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…

In Shinjuku, near Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Tokyo, lies a vibrant restaurant hub. Here, you’ll find “HALAL WAGYU RAMEN SHINJUKU-TEI TOKYO SHINJUKU,” a ramen spot popular with international visitors for its premium halal wagyu beef ramen. This restaurant prides itself on using halal-certified ingredients to create a truly satisfying bowl. WAGYU SPICY RED (3-PCS BEEF TOPPING) à la carte 4,500 JPY (tax…

Located near Shibuya Station, “Musubitei Shibuya” offers around 30 varieties of onigiri (rice balls). The shop is quite popular among local office workers and students. The shop not only serves onigiri but also provides side dishes and miso soup, making it convenient not just for a quick snack but also for a full meal. The option to enjoy onigiri either…

Vegan cuisine, which excludes animal products like meat, fish, and honey, is sometimes perceived as bland or unexciting by those unfamiliar with it. However, a visit to “Cosme Kitchen Adaptation” in Shibuya, Tokyo, is sure to change that perception. Cosme Kitchen Adaptation’s signature dish packed with 20 Types of vegetables At Cosme Kitchen Adaptation, the must-try dish is the “All…

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…

Many tourists want to maximize their time at their destination. Those eager to actively explore Japan from the morning should head to the onigiri shop “Odamusubi Honten” (hereunder referred to as “Odamusubi”). Conveniently located in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku neighborhood, the shop opens daily at 6:30 AM. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of onigiri rice balls, popular worldwide as…

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…

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”…

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…

Commonly known as Japanese rice balls in English, onigiri are a cherished food item in Japan that spans generations. Amid a recent surge in specialized onigiri shops, Umami bites writer Bensky, a long-time resident of Japan who appreciates Japanese rice, was drawn to Togoshi-ya Shibuya in the Dōgenzaka neighborhood of Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward. Officially named “Togoshi-ya, the place for onigiri…

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura may be the first to come to mind. However, tucked within the nation’s rich culinary repertoire is a fried delight that deserves its spotlight, 唐揚げ karaage. This crispy, flavor-packed dish, often compared to fried chicken, has its unique intricacies that make it a must-try for anyone visiting Japan….