Parklet Bakery in Nihonbashi is one of my go-to spots when craving baked goods, notably their cheese scone. Finally made it to their sister shop at the Meiji Park Market in the shadows of the Japan National Stadium built to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The buttermilk fried chicken is served over a hearty…
Category: Tokyo
Bistro Rojiura
Bistro Rojiura is a hip bistro and wine bar that is open for breakfast/brunch. The French toast with house-cured bacon is served with a scoop of creamy burrata cheese. Brilliant. Coffee is from the esteemed Switch Coffee. Rojiura means back alley. It is on the back streets of Shibuya near the Tokyu Hands flagship store and…
Pizzeria Il Tamburello
June 2025 update. Yoshihisa Otsubo won first place in the 22nd Pizzaiuolo World Championship by the Associazione Pizzaiuolo Napoletani. Bravissimo, chef! Seeking comfort in pizza at Ningyocho Pizzeria Il Tamburello. The Napoli pizza special was salsiccia e friarielli. The friarelli green is farmed by an Italian at Tenuta Campi Flegrei in Fukuoka. The punch of…
Rokumei
What I love about Tokyo is that it’s so big that one is constantly discovering new spots. Rokumei opened only in July in a part of Tokyo Station I never go through. It is a famous Nara coffee shop and this is their first Tokyo branch. Big selection of coffee and espresso drinks. I ordered…
Mugi to Tamago
Love these wafu pasta cafes. Quick meals. All the spaghetti dishes are tempting. Mugi to Tomato noodles are made with Hokkaido flour and the noodles are fresh, not dried. This salad and pasta is a bargain ¥1480 ($10). At Tokyo Station in the Yaesu Kita Shokudo area before entering the station gates. Near Daimaru department…
The Railway Museum
The Railway Museum is a fabulous museum with many old trains that visitors can go into and see the history of rail transportation in Japan. We could enter a lottery for different experiences and got in on the working the counter at a station. It was a fun experience. The museum is huge. There is…
Kitakata Shokudo
Kitakata Shokudo in Kanda Jimbocho serves up Fukushima style ramen. The noodles are on the thicker side and are hand massaged to be a bit wavy. The flour for the noodles is Hokkaido Yume Chikara which is high gluten. The soy sauce ramen is made with niboshi dried sardines. We got two bowls, the niku…
Lemon Pie
Japan is filled with shops that specialize in a dish. Lemon Pie Yoko near Tawaramachi Station (close to Kappabashi and Asakusa) serves up a fantastic lemon pie with a bouffant meringue. There are other pies, but this is their signature dish. This retro building is also awesome. I carried it for an hour until I…
Marunouchi Moheji
Finally managed to get a seat at Moheji monjayaki shop near Tokyo Station at the Shin Marunouchi Building, called Shinmaru Biru for short. Big fan of their shops at Tsukishima, the ground zero area of monjayaki. Monjayaki is a local dish to Tokyo cooked on an iron plate and eaten with a small metal spatula….
Ebisu Shodai
The white curry udon is topped with potatoes and cream whipped up to a fluffy cloud. Underneath the creamy topping is a spicy (for Japanese) curry. Shodai is also a lovely spot for sipping #sake so there is a nice list of sake-friendly small bites including dashimaki tamago omelet and soba gaki buckwheat dumpling. I…
Gaienmae Esquisse
This peaceful Aoyama coffee shop filled with large plants was a nice change to most bare coffee shops. Was going to get a coffee but the affogato was about the same price, so why not? Pistachio and vanilla ice cream with cookie bits topped with an espresso. Lovely café to do some writing and have…
Aoyama Ototo
Fabulous seafood lunch set at Aoyama Ototo @ototo_01010. Simple and brilliant concept. Freshly caught seafood with rice cooked in a donabe pot. Most of the seafood is grilled. The menu simply lists seasonal seafood such as: mackerel, yellowtail, Pacific saury, or sockeye salmon. There is also a miso simmered mackerel. From my seat I could see…
Kissaten Bridge
The melon pancake (1,400 yen) at Kissaten Bridge is over the top. A thick hot cake is wrapped around fresh cantelope and ice cream. This is then covered with a sweet honeydew flavored cream. This dish is the signature sweet at this quiet old school coffee shop in the basement of the Nishi-Ginza department store….
