Umami bites

Soupless ramen varieties like mazesoba (mixed noodles), abura soba (oil noodles), and kamatama soba (hot noodles with egg) are among the popular genres in Japan’s evolving ramen culture. “Shibuya Mazesoba Chops” is a specialty restaurant where you can thoroughly enjoy soupless ramen in Tokyo’s trendsetting district of Shibuya. It’s also conveniently located near Shibuya Station. There are no strict definitions…

Soba is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dishes. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic soba conveniently and at a reasonable price, tachigui soba (standing soba) restaurants are a great way to do so. Located near Shinjuku Station, a bustling area packed with shoppers and tourists, “Shinshūya Shinjuku minamiguchi” (referred to hereafter as “Shinshuya”) is one such stand-and-eat soba spot….

Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s most famous shopping streets—but beyond the brand names and fashion, it’s a hidden goldmine for Japanese street food. For visitors new to Japan, this long covered arcade and its side alleys provide easy access to affordable, authentic local dishes. A brief history of Shinsaibashi-suji Spanning over 600 meters (1,969 feet), Shinsaibashi-suji stretches from Dōtonbori to…

Shabu-shabu, where thinly sliced beef is briefly dipped in dashi broth, is highly popular for its simple approach to enjoying the umami of meat and vegetables. It’s one of Japan’s most quintessential hot pot dishes. “Kin no Dashi Shabu Hachiuma Shinjuku Main Store” (referred to hereafter as “Hachiuma Shinjuku”) is conveniently located in the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō area. It’s…

Otakibashi Street, located near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, is one of Tokyo’s most competitive ramen districts. In this area, “Misoya Hachiroshoten” (pronounced “hachirō shōten”) stands out with its distinctly original miso ramen that boasts enduring popularity. The restaurant is operated by “Nantsuttei,” a well-known ramen chain based in Kanagawa Prefecture. This chain is said to have popularized kuro māyu (black…

Located in the heart of Ginza, “KITAINARI GINZA” is a specialty inari sushi shop with a focus on creating nourishing inari sushi that your body will love. Instead of the standard sugar, they use amazake (a traditional sweet Japanese drink made from fermented rice), resulting in a unique twist on classic inari sushi that the shop takes pride in. Types…

Japan’s wagyū beef has spread its delicious reputation throughout the world and has become a global brand. Shabu-shabu is a hotpot dish that allows you to enjoy the simplicity of wagyu’s flavor by briefly dipping and swishing it in broth, and enjoying it along with vegetables. Located in the bustling heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district, “shabu-shabu sukiyaki steak NIIMURA” (referred…

Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, buzzes with festival-like energy every day. From visiting Sensō-ji Temple to touring the town on a rickshaw and indulging in delicious local food, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your trip to Asakusa. Among the area’s culinary highlights is “Suzukien Asakusa Honten,” (hereafter referred to as “Suzukien”) a popular shop where lines…

Tokyo’s bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods might not be the first place you’d expect to see go-karts zipping by—but in recent years, go-karting on public roads has become a bucket-list experience for many international travelers. Dressing up in costume and driving past Tokyo Tower or through Shibuya Crossing sounds thrilling, but it also raises a serious question: Is it safe?…

When people hear the words “tachigui soba” (standing soba restaurants), many probably picture a no-frills, casual eatery. However, “SUBA VS,” which opened in Shibuya in September 2024, is a new concept in standing soba shops where soba meets wine. Its stylish interior and creativity put a new twist on standing soba restaurants, and have been garnering attention on social media….

Few places capture the spirit of youthful creativity like Harajuku. Located just a short walk from the urban elegance of Omotesandō, this vibrant Tokyo district pulses with self-expression. At its heart is Takeshita Street, a narrow pedestrian road that has become a runway for bold individuality. Here, fashion is more than just clothing—it’s identity, statement, and sometimes even rebellion. As…

Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it draws millions of visitors each year—including a growing number of solo travelers. If you’re exploring Japan on your own, choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference in your trip. For many solo adventurers, capsule hotels have become the perfect solution: budget-friendly, safe, and uniquely Japanese….

Zooming through the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart while dressed in a fun costume might sound like a dream come true. But before you rev your engine, there’s one important question to answer: do you need a Japanese driver’s license to join in the fun? If you’re an international traveler planning your first trip to Japan, this guide will…

Why visit Takeshita Street from Shibuya? If you’re staying in or around Shibuya, a popular base for many tourists in Tokyo, you’ll be glad to know that Takeshita Street is only about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) away. This means you can easily reach it within 3-25 minutes, depending on your chosen method. Known for its quirky fashion, youth culture, and…

Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries with a sweet filling) is one of Japan’s most iconic street foods, making it perfect both as a gift and for eating on the go. When enjoyed fresh off the griddle, the outer crust is delightfully chewy and hot, while the inside is almost bursting with anko (sweet red bean paste). Just one bite brings instant joy…