Niimura, located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, Japan, is a restaurant specializing in tonkatsu, or Japanese fried pork cutlets. Before my visit, I had never heard of Niimura. I only noticed the restaurant thanks to a sign in front that displayed a Deep-Fried Pork Cutlet Set with rice and miso soup for 1800 yen. …
Sushi Zanmai Higashi Shinjuku is part of a popular sushi chain found in Japan. It’s well known for its quality sushi at reasonable prices. After traveling for 12 hours from California to Tokyo, I was tired, jet lagged, and in the mood for sushi. Since it was midnight, my options were limited. Exhausted from traveling, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Any visit to Tokyo is not complete without a visit to Menya Musashi Shinjuku Honten, considered by many to be the best ramen in Tokyo, Japan. There are multiple locations across Tokyo. Their flagship store, located on a small street around the corner from Shinjuku Station, is my favorite. Since opening in 1996, Menya Musashi …
One of my favorite things to eat in Japan is tonkatsu, a deep-fried breaded pork cutlet. When I heard about Gyūkatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi, which serves gyūkatsu, a breaded and fried beef cutlet, I knew I had to try it. Gyūkatsu Motomura, with branches located around Tokyo, has become popular with both locals and tourists. …
The first time I tasted a bowl of tsukemen was at Fuunji, a small ramen shop hidden on a quiet street near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan. Fuunji is considered by many, including me, to serve the best bowl of tsukemen in Tokyo. Every time I return to Tokyo, I stop by Fuunji first. Even …
When you dream of Tokyo and Japan, you dream of Shinjuku and its neon lights, department stores, bars, love hotels, shrines, and futuristic skyscrapers. During the day, Shinjuku is a great place to visit for its Shinto shrines, endless shopping, and art galleries. As the sun goes down, Shinjuku comes alive. The neon lights, the …