The Japanese tea ceremony, or sadō, is more than just a ritual of drinking tea—it is a comprehensive art form that embodies the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) and refined etiquette. The act of preparing and serving matcha to guests reflects a deep spiritual awareness of silence, harmony, respect, and purity. This article introduces the key concepts, practical etiquette, and spiritual…
With its smooth texture and aroma that deepens with every bite, soba is one of the most delicate and profound dishes in Japanese cuisine. Everything—from the unique characteristics of buckwheat flour by region, to the ingredients used in the dashi broth, to the skill of the artisan—comes together to define its flavor. Soba became widespread during the Edo period (1603-1868)…
Conveniently located near Tokyo Station and Ginza Station, Shimbashi has long been known and loved as a classic after-work drinking district for Japan’s office workers. Even today, it remains lively day and night, weekdays and weekends alike. Shimbashi Ekimae Building, directly connected to Shimbashi Station’s Shiodome Exit via an underground passage, is home to some of the area’s most authentic…
The Tsukiji Outer Market is a popular destination for tourists seeking fresh seafood. Located right at the entrance of the market at the Tsukiji 4-chōme intersection is “Tsukiji Sushiiwa Tsukijishiten” (hereafter referred to as “Tsukiji Sushiiwa”), a historic sushi restaurant founded in 1921. This esteemed restaurant is known for offering traditional Edomae sushi crafted with expert technique, all in a…
Shimbashi is one of Japan’s most prominent business districts. With a long history as a transportation hub—it was where Japan’s first railway opened—it boasts easy access to key areas like Ginza and Haneda Airport. As a result, many major corporations and media companies have established offices here. The district is characterized by a unique mix of sleek skyscrapers and retro…
Shimbashi, one of Tokyo’s major business districts, offers excellent access to places like Ginza, Shibuya, Shinagawa, and Haneda Airport, thanks to the JR Yamanote Line and several other train lines. After World War II, Japan’s largest black market sprang up in front of Shimbashi Station. As Japan entered its period of rapid economic growth, the area evolved with the construction…
Located near Ginza, Tsukiji is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations. At the main attraction, the Tsukiji Outer Market, you’ll find around 460 restaurants and specialty shops where you can explore a wide range of flavors. Among them is “Tsukiji Unagi Shokudō,” a specialty restaurant where you can enjoy shinko unagi—premium young Japanese freshwater eel (Nihon Unagi), a traditional…
The Tsukiji Outer Market developed alongside the former Tsukiji Fish Market, once known as Tokyo’s Central Wholesale Market. Even today, it continues to draw crowds from Japan and abroad, all in search of delicious seafood. One particularly lively spot in the Tsukiji Outer Market is “Maguroya Kurogin Tsukiji Honten” (hereafter referred to as “Maguroya Kurogin”). The shop is known for…
Western-style dishes centered on European cuisine have fused with Japanese ingredients and culture to create yōshoku—a uniquely Japanese style of Western food. For visitors from abroad, yoshoku offers a refreshing experience, while for Japanese people, it’s a comforting and familiar taste. Over time, yoshoku has become a firmly rooted local cuisine distinct to Japan. “Napolitan Spaghetti” at Kayashima in Kichijōji…
The Tsukiji Outer Market is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations, where you’ll find many restaurants serving fresh seafood. Tucked away in the basement of a building along the area’s Harumi Street is a hidden gem: “Sashimi Bar Kashigashira.” Opened by a seafood connoisseur with experience working in a fish market, the restaurant offers not only top-quality tuna but…
Japan’s summers are no joke—hot, humid, and surprisingly intense, especially for first-time visitors. Many tourists come unprepared for the sticky heat, only to find themselves drenched in sweat within minutes of stepping outside. But Japan has developed all kinds of clever ways to beat the heat—from wearable cooling pads to portable fans—and they’ve become a reliable way to make sure…
Tokyo’s Ginza district is lined with globally famous brand stores and offers a refined dining and luxury shopping experience. It’s a place where world trends and Japan’s refined culture intersect, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The sweets shop “HIIRAGI GINZA” opened in Ginza in October 2024 and quickly became a hot topic as a rising star in the area. Located in…
Chanko nabe is a traditional hot pot dish deeply intertwined with Japan’s sumo culture. For sumo wrestlers, nutritional balance has always been paramount in their diet to maintain and strengthen their physiques. Japanese hot pot dishes, which are mainly built around protein while incorporating a variety of ingredients, are truly ideal meals for sumo wrestlers. Born from this tradition, chanko…
Ryōgoku, in Tokyo, is a place deeply connected to sumo, Japan’s national sport. Many sumo stables are located in the surrounding area, and it’s not uncommon to spot sumo wrestlers belonging to these stables while walking around. Among the many restaurants near Ryōgoku Station serving chanko nabe (a hearty hot pot dish traditionally eaten by sumo wrestlers), “Hananomai Edo Tokyo…
Sumo is considered Japan’s national sport, and the meals eaten by sumo wrestlers are collectively known as chanko. Among them, chanko nabe (a hearty hot pot) is especially famous. Each sumo stable has its own version of chanko nabe, and it’s common for retired wrestlers to open their own restaurants. As a result, the area around Ryōgoku Station (located near…