Advice about Eat and Drink
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Lively Drinking Spots in Japan: Beer Gardens and Izakaya Japanese Pubs
You can find Beer Gardens atop department stores around Japan and Izakayas along any busy restaurant area in any city in the country.Although also popular with groups of friends or coworkers, you will find Japanese style pubs "Izakaya" popular with men- they serve many small dishes that go well…(220 words)
jjwalsh
Nigori-zake, thick like milk
Sake, made from rice, comes in all grades and qualities, usually hanging around the 12% alcohol range. One type however, is a bit unique, and also has a higher alcohol content: Nigori-zake.This is unfiltered sake. If you have ever washed white rice before cooking it, you have seen a thick almos…(102 words)
KurtisW
Nozy Coffee in Sangenjaya
Sangenjaya is an area nestled just in between the more vibrant and busy area of Shibuya, and the western neighborhoods of Tokyo. It has many popular shops and restaurants, but still has a quiet and relaxed vibe overall.It is a great place for small and quaint bars, with a series of narrow windi…(132 words)
KurtisW
Tokyo, Shibuya, Kyoto, Osaka..Everywhere in Japan! Kaiten sushi is cheap and reasonable!
100-yen Kaiten sushi place's Major chain stores -popular ”Kappa zushi" and "Sushiro". Low prices are the selling point of these stores, but they taste very good too. Personally Sushiro is my favorite. Their IT ordering system (tablet with user-friendly menu with real pictures) is fun and quick! T…(139 words)
EmiOnishi
Water, Water, and many drops to drink
Omizu (mizu if you're not using the honorific "O") is the Japanese word for water. If you're visiting Japan you can be assured that the water from taps is safe to drink wherever you're visiting. However, if you really insist on paying 100 to 200 yen for a bottle of water you'll find plenty of brand…(279 words)
Joe Peters
Great traditional Japanese Winter Snack!! Yaki Mochi. もーやいちゃう
Here's a way to eat mochi that's been passed down generations. In the winter time many Japanese homes use a Stove to heat their rooms.Some keep a kettle on top to keep the room humid.These stoves can also be used to make Yaki Mochi.Get some aluminum foil and place it on top of the Stove…(99 words)
Yuuki I
Udon is a Must-Try for a Real Japanese Noodle Experience
Everyone knows the most popular noodle dishes for Japanese are ramen, soba and udon. Why then, we wonder, does udon seems to be mentioned less often and receive less attention from international visitors? Here, I would like to let you know where and how to experience UDON, our fascinating, tradit…(437 words)
Hagi
Tempura - Kaneko Hannosuke at Nihonbashi
I love their tendon. They are actually one of the best tendons I've ever had! The shop is clean and neat too.When you sit down, you are first served with Tea that has floating black beans. (I was very impressed with this service when I first visited them. Very Japanese!)They only have one menu.…(169 words)
EmiOnishi
The real soba experience in Asakusa
You will never find Tanso-an Kenjiro unless you know how to find it. It is the Saint Graal of soba experience.Kenjiro Suzuki has traveled around Japan during many years to learn his craft and soba making from every region of Japan. He did it the medieval way: working for soba-masters every wher…(265 words)
Claire
Tonkotsu Ramen at Kokutei Ramen
For authentic Tonkotsu ramen, go to Kumamoto. Not only is Kumamoto a beautiful city with street trolleys and wonderful sightseeing, but they are famous for Kumamoto style, Tonkotsu ramen. Tonkostu ramen is a pork bone based ramen noodle soup. The noodles are thick, firm and a include garlic flav…(255 words)
Kevin
For the Rice Lovers: Furikake!
