“Parlour Ohashi” in Shibuya, known for its SNS-worthy sweets, is a restaurant that combines retro charm with delightful flavors. The chic and relaxed interior evokes the atmosphere of Japanese coffee shops from the 1960s and 1970s. Parlour Ohashi’s SNS-famous “Totonou Pudding” The retro ambiance of Parlour Ohashi perfectly complements its famous “Totonou Pudding,” evoking nostalgia with its taste reminiscent of…

French toast is loved around the world, but in Japan, it’s quite a different treat. Known for its lavish toppings and fluffy texture, Japanese French toast has a charm all its own. “Ivorish” in Shibuya is a hotspot for this delightful dish, drawing in people from all nations. Special bread used for Ivorish’s French toast Ivorish boasts a colorful and…

Since their public debut at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in 1972, pandas have become beloved symbols of the Ueno area. From monuments to food, you can spot pandas everywhere in Ueno. Just steps from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station, “Ueno Green Salon” offers delightful panda-themed sweets. Ueno Green Salon’s adorable panda sweets One popular panda-themed treat at Ueno Green…

Located right next to Ueno Station in Tokyo, the Ueno Marui department store houses a number of enticing restaurants. One of them, “yusoshi chano-ma Ueno,” offers a delightful selection of sweets made with distinctly Japanese ingredients such as matcha and kinako (roasted soybean flour). These visually appealing desserts are so beautiful, you’ll find it hard to stop taking photos! Two…

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…

In Japan, Kyoto is often strongly considered to be the home of matcha. However, if you’re thinking “you can’t get your hands on authentic matcha unless you visit Kyoto,” you would be quite mistaken! “Hibiya Hayashiyashinbē” (hereafter referred to as “Hayashiyashinbe”), is a place in Tokyo where you can savor genuine matcha. Drink in authentic matcha at Hayashiyashinbe The perception…

With a history spanning over 270 years, tea specialty shop “Kyo Hayashiya” infuses the essence of a new era into its sweets while preserving the long tradition of tea. A Kyo Hayashiya Shinjuku branch exclusive! The “Matcha Parfait” At Kyo Hayashiya, you can indulge in their authentic “Matcha Parfait” made with matcha from Uji, the renowned tea-growing region in Kyoto….

“TORAYA AN STAND” is a café specializing in the sweet bean paste known in Japanese as anko or an, and as of November 2023, it has four locations in Tokyo and Kanagawa. The café was created by the renowned traditional Japanese confectionery Toraya, and offers a smooth-textured “An Paste” made from Toraya’s signature sweet bean paste. At TORAYA AN STAND,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

As of 2023, Japan is seeing an increase in shops that offer kakigōri, a Japanese shaved ice dessert, throughout the year. One such place is “KAKIGORI CAFE&BAR yelo” (hereunder referred to as “yelo”) in Roppongi, Tokyo, which attracts crowds of shaved ice lovers all year round. The popular shop presents the idea that kakigōri is not just for cooling off…

Omelette-rice, also known as omurice, is a Japanese dish consisting of an omelette made with fried rice—usually chicken fried rice—and thin, fried scrambled eggs. It’s loved by generations from children to adults. While it’s a mainstream dish here in Japan, it’s still a minor presence in other countries. Umami bites writer Bensky recounts that, until he first visited Tokyo, he…