Xavier-Benjamin

The King of “Katsu”: This Tokyo Restaurant Has Served Pork Cutlets with Craftsmanship and Passion for Over A Century

Just a five-minute walk from the famous Ameya-Yokocho market in Ueno, Tokyo, there’s a legendary restaurant called “Ponta Honke.” In business for over a century, they specialize in yōshoku, Western-style dishes that have uniquely developed in Japan. The venerable establishment’s impressive wooden nameplate stands out amidst the bustling buildings and eateries in the neighborhood. At Ponta Honke, you can savor…

Ekiben: Answering Common Questions About Japan’s Boxed Meals For Travelers

In Japan, there is a tradition of eating bentō (boxed meals) during travel on trains and the Shinkansen. These special bento are known as ekiben, and they are a delightful part of the travel experience. As the name ekiben—a portmanteau of eki, meaning “station” and bento—suggests, these boxed meals can mainly be purchased at major train stations and some more…

浅草神社の写真

Don’t Miss Asakusa Shrine! A 350-Year-Old Japanese National Treasure

Asakusa is one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. Every day, countless visitors travel the 820-foot-long, shop-lined path leading to the famous Sensō-Ji Temple. However, just to the right of its main hall lies the often-overlooked Asakusa Shrine. A Japanese National Treasure with 350 Years of History When you arrive at Asakusa Shrine, start by bowing at the torii gate before…

Explore The Interactive Art Wonderland of teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, The World’s Most Visited Single Art Group Museum

Situated in the bustling Toyosu district of Tokyo, “teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM” (hereunder referred to as “teamLab Planets”), produced by the international art collective teamLab, offers a distinctive art museum experience that integrates advanced digital technologies with natural elements. Visitors at this museum become part of the art itself, engaging with installations that transform based on human interaction. This article…

渋谷にある回転寿司、金沢まいもん寿司の寿司

Shibuya’s Gourmet Conveyor Belt Sushi: Discover Kanazawa Maimon Sushi’s Photo-Perfect Menu

Perched on the 7th floor of the Shibuya PARCO shopping complex, you’ll find a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that stands out for offering top-quality sushi at reasonable prices: “Kanazawa Maimon Sushi.” High-Quality Sushi in Shibuya at Kanazawa Maimon Sushi Kanazawa Maimon Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi chain with its main branch in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Known for its…

Experience Ebiyama’s Photo-Perfect Dream Bowls of Fried Shrimp and Katsudon in Shibuya, Tokyo

“A mountain of fried shrimp would be like a dream come true.” Such is the delicious dream that inspired a unique restaurant in Shibuya, Tokyo: “Ebiyama.” Their signature dish is the “Ebiyama Special Bowl,” which features both ebi furai (breaded and deep-fried shrimp) and tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets). “海老山スペシャル丼,” Ebiyama Special Bowl 1,700 JPY (tax included) A must-try…

5 Important Tokyo Laws Tourists Must Know

When visiting Tokyo, it’s crucial to be aware of local regulations that may affect your activities. These rules ensure public safety and maintain the city’s cleanliness and comfort. Here are key regulations to keep in mind: Littering As of July 2024, strict littering regulations are enforced in many areas of Tokyo. In these areas, litter even as small as a…

Enjoy Fukuoka’s Finest Chicken Flavors in Succulent Hot Pots, Rice Bowls and More at Hakata Jidori Fukuei Kumiai Shibuya in Tokyo

Right in front of the landmark commercial facility SHIBUYA109, and just a short walk from Shibuya Station in Tokyo, you’ll find “Hakata Jidori Fukuei Kumiai Shibuya.” This restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with carefully selected chicken. The spacious interior, boasting 107 seats, is adorned with bamboo and pine, creating a serene Japanese garden-like atmosphere. The restaurant also features…

YAKITORI MOE: Simple Chicken Skewers Are Elevated to Gourmet Delights at This Revered Restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo

The essence of yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers) lies in its simplicity, yet the dedication and craftsmanship behind it are profound. The care and attention put into each skewer vary from one restaurant to another. Since opening in 2002, “YAKITORI MOE” in Roppongi, Tokyo, has consistently delighted fans with its authentic taste, making it a beloved spot for yakitori enthusiasts….

Ikura Shibuya: Fukuoka’s Photo-Perfect Hamburger Steak and Omurice Shop Opens Tokyo Branch

In today’s social media-driven world, the visual appeal of food has become a crucial factor in a restaurant’s popularity. “Hamburger Steak and Omurice Shop Ikura Shibuya” (hereafter referred to as “Ikura Shibuya”) reflects this modern trend. The restaurant has quickly become popular after opening in June 2024, thanks to its Instagram-worthy dishes. “プレミアムハンバーグオムライス,” Premium Hamburger omelet rice 3,000 JPY (tax…

Savor the Photo Perfect Sweets and Retro Japanese Menu of Parlour Ohashi in Shibuya, Tokyo

“Parlour Ohashi” in Shibuya, known for its SNS-worthy sweets, is a restaurant that combines retro charm with delightful flavors. The chic and relaxed interior evokes the atmosphere of Japanese coffee shops from the 1960s and 1970s. Parlour Ohashi’s SNS-famous “Totonou Pudding” The retro ambiance of Parlour Ohashi perfectly complements its famous “Totonou Pudding,” evoking nostalgia with its taste reminiscent of…

Riding Trains and Buses in Japan: 10 Most Important Manners and Rules

When traveling in Japan, be mindful of local rules and manners when riding trains and buses. Here’s what to expect: Before boarding Walking When you’re in the train station and on the platform, don’t use a smartphone, mobile gaming device or any other portable device while you’re on the move. Moreover, if you’re dragging a suitcase behind you, be mindful…

Experience Umami Bliss at Tokyo’s Ramen Honma in Akasaka, Where Only Additive-Free Noodles Are on The Menu

Ramen Honma is temporarily closed. Located in the Akasaka neighborhood of Tokyo, “Ramen Honma” is a ramen shop that takes pride in its exquisite soup, meticulously crafted from high-quality ingredients without the use of artificial additives. “Shrimp Wonton Noodles”: a perfect match with salt broth At Ramen Honma, you can choose between two types of broth for all ramen dishes:…

Suga Shrine, Featured in The Anime Film Your Name, and Its Iconic Otokozaka Stairs

For anime fans traveling to Japan, there’s a must-visit shrine in the Yotsuya neighborhood of Tokyo. Suga Shrine is the real-life model for a crucial scene in Makoto Shinkai’s anime film Your Name. The Otokozaka stairs at Suga Shrine also appear in the film’s poster. Otokozaka stairs: a constant photo hotspot for visitors to Suga Shrine Due to the film’s…