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Tokyo Guide : Yamamotoyama in Nihonbashi
Yamamotoyama (山本山) is a long-established Japanese company known primarily for its high-quality tea and nori (seaweed) products. Founded in 1690 (Genroku 3), it has a rich history and has been an integral part of Japanese food culture since the Edo period.
They have a shop in Nihonbashi area and I ordered their signature menu, “Nihonbashi”!
The long, slender bento box consists of three layers. At the very bottom is Koshihikari rice, a quintessential representation of Japanese white rice. On top of that is a half-sized sheet of roasted nori (seaweed). Another layer of white rice follows, topped with two distinct halves: one side features nori seasoned with dried baby sardines, olive oil, and salt; the other side showcases two types of nori—shredded nori drizzled with homemade soy sauce and crumbled seaweed in its pre-sheet form. With each bite, a variety of seaweed flavors unfolded in my mouth.
As a finishing touch, a single piece of mashed Nanko umeboshi (pickled plum) sat atop the dish, adding a nice accent and serving as a refreshing palate cleanser. If you want to fully enjoy the authentic taste of Japan’s unique seaweed, I highly recommend it!
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Tokyo Guide : Matsubaya-Saryo
Matsubaya Saryo (松葉屋茶寮) is a Japanese café known as a “bonsai tea house,” located on Kottō-dōri in Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo. Here, visitors can enjoy high-quality tea and traditional Japanese sweets while admiring the beauty of exquisite bonsai trees.
The interior of the café is filled with bonsai, antiques, and artworks, creating a serene atmosphere infused with Japanese culture. The attached *Hakobune GALLERY* hosts exhibitions and sales of antiques, contemporary art, ceramics, and unique furniture, and also operates an official e-commerce site.
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Tokyo Guide : Sugamo Jizo-dori (巣鴨地蔵通り商店街)
Sugamo Jizo-dori (巣鴨地蔵通り商店街) is a famous shopping street located in the Sugamo district of Tokyo, Japan. It’s often referred to as “Grandma’s Harajuku” because it’s particularly popular among older generations. The street is known for its traditional atmosphere and its variety of shops that cater to elderly customers.
The street is easily accessible from Sugamo Station on the JR Yamanote Line, and it features many stores catering to both locals and visitors, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
The street is also home to the famous “Togenuki Jizo” (Togenuki Jizo Bosatsu) statue, located at the grounds of the nearby Kōgan-ji Temple, which attracts many people who come to pray for health and healing.
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Tokyo Guide : Menson RAGE (麺尊 RAGE)
Menson RAGE (麺尊 RAGE) has been featured in the Michelin Guide every year since its opening and is famous for its high-quality soy sauce ramen, attracting long lines of customers.
The interior has a unique atmosphere, with hip-hop music playing, shelves filled with the SF action comic AKIRA, and street-style graphics adorning the walls.
While the original location is in the Nishi-Ogikubo area, we visited the Azabudai Hills branch.
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Tokyo Guide : Azabudai Hills (麻布台ヒルズ)
Azabudai Hills(麻布台ヒルズ) is a large-scale urban complex located in Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo. It officially opened on November 24, 2023 and its concept, “Modern Urban Village,” blends urban functionality with lush greenery, creating a harmonious environment in the heart of the city.
Here are the 7 places you should check there!
1. Arabica coffee
This coffee brand was founded by a Japanese entrepreneur from Kyoto, who was raised by parents active in the Esperanto movement, along with a father who ran a trading company, traveling the world while growing up. The brand aims for global expansion.
2. Saboe
This tea organization dedicates to contributing to the development of tea, creating and preserving modern tea-drinking practices in the present day.
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Tokyo Guide : Nakamura Tokichi Cafe
Nakamura Tokichi (中村藤吉) is a long-established Japanese tea specialty store, founded in 1854. It is especially renowned for its production of matcha, with its matcha made from carefully selected tea leaves from regions like Uji in Kyoto.
The matcha is known for its rich flavor and deep green color. Nakamura Tokichi Café offers a modern twist on traditional matcha culture, making it popular not only with matcha lovers but also with those who enjoy café culture.
