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Tokyo Guide : Kappabashi Dogugai (河童橋道具街)
Kappabashi Dogugai (合羽橋道具街) is the largest cooking tool district in Japan, located adjacent to the Asakusa area.
Established in the Taisho era (1912-1926), Kappabashi Dogugai developed as a wholesale district for cooking utensils, tableware, and other items for the restaurant industry, and is now lined with nearly 200 stores, making it a tourist attraction visited by people from Japan and abroad.
Photo taken in front of my favorite Japanese ceramic shop “Dengama (田窯)”. And the giant statue of chef, as a landmark of the entrance for Kappabashi Dogugai.
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Tokyo Guide : HIGASHIYA GINZA
Not just tea — this is a full seasonal kaiseki experience paired with rare Japanese teas. Only in Ginza.
HIGASHIYA GINZA is a modern Japanese tea salon located in the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza district. It beautifully blends traditional Japanese hospitality with a contemporary design. The café offers a refined experience centered around Japanese tea and seasonal cuisine.
On the day, our entire family had lunch together. My husband, my son, and I had the “Ichiju Sansai” course, while my daughter was served a set of rice balls and miso soup.
The “Ichiju Sansai” course included white rice, a hearty kenchin-jiru soup filled with root vegetables, a main dish made with red fish, three side dishes featuring seafood and seasonal vegetables, as well as nukazuke pickles and a simmered dish of kelp and shiitake mushrooms. We were full in no time.
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Tokyo Guide : Kyushu Jangara Ramen
Craving creamy tonkotsu ramen? Try Kyushu Jangara—Tokyo’s beloved ramen with rich, yet mild pork broth, thin noodles, and amazing toppings like kakuni and mentaiko. A true taste of Kyushu in the heart of the city!
“Jangara Ramen” is a ramen chain based mainly in Tokyo, officially known as “Kyushu Jangara.” It was founded in 1984 in Harajuku, Tokyo, and has since become beloved for its original ramen inspired by pork bone (tonkotsu) ramen from the Kyushu region. Its signature feature is a rich and creamy, yet mild tonkotsu broth that is easy to enjoy even for those unfamiliar with this type of ramen. This approachable taste has made it especially popular among women and foreign tourists.
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Tokyo Guide : World’s richest matcha gelato at Suzukien
Do you like matcha? Matcha is a vibrant green powdered tea made by finely grinding specially cultivated tea leaves called tencha using a stone mill. Since you consume the entire tea leaf, matcha is packed with umami flavor and rich in nutrients.
In Japan, matcha is traditionally used in tea ceremonies, but nowadays there are many shops where you can easily enjoy it.
Located in Asakusa, Suzukien (壽々喜園) is a specialty tea shop where you can enjoy a wide variety of Japanese teas, as well as sweets and gelato made with tea.
One of their highlights is the “world’s richest” matcha gelato, which has become a hot topic among matcha lovers. Their signature “Matcha Gelato No.7” lets you choose from seven levels of matcha intensity — a must-try for any matcha fan.
Another popular option is the “Four Types of Matcha An Dango with Sencha,” featuring dumplings topped with matcha-flavored sweet bean pastes of varying richness, served with a fragrant cup of sencha. It’s the perfect spot to take a break while exploring Asakusa.
Be sure to give it a try!
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Tokyo Guide : The Art of the RAMEN Bowl (Exhibition)
Do you love ramen? Ever wanted to dive deeper into its world? If yes, this exhibition is for you! Currently on display at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Roppongi, “The Art of the RAMEN Bowl” showcases the beauty and diversity of ramen bowls.