I love Japanese white rice. Rice is an essential part of Japanese culture and is consumed by Japanese households on a daily bases. Although there are much variety to Japanese cuisine, personally, I believe that rice is always the main dish and everything else are just side dishes. Of course, having…(253 words)
Natalie
Izu Pennisula Local Sushi
Recently, I had an opportunity to eat “Sushi” at Saito Sushi Restaurant in Numazu, Japan, which is located in the Izu Peninsula south of Tokyo/Yokohama. The restaurant was recommended by a local taxi driver and the place is frequented by the local people as well as visitors from abroad so I decided…(276 words)
AustinA
Yatai - Festival Food Stalls
There are a lot of matsuri - festivals - all over Japan especially in the summer. At the matsuri you can always find many kinds of yatai - food stalls. Even small local events have yatai, because the food is part of the festival. Yatai offer all sorts of fun yummy foods, both sweet and savoury. Ple…(126 words)
David
Japanese 'fast-food' for foreigners
You might have heard of, or hear around you at times the Japanese word Gaijin, which literally means outside person, or non-Japanese. It is not originally meant to be disrespectful, just basically means foreigner. So for those who are foreigners and do not speak Japanese, but can’t get enough of th…(379 words)
Alex
"Matsutake" Mushrooms
Autumn is "Shokuyoku no aki" (time of hearty appetites). As the heat goes away, the Japanese enjoy seasonal foods such as chestnuts, mashrooms, sweet potatos and Pacific saury to name a few. Sometimes, we enjoy culinary treats such as maple leaves in tempura.One of the more notable smells of au…(235 words)
EmiOnishi
How to enjoy real JAPANESE SAKE("junmaishu") in Shibuya, Tokyo
Want to try tasting real Japanese sake together with nice "washoku"(Japanese cuisine) during your trip here? It can be tricky to pick a good one from a variety of Japanese sake offerings. You know what? It is tough for me although I am Japanese. Because there are more than 2,000 kinds!! It's natura…(396 words)
Eddie
The Absolute Best Burritos in Japan: Cactus Burrito
Cactus Burrito offers California "San Diego-style" burritos like no one else in Japan. They’re located just a few minutes’ walk from Musashi-Shinjō Station on the JR Nanbu Line in Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki.Their shop is tiny, but their menu is impressive. In addition to the regular assortment of Mex…(269 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
HoneyBaked Ham - Now in Japan
Just an FYI that you can now get HoneyBaked Ham in Japan. We used to always have this growing up so happy to share it with Japanese friends. They are always amazed to try what we call 'real' ham.www.honeybaked.co.jp. Website is in English or Japanese.This kind of ham is not available…(90 words)
JiyugaokaPaul
Authentic Ceylon Tea in Yokohama, Japan
One of the many things I love about Yokohama is its number of fantastic cafes. a particularly unique one I enjoy going to is Sinha Ceylon Tea House, located near Bashamichi Station, who specializes in leaf teas imported from several regions in Sri Lanka.They offer over thirty varieties of hot a…(321 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Mikasa Kaikan, quality libations & comestibles in the hart of Ginza
Quality and connivence in Ginza, Mikasa Kaikan has a lot to offer. Located half a block back from Harumi Dori and 3.5 blocks from the famous Ginza 4 - Chome intersection, it's close to Ginza's high energy central shopping area, easy to find and serene all at the same time.Meet up with friends a…(216 words)
Aron
Tea Time with a Little Monkey Magic!
Many Yokohama residents are familiar with Monkey Magic Teahouse, the well-known tea restaurant with its attractive wooden interior and marvelous tea selection in the heart of Chinatown. But most don't know about its sister store, the comfortable, affordable Goku Tea Bar on an unassuming side street…(304 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Japan's First and Oldest Greek Restaurant
Sparta, located in Yoshidamachi, Yokohama, is Japan's first and oldest Greek restaurant - and quite arguably one of the country's best. Founded by Elias Skantos in 1953, it's now run by his disciple, chef Akutsu Yasuyuki, and his wife Yoko. Together, the two travel to Greece yearly to update their …(348 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Omochi kaeri is the word.
As you order, it is appropriate to ask if they do"omochi kaeri"(take out ). For examples, "Omochi Kaeri Deki math ka?"( Can you do take out meal ? ) . Then start order foods like "sushi set, kudasai." it is appropriate to memories your address or phone number in Japanese, too. FYR: theres no tippin…(71 words)
lenamum
For a fancy and healthy teishoku
Recently, I ate at a cute, fancy restaurant near Shibuya and Omotesando station and the UN University, called PARIYA. As this is catered towards women as well as business-people, they offer take-out as well as a sitting-area with a fancy, relaxing atmosphere. When you go in, you can choose amon…(156 words)
RieS
Elaborate onigiri is king
Traditional onigiris have a nice healthy appeal, and retain the "classic" Japanese dietary elements, such as rice, fish, and pickled veggies, but let's not limit ourselves to just the classics. Every convenience store has its own brand (or at least brand that is made for that convenience store), an…(178 words)
KurtisW
Hitachino Nest Beer
Kiuchi Brewery in Ibaraki prefecture has been making Hitachino Nest Beer since 1996. They offer over ten different kinds of beer including Amber Ale, Espresso Stout, Pale Ale, Weizen, and Japanese Classic Ale. What is also interesting is that one of their beers, the XH (a strong Belgian ale) blend …(117 words)
Nate
Japan offers many great options for vegetarians if you know where to look & how to order
As a long-time resident of Japan who eats a vegan diet most days, vegetarian and yes have to cave and be pescatorian at times (due to necessity of eating foods made with fish stock), it is easier than many other countries I have lived in and visited. All shops, convenience stores and supermarke…(199 words)
jjwalsh
Please enjoy Ramen in Japan.
