Convenience stores in Japan, known locally as conbini, are a treasure trove of everything from food to daily necessities, available 24/7. Even the food selection alone is enough to make you feel like a kid in a candy store—so many tempting choices, it’s hard to know where to start! To help you make the most of your convenience store finds,…
Introduction to onigiri Japanese onigiri, or rice balls, are a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine. These handheld delights, often wrapped in crisp nori seaweed, create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From savory to tangy fillings, they cater to diverse tastes. Onigiri is not just a kind of food, but an embodiment of comfort and cultural heritage. What makes…
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…
Onigiri, rice balls, have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. While simple in concept, their depth in craft and flavor have made them not just a traditional treat, but a popular modern delicacy. These tasty rice balls come in a wide variety of flavors, and are the perfect snack to fuel your travels in Japan. Here are some…
In the Nakameguro area of Tokyo, there’s a shop displaying a sign that says “Onigily Cafe” with a facade resembling a chic dessert cafe. It specializes in Japanese rice balls, a word usually spelled onigiri in English but intentionally stylized as “onigily” by the shop. The onigiri and side dishes offered here are made with carefully selected ingredients and are…
For Japanese people, onigiri rice balls are a familiar and everyday food. If you’re visiting Japan and want to eat some delicious onigiri, “ONIGIRI ASAKUSA YADOROKU” in Asakusa comes highly recommended! Popular onigiri featured in the Michelin Guide! Established in 1954, ONIGIRI ASAKUSA YADOROKU is said to be the oldest onigiri specialty store in Tokyo. Having been selected for the…
Miso soup is an essential part of Japanese dining. While it’s a simple soup made by simmering vegetables, it is remarkably nutritious. Located in Asakusa, “MISOJYU” is a miso soup specialty shop that has become popular across all generations. Here, you can enjoy homemade miso soup paired with onigiri (rice balls). MISOJYU’s exterior Exploring the latest in miso soup at…
Ochazuke has long been loved in Japan as somewhat of a fast food. It’s a simple and easy dish made by pouring tea or dashi broth over a bowl of white rice. However, a visit to “Ochazuke Onigiri Yamamotoyama” located in the EATo LUMINE complex inside JR Shinjuku Station is bound to change your image of the simple dish. While…
In Japan, you’ll find numerous specialty stores dedicated to omusubi, traditional rice balls. These specialty rice ball shops take great care in cooking the rice and selecting high-quality ingredients. The end results could even be considered luxurious treats. At the rice ball specialty shop called “Omusubi gottsu tabenahare Oshokujidokoro” (referred to hereafter as “Omusubi Gottsu Tabenahare”) in the Nakameguro area…
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…
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…
Rice balls, known as おにぎり onigiri in Japanese, are maybe one of the most versatile and popular ready-to-go snacks in Japan. Wrapped in savory のり nori seaweed, onigiri pack a variety of different tasty ingredients as filling, so there’s bound to be a favorite type for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a snack to eat on the go, take with…