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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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 June 2025, strict littering regulations are enforced in many areas of Tokyo. In these areas, litter even as small as a…
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…
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….
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…
“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…
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…
French toast is loved around the world, but in Japan, it’s quite a different treat. Known for its lavish toppings and fluffy texture, Japanese French toast has a charm all its own. “Ivorish” in Shibuya is a hotspot for this delightful dish, drawing in people from all nations. Special bread used for Ivorish’s French toast Ivorish boasts a colorful and…
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…
Since their public debut at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo in 1972, pandas have become beloved symbols of the Ueno area. From monuments to food, you can spot pandas everywhere in Ueno. Just steps from the Park Exit of JR Ueno Station, “Ueno Green Salon” offers delightful panda-themed sweets. Ueno Green Salon’s adorable panda sweets One popular panda-themed treat at Ueno Green…
When shopping in Japan, knowing a few key phrases to help you when buying items and requesting options can make your experience much smoother. Feel free to use this article while shopping and point out the phrases you want to say. General Questions These are essential questions to ask about products and prices: How much is this? これはいくらですか？ (kore wa…