Ramen has a long history in Japan and also is a very important culture in Japan. Each ramen restaurant has its own taste. But very known for particular types are miso, soy sauce and salt based soups ramen. I would like to recommend Yichi Ran ramen restaurant which I often to go.(52 words)
PatY
Enjoy the unique recipe for bikkuri donkey in Minami Gyotoku Tokyo, Japan. A certain hit for your travel cuisine!
This restaurant has a look of something out of the Old West from the outside - old rusty metal and weathered wood patched together awkwardly, however it is done purposely and artfully. The look, is something you might expect at Disneyland. Don't let the looks fool you, it is one of the better and…(234 words)
Kevin
Setsubun - Ehomaki culture
"Setsubun" is the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan and it's on February 3rd every year. A long sushi roll is eaten on the night of Setsubun while facing toward the year's "lucky" direction. This custom originally started in the Kansai area. With your eyes closed, we wish for perfect …(184 words)
EmiOnishi
About ONIGIRI... and O CHA TSUKE
Well, the easy way is to get them at your closest and favorite combine store. But, you can prepare them yourself. All you need is:- rice- a sheet of dried alga or if you do not like it, some sesame- salt- something to put inside: basically, anything you like. Purist will use the salty and a…(290 words)
Claire
"Teishoku" is a nostalgic homemade meal for Japanese.
Are you interested in the fare found in a normal, ordinary Japanese household? Why not give Teishoku（定食） a try? The word itself means "set meal", and if you've stayed at a Japanese style inn and enjoyed breakfast there, you must have tasted steamed rice, miso soup and several other delicacies…(305 words)
Hagi
Ootoya restaurant - Kasan Ni Teishoku
My recommendation for Teishoku is "Kasan Ni" at Ootoya Restaurant. This one is an Ootoya special and one of their signature items. I actually ate this yummy teishoku when I went there with my family for the first time. Then, I ended up sticking to this dish for a while after that whenever I went th…(149 words)
EmiOnishi
Yakitori; Grilled Chicken that Sake Lovers Can’t Drink Without.
Just like Londoners enjoying fish and chips with pints of beer at the pub, yakitori(焼き鳥, やきとり) or skewed chicken barbecue, is an essential delicacy for beer or sake here in Japan. You can easily find yakitori on izakaya menus everywhere in Tokyo, but I would like to recommend you visit a few…(256 words)
Hagi
Vegetarian in Tokyo: Kichjouji
Japan is the land of endless variations of tofu, but sometimes you just want to sink your teeth into something burger-like and protein-packed. In Japan veggie burgers and other TVP based faux-meat products are hard to find, so when the craving gets overwhelming I jump on the Inokashira line to Kich…(138 words)
Chiara
Hanami: Do it like the Japanese
This is the check list of things that you absolutely need stricto minima to do your Hanami party like the Japanese! If you have the following kit, you will look like the real part! - blue plastic sheet: to use as a carpet. You can use one with Hello Kitty or Pikatchu but blue will do it. …(210 words)
Claire
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.
A show that will leave you asking “What just happened?” At Japan Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, more really is more. This means you’ll get to experience robots dancing alongside half naked women to the sounds of Psy’s Gangnam Style, soon after watching panda’s ride robotic cows, a mermaid come strol…(147 words)
Emelie Fågelstedt
Convenience stores and selection
Like the ubiquitous vending machines of Japan, convenience stores are truly convenient and just as ubiquitous. They are everywhere. And the selections they have is quite amazing for such tiny stores. Although the aisles are narrow, the lighting is very bright and the cleanliness and the stock li…(151 words)
Kevin
The Wildest Times in Japan Begin With a Cup of Sake, a Traditional Japanese Rice Wine
I remember going to a nearby Western Bar in Aiea with my friend from High School and sharing a few “Shots” of alcohol where you pour some mixture of strong and sweet into a little “shot glass” and down it together in one fell gulp.Those were fun and crazy times and the little buzz from that alc…(615 words)
The Perfect Birthday Dinner at Antonio’s, Minami-Aoyama, Japan
For my mother’s Birthday last night, my sister and I decided to treat her to a special dinner at Japan’s oldest Italian restaurant, Antonio’s. We couldn’t have left more satisfied, a truly five-star experience. Antonio’s was originally established in 1944 by Mr. Antonio who was a chef for the I…(259 words)
GenS