Maruichi Bagel
Big fan of @maruichi_bagel. Miho Inagi moved her #bagel shop from Shirogane to the Shinbashi and Toranomon area four months ago. Maruichi is about ten minutes from Shinbashi Station and it’s been too hot 🥵 and humid for me to make the trek. Maruichi opens at 7 a.m. with sandwiches starting at 8 a.m. It…
Tsukishima Monjayaki
Most people are familiar with okonomiyaki, the savory cabbage pancake from Osaka. Tokyo’s version is called monjayaki, which is similar that it is also cooked on an iron plate. Monjayaki has much more liquid and I prefer this one as it can be cooked into thin and crispy bits. The Tsukishima neighborhood is ground central…
Shabusen
Cool spot in the heart of Ginza for shabu-shabu or sukiyaki. My heart skipped a beat when I first saw Shabusen. Such a cool concept. Diners seated at a counter. Staff behind the counter bringing refills of rice and green onions or topping up my tea cup. Lunch starts at 2,200 yen ($15) for the…
God Bless Butter
God Bless Butter. 🧈 Brilliant branding by this sweets shop at Tokyo Station. Looove the gaudy gold. The package says: “The best butter confectionery ever created, supervised by an expert with God’s perspective, has been created. Enjoy the supreme taste.”🤣 Usually impossible to purchase without queuing. Got lucky the morning of a typhoon. 🌀 Even…
Tamai
Chirashizushi, scattered sushi, at Tamai in Nihonbashi. This is an old school version that is on the sweet side. Sweet black beans, candied chestnut 🌰, and sweet kampyo gourd. Mine, the tokujo, had tobiko flying fish roe. My friend ordered the tokutoku with ikura. Reminder to self to order more chirashizushi. The main store is…
Muromachi Toriya
Muromachi Toriya yakitori set lunch. This tiny shop in Nihonbashi has a handful of counter seats and a few table. Right squeeze at the counter. My neighbor kept elbowing me when she picked up her chopsticks. 🥢🤣 Excellent value for ¥1,200 ($8.50). Tsukune meatballs, quail eggs, liver, and more. Popular dishes include #donburi of yakitori…
Izakaya 🏮 Mimasuya
Mimasuya izakaya in Kanda opened in 1905. The fourth-generation shop is one of Tokyo’s oldest izakaya pubs. Long on my radar and have only finally just made it there. On a quiet backstreet in Kanda. Popular shop. We went at 6 p.m. and got some of the last seats. The menu is filled with sake-friendly…
Nagano Chōju Shokudō
Hi When we are traveling and not sure where to eat we often go to station buildings or department stores. These areas where people gather are sure to have reputable restaurants, many local. At Nagano Station is Chōju Shokudō, the long life dining hall. It is on the third floor of the MIDORI Nagano mall….
Kiraku Ryokan, Sado
On #Sado Island we stayed at a charming and rustic #onsen hot springs #ryokan inn called Kiraku きらく. The outdoor #rotenburo hot springs overlooked a lake. The setting sun a reminder that an eventful day was coming to an end. Breakfast was as I love. Rice, miso soup, natto, and small dishes. Kiraku is an…
Nihonbashi Dormy Inn
If you’re on a budget in Japan 🇯🇵 on holidays check out the Dormy Inn chain. This simple room was less than $100. The basic room is small, but you’re in Tokyo, so most likely are only in the room to sleep and recharge. This Kodenmacho property in Nihonbashi Ningyocho has a hot springs on…
Tokyo Shortlist
Where to eat in Tokyo? So many amazing meals. Hard to get a bad one. Here are some of my favorites: For Eater: https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-tokyo-japan For Food & Wine: https://www.foodandwine.com/yukari-sakamoto-8603981 For AFAR: https://www.afar.com/authors/yukari-sakamoto My Tokyo Guide for the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/japan/tokyo-local-guide/ For Tokyo Weekender: https://www.tokyoweekender.com/author/yukari-sakamoto/ Kanazawa for Food & Wine: https://www.foodandwine.com/worlds-next-great-food-cities-7484717 Cathay Pacific on Kyoto: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_KR/inspiration/dining/best-restaurants-in-kyoto.html…
Ginza Torigin
Ginza, in the heart of Tokyo, is filled with fabulous restaurants. There are also narrow paths squeezed in between buildings that pedestrians can use as shortcuts to other streets. There are also restaurants hidden away in these pockets. Torigin specializes in kama meshi, rice cooked with ingredients, and yakitori. I have tried going to Torigin…
