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…
Ginza is an area in Tokyo where tradition and innovation merge. In recent years, Ginza has often been known as a high-end shopping district, but its appeal goes far beyond shopping. As symbolized by the Kabukiza Theatre where kabuki is performed, Ginza has long been a center of arts and culture. Even today, the area around Ginza Station is home…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
Located in the heart of Ginza, “KITAINARI GINZA” is a specialty inari sushi shop with a focus on creating nourishing inari sushi that your body will love. Instead of the standard sugar, they use amazake (a traditional sweet Japanese drink made from fermented rice), resulting in a unique twist on classic inari sushi that the shop takes pride in. Types…
Japan’s wagyū beef has spread its delicious reputation throughout the world and has become a global brand. Shabu-shabu is a hotpot dish that allows you to enjoy the simplicity of wagyu’s flavor by briefly dipping and swishing it in broth, and enjoying it along with vegetables. Located in the bustling heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district, “shabu-shabu sukiyaki steak NIIMURA” (referred…
Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, buzzes with festival-like energy every day. From visiting Sensō-ji Temple to touring the town on a rickshaw and indulging in delicious local food, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your trip to Asakusa. Among the area’s culinary highlights is “Suzukien Asakusa Honten,” (hereafter referred to as “Suzukien”) a popular shop where lines…
When people hear the words “tachigui soba” (standing soba restaurants), many probably picture a no-frills, casual eatery. However, “SUBA VS,” which opened in Shibuya in September 2024, is a new concept in standing soba shops where soba meets wine. Its stylish interior and creativity put a new twist on standing soba restaurants, and have been garnering attention on social media….
Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries with a sweet filling) is one of Japan’s most iconic street foods, making it perfect both as a gift and for eating on the go. When enjoyed fresh off the griddle, the outer crust is delightfully chewy and hot, while the inside is almost bursting with anko (sweet red bean paste). Just one bite brings instant joy…
At “GINZA SUSHI BANYA KAI,” you can savor a full course meal composed of exquisite sushi and seasonal dishes. What sets this restaurant apart is its unique dedication to a single, carefully curated course menu. The course consists of 20 meticulously prepared dishes, with sushi as the centerpiece, all crafted with exceptional skill and dedication by the chefs. Sample of…