How to Beat Japanese Summer Heat When Traveling in Japan?
You know those times on the train platform where the crowds make you cringe? You are not cringing at the people per se, just the clammy ugginess of the possibility of contact with clammy, sweaty summer skin. Yes, we all share your feelings. Not even an elbow bump here or a happenstance brush up…(549 words)
Summer Japanese Summer Tea Coffee May Shop Railway platform Earthquake Vending MachinesWin with a Tai (yaki)
Tai, or sea bream, is a fish often used in Japan to celebrate something. The reason is because the sound is part of the word, "medetai," that indicates a cause for celebration. The winners of sumo tournaments, for example, celebrate by carrying a large tai, presumably to be consumed at the feast …(348 words)
mikekato
Food Sweets Snacks Green tea Japanese festivals Fish chocolateWhat is “Okaki” Sommelier?
One of the famous traditional snacks in Japan are “Okaki” made of rice (glutinous rice). They are also known as “Arare” or “Kakimochi”. Okaki sommeliers are to recommend best selections of Okaki in terms of material, texture and taste and advise people about unique ways to enjoy eating them and its…(52 words)
OKAKI-sun
Traditional Snacks Okaki ArareDon’t Diss “Dennys” Dining During Your Japan Visit
The culture of “Famiresu” or Family Restaurant is iconic and incredibly unique in Japan.http://imgur.com/hl9A8With many Japanese families worried their babbling, food throwing and not-quite-yet disciplined toddlers might bother others too much at an actual big-person restaurant, the “Famiresu…(643 words)
Dining Yokohama Drink Music Food Coffee Ramen noodles English Japanese food Family RestaurantEating in Japan is never a problem! Picnics are the bests
When travelling, you have no choice but to eat either in restaurants (nice but it gets on your appetite, and stomach and say good bye to your weight control), or get some room service (a bit sad), or grab some junk food from fast food restaurant and conbini (the 7/11 and other Lawson that have col…(738 words)
Claire
Tokyo City Restaurant Park Kyoto Food Department storeFascinating 4 Akasaka izakaya's of A-un group with reasonable prices, valued quality, and vitality
One recommendable ‘izakaya’ type of operator in Akasaka area is ‘A-un group,’ which is actually operating four ‘izakaya’s under the name of ‘A-un-tei,’ ‘A-un,’ ‘Gonkichi,’ and ‘Kyushu Sakaba,’ respectively in the order of less casualness, providing, though, more or less, the same menu almost for th…(326 words)
Techan
Izakaya Tokyo Food May Kyushu Fish Communication Sake (Rice wine)Leave the tourists behind in Asagaya
Most tourists to Tokyo hit the high spots of Asakusa, Ginza, Tokyo Tower, and see the Imperial Palace grounds.If you want to leave the tourist spots behind and get a taste of the real Tokyo though head for Asagaya in Suginami Ward on the northwest side of the city. Asagaya Station can be reache…(417 words)
Joe Peters
Asagaya Tokyo Shopping Food Walk City Hotel Asakusa Chinese dumplingGinza Ogura at Haneda Airport
Haneda’s international terminal has an impressive selection of good restaurants in a nicely designed area called the Edo Market Place, although they are all relatively expensive. Once you check in your luggage, you will have free time to wonder and have a meal before boarding the plane. You may…(233 words)
EmiOnishi
Airport Haneda Airport Food Tokyo Convenience store Winter Soy sauce Tempura OdenKyara-ben or chara-ben Culture
It is a shortened form of character bento. As Autumn is season for sports festivals in Japan, it comes up in our conversations between moms. Moms decorate homemade food to look like cute characters in order to make their kids happy and their lunches more appealing.If you’re interested in seeing…(222 words)
EmiOnishi
Food Bento (box meal) Kids Art Sport Autumn Japanese food AppleWired-In Dining
One of the most novel, convenient, and custom dining experiences I have come across in all of my travels can be found popping up in restaurants in and around Tokyo. These hybrid systems of food ordering and delivery are truly an entertaining spectacle while you eat. Technology and food combine to o…(412 words)
Alex
Dining Food Technology Tokyo Train Sushi Tea Shinkansen Bullet Train EatTokyo Izakaya for Sashimi and Seafood
Izakaya are Japanese style pubs, great places to meet and have drinks. Many izakaya also serve excellent food. Try having a few drinks while you sample some popular izakaya foods. If you like fish and seafood, you should try one of the Isomaru Suisan 磯丸水産 izakaya. Isomaru is a seafood speci…(287 words)
David
Izakaya Seafood Sashimi (Raw fish) Sushi Fish Asakusa Food JapaneseThe 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
Kawasaki Food Buritto Mexican Cuisine Beer Restaurant DrinkHoneyBaked 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
Food English PartyJapanese Omelette, “Dashimaki tamago”
