Big Neko

Best Kakigori in Tokyo: 9 Shaved Ice Cafes You Need to Visit This Summer

Kakigōri (shaved ice) is Japan’s quintessential summer sweet, but in recent years it has evolved beyond its traditional roots into a global trendsetting dessert. Tokyo in particular has become the epicenter of kakigori culture, with specialty shops serving creative variations year-round. From fluffy ice topped with rich fruit syrups to artistic presentations with unique ingredients, Tokyo’s kakigori scene is often…

Japanese Kakigori Is Next Level—Here’s How It Compares to Ice Treats Worldwide

As summer begins in Japan, kakigōri (shaved ice) appears on street corners and festival stalls, announcing the season’s arrival. Thinly shaved ice topped generously with colorful syrups, kakigori is a quintessential Japanese way to cool down. Once a summer festival staple, kakigori has grown into a dessert culture of its own, with specialty shops now dedicated entirely to it. While…

4 Best Abura Soba Spots in Tokyo — Discover the Next Stage of Ramen Here!

Rich in flavor yet surprisingly elegant—abura soba (oil noodles) is a unique dish that combines seemingly contradictory charms and is quietly sparking a boom in Tokyo. Tokyo’s Must-Try Abura Soba: Your Guide to Japan’s Soup-Free Ramen Sensation Abura soba is a type of ramen without soup, where noodles are thoroughly mixed with a special tare (sauce) and aromatic oils, creating…

These 5 Tokyo Wagashi Cafes Serve Japanese Sweets That Are Pure Art

Drawn in by the charm of tradition and the delicate sweet aroma in the air, it’s easy to find yourself wandering into a wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shop during a stroll through the city. If there’s even an eat-in space, it’s the perfect excuse to take a short break. From masterfully crafted jōnamagashi (premium Japanese sweets) to seasonal anmitsu (a…

The Secret to Tokyo’s Best Omurice Restaurants? It’s All in the Sauce!

When traveling in Japan, you may come across a food category called yōshoku (Western-style Japanese cuisine). Yoshoku refers to dishes that originated overseas but have been uniquely adapted to suit Japanese tastes. It became popular during the Meiji era (1868–1912), when Western culture began flowing into Japan, and has since evolved to include classics like hamburger steak, curry rice, and…

How Much Does Matcha Cost in Japan? What You Can Get With Just 5,000 Yen To Use And Where To Buy

Matcha is now a globally recognized superfood, originating from Japan. It’s not only used for drinks, but also in sweets and even skincare products, with its popularity continuing to grow both in Japan and around the world. Especially outside of Japan, matcha is gaining attention as a healthy Japanese ingredient, and it’s not uncommon to see it sold at more…

『ひみつ堂』のかき氷の写真

Fruit-Lovers’ Kakigori: Tokyo’s Famous Himitsudo Shaved Ice Shop in Yanaka

Japan’s summer is celebrated through many traditional sights and flavors—but none quite embody the season like kakigōri (shaved ice). Thinly-scraped ice topped with vibrant syrups captures the essence of cool refreshment in one bowl. Kakigori in the making at Himitsudō Made by finely shaving ice and topping it with colorful syrups, kakigori is the quintessential summer sweet that brings a…

O’denbar うまみ 麻布十番

Yes, You Can Enjoy Oden and Sake in Summer—Try This Stylish Spot in Tokyo

Oden is one of the most iconic dishes representing Japan’s dashi culinary culture. Ingredients like daikon radish, soft-boiled eggs, and fish cakes are slowly simmered in a deeply flavorful broth rich in umami, creating a comforting dish that highlights the harmony of quality ingredients and culinary technique. Reimagining this traditional favorite with a modern sensibility is “O’denbar Umami Azabu-Juban” located…

How to Eat Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Tokyo with Just 5,000 Yen to Use

When traveling in Japan, the highlights include beautiful scenery, historic streetscapes, and, of course, the food. But many wonder—how much can you enjoy Japan on a limited budget? The truth is, with a bit of planning, you can savor Japanese food culture from morning to night, even on a budget of 5,000 yen or less. You can, for instance, save…

Explore Imagawayaki: Japan’s Must-Try Anko-Filled Sweet with Custard Flair

Imagawayaki (thick pancake sweets) is a beloved Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). This hockey puck-shaped, thick treat features a crisp, golden exterior and a soft interior filled with sweet anko (red bean paste) or other fillings. A favorite since the Edo period (1603–1868), imagawayaki remains popular at festival stalls and shops. Known regionally as ōbanyaki (large pancake sweets) or kaitenyaki…

Yokan: Japan’s Stunningly Delicious Sweet You Can Find Almost Anywhere (2025)

Yōkan (a traditional Japanese sweet made of bean paste, agar, and sugar) is a quintessential Japanese wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), made by solidifying anko (red bean paste) with kanten (agar). Its smooth, dense texture and rectangular shape are iconic. Said to have originated in the Kamakura-Muromachi period (1185-1333), Zen monks created it as a meat substitute using anko and kuzuko…