Ōsaka is known for its vibrant food scene and mouthwatering dishes. From street food to fine dining, this city offers a feast for every palate. Here are the must-try foods in Osaka that showcase the deliciousness this city has to offer! Takoyaki: Osaka’s iconic street snack Takoyaki is one one of Osaka’s most emblematic foods. Sometimes translated as “octopus dumplings,”…
Odawara Castle, one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s top tourist attractions, is believed to have been constructed in the mid-15th century. It is famous as the stronghold of the Hōjō clan, who ruled the Kanto region. Although much of the original structure was destroyed by earthquakes and other disasters, the castle keep was reconstructed in 1960, with additional buildings respectively restored in…
In Japan, it’s believed that there are many gods, a concept captured in the phrase yaoyorozu no kami, literally meaning “eight million gods.” Among these, however, the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu Ōmikami, is considered the supreme deity. One notable place where Amaterasu Omikami is enshrined is Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine, in the Asagaya neighborhood of Tokyo. The shrine is known…
Ueno, much like Shin-Okubo, is known as one of Tokyo’s more multicultural areas. Not only are there many restaurants with diverse atmospheres lined up, but many people who frequent and gather in Ueno are also multinational. Thanks to that, one of Ueno’s charms is the opportunity to encounter restaurants offering cuisine unusual in Japan. At “SANKYU HALAL JAPANESE FOOD,” you…
Japan’s traditional festivals are known for their vibrant parades centered on mikoshi palanquin. But did you know that the largest mikoshi in Japan is displayed at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine? This magnificent mikoshi, adorned with diamonds and pure gold, is truly a sight to behold! Explore Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine’s 400-year history Founded in 1627, Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine enshrines Emperor Ōjin as…
“Shuzen Honohomare Nishi-Shinjuku” (referred to hereunder as “Shuzen Honohomare”) in Shinjuku, Tokyo is a restaurant with the innovative concept of “celebrating rice as the main star of a meal.” Here, you can enjoy dishes accompanied by rice cooked in traditional iron hot pots or earthenware, along with carefully selected Japanese sake. Each and every dish is prepared to enhance the…
Tokyo’s fall season (September to November) offers a range of weather conditions, from lingering summer heat to cooler, crisp days. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a month-by-month packing guide that ensures you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. September in Tokyo September weather in Tokyo The month starts off with summer-like temperatures, often exceeding…
If you’re visiting Tokyo, katsu curry is a must-try. This iconic Japanese dish combines the satisfying crunch of a breaded pork cutlet with the comforting flavor of Japanese cury, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the very best katsu curry restaurants in Tokyo, each offering its own unique…
For Japanese people, onigiri rice balls are a familiar and everyday food. If you’re visiting Japan and want to eat some delicious onigiri, “ONIGIRI ASAKUSA YADOROKU” in Asakusa comes highly recommended! Popular onigiri featured in the Michelin Guide! Established in 1954, ONIGIRI ASAKUSA YADOROKU is said to be the oldest onigiri specialty store in Tokyo. Having been selected for the…
Just a five-minute walk from the famous Ameya-Yokocho market in Ueno, Tokyo, there’s a legendary restaurant called “Ponta Honke.” In business for over a century, they specialize in yōshoku, Western-style dishes that have uniquely developed in Japan. The venerable establishment’s impressive wooden nameplate stands out amidst the bustling buildings and eateries in the neighborhood. At Ponta Honke, you can savor…
For fresh and delicious sushi in the heart of Shibuya, “Mawarisushi Shibuya Sushitsune” is a must-visit! The highly popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant attracts lines before opening, and for good reason—their selection of expertly crafted sushi and dishes like crispy tempura are exactly what motivates food fans to book a trip to Japan. Conveniently located in the Shibuya PARCO shopping…
Miso soup is an essential part of Japanese dining. While it’s a simple soup made by simmering vegetables, it is remarkably nutritious. Located in Asakusa, “MISOJYU” is a miso soup specialty shop that has become popular across all generations. Here, you can enjoy homemade miso soup paired with onigiri (rice balls). MISOJYU’s exterior Exploring the latest in miso soup at…
The Roppongi branch of “Almond” (pronounced in Japanese as “a-MAN-do”) is a long-standing café beloved as a symbol of the area. When the café first opened in 1964, it became trendy among the youth of that era to meet up at “Almond Roppongi.” Time passed, and in July 2024, the store and menu were renovated with the theme of blending…
It’s rare to find a sushi restaurant where a skilled chef prepares top-quality sushi right in front of you, yet is casual enough for first-timers to feel at ease. However, such an ideal place exists in Shibuya. “Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera MUSUKO SHIBUYA” opened in April 2024 as an affiliated restaurant of the popular “Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera Main Store”…
In Japan, there is a tradition of eating bentō (boxed meals) during travel on trains and the Shinkansen. These special bento are known as ekiben, and they are a delightful part of the travel experience. As the name ekiben—a portmanteau of eki, meaning “station” and bento—suggests, these boxed meals can mainly be purchased at major train stations and some more…