Dashi-maki tamago is basically a Japanese-style omelette made by rolling up the egg as you cook it. Very popular recipe in Japanese restaurant. It is made with dashi broth so it's packed with extra flavor and a bit of sweetness from the sugar. Usually it is served with grated radish (“daikon oroshi…(71 words)
OKAKI-sun
Restaurant style Eat SugarLocal Tonkotsu Ramen Shop Urinbo in Asakusa
In Tokyo you can try some of the best food from all over Japan here. At Urinbo ramen in Asakusa, you can have good Hakata style tonkotsu ramen without a trip to Fukuoka in Kyushu.Urinbo is a local shop, but don’t be shy to go in. Students, workers, and families with hungry kids all come here. I…(332 words)
David
Ramen noodles Tsukemen Asakusa Tonkotsu TokyoCasual Shojin Ryori in Tokyo
Shojin Ryori, or shojin cuisine, is the form of Buddhist cuisine that is popular with the vegetarian/vegan foreigner crowd here in Japan. Traditionally the food that Buddhist monks make for themselves in their temples, there are only a handful of restaurants in Tokyo that serve this cuisine. Howeve…(432 words)
Nico
vegetarian Tokyo shojin Vegan Restaurant Food Roppongi“Restaurant Chez Mikawa” –Fine Belgian cuisine and beer in Akasaka since 1987
Do you like Japanese beers? Yes, they’re light, fine and refreshing. I love them! But sometimes, I feel like having something different, like Belgian beers. In Tokyo, you can find bars offering Belgian beers, more easily than before. So, you might know what kind of taste they are. How about Belgian…(480 words)
YumikoH
Restaurant Beer Cuisine Tokyo Food English Walk Wine Lunch CherryShimokitazawa Area Restaurants #1 Midorizushi ~ the best of Sushi Shops
There are a few great sushi masters who can transform sushi into food for the gods!Midori-zushi. Among the modest 'sushiyasan' creating traditional sushi along with innovational original dishes, there are many master chefs. They say little, giving their sushi creations their full attention. Howev…(311 words)
Andrew Grimes
Sushi Shimokitazawa Seafood Food Zushi style Eat Traditional HolidaysHot, Fresh Coffee On The Go!
Make no mistake. If you love coffee, Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world. As it is with so many other types of food and drink, you can find just about anything your caffeine-craving soul could want here. Tokyo's love affair with coffee started after the end of World War II, when the G…(808 words)
jdlawrence
Coffee Tokyo City Food Drink Convenience store Shop CafeEating at Daihanten in Yokohama's Chinatown
Daihanten, in Yokohama's Chinatown, is one of the most famous shops the area. There are actually two, I'll be speaking about their "honten" (main shop).I recently went for lunch with a large party of thirteen. Once we managed to get through the large crowd of waiting customers in the downstairs…(275 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Chinatown Restaurant Food Shop Kanagawa Lunch Dinner EatMikasa 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
Ginza Food Drink Visit Shopping English Cuisine style Dining Japanese foodKirin Yokohama Beer Village
Kirin Beer originates from YokohamaThe Kirin Beer Village, where you can learn about the history of beer, is surely a place that any beer-lover would want to visit.Kirin Beer originates from Yokohama. Kirin Yokohama Beer Village is the oldest brewery in Japan (completed in 1926), and reportedly…(929 words)
Kanagawa P.G.T.D.
Yokohama Beer Kirin Visit Japan Drink History Shop Children styleExquisite French Fine Dining in Yokohama
Although I live in Yokohama, I avoided this restaurant for years thinking Queen Alice "had to be" overrated and overpriced. Created and owned by former Iron Chef, Yutaka Ishinabe, why else wouldn't I?But last night I took my girlfriend there for our three-year anniversary, and had a wonderful, …(244 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Yokohama Dining Restaurant Fine Dining Japan Visit Food Dinner Dessert French cuisineAnother Easy and Affordable Way to Beat Tsuyu (the Rainy Season)
Two years ago I wrote about one of my favourite summer dishes: "Hiyashi Chuka" - chilled Chinese noodles. It's a summer staple in Japan because it's tasty, light, and refreshing - a perfect meal to beat the season's sultry summer heat: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3324As soon as June starts, you …(229 words)
Former Deep Japan Writer
Rainy Season Chilled ramen noodles Food Convenience store Snacks Japan Restaurant Summer Ramen noodles EatYoshiwara and Oiran and TEMPURA
In Japan, there was a place called "Yoshiwara".It is a famous place, the woman named Oiran, but it is not anymore.Things that Japanese men expect to women,It is a little childish gesture and innocent face.The reason is because cute.Its roots can be found in Yoshiwara and Oiran.100…(121 words)
asteka
Tempura oiran Guide Japan City Japanese River Eat Playing TokyoPonta, you know what...
