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…

Born in Japan, the rice burger swaps traditional bread buns for rice, encasing delicious fillings. “Rice Burger Shop OKOMEDOKI,” situated in the trendy Shibuya neighborhood of Tokyo, stands out as one of the rare eateries dedicated to this hybrid creation, serving up these burgers which have a close affinity with Japanese cuisine. A burger with rice?! The “OKD Double Cheese…

A beloved dish in Japan, yakitori, or skewered grilled chicken, is enjoyed by adults and children alike. Available at many taverns as well as specialty shops, it attracts a large number of customers. Neslted in the busy Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, “Shinjuku Imaiya Honten” serves yakitori using Hinai chicken from Akita Prefecture. This free-range brand chicken is known for its…

There’s a place in Roppongi, Tokyo, where you can savor the special dishes of Kōchi Prefecture, presented right before your eyes in a kitchen brimming with life and excitement. This is “Warayakiya Roppongi” (hereafter referred to as “Warayakiya”), a unique restaurant boasting 16 branches, primarily within the Tokyo Metropolitan area. “名物 鰹のわらやき塩たたき,” Lightly grilled bonito 1,749 JPY (tax included) The…

Yakiniku, Japan’s beloved grilled meat cuisine, has captured the hearts of both locals and international food enthusiasts. In the bustling neighborhood of Shibuya, Tokyo, stands a remarkable example of this culinary tradition: “Ushikoi Shibuya.” Here, the philosophy is simple yet profound: “Turning the yakiniku you love into a luxury that’s within everyone’s reach.” At Ushikoi Shibuya, patrons are invited to…

Kabukicho, one of Japan’s premier entertainment districts in Tokyo, is not just a hub for locals but also a magnet for visitors of all nationalities. In the heart of Kabukichō, you’ll find “Tokyo Sushi ITAMAE SUSHI Shinjuku Toho Bldg.” (hereunder referred to as “ITAMAE SUSHI”), a bustling hotspot for international visitors, no matter what time of day or night. The…

In Japan, dagashiya typically refers to nostalgic neighborhood stores selling dagashi, low-cost candies and snacks made for children. However, in Tokyo’s cosmopolitan neighborhood of Roppongi, there’s a popular tavern named Dagashiya. The owner named it with the desire to create a place enjoyable even for adults. In the evenings, many customers visit to unwind after a day’s work, savoring dishes…

Many tourists want to maximize their time at their destination. Those eager to actively explore Japan from the morning should head to the onigiri shop “Odamusubi Honten” (hereunder referred to as “Odamusubi”). Conveniently located in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku neighborhood, the shop opens daily at 6:30 AM. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of onigiri rice balls, popular worldwide as…

Nestled in the heart of the busy Roppongi area of Tokyo, “#Hirokiya Roppongi” has become a culinary destination for its exceptional Yukhoe-style raw beef tartare and yakiniku. You can enjoy their fresh raw beef tartare with confidence, thanks to the restaurant’s official authorization to serve raw meat. “#飲めるユッケ丼（Lサイズ）,” #Melt-in-Your-Mouth Raw Beef Tartare Rice Bowl (Large size) 2,500 JPY (tax included)…

Steak is enjoyed all over the world. At “GRALIC” in Tokyo’s cosmopolitan Roppongi neighborhood, the concept is “Awesome Japanese Style Steak,” offering an appealing take on this international favorite. Enjoy the signature “Gralic Steak” with Japanese-style sauces “Gralic Steak,” the restaurant’s signature dish, uses high-quality American beef for a steak that’s both tender and juicy. The aroma of garlic butter…

The Fuuki Seimenjo noodle company in Kumamoto, with a history of over 50 years, has been crafting over 30 varieties of noodles, including ramen and udon. While the company has continued its tradition of noodle-making since its establishment, it entered a new phase in its history when it opened a ramen shop in Kumamoto in 2021. Two years later, the…

Situated in Roppongi, Tokyo, “#uni Seafood” is renowned for its seafood dishes, particularly those featuring uni (Japanese for “sea urchin”) and oysters, sourced directly from suppliers and offered at reasonable prices. Irresistibly rich! “Fresh Sea Urchin Cream Spaghetti” One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, the “Fresh Sea Urchin Cream Spaghetti,” is a striking pasta generously topped with sea urchin. “生ウニのクリームパスタ,”…