🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must — Explore Tsukishima’s Monja Street and choose a lively shop that fits your vibe (Daruma as a solid example)
Walk Tsukishima’s Monja Street, follow the aroma and clatter of spatulas, and step into the shop that feels right—Daruma is a great starting point.
Last updated: 2025-12-05
Introduction
Tsukishima is the home turf of monjayaki. Step out to Monja Street and you’ll find dozens of specialty shops packed into a few blocks—steam, sizzling sounds, and signboards everywhere. Many places now have basic English support and the area often hosts small weekend events, so it’s easy to drop in while sightseeing. Rather than fixating on one venue, stroll the street and enter the shop that matches your energy; Daruma is a reliable example if you want a starting point.
What to Try
Mentaiko × Mochi × Cheese Monja — the Tsukishima classic: salty cod roe, stretchy rice cake, and melty cheese for a rich, photogenic finish. For extra dimension, add beni-shoga (red pickled ginger) for crunch and sakura-ebi (tiny dried shrimp) for a savory boost—either one, or both.
How to Order
Order verbally at the table. If it’s your first time, ask the staff to make it for you at the griddle: “Could you make it for us?” Otherwise, follow the house flow—finely sauté the fillings, build a dote (moat), pour in the batter, then spread it thin to crisp slightly. Useful phrases: “Mentaiko mochi cheese monja, please.” and “Extra cheese on top, please.” Toppings: add beni-shoga for texture or sakura-ebi for umami.
Tokyo or Trip?
Monja is a living downtown culture you should experience in Tokyo. Tsukishima concentrates many specialists on one street, so you can compare styles in a short walk. The combination of street atmosphere, griddle-side cooking, and easy drop-in access makes it a Tokyo-Do-Must—pick a spot on Monja Street and enjoy the live, sizzling show.
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About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.