Japanese convenience stores, known as conbini, offer an incredible variety of products—from food to daily necessities—available 24 hours a day. The extensive selection of food items alone can make it hard to choose, but that’s part of the fun! To help you navigate these offerings, the Umami bites editorial team is highlighting must-try items by category. From timeless classics to…
Ginza brings together the finest from various fields. The streets are lined with high-brand boutiques, internationally acclaimed gastronomy, and art galleries. Among all the establishments in Ginza, the “Shiseido Parlour Salon de Cafe” stands out with a remarkable presence. The red brick building housing the cafe commands attention even on the main street. Founded in 1902, “Shiseido Parlour” began as…
Kabuki is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional performing arts, and the Kabukiza Theatre is a venue dedicated exclusively to kabuki. Just behind this historic venue—long at the heart of kabuki culture since the Meiji era—is a retro kissaten (Japanese-style cafe) that draws visitors from all over the world: “Kissa American.” Kissaten differ from modern cafes that serve trendy food…
This retro-style cafe, featuring heavy wooden furniture and chairs upholstered in leather and velour, offers guests a place to enjoy drinks like coffee alongside light meals such as sandwiches and pasta. Unaffected by trends and dedicated to preserving a nostalgic atmosphere, Japanese cafes like this have long been loved by many. Located near Higashi-Ginza Station, “Kissa You” is a long-established…
Just a ten-minute walk from the heart of Ginza, where landmarks like GINZA SIX and Matsuya Ginza stand, you’ll find a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle—home to a wildly popular shop with a line that never seems to end. The shop is called “Age.3 GINZA,” a specialty store serving deep-fried sandwiches made with fried slices of bread…
“Shinjyuku honten Takano fruits parlour,” (referred to hereafter as “Shinjuku Takano”) one of Japan’s most renowned fruit parlors, has been serving multiple generations in Shinjuku since its establishment in 1926. Their menu, featuring lavishly prepared colorful fruits, is really something to marvel at! The seasonal fruit sweets and the classic year-round options hold an enduring charm. The delicate yet bold…
In Japan, there are certain fruits that hold special value as presents as part of the country’s strong gift-giving culture. Unlike fruits commonly used as ingredients in everyday cooking, those chosen as presents are top-quality in taste, appearance, and everything else. “Sembikiya-Sohonten,” founded in 1834, offers a menu that changes one’s image of fruits and shows why they can be…
Nestled in a serene neighborhood just a leisurely stroll from Shibuya Station in Tokyo, you’ll discover the inviting “Beans Garage Coffee.” Renowned for their divine egg sandwiches and aromatic coffee, it’s the go-to retreat for a soul-soothing treat. A creamy delight overflowing with gooey scrambled eggs A favorite among many, Beans Garage Coffee’s signature treat is their “Shibuya Egg Sand”…
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,…
There are a few dishes that may be considered the norm in Japan but seen as a bit unusual from people in other countries. One of those is the fruit sandwich. To many Japanese people, the fruit sandwich may seem like a treat born overseas, but it appears to often be more commonly found in Japan. We had Steven, a…