Asakusa, while being one of Tokyo’s premier tourist destinations, is also a gourmet area packed with long-established, famous restaurants. Established in 1951, “Yoshikami” is a name that invariably comes up when discussing Asakusa’s dining scene. Yoshikami is a restaurant that specializes in yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine) that evolved uniquely after international dishes were introduced to Japan. Signature dishes of Asakusa’s…

As soon as you enter this restaurant, your eyes are immediately drawn to the sumo wrestling ring. What unfolds from there is a vibrant sumo show filled with laughter, intense matches, and an immersive atmosphere! “Asakusa Sumo Club” opened in Asakusa in January 2024 as a restaurant where guests can enjoy meals while watching sumo shows performed by former sumo…

In Japan, nabe (traditional hot pot cuisine) is enjoyed typically during chilly winter months. However, at “Akutoridaikan Nabenoshin” in Shibuya, you can savor 12 varieties of nabe all year round, regardless of the season. “国産黒毛和牛のすき焼き,” Kuroge Wagyu Sukiyaki (minimum order for 2 people) 3,498 JPY per person (tax included) The most popular dish is their “Kuroge Wagyu Sukiyaki,” featuring Kuroge…

Located in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō, one of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts, is the long-established restaurant “Suzuya Shinjukuhonten” (referred to hereafter as “Suzuya”), beloved by many. This restaurant is famous for turning one of Japan’s most popular dishes, tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), into a unique ochazuke (a dish where green tea or dashi is poured over rice). “とんかつ茶づけ,” Tonkatsu Chazuke 1,690…

The Nakameguro area is known for its diverse range of stylish restaurants. Among them, “Beef Kitchen Nakameguro Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Beef Kitchen Nakameguro”) has been satisfying meat lovers for many years. This popular restaurant that deals in carefully selected Kuroge wagyū (Japanese black) beef has garnered particularly high ratings on gourmet websites. The spotlessly clean interior and attentive…

When dining in Japan, you’ll often find a variety of condiments at your table, each enhancing your meal in unique ways. From familiar soy sauce to more adventurous spices, these seasonings aren’t just extras—they’re a key part of the flavor experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common tableside condiments found at different types of restaurants, what…

Explore the vibrant flavors of Okinawa, where island culture meets unforgettable cuisine. From savory Okinawan soba to fresh seafood and tropical sweets, these must-try dishes offer a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. Dive into Okinawa’s food scene and discover its unique flavors! Gōya champurū: an Okinawa classic Gōya champurū is a signature Okinawan stir-fry made with tofu, egg,…

“Unagi Kaneichi Higashi Ueno” (referred to hereafter as Kaneichi) opened its doors in the Ueno area of Tokyo in 1965. Since then, Kaneichi has been a part of Ueno’s landscape, specializing in unagi (Japanese freshwater eel) dishes with a sauce that has remained unchanged since its founding. “上うな重,” Premium Eel Box 3,500 JPY (tax included) A sauce unchanged since the…

On Asakusa’s Denboin Street (also called Denboin-dori), which is constantly bustling with tourists, there’s a ramen shop that attracts long lines daily. That shop’s name is “Asakusa Nadai Ramen Yoroiya” (hereafter referred to as “Yoroiya”). The lines outside include not just Japanese locals but also many international diners, making it one of Asakusa’s most popular restaurants, attracting people from all…

Gyōza dumplings, with their endless variations of fillings and toppings, offer a wide range of flavors. In addition, at “KITTAN GYOZA” in Nakameguro, you can enjoy gyoza that not only taste delicious but also look great on social media posts. Kittan Gyoza’s dumplings are umami-rich and crafted with care The gyoza at KITTAN GYOZA are characterized by their distinct umami…

Kyoto, a city rich in history and culture, is equally famous for its refined cuisine. From traditional dishes rooted in centuries of culinary heritage to innovative flavors, Kyoto offers a unique taste experience. Here are the must-try foods in Kyoto that capture the essence of this elegant city! Matcha: Kyoto’s world-famous green tea Kyoto is well-renowned for its high-quality matcha,…

Wagyū (beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds) is a must-try for any meat lover visiting Japan. Globally renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, exquisite taste, and unique marbling, it can be enjoyed in many different ways, from grilled yakiniku cuisine to hotpot cooking. In this article, we will introduce some of the best wagyu restaurants Tokyo has to offer, and…

Unagi, Japanese freshwater eel, tends to be more expensive than eel from overseas. However, “Makiyaki Unagi Ginza Onodera HONTEN,” a restaurant in Akasaka, is changing the long-standing image that domestic unagi is expensive. The restaurant uses only domestic eels. Yet, they offer reasonably priced unagi bowls for under 1,000 JPY. “国産うな玉丼,” Domestic Unagi Tamago Don 980 JPY (tax included) The…

Kioichō in Tokyo was once home to famous feudal lords in the Edo period. This area, steeped in Edo history, is lined with renowned high-end Japanese restaurants that exude luxury. Among these restaurants in the area, one we would like to introduce is Kioichō Kichiza. The kaiseki (traditional Japanese multicourse meals), composed of seasonal ingredients, are crafted with meticulous care…

Onigiri, rice balls, have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. While simple in concept, their depth in craft and flavor have made them not just a traditional treat, but a popular modern delicacy. These tasty rice balls come in a wide variety of flavors, and are the perfect snack to fuel your travels in Japan. Here are some…