Umami bites

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…

In Japan, casual dining establishments with the purpose of enjoying food while drinking are known as izakaya. When it comes to classic dishes enjoyed at izakaya, yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, take the spotlight. For overseas visitors who want to get a full-on Japanese izakaya experience, one restaurant we would like to recommend is “Ueno Torifuku (referred to hereafter as “Torifuku”).”…

Restaurant renamed to Sushi and Robata Sushiyama Shinjuku. 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, “Sushi and Robata 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…

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…