Ebisu Marumo Pizza
My favorite pizzeria in Tokyo is Pizza Marumo in Ebisu. A delight to go with fellow foodies so we could enjoy so many pizzas. The umami pizza is with shaved #kombu #kelp, #anchovies, and mushrooms. Marinara, Margherita, and Bismarck with ham and an egg. Chef Motokura’s crust has lots of water so it’s light and…
Toyosu Market
It was my pleasure to get an interpreting job at Toyosu Market with a journalist writing an article on the world’s biggest seafood market. Although I did tours at Tsukiji Market the new Toyosu Market is off limits to non-trade people. One morning it was amazing to meet Yamazaki san of Yamaharu. A colorful variety…
Toyosu Nakaei Curry
One of the meals I miss from the old Tsukiji Market is Indo Curry Nakaei. Was lucky to do some work at Toyosu Market this week. There is an area with several restaurants, many serving sushi and seafood dishes. I was excited to have the double curry – Indian and beef curry along with a…
Pizzeria il Tamburello
Fabulous truffle and Gorgonzola #pizza at Puzzeria il Tamburello in the Nihonbashi area. Served with toasted hazelnuts, pine nuts, and honey. Three croquettes to start the meal. Aonori, potato, and pasta croquettes. All fabulous. Italian music in the background.☺️ Il Tamburello is celebrating its 14th anniversary! Delighted to finally make it. Popular shop with only…
Wako
Wako is our neighborhood #tonkatsu shop. Lunch for three for only ¥4,000 ($28). Check out the lunch specials on the board. Many at only ¥1,000 ($7). Wako also provides complimentary refills of cabbage, rice, and miso soup. Many tonkatsu shops offer this so don’t be shy. Ask. Just be sure to try and not leave…
Sake Cocktail
Interesting saké cocktail concept. Mini carafe with sugar, dried #kabosu citrus peel, and cinnamon stick. Add saké and put in the refrigerator for at least four hours. It is sweet and a bit medicinal with the spice and hints of citrus. I enjoyed it on the rocks. Will be fun to do this at home…
Une Labo
Three curry plate at @une_labo. Une is the name of the small mound of dirt at farms where seeds are grown. The turmeric rice on the dish symbolizes the une at farms. The vegetables on top are all local vegetables fried, pickled, sauteed, and simmered. Charming cafe near Kokubunji Station for curry using #Kokuvege, local Kokubunji…
Ebisu Yokochō
Grateful to Ligaya Mishan for introducing Sally Kohn and her lovely family. Sharing izakaya culture with them at Ebisu Yokochō. I went early to grab a table. It’s popular and fills up quickly. There are several restaurants in the Yokochō. I picked this one as the menu had the most appealing dishes. Edamame, avocado, fried…
Kaneko Hannosuke
Fun lunch with udon and tempura at Kaneko Hannosuke, a popular tempura shop with several branches in Tokyo. My kid picked this lunch spot because he was excited for the condiments on the table: onsen super soft boiled egg wakamé tenkasu tempura bits tororo kombu shaved kelp mountain vegetables gobo burdock root and ginger pickles…
Katsukuchi Tonkatsu
One of my favorite #tonkatsu restaurants in #Tokyo is @katsukichi_official. My first time to visit the #Marunouchi branch in the Shin Marunouchi building on the 5th floor. The Hiyashi Katsu Don is a large bowl of rice topped with a warm fried pork cutlet topped with a slippery grated mountain vegetables, okra, myōga, cucumbers, shiso,…
Haneda Villa Fontaine
At Haneda Airport near Terminal Three is the Villa Fontaine Hotel with an onsen hot springs @izumitenkunoyu. The location is ideal if you have an early flight or a late arrival into Tokyo. The room is basic but I am mostly here for the onsen and for a bed that is near the airport so…
Northeastern University
Northeastern University has a fabulous summer program on the Food of Japan. Professors Susan Ito and Jared Young have put together a syllabus packed with lectures with speakers including my mentor, Elizabeth Andoh. I had the great pleasure of speaking to the students. Ideally we would have done a market tour together, but my tours…
Reading Labels – Ramen
Tips on reading Japanese recipes on packages. Here are four different packages of #ramen. The pack comes with straight dried noodles, a dried soup package, and a small seasoned oil packet. Two key points:Look for 分 (fun) how many minutes to boil the noodles. Look for ml for how many milliliters of water to boil…