In Japan, there is a dish called pork cutlet.Its name is called "TONKATSU".There is a way to find the No. 1 delicious shop in "TONKATSU".It is to look for a shop called "Ponta".No. 1 "Ponta" shop is here, UENO-Okachimachi.Price is high, but, But is a well-established store.We …(76 words)
asteka
Japan Ueno Tonkatsu (Pork cutlet) Shop pork TokyoSuzuhiro Kamaboko
Kamaboko is a seafood product that is steamed, grilled, fried, or poached. Kamaboko is made from white fish, which is filleted, pounded into paste, mixed with salt, sugar, egg whites, fish sauce and Japanese sake. You can enjoy the goodness of fish with a delicious flavor and a unique texture-smoot…(349 words)
Kintaro-man
Tokyo History Beer Sake (Rice wine) Eat kamaboko Odawara Food Kanagawa HakoneHandle your sushi like a pro
Ignoring preparation (which can be an intensely meticulous process on the part of sushi chefs), nothing about the actual consumption of sushi needs to be complicated, at least in my experience. After all, it is only a slab of fish over a block of rice. Sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite, so han…(172 words)
KurtisW
Sushi Restaurant Soy sauceElaborate 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
Onigiri (Rice ball) Convenience store Karaage (Fried chicken)If you like potato chips - you MUST try "Jagariko" "じゃがりこ”
I don't know why these are not in the States yet. Just think of a potato chip but shaped like a french fry. Many flavors, easy to eat, and they don't crumble all over you or your keyboard!I know Japanese who swear they are best dipped in mayonnaise.(49 words)
JiyugaokaPaul
MayonnaiseTaste over tradition
A late night gorge at a typical Japanese junk food restaurant just can't be beat. One thing which I always go for is ramen, but not just any ramen. Taste over tradition is the key concept, and many older or more traditional Japanese people scoff at some of the wild creations that downtown ramen sho…(133 words)
KurtisW
Tokyo Restaurant Roppongi Ramen noodles Miso AkitaFind Taisho(Sushi restaurant's head chef)
When you go to traditional sushi bars or restaurants. Usually it's pretty small and there is a counter bar.Find Taisho(Sushi bar / restaurant's head chef) and order "omakase"Omakase means "chef's special". They offer you today's recommendation fresh fishes. ( 12 ~15 pieces usually)Traditi…(58 words)
yukorose
Restaurant SushiDon't play with your chopsticks!
When I was child, my grandmother often said to me. "don't play with your chopsticks!"1. Don't pointed out people with chopsticks2. Don't spear your food with a chopsticks3. Big no no is stand chopsticks upright in rice, (this means 'death')Of course it's better use chopsticks properly, …(59 words)
yukorose
EtiquetteNutritious Japanese snacks [a work in progress]
The Japanese diet is superior to the western diet in many ways and, although western snacks such as cookies, potato chips and other sweets are easy to find, low cal and nutrition dense foods are easy to find.Let me define my terms here. Low cal are foods that are less than 150 kcal/serving. N…(236 words)
jdlawrence
Tokyo Shopping Convenience store Department store Fruits Rice crackerMaking tasty okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki means, literally, "cooked to your own preference." At a restaurant, take a look around and see how others cook it. Making a pancake and letting the first side cook is reasonably easy, But taking the special spatulas in both hands and flipping it in a single motion takes practice. Ord…(58 words)
mikekato
Restaurant OkonomiyakiDagashi-ya
The most interesting places to get snacks in Japan are at dagashi-ya, which means, literally cheap snack store. Dagashi are mostly very inexpensive candies and other snack items that have been around for many years, especially in the mid-Showa post-war period. While the prices have gone up since …(101 words)
mikekato
Tokyo Shinjuku Shibuya AkihabaraSOBA or UDON! Which one you would like to eat?
Almost all Tachigui soba Shop provide both Soba and Udon.If you went tachigui soba shop ,shop staff ask you which one you want to eat ?soba or udon? Depend on your favor ,Please tell them soba or udon.(39 words)
karnavi
Soba noodles Udon noodlesArrive there at around 9:00
Maybe it's not a fun tip, but they don't let non-licensed general public into the inner market until 9:00. So, when going there, make sure that you arrive there at around 9:00. If you get there too early, you may need to wait till 9:00 to see all the goodies.(47 words)
taro
TsukijiSoup Base
Soy sauce seems to make its way into all of Japanese cuisine one way or another. Often times just as a replacement for salt in cooking. I find that my bottle in my apartment most commonly makes its way into soups. I usually boil green onions and other stuff like a chicken carcass or fish flakes, an…(108 words)
KurtisW
Soy sauce Soba noodles Miso Salt Miso soup Cuisine Japanese cuisineEwww - it's seaweed?!!!
You might think it's yukky, but seaweed is really fantastic! Not only is it healthy, but it is tasty, too. There are so many different kinds of seaweed that Japanese eat and many different ways of eating it, too. Think of seaweeds as sea vegetables, and you get a better idea of the yummy variety…(192 words)
mikekato
Sushi Sea Miso Miso soup Winter