Umami bites

The Dōgenzaka area of Shibuya, Tokyo, is a hub of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. At the heart of this vibrant district stands Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, blending into the diverse cultural tapestry of Dogenzaka. Exterior of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya Immerse yourself in Shibuya’s art scene at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya The hotel’s geometric design seamlessly integrates with the Dogenzaka…

The Asakusa district of Tokyo has several long-established cafes that have been in business for many years. For workers and residents in the area, these cafes that are open from morning to night serve as a place to relax and unwind, often feeling like a second kitchen. Leading this category is “Cafe de Raak,” located in the Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Shopping…

The “Food Sample Making Café” in Asakusa is definitely a must-visit for travelers to Tokyo. A special experience awaits, where you can not only craft your own food replicas but also enjoy the same dish as the sample you made! Try your hand at making your own omurice food replica! Food samples, model replicas of a restaurant’s menu items, are…

When it comes to cuisine to enjoy alongside sightseeing in the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo, monjayaki (a pan-fried batter-based dish) is a must-try. In this article, we’d like to introduce a restaurant with a unique twist on the classic dish we found in this historic district, where numerous famous monjayaki restaurants line the streets. “カマンベールもんじゃ,” Camembert Monjayaki 1,300 JPY (tax…

On November 15, 2024, Tokyo DisneySea, located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, kicked off its annual highly anticipated Christmas event. The park held a special preview performance on November 14, offering an early glimpse of their spectacular Disney Christmas Greeting event. Here’s a detailed report on the event and what you can expect! Disney Christmas Greeting at Mediterranean Harbor At Tokyo…

Mitsumine Shrine, located in the Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture, boasts a history spanning over 1,900 years. The shrine is set within Mount Mitsumine, a sacred site that draws many visitors annually. At approximately 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level, the journey to Mitsumine Shrine involves some preparation—but the unique experience awaiting you is well worth the effort. Feel…

Yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine) has evolved to a status where it can now be considered its own distinct genre of Japanese food. Asakusa is lined with famous yoshoku restaurants, and “Restaurant Omiya Asakusa,” which has been in business for over 40 years, is one of them. While every dish could be considered a signature menu item, the “Hamburger Steak Demi-Glace…

Akihabara is a district filled with Japanese pop culture, including manga, anime, and games. It’s impossible to fully enjoy everything Akihabara has to offer in just one day, as the whole district feels like an amusement park. That’s why choosing accommodations with flexibility and convenience is essential. Among the many hotels in Akihabara, one of the most popular choices is…

With the growing number of international tourists visiting Japan, Shibuya is experiencing a boom in hotel expansion. Amid this competitive landscape, the CERULEAN TOWER TOKYU HOTEL has maintained its reputation as a top choice for discerning travelers seeking an exceptional stay. Why does this particular hotel continue to stand out in Shibuya, a hub of such diverse accommodations? Let’s explore…

Hase Temple (“Hasedera” in Japanese) is a beloved tourist destination in Japan, known year-round as the “Temple of Flowers.” Located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the area is surrounded by historic temples, serene shrines, and charming eateries. This makes it an ideal spot for combining sightseeing with relaxation. Refresh your mind and body at the nature-filled Hase Temple Upon arrival…

Founded in 1979, “Monburan Asakusa” is one of the most popular restaurants in Asakusa’s competitive dining scene. Their specialty is juicy hamburger steaks made exclusively with Japanese beef. Select from six nationally-themed sauces One of the distinctive features of Monburan’s famous hamburger steaks is their selection of six sauces. Each sauce represents a different country: France, Netherlands, Russia, Mexico, Italy,…

The view from guest rooms can be a defining factor in a hotel’s popularity. At Asakusa View Hotel, located in Asakusa, Tokyo, guests can enjoy breathtaking cityscapes from its upper floors. In particular, the combination of Asakusa’s charming streets and the Tokyo Skytree framed by the windows is truly awe-inspiring. View from the top floor bar Asakusa View Hotel’s suites…

Shinjuku is a lively area of Tokyo, teeming with activity day and night, and a hotspot for tourists. But did you know that within walking distance from Shinjuku Station, there’s a historic shrine waiting to be discovered? Hanazono Shrine is renowned as a place of worship for local shop owners, office workers, and even entertainers. And yet, you might be…

In Asakusa, Tokyo, nestled in the backstreets behind the Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches from the iconic red Kaminarimon gate to Sensō-Ji Temple, there’s a perfect spot for breakfast. The name of the restaurant is “Ume to Hoshi.” Their signature offerings are set meals featuring rice cooked in a traditional hagama (rice cooking pot), paired with a variety of umeboshi…

Stepping into “Asakusa Monja Teppan Daikichi” (hereunder referred to as “Teppan Daikichi”), with its retro charm and welcoming atmosphere, feels like a journey back in time. This cozy restaurant is a place that truly captures the essence of Asakusa—a neighborhood known for blending Tokyo’s old-world charm with vibrant modernity. At Teppan Daikichi, you can try two of Japan’s most popular…