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…

Teppanyaki, Japanese cuisine cooked on hot iron griddles, varies quite a bit between Japan and other countries. Internationally, teppanyaki is often enjoyed as a high-end entertainment show (sometimes referred to as “hibachi”), including performances by the chef during cooking. In contrast, Japan showcases more casual, everyday-style dishes like okonomiyaki. Furthermore, it’s quite common for customers themselves to cook on the…

Conveniently located within walking distance of Tokyo Station is the Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. (short for shopping center). The facility boasts over 100 shops, including high-end brands and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both locals and many visitors from overseas. In the shopping center’s annex, you’ll find the restaurant “Picoti Picota NIHOMBASHI Takashimaya S.C.” (hereinafter referred to as “Picoti…

Ueno, with its plethora of eateries where you can enjoy alcoholic beverages even during the day, is bustling with people day and night. The scene of strangers sitting shoulder to shoulder on outdoor seats and sharing drinks can be considered a symbolic sight of this neighborhood. For an authentic experience of casually enjoying a meal with alcohol at a Japanese…

Since early times, dashi broth has been an essential part of Japanese cuisine. In 2022, a dashi specialty shop opened in New York City, and now the ingredient continues to attract attention from around the world. In order to better understand the allure of dashi, the Umami bites editorial team visited the restaurant “Okaka Shinjuku” located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. At…

Japanese ramen can be categorized into various types based on factors such as the flavor and characteristics of the soup, the region where it’s commonly eaten, and more. One of these many ramen types is known as tanrei-kei ramen. Tanrei-kei ramen is characterized by a refreshing aftertaste and a clear, transparent broth. A particularly notable representative of the tanrei-kei style…

Lumine EST Shinjuku, a shopping mall directly connected to Shinjuku Station, houses numerous dining establishments. Among them, “Ochobohan” is one that stands out with its abundant selection of sweets with a focus on matcha! Signature dishes at Ochobohan are all about matcha Matcha used at Ochobohan is sourced from “Fujii Chaen,” a tea plantation in the renowned matcha-producing region of…

Japan’s wagyū (beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds), now globally renowned, comes in various brands, each offering distinct flavors and aromas. Among them, one highly recommended brand is “Kagoshima Kuroushi” from Kagoshima Prefecture. This brand has achieved the title of Japan’s best in competitions where wagyu from all across the country is evaluated. Its meat quality, texture, and the…