A beloved Japanese sweet, ohagi is made with sticky mochi rice coated with sweet bean paste or kinako (roasted soybean flour). Although it’s a traditional dessert, it has been experiencing somewhat of a renaissance since around 2020. It is gaining popularity, especially among those who love sweets, and specialty stores have been popping up all over Japan. Located in Roppongi…
When traveling in Japan, one of the best treats a beer lover can enjoy is the cold, refreshing taste of one straight from the tap. Referred to as nama, meaning “fresh” in Japanese, a draft beer can be a rewarding finish to a long day of sightseeing or a tasty companion to any of the country’s many culinary delights. In…
Japanese cuisine, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, embodies Japan’s traditional food culture. Nestled in Roppongi Hills, “Kokappou Ohashi Roppongi” is a renowned Japanese restaurant. Here, they serve fluffy rice cooked in a broad-brimmed hagama pot alongside seasonal fish and meat dishes. “大沼牛と車麩のすき焼き鍋御膳,” Sukiyaki (Beef and Wheat gluten cake) and Rice Set 1,990 JPY (tax included) Kokappou Ohashi’s…
Shibuya, with its globally famous Scramble Crossing in front of the station, is one of Tokyo’s premier entertainment districts. Photo of Scramble Crossing in Shibuya Although strongly associated with fashion and youth culture, Shibuya’s charm extends beyond that. It’s an area teeming with a variety of eateries including restaurants, cafes, and bars. From quintessentially Japanese ramen to exquisite wagyū beef…
While the United States is known as the home of the hamburger, high-quality burgers can be found in Japan as well. GORI-GORI BURGER TAPROOM (hereunder referred to as “Gori-Gori Burger Taproom”), the self-proclaimed “best burger joint on the planet,” is located in Roppongi, Tokyo. The restaurant continues to captivate diners with its selection of delicious and distinctive burgers. Savoring a…
In Roppongi, Tokyo, you can fully immerse yourself in the Okinawan vibe at the tavern and restaurant “Okinawa Dining Ryūka Roppongi” (hereunder referred to as “Ryūka Roppongi”). Here, you can savor Okinawan dishes like Okinawa soba and gōyā chanpurū, an Okinawan stir fry dish made with bitter melon. Shisa, an Okinawan guardian deity Soup that soothes the soul! Homemade sōki…
SUZU CAFE-Roppongi- is a popular cafe renowned for its rich matcha pudding. The cafe’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to unwind in the bustling Roppongi area of Tokyo. “濃い抹茶プリン,” Green tea pudding 750 JPY (tax included) Matcha pudding with boast-worthy richness, a social media sensation! Their “Green tea pudding” is crafted using ample matcha from Uji, the famous…
Akihabara is globally renowned as a haven for Japanese subcultures, but it’s also an area that is home to various genres of restaurants. Akihabara Caligari is a curry restaurant that attracts a constant stream of customers within Akihabara. “アキバ盛りカレー１,” Akiba Mori Curry 1, lunch: 1,200 JPY (tax included) / dinner: 1,460 JPY (tax included) The must-try menu at popular curry…
Asakusa is a hugely popular area in Tokyo bustling with many tourists. Located just a short distance from the area’s landmark Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”) is “Yanagi Chaya Asakusa Shin Nakamise-dōri” (hereinafter referred to as “Yanagi Chaya Asakusa”), a shop that is highly recommended for tourists exploring the area. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of sweets and drinks made…
Originally cherished as a beverage, matcha has now found its way into various dishes beyond just drinks. At “Yanagi Chaya ecute Ueno,” located in Ueno, Tokyo, you can experience that matcha evolution by enjoying it in the form of sweets such as tiramisu and soft-serve ice cream. Melty and creamy “Uji Matcha Tiramisu” served in a traditional wooden Japanese sake…
Japanese cutlet dishes, known as “katsu,” are widely recognized today even overseas. As of 2023, among international visitors to Japan, there is a growing popularity for gyūkatsu, or Japanese beef cutlet. Located in Akihabara, “Gyūkatsu Ichinisan (hereinafter, Ichinisan)” is a popular restaurant with lines forming even before opening. It’s not uncommon to see the line waiting to get in composed…
Ueno Park is a great place in Tokyo where you can enjoy the changing seasons of nature in Japan. Fittingly located right in the park is “EVERYONEs CAFE,” which offers a menu incorporating local and seasonal ingredients produced in Tokyo. “ガーデンプレート（フィッシュ）,” Garden Plate (Fish) 2,200 JPY (tax included) EVERYONEs CAFE’s signature dish offers a bevy of fresh Tokyo-sourced ingredients With…
“Yamaguchi KyōdoRyōri Double Roppongi” (hereinafter referred to as “Double Roppongi”) is a popular tavern and restaurant where you can enjoy fugu (pufferfish) dishes and local sake from Yamaguchi Prefecture. It’s known for offering authentic cuisine at reasonable prices, attracting a steady stream of patrons. A luxurious Japanese pufferfish dish best enjoyed with sake The restaurant sources torafugu (Japanese pufferfish) daily…
In the heart of Tokyo’s busy Roppongi district, “Karaage-Senmon Roppongi Kimisei” has become a staple for hungry business workers. Renowned for its senmon (specialty) in karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), the restaurant attracts a crowd daily, offering both dine-in and take-out bentō (boxed meal) options. “Assorted Fried Chicken Set Meal”: a trio of popular flavors The “Assorted Fried Chicken Set Meal”…
In Japan, okonomiyaki has been a popular and casual dish for a long time. Often described as a “savory pancake,” the dish is cooked on a griddle right before your eyes and is loaded with meat, vegetables, and sometimes noodles. True to its name, okonomi meaning “what you like” in Japanese, it offers a variety of ingredient combinations. The individuality…