Tokyo

21 of the best things to do and see in Shinjuku

Bright lights of Kabukichō

When I think of Tokyo, one of the first places that comes to mind is Shinjuku. This vibrant and dynamic ward, or neighborhood, which surrounds Shinjuku Station, is the epicenter of nightlife, entertainment, shopping, business, drinking, and eating in Tokyo. For decades, Shinjuku has attracted both locals and tourists who come from all around to experience its bright lights and non-stop action. I would describe Shinjuku as the heart of modern Tokyo. And, while some say it’s touristy, it is …

Read more

Narita or Haneda? Which of Tokyo's airports should you fly into

Views of planes on the tarmac from the restaurant

First time Japan visitors often ask me, “Which airport in Tokyo should I fly into, Narita or Haneda?” This is a tough question as there is no easy answer. Which airport you fly into depends on my factors including price, connections, where your hotel is located, or where you are heading after you land. Both airports are world class. They offer great services and some of the best on-time performances of any airport in the world. Narita International Airport is …

Read more

Nakiryu: Michelin Star Tantanmen Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Tantanmen, a dish of thin noodles in a red pepper soup, Nakiryu, Tokyo, Japan

In 2017, Nakiryu became only the second ramen restaurant in Tokyo, Japan to be awarded a Michelin star. When you think of Michelin star restaurants, you might think of fancy, expensive places where you have to dress in a coat and tie. And then there is Nakiryu, a small ramen shop with ten seats located in a nondescript gray building in northern Tokyo. Nakiryu is famous for their affordable bowl of tantanmen ramen, also known as dandan noodles or dandanmian. …

Read more

Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten: Pork Cutlet in Tokyo, Japan

Kurobuta Loin Pork Cutlet Set, Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Out of all the foods I have encountered while traveling in Japan, none might be more comforting and delicious than tonkatsu, a Japanese-style pork cutlet which is breaded and deep-fried to perfection. While there are many great options in Tokyo to sample tonkatsu, none might be more famous than Maisen. Founded in 1965, Maisen now has locations across Japan and a few international locations. On my recent visit to Tokyo, I stopped by their main store, Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten. …

Read more

Ippudo Ginza: Popular ramen chain in Tokyo, Japan

The Ippudo Karaka

It was my last night in Tokyo and I was looking for a place to eat near my Airbnb that wouldn’t break the bank. Unfortunately, I was staying in Ginza, one of the most expensive areas in all of Tokyo. Enter any restaurant in Ginza and you can easily walk out with a 20,000 ($179.91) yen bill. While wandering the area, I happened to stumble upon Ippudo Ginza, a chain of ramen restaurants with locations found all across Japan and …

Read more

Nishiazabu Gogyo: Burnt Miso Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

A ball of fire as the burnt ramen was being prepared by the chefs, Nishiazabu Gogyo, Tokyo, Japan

The first time I heard about burnt ramen at Nishiazabu Gogyo in Tokyo, Japan, I was intrigued. I knew I wanted to try their ramen but I was skeptical. How could anything that is burnt taste good? After reading endless reviews and watching YouTube videos about Gogyo, I knew it had to be great. Gogyo is owned by Ippudo, a chain of tonkotsu ramen restaurants founded in Fukuoka, Japan. There are two Gogyo locations in Japan. One is located in …

Read more

Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo: Spicy Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Fiery red broth

If you are looking for the spiciest ramen in Tokyo, Japan, you go to Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo. At Kikanbo, fiery bowls of ramen are prepared with both chili pepper and Sichuan pepper, giving your mouth a burning, numbing sensation. While Japan might not be known for its spicy cuisine, if you are a lover of spicy foods or spicy ramen, then Kikanbo is a must. Waiting in Line It was a Sunday afternoon in Tokyo. As I made my …

Read more

Ichiran Shinjuku Chuo Higashiguchi: Tonkotsu Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Ichiran is one of the most famous ramen restaurants found in Japan. This popular chain of ramen restaurants specializes in tonkotsu ramen. This type of ramen, originating in Fukuoka in southern Japan, has a rich and creamy broth made from pork bones simmered for hours. When the first stall opened in Fukuoka in 1960, it was known then as Futaba Ramen. In 1966, the stall became known as Ichiran (蘭), meaning “one orchid.” In 1993, Ichiran’s first concept store opened. …

Read more

President Trump Set at Munch's Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan

The President Trump Set featuring a Colby Jack Cheeseburger, Munch's Burgers Shack, Tokyo, Japan

When you think of Japanese food, you might think of ramen, sushi, or tempura. So why are people waiting in line at Munch’s Burger Shack in Tokyo, Japan for over 2 hours to sample an American-style burger? Let me explain. In late 2016, President Trump kicked off his 12 day trip to Asia with a stop in Japan. On his visit to Tokyo, Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. For lunch, the pair dined on a cheeseburger from …

Read more

Numazuko Shinjuku Honten: Conveyor Belt Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

The beautiful Soy Marinated Tuna, Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, Tokyo, Japan

Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, located just outside the east exit of Tokyo’s JR Shinjuku Station, is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant (kaiten-zushi). While this restaurant might not be as cheap as nearby Genki Sushi or Uoebi sushi, at Numazuko Shinjuku Honten, the prices are justified by the quality of the seafood. The interior of Numazuko Shinjuku Honten was basic but bright. At the center of the restaurant, chefs dressed in white were preparing custom ordered plates of sushi. Wrapping around …

Read more