
On our visit, the seasonal offerings were octopus mixed rice and corn with barley multigrain rice.
Furikake seasoning available at each table
At each table you’ll also find furikake, a popular topping among regulars made with bonito flakes, dried whitebait, kelp, and sesame, which you can sprinkle freely over your rice.
Other side options include nattō (fermented soybeans) and premium raw eggs. Both are classic Japanese ways to enjoy rice—definitely worth trying at least once.
(Left) Natto 180 JPY (tax included), (Right) Raw egg – 180 JPY (tax included)
“Steak Donburi”: a bowl topped with glistening beef steak
Among international visitors, one of the most popular dinner dishes at Torafuku is the “Steak Donburi,” a steak rice bowl.
“ステーキ丼,” Steak Donburi 1,980 JPY (tax included)
The ruby-red slices of beef are carefully selected, tender, and served medium rare. Paired with Torafuku’s house-made soy-based sauce and a touch of wasabi, the flavor is a perfect match with rice.
Of course, even with a rice bowl, you can enjoy unlimited refills of all three types of rice.
The menu is available in English, Korean, and Chinese, making it especially welcoming for international travelers.
With direct access from Shinjuku Station, Torafuku offers a spacious, modern setting where you can fully experience Japan’s proud rice culture.
Exterior of Torafuku
Information
| Store name | 大かまど飯 寅福 ルミネ新宿店 Ookamadomeshi Torafuku Lumine Shinjukuten |
|---|---|
| Address | LUMINE1 7F, 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Shinjuku Station（SJK） Short-walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit
|
| Phone number | 03-3344-1200 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog, GURUNAVI, Hot Pepper, Reserve with Google Business, limited to entry between 17:00-18:00 |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-22:30（last order 21:30） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Lumine 1 Shinjuku holidays |
| Seating | 98 seats 6 counter seats, 92 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://torafuku.jp/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2025.
