Hamburger steaks, sometimes also called hamburg steaks (and known as hambāgu in Japanese), have become one of Japan’s hottest dishes among international travelers. Tokyo boasts so many restaurants offering these succulent patties made from ground meat and delicious seasonings, it can be hard to decide on one! This article will serve as guide on five of the best restaurants to…
Here are some Japanese phrases to remember when ordering or paying for meals during your trip to Japan. Feel free to use this article in the restaurant and point out the phrases you want to say. Arrival and seating When you arrive at a restaurant, use these phrases to get seated comfortably: Excuse me: すみません。 (sumimasen) I have a reservation:…
Located right next to Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Ueno Marui department store houses a number of enticing restaurants. One of them, “yusoshi chano-ma Ueno,” offers a delightful selection of sweets made with distinctly Japanese ingredients such as matcha and kinako (roasted soybean flour). These visually appealing desserts are so beautiful, you’ll find it hard to stop taking photos! Two…
Among the many areas in Tokyo, Ginza is particularly known for its concentration of high-end fashion brand stores. In Ginza, even the dining establishments exude sophistication and refinement. “Yakiniku Inoue Ginza” (hereafter referred to as “Yakiniku Inoue”) is a yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat cuisine) restaurant with a modern and impressive interior design. The restaurant offers carefully selected Kuroge wagyū (a…
Ochazuke has long been loved in Japan as somewhat of a fast food. It’s a simple and easy dish made by pouring tea or dashi broth over a bowl of white rice. However, a visit to “Ochazuke Onigiri Yamamotoyama” located in the EATo LUMINE complex inside JR Shinjuku Station is bound to change your image of the simple dish. While…
The gastropub culture born in the UK is something foreign to Japan. Located in Roppongi, “THE PUBLIC SIX” is a restaurant that blends the cultures of British pubs and Japanese cuisine together. The menu centers around classic pub dishes with a Japanese twist! Pork chops inspired by Japanese home cooking THE PUBLIC SIX was created with the concept of “what…
Characterized by its spicy and numbing flavors from chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, tantanmen noodles are so popular in Japan that there are restaurants specializing in them. Although it originated from Chinese dan dan noodles, it followed its own path in Japan. “Souryutougyokudo Roppongi” is a popular restaurant in the lively Roppongi district of Tokyo, offering a variety of tantanmen…
“NAGASAKI TORUKO RICE SHOKUDO” (hereafter referred to as “Nagasaki Toruko Rice Shokudo”) is a restaurant that prides itself on using ingredients from Nagasaki Prefecture. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Nagasaki-originated Turkish rice, which is also the namesake of the restaurant. “Toruko” is how “Turkey” or “Turkish” is referred to in Japanese. While it doesn’t have any particularly strong ties…
Izakaya, traditional Japanese pubs, are one of the country’s unique culinary cultures. One key feature that best symbolizes these establishments is the nomihōdai, or “all-you-can-drink” service. This service allows you to drink as much as you want from a selection of specified drinks for a fixed fee, a common offering at these pubs.. At “Yakitori Marukin Shinjuku Honten” (hereafter referred…
Ramen comes in countless varieties, with new and unique creations emerging daily. “Salmon noodle 3.0” in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, is a popular ramen shop which has been in the spotlight. It’s known for its ramen featuring salmon both in the soup and toppings. By using French culinary knowledge and techniques, the restaurant aims to offer “a more casual way to experience…
Located in the popular Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo, “Kagoshima Karen Ginza-ten” (hereafter referred to as “Kagoshima Karen”) offers exceptional service for international guests. Managed by the Kagoshima Federation of Economic and Agricultural Cooperatives, the restaurant is renowned for its dedication to showcasing the finest products Kagoshima Prefecture has to offer, and most notably the prized Kagoshima Kuroushi brand of wagyū…
Visiting an onsen (hot spring) or sentō (public bath) is a quintessential Japanese experience. By respecting the rules, understanding proper manners, and considering health tips, you can ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you prepare. The rules and manners for using these baths are rooted in the idea that the bathwater should remain as clean…
Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture is a popular tourist destination with many temples and shrines that date back to ancient times. Each temple and shrine has its own attractions, but Hōkokuji Temple (which introduces itself in English as “Houkokuji Temple”) is especially known for its beautiful bamboo grove. Enjoy the seasonal beauty of Houkokuji Temple’s Japanese garden As you pass through…
When visiting the highly popular sightseeing area of Hakone in Japan, a trip to Hakone Shrine is a must. The “Torii Gate of Peace” (heiwa no torii), which appears to float upon Lake Ashinoko, is a famous photo spot, with long lines of people waiting for a chance to take pictures. The Torii Gate of Peace Mountain deities enshrined at…
Visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan is a rewarding experience, offering insights into the country’s cultural traditions and practices. Here are practical tips and answers to common questions for first-time visitors. Goshuin: special seals at shrines and temples Goshuin are special seals collected from shrines and temples, usually kept in a goshuinchō (seal book). These beautiful mementos serve…