“21_21 DESIGN SIGHT” is a cultural facility located in Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi, dedicated to exploring the possibilities of design. Opened in 2007, the building was designed by architect Tadao Ando and features a distinctive roof structure that incorporates natural light, harmonizing beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
Ramen, alongside sushi, is one of the most beloved Japanese dishes around the world. This exhibition shines a spotlight on the ramen bowl—donburi—and explores and analyzes it from a design perspective, creating an atmosphere that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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Tokyo Guide : Harajuku
Are you interested not only in Takeshita Street fashion but also in the gourmet food and sweets that Harajuku has to offer? The Harajuku area is known as a hub for youth culture and fashion. Takeshita Street, in particular, is lined with shops offering the latest fashion trends and unique items, attracting many young people.
The district is home to several popular tourist attractions, including Meiji Shrine, an oasis of nature in the heart of the city; Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, which features the rooftop garden “Omohara Forest”; and Laforet Harajuku, a symbol of Japanese street fashion.
Harajuku is also a place where diverse food cultures come together. It is famous for Instagram-worthy sweets like crepes and cotton candy, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafés serving cuisines from around the world.
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Tokyo Guide : Joyful Minowa in Arakawa
How about experiencing a unique side of Tokyo, away from the crowded tourist spots? There’s a shopping street that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a retro trip through the city’s old downtown.
Joyful Minowa (ジョイフル三の輪) is a historic shopping street located in Minami-Senju, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo. Spanning approximately 400 meters, this covered arcade street extends from Minowabashi Station, the first stop on the Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram), to Arakawa-itchūmae Station. It features around 120 shops and is a well-loved destination for both locals and visitors.
Originally established in the Taisho era, Joyful Minowa retains a charming, retro atmosphere reminiscent of Showa-era Tokyo. The shopping street is particularly popular for strolling, street food, and traditional shopping experiences.
You can reach this shopping street easily by taking the Tokyo Sakura Tram, the last streetcar line in Tokyo, from the nearest station of my cooking school. Riding the streetcar from the station to the final stop offers a bit of a journey experience, making it a fun and scenic way to get there.
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Tokyo Guide : Toyosu Fish Market
Toyosu Market (Toyosu Fish Market) is a large market located in Koto City, Tokyo, where fresh fish, vegetables, meat, and other food items are sold. It moved from Tsukiji Market in 2018. It became an important place for Tokyo’s food industry, like the “new Tsukiji Market,” where you can buy fresh ingredients or enjoy meals.
Near Toyosu Market, there is a facility called “Senkyakubanrai (千客万来).” This facility is designed to welcome a large number of visitors and provide a variety of experiences for both tourists and locals. The name “Senkyakubanrai” literally means “welcoming thousands of guests,” and the facility focuses on offering activities such as dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
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Tokyo Guide : Asobono for Kids
Are you looking for a place to have fun with kids in Tokyo, especially on a rainy day, where they can run around and play? Here’s a recommended spot: ASOBono!, a large indoor playground located in Tokyo Dome City in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. It’s a popular spot for families where children can play to their heart’s content!
ASOBono! is designed for children from infants to elementary school students, offering various areas that help enhance their creativity and physical abilities.
Adventure Ocean Area: Right when you enter the facility, this area catches your eye. It features a large ball pit, slides, and plenty of space to move around and play. There are also trampolines, and my kids always start by getting active here.
Crawl Garden Area: This area is dedicated to infants aged 0-24 months, with soft mats laid out for crawling babies. The space is enclosed to prevent babies from wandering too far, and there are age-appropriate play equipment available for them.
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Tokyo Guide : Kiyosumi Gardens
How about having a break from visiting hustle bustle touristy spots in Tokyo and enjoying the Japanese garden? Kiyosumi Gardens (清澄庭園) is a traditional Japanese garden located in Kiyosumi, Koto Ward, Tokyo.
Renowned for its tranquil scenery and historical significance, it is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens. Designed in the Edo and Meiji periods, this garden features a *chisen-kaiyu-shiki* (circuit-style pond) layout, offering visitors a chance to enjoy picturesque landscapes throughout the year.
At the teahouse in Kiyosumi Gardens, visitors could enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.
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