Since ancient times, rice has been deeply connected to Shinto rituals and festivals, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. It remains Japan’s culinary identity—an everyday source of energy, with a simple and gentle taste that perfectly complements a wide range of side dishes. At “Ookamadomeshi Torafuku Lumine Shinjukuten,” (referred to hereafter as “Torafuku”), a popular teishoku (set meal) restaurant, you can enjoy…
With its crisp coating and the burst of flavor from fresh ingredients, tempura is one of the most satisfying dishes in Japanese cuisine. Made with freshly caught seafood from Tokyo Bay and seasonal vegetables, Edomae tempura reflects the very flavors of Tokyo’s seasons. There is a restaurant that has been carefully preserving the tradition of Edomae tempura since the 18th…
Rice, a variety of side dishes, and miso soup—together they form teishoku, a set meal style that is a proud part of Japanese food culture. In recent years, thanks in part to exposure to it via anime, teishoku has been gaining popularity among international visitors. The chance to taste a little bit of everything has captured the hearts of food…
Just steps away from the bustling Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood, you’ll find Hoppy Street (ホッピー通り), a retro-style alley lined with izakaya (Japanese gastropubs). This drinking district traces its origins back to the post–World War II era, when it began as a cluster of food stalls. The area earned its current nickname because many places served Hoppy, a uniquely…
As an island nation, Japan has a deeply rooted culinary culture of eating fish. Among its many fish preparations, himono—fish that has been dried to preserve it and enhance its flavor—is one of the most familiar and beloved ingredients for Japanese people. At “Sumibiyaki Shokudo Koganeya,” you can enjoy himono in the form of teishoku, a set meal served with…
Shibuya is known as a cultural hub at the forefront of Japan’s latest trends, attracting a diverse crowd, especially young people. Located in the basement of Shibuya PARCO, a trendsetting commercial facility, is the restaurant “IKUSHIKA.” This establishment is highly regarded for its dedication to showcasing the deliciousness of Japan’s staple food, white rice! “極上牛すき御膳,” Premium Sukiyaki Set 2,800 JPY…
Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō, one of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, is the long-established restaurant “Suzuya Shinjukuhonten” (referred to hereafter as “Suzuya”), beloved by many. This restaurant is famous for turning one of Japan’s most popular dishes, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), into a unique ochazuke (a dish where green tea or dashi is poured over rice). “とんかつ茶づけ,” Tonkatsu Chazuke 1,690…
“Shuzen Honohomare Nishi-Shinjuku” (referred to hereunder as “Shuzen Honohomare”) in Shinjuku, Tokyo is a restaurant with the innovative concept of “celebrating rice as the main star of a meal.” Here, you can enjoy dishes accompanied by rice cooked in traditional iron hot pots or earthenware, along with carefully selected Japanese sake. Each and every dish is prepared to enhance the…
If you’re visiting Asakusa, it’s highly recommended to try the tendon (tempura rice bowl) at “DAIKOKUYA TEMPURA!” Here, you can savor large shrimp tempura and fresh sashimi. The restaurant is located very close to the famous Sensō-ji Temple, making it a perfect spot to stop by after your visit. “海老天丼,” EBI-TENDON 2,400 JPY Enjoy the exquisite EBI-TENDON in a building…
Located within the atré Ueno shopping and dining mall directly connected to JR Ueno Station, “Tonkyu Ueno” (referred to hereafter as “Tonkyu”) is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality tonkatsu at reasonable prices. From the brand of pork to the condiments and seasonings, everything is infused with Tonkyu’s passion. Savor the umami of rare black pork tonkatsu At…
Kyoto’s rich culture, spanning architecture, traditions, and culinary arts, finds a new home in Tokyo. At “Kyoto Ichinoden Roppongi Hills,” diners can delve into the essence of Kyoto’s dining culture without leaving the city. “蔵みそ焼懐石御膳,” Kura Miso-Yaki Kaiseki Gozen (available only through reservation) 5,500 JPY (tax included) A culinary journey through the seasons Kyoto Ichinoden, established in 1927 in Kyoto,…
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…
When it comes to fish cuisine representative of Japan, for many people overseas, sashimi would have to come to mind. Located in Nishi-Shinjuku, “Imagawa Shokudō Nishi-Shinjuku” (hereinafter referred to as “Imagawa Shokudo”) offers not only sashimi but also an array of seafood dishes prepared through methods such as searing and frying. Imagawa Shokudo’s “Sesame & mackerel Donburi” is a dish…
Hambāgu, or hamburger steaks, are incredibly popular in Japan. These succulent hamburger patties have undergone a somewhat unique evolution of their own in Japan, making them stand out compared to their overseas counterparts. “Steak and Japanese beef Matsuya Seinikuten” (hereunder referred to as “Matsuya Seinikuten”) is a hamburger steak restaurant that offers the perfect place to enjoy the distinctive Japanese…
Tonkatsu is one of the popular dishes among foreign visitors to Japan. It’s a simple dish where pork is coated with breadcrumbs, but the taste can really vary from one restaurant to another. Located about a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station, “Tonkatsu Aoki Asakusabashi” (hereinafter referred to as “Tonkatsu Aoki”) is a restaurant where you can enjoy exceptional tonkatsu. Their…