Big Neko

“NAGASAKI TORUKO RICE SHOKUDO” (hereafter referred to as “Nagasaki Toruko Rice Shokudo”) is a restaurant that prides itself on using ingredients from Nagasaki Prefecture. The restaurant’s signature dish is the Nagasaki-originated Turkish rice, which is also the namesake of the restaurant. “Toruko” is how “Turkey” or “Turkish” is referred to in Japanese. While it doesn’t have any particularly strong ties…

Izakaya, traditional Japanese pubs, are one of the country’s unique culinary cultures. One key feature that best symbolizes these establishments is the nomihōdai, or “all-you-can-drink” service. This service allows you to drink as much as you want from a selection of specified drinks for a fixed fee, a common offering at these pubs.. At “Yakitori Marukin Shinjuku Honten” (hereafter referred…

When visiting the highly popular sightseeing area of Hakone in Japan, a trip to Hakone Shrine is a must. The “Torii Gate of Peace” (heiwa no torii), which appears to float upon Lake Ashinoko, is a famous photo spot, with long lines of people waiting for a chance to take pictures. The Torii Gate of Peace Mountain deities enshrined at…

For lovers of super spicy ramen in Japan, “Kikanbō” is well-known hot spot. In 2022, Kikanbo branched out to open a curry specialty restaurant called “Karashibi Curry Kikanbō!” “鬼金棒カラシビカレーライス,” Karashibi Kikanbo Curry Rice 1,100 JPY (tax included) Much like the ramen shop, the flavor cherished at Karashibi Curry Kikanbo is the spiciness of chili peppers and the numbing sensation of…

Kōtoku-in, a temple in Kamakura, is widely renowned for its Great Buddha statue. The official name of Kamakura’s Great Buddha in Japanese is dōzō amida nyorai zazō, otherwise known as the Bronze Seated Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha). It is the only Buddha statue in the area designated as a National Treasure of Japan. The Great Buddha of Kamakura – the only…

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…

Meiji Jingu, a shrine located near Harajuku and Shibuya in Tokyo, is known for having the highest number of New Year’s visitors in Japan. The first visit of the year to a shrine or temple in Japan is a custom known as hatsumōde, where many pray and make wishes for the upcoming year. The shrine’s vast grounds are so green…

Imado Shrine (Imado Jinja in Japanese) enshrines Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the deities of marriage. The shrine is said to provide blessings for finding a good relationship match and marital harmony. Imado Shrine is also famous for its maneki-neko (beckoning cat) motifs. These feline figures and statues are thought to summon good fortune. So, from the shrine’s sacred items (lucky charms,…

Tempura specialty restaurant “Tempura Hisago” has a history surpassing 100 years since its establishment in Japan’s Taisho era. At the Akihabara UDX branch of Tempura Hisago, you can enjoy the taste of this long-standing establishment at a reasonable price! Tempura Hisago’s special sauce that has been passed down for many years Akihabara is an area always bustling with many people,…

Sensō-ji Temple, formally known as Kinryūzan Sensō-ji, is not only a major tourist attraction in Tokyo but is considered one of the most iconic sights representing Japan. Throughout its long history, Senso-ji has repeatedly suffered damage from fire and earthquakes. However, each time the local people have joined forces to rebuild and revive it, allowing the temple to stand guard…

It’s safe to say that delicious sushi sits at the top of the culinary itineraries of many who visit Japan. Moreover, many who travel to Japan are excited to try out an authentic revolving sushi restaurant. These restaurants, called kaitenzushi in Japanese, offer sushi plates delivered to your table via a rotating conveyor belt. “あなご,” Conger Eel 150 JPY (tax…

“Kyushu Jangara,” a ramen restaurant with multiple locations centered in Tokyo, has its flagship store in Akihabara. The Kyushu Jangara main branch has been boasting strong popularity as a representative ramen shop of Akihabara for many years, even appearing in Japanese anime and manga. KYUSHU JANGARA AKIHABARA-HONTEN’s exterior One of the main attractions of Kyushu Jangara is their refined and…

Tonkotsu, made from pork bone, is a classic ramen soup known for its milky white color and creamy texture. Tonkotsu soup is commonly used in the Kyūshū region, the southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands. However, it’s enjoyed all throughout Japan and has an enduring popularity. Located right inside Ueno Station, “Tokyo Jangara ecute Ueno” (hereafter referred to as “Tokyo Jangara”),…

Omurice, or omelette rice, is a dish that boasts immense popularity in Japan, to the extent that events are held to determine the best-tasting ones. Its charm has also spread to international visitors to Japan, and as a new trend in Japanese cuisine, its popularity only continues to grow. “ハンバーグオム,” Hamburger Steak Omelette Rice 1,290 JPY (tax included) Kanda Tamagoken’s…

Conveyor belt sushi, where sushi plates are delivered to your seat on a rotating conveyor belt, is a unique system that is characteristic of revolving sushi restaurants known as kaitenzushi. Located in Akihabara Station, “Magurobito Akihabara” (hereinafter referred to as “Magurobito”) is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that is highly recommend for international visitors to Japan. One reason is its…