Umami bites

Tucked away on Spain-Zaka (Spanish Hill) in Tokyo’s Shibuya district is “BITYUYA CHOUZAEMON” (pronounced ‘bichūya chōzaemon’), a restaurant that feels like a cozy, well-kept secret. The restaurant radiates an old-world charm and specializes in yakitori (skewered chicken dishes), grilled to perfection over binchōtan, a type of high-quality white charcoal made from ubame oak. Popular at lunchtime: “Nama Oyakodon” made with…

While onions and their relatives often find themselves as mere sidekicks in culinary ensembles, there’s a hidden gem in Tokyo’s Udagawachō district of Shibuya that flips the script. This restaurant celebrates the entire spectrum of negi, a term that captures a range of leek- and onion-like vegetables in Japanese cuisine, turning them from supporting characters into show-stopping main attractions. A…

Restaurant renamed to “Hokkaidō Menkoinabe Kumachan Onsen Shibuya” and operating with a partially revised menu. The restaurant “Hokkaidō Menkoinabe Kumachan Onsen” (hereafter referred to as “Kumachan Onsen”) opened for business in 2020 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, quickly becoming a go-to spot for single-serve hotpot meals. What’s fun about the name? Well, in local Hokkaido slang, menkoinabe means “cute hotpot,” and kumachan…

Relocated in April 2024. Shibuya location closed. When it comes to iconic Japanese cuisine, ramen holds a special place. In Shibuya—a district already crowded with numerous ramen shops—Kippōshi stands out, enjoying fervent support from its large fanbase. Dive into Kippōshi’s succulent “Seabream and Scallops” ramen At Kippōshi, you can enjoy three distinct types of soups: “Clear Chicken Soup,” which is…

The Japanese word “kawaii,” meaning “cute,” has come to be a global term and phenomenon spread worldwide thanks to pop culture, including anime and manga. On top of that, you can see the influence of “kawaii” reflected in Japanese cuisine as well these days. Located in Shinjuku, “Shabu-shabu Honpo Shinjuku Usagiya (referred to below as ‘Usagiya’)” is a restaurant where…

Located in the heart of Shizuoka Prefecture, a region famed for its tea cultivation, Maru Shichi Seicha Co., Ltd. (hereunder abbreviated as “Maru Shichi Seicha”), is a purveyor of fine teas across Japan. Since its humble beginnings in 1907, Maru Shichi Seicha has transcended the traditional role of a tea cultivator. The company cherishes every aspect of tea’s journey, from…

Since around 2021, there has been a growing trend among young people in Japan for “Katakana Sushi.” This term refers to sushi restaurants that use katakana characters (one of the Japanese language’s phonetic alphabets, often used for flashy appeal on signs) to write their names. These restaurants are known for their creative menus that deviate from traditional sushi, as well…

At “Fishing Restaurant ZAUO Shibuya Branch” (hereinafter refered to as “ZAUO”), you can do more than savor delicious seafood—you can enjoy a hands-on fishing experience. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find tanks full of fish like sea bream and flounder. Rent a fishing rod free of charge and catch your own meal. It doesn’t get fresher than this! Rods with bait…

Located in Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district, Yakiniku ZENIBA (hereafter referred to as ZENIBA) distinguishes itself as a culinary landmark, celebrated for its exceptional A5-ranked Japanese wagyū beef. Featuring lightly seared, nearly rare sirloin, sea urchin, and salmon roe, the restaurant’s signature dish, the Namaiki Don, has taken social media by storm with its visual allure. The namaiki in the name…

Restaurant operating with a partially revised menu. At Shibuya PARCO, located in the Udagawa-chō area of Shibuya in Tokyo, a wide variety of dining options are available, appealing to all kinds of culinary interests. Situated on the underground level of the shopping complex, Vegan Izakaya Masaka (hereafter referred to as “Masaka”) specializes in vegan cuisine. And no, we’re not just…

Tenkichiya Shinjuku (referred to as “Tenkichiya” below) is a specialty tempura rice bowl restaurant that draws large crowds daily with its signature dish, the “Ten KICHI bowl.” One of the reasons why the Ten KICHI bowl continues to captivate so many people is its outstanding visual impact. “天吉丼,” Ten KICHI bowl 1,650 JPY (tax included) Tenkichiya’s loaded tempura rice bowl…

Just across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from Shibuya Station lies “Shibuya Nishimura Fruits Parlor Dougenzaka-ten” (hereafter referred to as Nishimura Fruits Parlor). Since opening in 1936, it has been a beloved fixture in the Shibuya community. Fruit parfaits loaded with seasonal fruits At Nishimura Fruits Parlor, their guiding principle is “serving the best fruit at its peak season.” In practice,…

※Restaurant renamed to “Wagyu Hitsumabushi Rokujutei” and operating with a partially revised menu (as of October 2024) Highly acclaimed wagyū is a premium type of Japanese beef that’s a culinary sensation not only in its homeland but also around the world. Fortunately, there’s a welcoming spot in Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district where you can indulge in this gourmet delight. Quadruple…

Shinjuku is one of Japan’s landmark downtown city areas. Starting with Kabukichō, the area is home to a number of restaurants, amusement centers, and commercial facilities. Bustling with people day and night, Shinjuku has earned a “city that never sleeps” moniker. In this vibrant locale, a curry specialty store has been a long-standing favorite, growing along with the community: Mon…

The MENSHO Group, which operates multiple ramen restaurants in Tokyo, has also expanded its presence to the United States with two locations, and the name “MENSHO” has come be known internationally. One of the restaurants within the MENSHO Group is MENSHO San Francisco, which is located on the 7th floor of the commercial complex Shinjuku MYLORD. Among the restaurant’s signature…