Some of the signature matcha desserts include matcha parfaits, matcha ice cream, matcha cheesecake, and matcha Mont Blancs. These desserts are characterized by a rich matcha flavor, with not only matcha powder but also matcha syrups and sauces that are carefully crafted.
The café also offers a wide variety of matcha drinks, such as matcha lattes, iced matcha drinks, and even original matcha-based beverages. The perfect balance of matcha’s bitterness and the sweetness of milk makes these drinks irresistible to matcha fans.
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Tokyo Guide : The Sumida Hokusai Museum
Do you know a Japanese famous artist, Katsushika Hokusai? Even if you do not know his name, you may have seen this ”The Great Wave off the Coast of Kanagawa”, one of his masterpieces.
This is one of his representative works and is particularly famous among ukiyo-e (浮世絵). The piece depicts the fierce waves swallowing boats, characterized by its powerful movement and vibrant colors. Hokusai boldly expresses the power of nature, highlighting the smallness of humanity.
Recently, it was decided that “The Great Wave” will be featured on the reverse side of the new 1,000 yen banknote in Japan. This reflects the recognition of Hokusai’s work as a symbol of Japanese culture worldwide. This choice signifies the universal appeal of Hokusai’s art and its importance in conveying the tradition of Japanese fine arts to future generations.
The influence of “The Great Wave” extends beyond just being an art piece; it can also be seen in contemporary design, fashion, and advertising. In this way, Hokusai’s works continue to inspire people across time.
Since this LEGO product were recently released, we decided to display it inside the YJC classroom. Furthermore, we are happy to add a Japanese-style interior
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Tokyo Guide : Menya Hachitoku
Togoshi Ginza (戸越銀座) is a lively shopping street located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, exuding a charming Showa-era atmosphere. In this vibrant area, the ramen shop Menya Hachitoku (麺屋八徳) stands out with its emphasis on high-quality ingredients and soy sauce-based broth.
They offer a variety of options, including the classic Chuka Soba, niboshi soba, shoyu tsukesoba, and rich tonkotsu or light chicken broth ramen, with plenty of toppings to choose from!
My daughter and I ordered the backfat shoyu soba, a bowl of white rice, and a plate of gyoza. We had the option to choose the amount of backfat, and we selected “normal.” Even then, it provided plenty of richness that paired wonderfully with the homemade, chewy noodles.
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Tokyo Guide : Ippodo Tea Salon
Ippodo Tea Co. is a well-known and long-established Japanese tea company, founded in 1717 in Kyoto. For over three centuries, they have been dedicated to producing high-quality tea, specializing in fine Japanese green teas like matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and bancha. Ippodo is particularly celebrated for its meticulous tea selection and blending processes, ensuring that their teas maintain consistent taste and quality over time.
The company’s philosophy emphasizes the connection between tea and everyday life, promoting tea as a means of relaxation and mindfulness. Ippodo has a flagship store in Kyoto, along with tea shops in other major cities like Tokyo and New York. They also provide workshops and detailed guidance for brewing the perfect cup, helping tea lovers around the world appreciate the depth of Japanese tea culture.
In addition to their retail and online presence, Ippodo Tea Co. has gained international recognition for its traditional and authentic approach to tea, catering to both connoisseurs and beginners alike.
At the back of Ippodo’s Kyoto flagship store, there is a dine-in space where you can enjoy tea. Take your time to relax and savor the calm atmosphere of the main store, as well as the peaceful moments that flow there!
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Tokyo Guide : HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi
Unveil the Elegance of Japanese Confections: Experience the Art of Wagashi and Tea Pairing!
Overlooking the canopy of trees along Marunouchi Naka-dori, HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi provides a serene escape from the busy atmosphere of the city’s most picturesque business district. Here, you can find freshly steamed buns, a selection of exquisite confectioneries perfect for gifts, and a distinctive range of tableware.
The store features a dedicated tea counter with an extensive selection of teas, showcasing a diverse array of flavors and blends. Additionally, HIGASHIYA man Marunouchi includes a cozy sabo(茶房), a Japanese tea salon, where visitors can experience the art of tea appreciation and learn about the nuances of different tea varieties in an intimate setting.
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