Umami bites

Hokkaido is considered one of Japan’s major treasure troves of food. It offers a bounty of delicious meats, vegetables, and fish. Located in Shinjuku, “Hokkai-sushi to Tempura Sushiyama Shinjuku” (hereinafter referred to as “Sushiyama”) is a restaurant that primarily uses those delicious ingredients from Hokkaido. The restaurant’s theme is what they call a “Day Trip Hokkaido Experience,” allowing customers to…

Immerse yourself in the refined flavors of yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat cuisine) paired with sommelier-selected wines at “Japanese Yakiniku Nikugen Roppongi” (hereunder referred to as “Nikugen Roppongi.”) At this popular Tokyo establishment, the spotlight shines on Black Angus beef, wet-aged for over 30 days to unlock the true essence of its taste. Prepared by a grillmaster before your eyes: “Specialty…

Renowned worldwide, wagyū (beef from Japanese cattle breeds) is highly esteemed for its quality. In Japan, every five years, there is a wagyu competition known as the “Wagyu Olympics.” In it, the highest award was recently given to “Kagoshima Kuroushi.” One place you can savor this award-winning type of wagyu is at the restaurant chain “Beef Professional,” which has multiple…

When it comes to fish cuisine representative of Japan, for many people overseas, sashimi would have to come to mind. Located in Nishi-Shinjuku, “Imagawa Shokudō Nishi-Shinjuku” (hereinafter referred to as “Imagawa Shokudo”) offers not only sashimi but also an array of seafood dishes prepared through methods such as searing and frying. Imagawa Shokudo’s “Sesame & mackerel Donburi” is a dish…

In Shinjuku, Tokyo, there’s a restaurant that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world upon entering. That restaurant’s name is “Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku” (referred to hereafter as “Nanairo Temariuta”). Once you ride the elevator up to the 5th floor of the building, the first thing you’ll notice in in the restaurant are massive spheres. Nanairo Temariuta’s interior…

“Rokurinsha” is a well-known name among ramen enthusiasts in Japan. With five locations in Tokyo, the popular restaurant often has customers lining up out the door. Such popularity can be attributed to its rich broths made from ingredients like pork and chicken bones. “特製つけめん,” Special Dip noodles 1,150 JPY (tax included) Rokurinsha’s richly flavored broth captivates the crowd The Ueno…

Discovering Japan’s Rich Wood Tradition Japan’s wooden architecture is a stunning showcase of how tradition can blend seamlessly with innovation, drawing visitors from all around the planet. From the historic Hōryū-ji Temple to the charming villages of Shirakawa-gō, the use of wood in Japan is not just about building; it’s a deep reflection of a culture that holds a special…

In Japan, Kyoto is often strongly considered to be the home of matcha. However, if you’re thinking “you can’t get your hands on authentic matcha unless you visit Kyoto,” you would be quite mistaken! “Hibiya Hayashiyashinbē” (hereafter referred to as “Hayashiyashinbe”), is a place in Tokyo where you can savor genuine matcha. Drink in authentic matcha at Hayashiyashinbe The perception…

Oishī itadakimashita! At sushi restaurant “Tsukiji Sushikuro Ginza Inns” (hereunder referred to as “Tsukiji Sushikuro”), chefs enthusiastically exclaim this phrase, literally meaning “we’ve received a ‘delicious,’” every time a diner praises the food. This lively interaction is a staple of the culinary experience here. Following the success of its Yokohama Joinus branch, the restaurant opened for business at this location…

Many foreign tourists visiting Japan often come just to sample Japanese cuisine, especially sushi. “Kizuna Sushi,” a restaurant where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat sushi, is perfect for those looking to explore unique and unusual sushi toppings not commonly found abroad. All-you-can-eat tuna, sea urchin, and other premium sushi! At Kizuna Sushi, which has branches in Tokyo’s Akihabara and Shinjuku, you…

Hambāgu, or hamburger steaks, are incredibly popular in Japan. These succulent hamburger patties have undergone a somewhat unique evolution of their own in Japan, making them stand out compared to their overseas counterparts. “Steak and Japanese beef Matsuya Seinikuten” (hereunder referred to as “Matsuya Seinikuten”) is a hamburger steak restaurant that offers the perfect place to enjoy the distinctive Japanese…

Born in Japan, the rice burger swaps traditional bread buns for rice, encasing delicious fillings. “Rice Burger Shop OKOMEDOKI,” situated in the trendy Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo, stands out as one of the rare eateries dedicated to this hybrid creation, serving up these burgers which have a close affinity with Japanese cuisine. A burger with rice?! The “OKD Double Cheese…

Located inside the JR Ueno Station ticket gate, “T’s TANTAN ecute Ueno” (hereinafter referred to as “T’s TANTAN”) is a restaurant that offers vegan-friendly ramen. At T’s TANTAN, the signature dish is the “Golden Sesame Tantan” noodles. Tantan is a Japanese dish resembling ramen that is inspired by the Sichuanese dish Dandan noodles. “T’sセット（金胡麻たんたん麺、全部野菜の焼き餃子１２個）,” T’s Set Golden Sesame Tantan +…

A beloved dish in Japan, yakitori, or skewered grilled chicken, is enjoyed by adults and children alike. Available at many taverns as well as specialty shops, it attracts a large number of customers. Neslted in the busy Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, “Shinjuku Imaiya Honten” serves yakitori using Hinai chicken from Akita Prefecture. This free-range brand chicken is known for its…

There’s a place in Roppongi, Tokyo, where you can savor the special dishes of Kōchi Prefecture, presented right before your eyes in a kitchen brimming with life and excitement. This is “Warayakiya Roppongi” (hereafter referred to as “Warayakiya”), a unique restaurant boasting 16 branches, primarily within the Tokyo Metropolitan area. “名物 鰹のわらやき塩たたき,” Lightly grilled bonito 1,749 JPY (tax included) The…