Taste of Japan

🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo. Japan’s new-generation “spice curry,” born in Osaka, is now evolving in Tokyo. Last updated: 2025-12-05 Introduction Spice curry in Japan prizes freedom: custom spice blends, creative plating, and chef-driven ideas. It’s lighter and aroma-forward, appealing to health-minded diners while looking great on the plate. At Keraku in Meguro, the signature experience is an aigake plate—two curries on one dish—finished with colorful sides you can mix in to build layered flavors. It’s a clear snapshot of how Tokyo interprets the style today. What to Try • Aigake plate — From that week’s lineup, choose two (sometimes three) curries on one dish. The plate typically includes five side condiments ; fold them in gradually to deepen the flavor. • Toppings — Egg, fresh herbs, cheese, or a small cutlet for texture and lift. • Weekly-only combinations — Menus rotate; you may find ideas that weave in Japanese...

🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo. Everyday comfort turned into a treat — that’s Katsu Curry. It is the ultimate combination of Japan's two favorite dishes: crispy Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and rich Japanese Curry Rice . While it feels like a humble comfort food, it is also a "celebration" on a plate. However, finding the "Best Katsu Curry in Tokyo" is harder than it looks. Why? Because the style changes completely depending on the chef's background. Is it a Tonkatsu specialty shop where the meat is the star? A historic Yoshoku (Western-style) restaurant with rich stew? Or a Soba-ya serving dashi-infused curry? In this guide, I categorize Tokyo’s vast curry scene into 7 distinct styles . Stop guessing at chain stores—use this list to find the perfect plate that matches your craving. Last updated: 2026-03-14 Introduction Curry rice is one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods—something nearly every hou...

🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must — Walk Tokyo’s Curry District: Kanda’s Many Styles in One Neighborhood Kanda concentrates Tokyo’s curry history in a few walkable blocks—European-style, spice-forward, cutlet curry, and more. Start with century-old Kyoeido and keep exploring; the point is to return and learn the city through curry. 🍛 Last updated: 2025-12-05 Introduction If you want to understand Japanese curry quickly, base yourself in Kanda . Here, long-running institutions stand next to newer spice shops, letting you taste how Tokyo shaped curry over 100+ years. Kyoeido’s famous “Sumatra curry” is a great first stop: a dark, gently bitter roux with layered spices, served separately from rice—the style that defined an era of Tokyo curry. What to Try Sumatra Curry at Kyoeido (Beef/Pork/Chicken) A smooth, near-black roux with a hint of roasted flour depth—spoon some over rice, then adjust bite by bite. Notice how the bitterness, sweetness, and spice settle into balance...

🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo. Planning to eat sushi in Tokyo but feeling a bit intimidated? Don't worry. This guide introduces the perfect place to build your "Sushi Confidence": Kura Sushi. We cover the best tourist-friendly locations in Tokyo, how to order, and the absolute top 5 items you must try as a beginner. Last updated: 2026-03-29 Introduction Kura Sushi is one of Japan's most beloved conveyor-belt sushi chains. Loved by everyone from children to adults, it is especially famous for being incredibly welcoming to international travelers. Many first-time visitors feel nervous about sushi in Japan. Kura Sushi removes that stress with English tablets, clear pricing, and a relaxed atmosphere. Why Kura Sushi Is Perfect for First-Time Visitors Think of Kura Sushi as the ultimate "Practice Ground" to get used to Japanese sushi culture. It is designed to lower every psychological hurdle you might have: ...

🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo. Discover Fuji Soba for fast, affordable everyday noodles in Tokyo. A great local travel hack near Hotel Metropolitan Oimachi Tracks. Last updated: 2026-03-29 Introduction If you’re staying at Oimachi Tracks, one of the easiest and most local meals you can try is just outside the station: Fuji Soba. This Tokyo-based soba chain has over 100 locations and is known for quick, affordable meals—many shops are open 24 hours. At major transfer hubs like Oimachi Station, commuters rely on it for a fast bite between trains. Even as the area evolves with new developments like Oimachi Tracks, Fuji Soba remains part of the city’s everyday rhythm. For travelers, it offers something different from restaurants inside hotels—a simple way to experience how Tokyo actually eats. 📍 Store Info: Nadai Fuji Soba Oimachi Station (Tabelog EN) 🔗 What to Try Zaru Soba: The Basics Start with zaru soba to understand what Japane...

🟠 Local-First — Best experienced in its home region: Hokkaido. Planning a winter trip to Hokkaido? Eating crab is probably high on your list. But with King Crab, Snow Crab, and Hair Crab all on the menu, which one should you choose? And is winter really the best season for all of them? In this guide, I’ll help you understand the differences, the seasons, and the best ways to enjoy crab in Hokkaido. Last updated: 2026-03-27 Introduction When people imagine a winter trip to Hokkaido, one food often comes to mind first: crab. And for good reason. Hokkaido is one of Japan’s greatest seafood destinations, and crab is one of its signature culinary pleasures. But not all crab is the same. Some travelers want huge legs and visual impact. Others crave delicate sweetness for sashimi or shabu-shabu. Some care most about the rich, savory kani-miso . Your best choice depends entirely on the type of crab, the season, and how you prefer to eat it. This guide focuses first ...