Umami bites

Kyoto’s rich culture, spanning architecture, traditions, and culinary arts, finds a new home in Tokyo. At “Kyoto Ichinoden Roppongi Hills,” diners can delve into the essence of Kyoto’s dining culture without leaving the city. “蔵みそ焼懐石御膳,” Kura Miso-Yaki Kaiseki Gozen (available only through reservation) 5,500 JPY (tax included) A culinary journey through the seasons Kyoto Ichinoden, established in 1927 in Kyoto,…

Omurice, or omelette rice, is a dish that boasts immense popularity in Japan, to the extent that events are held to determine the best-tasting ones. Its charm has also spread to international visitors to Japan, and as a new trend in Japanese cuisine, its popularity only continues to grow. “ハンバーグオム,” Hamburger Steak Omelette Rice 1,290 JPY (tax included) Kanda Tamagoken’s…

Conveyor belt sushi, where sushi plates are delivered to your seat on a rotating conveyor belt, is a unique system that is characteristic of revolving sushi restaurants known as kaitenzushi. Located in Akihabara Station, “Magurobito Akihabara” (hereinafter referred to as “Magurobito”) is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that is highly recommend for international visitors to Japan. One reason is its…

Teppanyaki, Japanese cuisine cooked on hot iron griddles, varies quite a bit between Japan and other countries. Internationally, teppanyaki is often enjoyed as a high-end entertainment show (sometimes referred to as “hibachi”), including performances by the chef during cooking. In contrast, Japan showcases more casual, everyday-style dishes like okonomiyaki. Furthermore, it’s quite common for customers themselves to cook on the…

Roppongi, alongside Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, stands as one of Tokyo’s most lively entertainment districts. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Roppongi, however, is a sushi-lover’s destination unlike any other: “SUSHI Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu” (hereunder referred to as “SUSHI Gonpachi”). The restaurant offers a tranquil oasis with a picturesque interior inspired by Japan’s “Taisho Romanticism” during the 1910s and 20s in…

Nestled in Ginza, a lively shopping district of Tokyo filled with an array of eateries, “YAKINIKU MARUUSHI GINZA HONTEN” (hereunder referred to as “Yakiniku Maruushi”) captures the hearts of international diners with its exceptional selection of yakiniku (grilled beef) dishes. They pride themselves on their exceptional wagyū, beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds. Enjoy a luxurious course offering a…

Soba is one of Japan’s traditional dishes. These buckwheat noodles are the star at “Teuchi Soba Keyaki” in Roppongi, Tokyo. This place is all about embracing the age-old traditions of soba, serving dishes with a clear focus on quality. Traditional Japanese soba in the heart of Roppongi When it comes to soba, it’s all about the taste, smell, and the…

Conveniently located within walking distance of Tokyo Station is the Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. (short for shopping center). The facility boasts over 100 shops, including high-end brands and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and many visitors from overseas. In the shopping center’s annex, you’ll find the restaurant “Picoti Picota NIHOMBASHI Takashimaya S.C.” (hereinafter referred to as “Picoti…

Ueno, with its plethora of eateries where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages even during the day, is bustling with people day and night. The scene of strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder on outdoor seats and sharing drinks can be considered a symbolic sight of this neighborhood. For an authentic experience of casually enjoying a meal with alcohol at a Japanese…

Since early times, dashi broth has been an essential part of Japanese cuisine. In 2022, a dashi specialty shop opened in New York City, and now the ingredient continues to attract attention from around the world. In order to better understand the allure of dashi, the Umami bites editorial team visited the restaurant “Okaka Shinjuku” located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. At…

This spring, the fusion of art and nature paints Tokyo Midtown Hibiya in vibrant colors with HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024, set from March 20 to April 14. Embracing the theme “Art & Flowers,” this annual event weaves together artistic expression and the beauty of flora, spotlighting sustainability and elegance in its 2024 rendition. Imagine a setting where artificial flowers, crafted from…

Japanese ramen can be categorized into various types based on factors such as the flavor and characteristics of the soup, the region where it’s commonly eaten, and more. One of these many ramen types is known as tanrei-kei ramen. Tanrei-kei ramen is characterized by a refreshing aftertaste and a clear, transparent broth. A particularly notable representative of the tanrei-kei style…

Lumine EST Shinjuku, a shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station, houses numerous dining establishments. Among them, “Ochobohan” is one that stands out with its abundant selection of sweets with a focus on matcha! Signature dishes at Ochobohan are all about matcha Matcha used at Ochobohan is sourced from “Fujii Chaen,” a tea plantation in the renowned matcha-producing region of…

Japan’s wagyū (beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds), now globally renowned, comes in various brands, each offering distinct flavors and aromas. Among them, one highly recommended brand is “Kagoshima Kuroushi” from Kagoshima Prefecture. This brand has achieved the title of Japan’s best in competitions where wagyu from all across the country is evaluated. Its meat quality, texture, and the…

Spanning oceans and captivating diners of all nationalities, Japan’s tonkatsu is a culinary marvel. In Japan’s more renowned tonkatsu eateries, it’s not uncommon for the majority of patrons to be international travelers, united in their fascination with this crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet. Among these, “Butagumi Shokudou,” nestled in the cosmopolitan Roppongi district of Tokyo, emerges as a standout destination, earning…