Tsurutontan
Carbonara udon at Tsurutontan at Haneda Airport, Terminal Three. Creamy soup topped with eggplant, fried lotus root, snap peas, scrambled eggs, egg yolk, chunks of bacon, and a generous shower of Parmesan cheese. Tsurutontan has branches in Tokyo including #Ginza. Diners can select from thick or thin (hosoi) handmade udon noodles. This massive bowl is…
Honmura An
Honmura An is a charming soba shop with handmade buckwheat noodles and a tempting menu of side dishes. It’s all good. Today was a fabulous avocado salad (900 yen) thinly sliced onions, smoky katsuobushi flakes, and a shiso and tart ume dressing. Nukazuke rice bran pickles (850 yen) that are pleasantly sour and crunchy. Soba…
Vegetarian French at est
A delightful vegetarian meal at @esttokyo at the @fsotemachi. The cuisine is mostly made with locally sourced Japanese ingredients. Chef @guillaumebracaval masterfully creates dishes that showcase the seasonal vegetables. Highlights include a corn flan accented with a gazpacho-inspired tomato sauce and sweet corn kernals. Roasted potatoes thinly and accented with black truffles. Tartly pickled zucchini with a sweet…
Yoshinozushi Honten
No When working at Nihonbashi Takashimaya I sometimes would have lunch at Yoshinozushi Honten. The sushiya dates back 140 years. Yoshinozushi is famous for being the restaurant where fatty tuna was first called toro. It is a fifth-generation restaurant. When I was going about 20 years ago there was a young apprentice, Takuya, who was…
Umezono Kakigōri
Kakigōri shaved ice is one way to make Tokyo summers bearable. Matcha and azuki is a classic combination. Some sweetened condensed milk to make it richer. Umezono is a famous traditional sweets shop in Asakusa. This branch is in the Nihonbashi Takashimaya department store, on the 7th floor, in the kimono department. I was surprised…
Mitsui Memorial Museum
Fantastic cha no yu tea ceremony exhibit at the Nihonbashi Mitsui Memorial Museum. Fascinating to see pieces used by tea master Sen no Rikyu. Included are a few National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Tea bowls. Bamboo tea scoops. Water jars. Tea kettles and more. Many items from the 16th and 17th c. Some from…
Ueno Yabu Soba
Natto soba and tamagoyaki at Yabu Soba. The 130-year old shop makes the buckwheat noodles from scratch in the first floor atelier. The soba had a rich texture. Loved it with grated mountain potato, natto, nori, shiso, and green onions. The tamagoyaki is made with cream. 🥰 Yabu Soba is near the boisterous Ameya Yokochō…
Coin Cafe
Chai at the peaceful Coin basement cafe. Excellent selection of breads at Bank bakery that can be brought to the cafe. This is in a quiet part of Nihonbashi Kabutochō near the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Will be a good place to work on a laptop or to do some writing. CoinChūō-ku, Nihonbashi Kabutochō 6-7
Milk Stand
Milk stand inside #Akihabara Station. Dozens of #milk options from producers throughout #Japan. Even flavored milks like coffee, strawberry, and vanilla. Some days my commute into the city goes through this station and it’s a fun ritual to take a break. Feeling the rush of passing commuters and the breeze from trains on the nearby…
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Fabulous afternoon at the Omiya Bonsai Museum. Located a short walk from Toro Station on the JR Utsunomiya line. From Tokyo Station it was only about 35 minutes. We were incredibly fortunate that our visit coincided with a 30-minute tour. Our guide, Harry Turton, from the UK, taught us so much about bonsai, how it’s…
Hajime Hanare
Hajime tonkatsu in #Nihonbashi. This is the hanare second shop. Excellent value for ¥1580 ($10). I added the ¥200 menchi katsu made with chopped bits of pork, which I recommend. There are three types of pork to choose from. Also a selection of donburi rice bowls.The kanji for Hajime is 一, which can also be…
Sanzou
Excellent Sedona curry at Sanzou Tokyo in Shimokitazawa. The red color comes from beets. Not too spicy. Guy near me kept wiping away his sweat from a different curry. Love the chilled chai offered at the end. Unexpected. A nice treat! Pickled cucumbers and onions to garnish. Tachigui, stand and eat, so it’s a quick…
Food Sake Tokyo 