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Craving Oden in Shibuya? This Elegant Hideaway Takes You Back in Time

Shibuya attracts many tourists from around the world and is widely known in Japan as a hub for youth culture and trends. However, the Maruyamachō area of Shibuya was once a flourishing geisha district, lined with many restaurants during the Meiji and Taisho eras. It’s said that scenes of geisha entertaining guests with dances and shamisen performances were once a…

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A Hidden Japanese Retro Cafe Gem in Ginza You Don’t Want to Miss

A kissaten (traditional Japanese cafe) is typically highlighted by retro furniture, warm lighting, casually displayed art, and a calm atmosphere where jazz or classical music plays in the background. These nostalgic cafes—where you can relax and enjoy carefully brewed coffee and yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine)—are a uniquely Japanese part of food culture. At “Cafe Bridge,” a long-standing kissaten located inside…

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Why Everyone’s Talking About the Giant Sandwiches at This Ginza Cafe

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…

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Try the “Drinkable” Omurice Loved by Kabuki Actors at Ginza’s Iconic Kissa You

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…

How to Take the Perfect Photos at Japan’s Unique Capybara Cafe

Micro pigs, owls, hedgehogs, and even reptiles! Beyond just cat and dog cafes, a growing number of cafes in Japan now let you interact with all sorts of unique animals. These entertaining animal-themed cafes have become popular not only among locals but also tourists visiting from overseas. In the case of “cafe capyba,” a capybara cafe near Hikifune Station on…

Udon Meets Thai Curry!? 3 Must-Try Dishes at Ginza Sato Yosuke

When you think of udon, thick, chewy noodles probably come to mind. But Inaniwa udon, a specialty from Akita Prefecture, is a bit different. Inaniwa udon, considered one of Japan’s three great udon varieties, is best known for its exceptionally smooth and silky texture. Its shape differs from typical udon, being much thinner, known for its pleasant texture on the…

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Tokyo’s Most Intense Miso Ramen? Try the Karashibi Heat at Kikanbo Ikebukuro

Ramen in Japan continues to evolve—but did you know there’s a genre known as karashibi or shibikara? Now a familiar term among ramen lovers, this spicy and numbing category appears to have been popularized by the trailblazer “Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo.” In the restaurant’s name, the word kara comes from the Japanese word karai, meaning “spicy,” and refers to heat…

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Soupless, Flavor-Packed, and Totally Addictive – Don’t Miss This New-Gen Ramen in Shibuya

Soupless ramen varieties like mazesoba (mixed noodles), abura soba (oil noodles), and kamatama soba (hot noodles with egg) are among the popular genres in Japan’s evolving ramen culture. “Shibuya Mazesoba Chops” is a specialty restaurant where you can thoroughly enjoy soupless ramen in Tokyo’s trendsetting district of Shibuya. It’s also conveniently located near Shibuya Station. There are no strict definitions…

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You Won’t Believe This Is Standing Soba — Shinjuku’s Best Budget Bowl?

Soba is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dishes. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic soba conveniently and at a reasonable price, tachigui soba (standing soba) restaurants are a great way to do so. Located near Shinjuku Station, a bustling area packed with shoppers and tourists, “Shinshūya Shinjuku minamiguchi” (referred to hereafter as “Shinshuya”) is one such stand-and-eat soba spot….

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Where to Enjoy Premium Wagyu Shabu-Shabu and Fresh Uni in Shinjuku

Shabu-shabu, where thinly sliced beef is briefly dipped in dashi broth, is highly popular for its simple approach to enjoying the umami of meat and vegetables. It’s one of Japan’s most quintessential hot pot dishes. “Kin no Dashi Shabu Hachiuma Shinjuku Main Store” (referred to hereafter as “Hachiuma Shinjuku”) is conveniently located in the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō area. It’s…

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Must-Try Miso Ramen in Shinjuku’s Ramen Battleground

Otakibashi Street, located near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit, is one of Tokyo’s most competitive ramen districts. In this area, “Misoya Hachiroshoten” (pronounced “hachirō shōten”) stands out with its distinctly original miso ramen that boasts enduring popularity. The restaurant is operated by “Nantsuttei,” a well-known ramen chain based in Kanagawa Prefecture. This chain is said to have popularized kuro māyu (black…