dining

Eat at a kotatsu while enjoying the view from Osaka’s Harukas 300 Observatory this winter

Enjoy your choice of two of Japan’s favorite hotpot dishes from the toastiest seats ever on top of the second-tallest building in Japan.

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Survey responds to the most important factors when deciding which izakaya to go to

If you’re looking to visit an izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub, here’s some insight about how Japanese people make their picks to help guide yours.

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Nine of the best spots for beating the heat with kakigori shaved ice in Japan this summer

These shops also showcase the immense variety of flavors and ingredients that go into the making of individual shaved ice recipes.

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We get (un)lucky at Hakodate fast food chain Lucky Pierrot with our giant omuraisu mistake

We thought we’d get something simple and light at Lucky Pierrot…turns out that was not the case at all.

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Four things you should eat at Japanese chain Ringer Hut, according to staff who work there

We thought we knew everything that was on the menu, but there was one dish that surprised us. 

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This triple jumbo shrimp rice bowl hides a shrimpressive surprise

Whatever you picture when you read “triple jumbo shrimp rice bowl,” it’s probably not this.

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Mr. Sato investigates just how rich the new Kotteri Max ramen at Tenkaippin really is

For a ramen chain that’s already known for its signature rich broth, how much richer can this new maximum-rich dish get?

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Got rice? The tastiest rice ever compels bread-fan Mr. Sato to eat more rice than ever before

Cooked in a traditional earthenware pot, there’s something about this Maboroshi no Koshihikari rice that almost spirited him away.  

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Eating tuna and parrotfish like the locals on the Amami Islands’ Yoron Island

We try shopping and dining at the number-one approved local store by residents of this small island in the southwest of Japan.

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Choshimaru offers a limited-time Explodingly Big Sushi Roll, or basically sushi in sushi armor

What’s the true form of this rolled sushi hiding underneath the Final Boss sushi?

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We visit super popular tuna specialty joint Izakaya Hitoshi on Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island

After failing to secure a reservation for one month prior to his visit, our reporter gets in with some luck and ascends to tuna heaven.

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Tokyo prison restaurant The Lockup closes its doors for good

Throwing away the key after 23 years of terrifying tourists. 

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The Times They are a-Changin’: Our reporter reflects on the changing landscape of Ebisu

Mariko shares a glimpse into what’s different in one Tokyo neighborhood compared to her memories from 20 years ago.

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All-you-can drink deal in Japan puts the self-serve drinks machine right on your table

This Japanese yakiniku chain wants you to get drunk on your own or with a friend for less than 5 bucks!

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We visit Osaka’s newly dubbed Koreatown for the first time and set our sights on all of the food

After viewing 60+ varieties of kimchi in a single shop alone, our reporter learns that she has much to learn about Korean cuisine.

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Okonomiyaki taiyaki: Sweet and savoury combination confuses the senses

We love okonomiyaki and we love taiyaki, but will we love okonomiyaki taiyaki?

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Shibuya unveils two new local ramen dishes themed after famously loyal local dog Hachiko

And just in time for Ramen Day!

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Mr. Sato takes on this mega bowl of hiyashi chuka and possibly snubs his boss in the process

When the summer heat decreases your appetite, there’s nothing like a giant bowl of chilled noodles to bring it back.

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Tokyo luxury hotel teams up with Cup Noodle for 50th anniversary ramen cocktails and course meals

‘Cause what better way to celebrate turning 50 than with some “noods”?

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Mr. Sato attacks a massive castle of seafood at a new restaurant in Tokyo Skytree’s Solamachi

This particular dish with a really, really long name is a veritable gastronomic fortress waiting to be conquered. 

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