Sumo is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional sports, and the meals sumo wrestlers eat every day are collectively known as chanko. Among them, chanko nabe—a hot pot loaded with vegetables, meat, and sometimes seafood—is particularly famous. For many people, “sumo food” instantly brings this dish to mind. The area around Ryōgoku Station, where Ryōgoku Kokugikan (National Sumo Arena) is…
Oden is a traditional Japanese dish in which ingredients like daikon radish, fish cakes such as chikuwa and kamaboko, and more are simmered slowly in a large pot. Across Japan, you’ll find many establishments where you can enjoy oden paired with alcohol. The type of broth used and the selection of ingredients—called oden-dane—vary widely, giving each shop a distinct character….
Just a 3-minute walk from Kabuki-za Theater, “Sushi Ginza Onodera SOUHONTEN” is a renowned sushi restaurant nestled in a prime location in Tokyo’s Ginza district—perfect for special occasions. Offering only course meals for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant features a diverse selection of the season’s finest seafood, including red fish, white fish, uni (sea urchin), shrimp, and shellfish. 15…
Ginza brings together the finest from various fields. The streets are lined with high-brand boutiques, internationally acclaimed gastronomy, and art galleries. Among all the establishments in Ginza, the “Shiseido Parlour Salon de Cafe” stands out with a remarkable presence. The red brick building housing the cafe commands attention even on the main street. Founded in 1902, “Shiseido Parlour” began as…
Okinawa is one of the first places that comes to mind when talking about resort destinations in Japan. It’s not just the beautiful natural scenery and historic architecture—Okinawa’s rich local cuisine is also a big part of its lasting appeal. Located near Yūrakuchō Station, “Ginza Washita Shop Honten” (referred to hereafter as “Ginza Washita Shop”) is a place where you…
Oden is one of Japan’s traditional simmered dishes. By slowly cooking ingredients such as daikon radish, eggs, chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake), and hanpen (another type of fish cake) in a large pot, it brings out the umami of the ingredients. While simple in appearance, this exquisite dish allows you to experience the depth of Japanese food culture through the complexity…
Sumo is considered Japan’s national sport, and the Ryōgoku area of Tokyo is home to the Ryogoku Kokugikan, where sumo tournaments are held. As a result, the area is known for its many chanko nabe hot pot restaurants. “Chanko” refers to the meals eaten by sumo wrestlers. Among these, hot pot dishes are especially common, so in Japan, the word…
Oden is a dish in which a variety of ingredients—such as vegetables like daikon radish and seafood-based items like chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake) and kamaboko (another type of fish cake)—are simmered together in a large pot. Tokyo is home to many restaurants where oden takes center stage. The ingredients used in oden and the type of broth it’s simmered in…
In Japan, oden is so ingrained in everyday life that you can even buy it at convenience stores. Oden is a traditional Japanese home-cooked dish where various ingredients such as daikon radish, eggs, chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake), and konnyaku (firm jelly made from konjac yam) are slowly simmered in dashi broth. Tokyo, where oden culture is deeply rooted, is home…
Onigiri (rice balls) can be conveniently eaten with just one hand and enjoyed with a wide variety of fillings. They’re so widely enjoyed that many consider them Japan’s soul food—and it turns out they’re a big hit with international visitors as well. Part of their appeal lies in the endless possibilities for fillings and flavors. But what kinds of onigiri…
Shibuya attracts many tourists from around the world and is widely known in Japan as a hub for youth culture and trends. However, the Maruyamachō area of Shibuya was once a flourishing geisha district, lined with many restaurants during the Meiji and Taisho eras. It’s said that scenes of geisha entertaining guests with dances and shamisen performances were once a…
A kissaten (traditional Japanese cafe) is typically highlighted by retro furniture, warm lighting, casually displayed art, and a calm atmosphere where jazz or classical music plays in the background. These nostalgic cafes—where you can relax and enjoy carefully brewed coffee and yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine)—are a uniquely Japanese part of food culture. At “Cafe Bridge,” a long-standing kissaten located inside…
Kabuki is one of Japan’s most celebrated traditional performing arts, and the Kabukiza Theatre is a venue dedicated exclusively to kabuki. Just behind this historic venue—long at the heart of kabuki culture since the Meiji era—is a retro kissaten (Japanese-style cafe) that draws visitors from all over the world: “Kissa American.” Kissaten differ from modern cafes that serve trendy food…
This retro-style cafe, featuring heavy wooden furniture and chairs upholstered in leather and velour, offers guests a place to enjoy drinks like coffee alongside light meals such as sandwiches and pasta. Unaffected by trends and dedicated to preserving a nostalgic atmosphere, Japanese cafes like this have long been loved by many. Located near Higashi-Ginza Station, “Kissa You” is a long-established…
On the first floor of Tokyu Plaza Ginza, one of Ginza’s landmark shopping complexes, you’ll find a sophisticated crepe stand that’s capturing the hearts of adults. The Ginza branch of “PÄRLA,” whose main store is in Gaienmae, Tokyo, features a retro design inspired by buildings from the Taisho era. At first glance, it could be mistaken for a bar, with…