Top 10 BEST Local Cuisine in Tokyo, Japan! 🍜

Monday, July 31st, 2017

GOOD EATS await if you find yourself headed to Tokyo, Japan!

If you’re dreaming of going, it might surprise you how accessible it is to stay there!
Browse some available places to stay and you’re sure to fall in love~

While you’re enjoying your time in Tokyo, here are 10 amazing foods to try,
as featured by Rakuten (follow the links to each one for more details
and where to check them out!).

#10: Unagi no Kabayaki (Basted and Broiled Freshwater Eel)

“Number 10 is ‘unagi no kabayaki,’ in which freshwater eel is deboned and butterflied before being basted in a sweet soy sauce-based concoction and broiled over a grill. In Tokyo and eastern Japan, eel is put through a “steaming” process before it is cooked. For that reason, many give kabayaki high marks for its tasty succulence.”

#9: Dojo Nabe / Yanagawa Nabe (Loach Hotpot)

“In 9th place is ‘dojo nabe’, which uses loach, or ‘dojo’, an ingredient that rivals freshwater eel as a stamina-boosting food. Particularly popular is an even more local version called “Yanagawa nabe,” which features beaten egg and is hard to find outside of Tokyo.”

#8: Yakitori (Broiled Chicken Skewers)

“Coming in at #8 is yakitori, which is beloved by many Japanese salarymen on their business trips to Tokyo. This is chiefly because there are a lot of restaurants to be found in Tokyo with an a great atmosphere for enjoying yakitori with drinks after a long, hard day of work.”

#7: Soba (Buckwheat Noodles)

“Like tendon, Tokyo’s soba noodles, which came in 7th place, are also known for the strongly flavored broth that eastern Japan is famous for. The supposedly ‘hip’ way for Tokyo natives to enjoy soba is to dip just the tips of the noodles into the broth, and then to savor the texture and flavor by ‘drinking’ the noodles without chewing them too much.”

#6: Tendon (Tempura Rice Bowl)

“#6 is ‘tendon,’ which is tempura placed on top of rice–a common dish in Japan. However, in Tokyo, tendon is typically eaten with a strongly flavored black sauce which sets it apart from the others. The sweet and spicy flavoring is superb.”

#5: Unaju (Freshwater Eel over Rice)

“In 5th place is ‘unaju,’ in which basted and broiled freshwater eel is served over rice in a fancy lacquer box. Freshwater eel is considered as a food that boosts stamina in Japan and unaju is often eaten as a luxury item served at receptions.”

#4: Tempura (Battered and Deep-Fried Seafood and Vegetables)

“A local specialty of Tokyo, which, alongside sushi, is also an iconic Japanese food, tempura came in at #4. Tempura fans will note that the frying technique in Tokyo is at an expert level–crisp and delicious, but never greasy nor soggy.”

#3: Ramen

“#3 is another famous Japanese dish–ramen. For the many ramen shops jostling up against each other here, Tokyo is a ‘battleground.’ Ramen is seen by many as a famous specialty of Japan’s capital, where all the different types of ramen from across Japan are concentrated. As such, for many, Tokyo represents the cutting edge of ramen.”

#2: Monjayaki

“#2 on the ranking is ‘monjayaki,’ which is offered by a number of restaurants in downtown Tokyo, particularly in the Tsukishima area–so famous for the dish it’s also known as ‘Monja Street.’ Monjayaki seems a little like okonomiyaki’s weird cousin–both are made with a batter and cooked on a griddle, but monjayaki has a much more liquid consistency. Part of the fun of monjayaki is that diners can make it themselves on griddle-equipped tables–its both delicious and entertaining!”

#1: Edomae-zushi (Edo-style Sushi)

“Topping the ranking is Edomae-zushi, which has become synonymous with Japanese food. Although there are many kinds of sushi, it is Edomae-zushi which the rest of the world knows affectionately as ‘SUSHI.’ In addition to enjoying the fresh fish and seafood from Tokyo Bay, you can also have fun watching sushi chefs do what they do best at many famous restaurants with an old-school atmosphere.”

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Travel to Japan for an Okinawa Holiday! (Naha & Southern Okinawa)

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

After covering Northern and Central Okinawa earlier in the week, here is a post to wrap-up the lower little part of it~

Okinawa is a good place to make your Japan-traveling dreams come true, because there are historical and traditional sections of it in addition to fun, modern shopping locations as well as plenty of BEACH!!  It’s also just an all-around beautiful place, as the photos here show.

Naha

Shuri Castle

In the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this castle was a political and cultural center.
Now, you can visit what remains of it to learn its story.

The Stone-Paved Road of Kinjo-cho

Beginning from Shuri Castle mentioned above, this walkway paved with Ryukyu limestone
will lead you through beautiful scenery to enjoy if you decide to take a stroll along it. c:

Kokusai Dori

This shopping district is right near the Naha airport, so you can enjoy it right when you arrive
or up until you’re about to leave~  It boasts modern shopping and name brands
in addition to traditional crafts.

Southern Okinawa (Itoman/Tomigusuku/Nanjo)

Valley of Gangala

This is a subtropical forest vibrant with nature and life!

Gyokusendo Caves

There is an Okinawa World Theme Park, and the entrance to these caves is located inside.
Ryukyu limestone is found in abundance here, in these mysterious caves that have
existed for more than 300,000 years.

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Travel to Japan for an Okinawa Holiday! (Northern & Central Okinawa)

Monday, July 17th, 2017

Okinawa is a series of islands to the south-west of Japan’s “main island.”  In addition to its historical significance, it is also famous for its tropical climate, with tons of beaches and even coral reefs to visit!

If you have dreams of traveling to Japan, Okinawa is a good introductory destination, since not only would you enjoy yourself on the beaches and shopping, but you can also pay tribute to and appreciate its significance in history.

This first post covers a few things to do each in the northern and central regions of Okinawa!

Northern Okinawa (Onna/Nago/Motobu/Nakijin)

Okinawa Chunauri Aquarium

This is inside the Ocean Expo Park mentioned a bit below. c:
I love visiting aquariums, the water and beautiful creatures swimming around it
just feels so peaceful and relaxing!

Kouri Bridge

This bridge is 1,960m long, and offers views of the ocean on both sides
while you are on your way to or from Kouri Island!

Ocean Expo Park

This is a sightseeing area with multiple attractions including beaches
and the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium!

Central Okinawa (Ginowan/Chatan/Okinawa City/Uruma/Yomitan)

Cape Manza

These beautiful cliffs are actually coral!  The view is of the East China Sea.
Many people travel here to see it during sunrise or sunset.

Bios on the Hill

This botanical park is pretty big, and allows visitors to experience
the ecosystem of Okinawa throughout each season.
You can enjoy walking on footpaths or ride a boat or water buffalo-drawn cart!

Araha Beach

This beach is 600m long and is located in Araha Park –
a good place to find a hotel so that you’re close by!

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