Big Neko

そば

Tokyo Soba Spot Loved for 50+ Years – Don’t Miss Their Top Menu Picks!

Standing soba restaurants, known as tachigui soba in Japan, are a uniquely Japanese fast food concept, serving one of Japan’s representative dishes – Japanese soba noodles – quickly and efficiently. “Sobadokoro Kameya” (referred to hereafter as “Kameya”) is one of the capital’s quintessential popular soba restaurants. The Okachimachi branch, located near Ueno’s Ameyoko shopping street in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), is…

Guide to Tsukishima’s Monjayaki: Best Shops & How to Cook It

Monjayaki is considered a local specialty cuisine of Tokyo. The Tsukishima area of Tokyo in particular is home to many monjayaki restaurants and is bustling with tourists every day. Originally created as a children’s snack, monjayaki was quite simple in terms of ingredients. It consisted of flour dissolved in water, seasoned, and then cooked on a griddle. However, as monjayaki…

まぜそば

What Sets Mazesoba Apart from Ramen? A Look at the Must-Visit Shibuya Restaurant

Shibuya, a trendy Tokyo area where food culture constantly thrives and evolves, is home to “soba MAREN Shibuyaten” (hereafter referred to as “soba MAREN”) a restaurant offering distinctive mazesoba crafted by a Japanese cuisine restaurant. Mazesoba (often referred to as “soupless ramen” outside of Japan) is a noodle dish mixed with a rich sauce or oil, instead of being served…

Temple and Shrine Tour in Ueno Park: Benefits for Wealth, Love, and Luck!

In “Ueno Onshi Park” (hereunder referred to as “Ueno Park”), located in Taito-ku (Taito Ward) Tokyo, there are numerous temples and shrines worth visiting, including shrines with gorgeous and lavish decorations, and temples said to bring good financial fortune. With various temples and shrines situated close to one another, you could easily spend a whole day exploring them. Whether you’re…

Tsukishima’s Must-Try Monjayaki: Loaded with Fresh Tuna, Shrimp & Oysters!

Monjayaki, a savory pancake-like dish, originated in Japan during the Showa era (1926-1989) as a snack popular among children. In its early days, it was made by mixing wheat flour with water, seasoning it, and cooking it on a griddle. Initially a simple, low-cost treat, monjayaki has transformed over time. Restaurants now serve monjayaki with unique, original concepts that go…

Where Celebrities Go for Monjayaki: Tsukishima’s Seafood-Filled Favorite

If you’re looking to try monjayaki, a traditional dish from Tokyo, there’s no better place to visit than Tsukishima Monja Street, located near Tsukishima Station. With over 50 monjayaki restaurants lined up, you’re sure to find the perfect one that suits your taste. Monjayaki is a popular dish that features pan-fried batter mixed with ingredients like cabbage, meat and seafood….

How to Make Japan’s Classic Chicken Curry: Best Toppings to Try

Curry is a dish that originated outside of Japan, but has undergone a unique evolution within the country. Not only are there specialty curry (pronounced karē in Japanese) restaurants across the country, but it is also served in school lunches, making it fair to say that curry has become a staple of Japanese cuisine. Photo for illustrative purposes The five…

Discover New Monjayaki Flavors at Tamatoya in Tsukishima: A Must-Try Experience!

In Tokyo’s Chūō-ku (Chuo Ward), Tsukishima Monja Street stretches for approximately 500 meters, lined with over 50 restaurants dedicated to monjayaki, a popular dish featuring a pan-fried batter mixed with ingredients like cabbage, meat and seafood. From classic flavors beloved for generations to creative, modern variations, you can discover a diverse range of monjayaki experiences on this street. Tamatoya: a…

Ueno Park Museum Guide: A Full Day of Art, History & Archaeology

Ueno, located in Taito-ku (Taito Ward), Tokyo, is often referred to as the Museum District. The reason for this can be found in “Ueno Onshi Park” (hereafter referred to as “Ueno Park”), which is known as one of Ueno’s foremost tourist destinations. Museums and art galleries are scattered throughout the grounds of Ueno Park, all within walking distance. It’s the…

Ultimate Guide to Ueno Zoo: Ticket Prices, Hours, and Must-See Animals

Japan is home to approximately 90 zoos affiliated with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Among them, “Ueno Zoological Gardens,” (hereafter referred to as “Ueno Zoo”) located in Taito-ku (Taito Ward) Tokyo, boasts the longest history. Ueno Zoo Main Gate Despite being located in an urban area, the zoo is home to approximately 300 species and 3,000 animals living…

Hibiya Blossom 2025 Wicked collaboration at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya

A Wicked Flower Dome Blooms in Tokyo—But There’s More Than Meets the Eye!

Spring is when various flowers reach peak bloom, creating ample opportunities to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty outdoors. As the warm air gradually settles in and flowers begin to bloom throughout the city, it’s hard not to feel the urge to step outside with a camera in hand. Did you know that Tokyo, a city known for its vibrant restaurants and…