Tempura stands alongside sushi and ramen as a globally recognized jewel of Japanese cuisine. Some tempura estabishments, while embracing conventional choices like white fish—kisu (Japanese whiting) and the like—and standard vegetables such as eggplant and pumpkin, also venture into unique and unexpected ingredients. Among these innovators is “Tempura Hisago Ōsaki” (referred hereunder as “Tempura Hisago”), located just a ten-minute stroll…

Just past the buzz of Bunkamura Street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo lies Oku-Shibuya, a serene enclave far from the bustling main avenues. This area is home to a unique restaurant, “Garlic Bar Nyonnyogo,” a culinary haven where enthusiasts gather to indulge in the rich flavors of garlic-infused cuisine. Aomori’s local flavors, reinterpreted “Nyonnyogo style”! First, a few points…

At the exceptional Tokyo restaurant “Roppongi Yakiniku Kintan,” the management is guided by a bold vision. “We aim to be the most loved yakiniku restaurant in the city,” they proudly state, referring to the Japanese word for grilled meat cuisine. At dinnertime, the restaurant pairs their excellent yakiniku with wine, while lunchtime offerings include hearty set menus. A dream menu…

Harajuku, known as a birthplace of new culture, is also at the forefront of culinary innovation. Right in the heart of this vibrant district, just a short walk from the bustling Takeshita Street and the tranquil Meiji Shrine, lies “Vegan Bistro Jangara,” a restaurant dedicated to vegan cuisine. “グリルバーガー,” Grilled Burger 1,350 JPY (tax included) Originating from the Kyushu Jangara…

“ABURICIOUS” is a play on words combining aburi (blow-torched) and delicious. It also happens to be the name of a signature menu item at “KINKA sushi bar izakaya Roppongi” in Tokyo. “サーモンとアイオリソースの炙り押し寿司,” SALMON OSHIZUSHI As many satisfied diners have already discovered, ABURICIOUS is blow-torched pressed sushi which originated in Canada. Not only delicious, it’s a hit on social media, captivating…

Just a short walk from Roppongi Station, you’ll find a restaurant offering a paradise for lovers of sea urchin, or uni, as it’s known in Japanese. At the aptly named “UNIHOLIC,” diners can enjoy a delightful time savoring sea urchin sashimi and various original sea urchin dishes, indulging in uni to their heart’s content. This luxurious uni and salmon roe…

Kyoto’s rich culture, spanning architecture, traditions, and culinary arts, finds a new home in Tokyo. At “Kyoto Ichinoden Roppongi Hills,” diners can delve into the essence of Kyoto’s dining culture without leaving the city. “蔵みそ焼懐石御膳,” Kura Miso-Yaki Kaiseki Gozen (available only through reservation) 5,500 JPY (tax included) A culinary journey through the seasons Kyoto Ichinoden, established in 1927 in Kyoto,…

Roppongi, alongside Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, stands as one of Tokyo’s most lively entertainment districts. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Roppongi, however, is a sushi-lover’s destination unlike any other: “SUSHI Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu” (hereunder referred to as “SUSHI Gonpachi”). The restaurant offers a tranquil oasis with a picturesque interior inspired by Japan’s “Taisho Romanticism” during the 1910s and 20s in…

Nestled in Ginza, a lively shopping district of Tokyo filled with an array of eateries, “YAKINIKU MARUUSHI GINZA HONTEN” (hereunder referred to as “Yakiniku Maruushi”) captures the hearts of international diners with its exceptional selection of yakiniku (grilled beef) dishes. They pride themselves on their exceptional wagyū, beef sourced from specific Japanese cattle breeds. Enjoy a luxurious course offering a…

Soba is one of Japan’s traditional dishes. These buckwheat noodles are the star at “Teuchi Soba Keyaki” in Roppongi, Tokyo. This place is all about embracing the age-old traditions of soba, serving dishes with a clear focus on quality. Traditional Japanese soba in the heart of Roppongi When it comes to soba, it’s all about the taste, smell, and the…

This spring, the fusion of art and nature paints Tokyo Midtown Hibiya in vibrant colors with HIBIYA BLOSSOM 2024, set from March 20 to April 14. Embracing the theme “Art & Flowers,” this annual event weaves together artistic expression and the beauty of flora, spotlighting sustainability and elegance in its 2024 rendition. Imagine a setting where artificial flowers, crafted from…

Spanning oceans and captivating diners of all nationalities, Japan’s tonkatsu is a culinary marvel. In Japan’s more renowned tonkatsu eateries, it’s not uncommon for the majority of patrons to be international travelers, united in their fascination with this crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet. Among these, “Butagumi Shokudou,” nestled in the cosmopolitan Roppongi district of Tokyo, emerges as a standout destination, earning…

Immerse yourself in the refined flavors of yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat cuisine) paired with sommelier-selected wines at “Japanese Yakiniku Nikugen Roppongi” (hereunder referred to as “Nikugen Roppongi.”) At this popular Tokyo establishment, the spotlight shines on Black Angus beef, wet-aged for over 30 days to unlock the true essence of its taste. Prepared by a grillmaster before your eyes: “Specialty…

Discovering Japan’s Rich Wood Tradition Japan’s wooden architecture is a stunning showcase of how tradition can blend seamlessly with innovation, drawing visitors from all around the planet. From the historic Hōryū-ji Temple to the charming villages of Shirakawa-gō, the use of wood in Japan is not just about building; it’s a deep reflection of a culture that holds a special…

Oishī itadakimashita! At sushi restaurant “Tsukiji Sushikuro Ginza Inns” (hereunder referred to as “Tsukiji Sushikuro”), chefs enthusiastically exclaim this phrase, literally meaning “we’ve received a ‘delicious,’” every time a diner praises the food. This lively interaction is a staple of the culinary experience here. Following the success of its Yokohama Joinus branch, the restaurant opened for business at this location…