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This series explores the charms of a city and its people by walking around the area from the station, asking people you meet about it, and chatting with bar owners. This time, we're taking a business trip to Tokyo. So, look forward to seeing which stations we explore...

In the huge underground shopping mall in Ikebukuro, there is a stand-up sushi restaurant that has been in business for over half a century. It's called "Tachigui Sakura Sushi." It's conveniently located near the JR, Tobu, and Metro ticket gates, so you won't get wet in the rain. It offers a charm that chain restaurants don't. The finest ingredients, delivered directly from Toyosu, and the skilled work of a chef...

Founded in 1914 (Taisho 3), Okina Soba is a long-established restaurant with over a century of history, building a strong relationship with Asakusa's entertainment culture. While it's famous for its overwhelmingly popular Curry Nanban, there's one dish that regulars and entertainers alike adore: Mujina Soba, a secret dish not listed on the menu. A dish from the Edo period...

Ikebukuro is like a hometown to me, and I've walked there many times and have many favorite restaurants, but there was one Chinese restaurant I'd never been to. It's been there since 1954, long before the area north of Ikebukuro's west exit became a Chinatown several decades ago. In Taiwan's modern history...

As you exit Shin-Nakano Station and enter the alleyway, you'll find Tonkatsu Marufuku, marked by a yellow sign. The word "tonkatsu" (pork cutlet) on the sign makes you think of a delicious set meal restaurant. However, this isn't just any tonkatsu restaurant. At night, regulars enjoy sashimi and alcohol, making it a truly...

If you're looking for affordable sushi and a drink in Sangenjaya, Sushi Daidokoroya is a must-visit. It's rooted on Chazawa-dori and is open from 11:00 a.m. until dinner. Whether you're struggling for lunch in the afternoon, wanting an early toast, or wanting a late-night finale, you'll always be welcomed with authentic sushi and sake...

Toyosu Market has become a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. When you get off the Yurikamome line, you'll be greeted by a huge, brand new building. Many visitors to Toyosu Market come for the fresh sushi made with seafood. On weekends, popular restaurants are packed with domestic and international tourists...

I went to the famous Toranomon bar "Masumoto" with manga artist Razwell Hosoki. Our second stop was a place my companion, a former wine magazine editor, had been interested in. We arrived at a place in the heart of Tokyo that offered such satisfying food and drinks at such reasonable prices...

The restaurant was located in Gotanda, Tokyo. I was wandering around the south exit of the station when it caught my eye and I decided to stop in. The sign read "Kansai Instant A la carte Cuisine." The menu had an incredibly large and varied selection, and the prices were almost too generous...

Sushi restaurants are especially popular among the restaurants within Toyosu Market, but there is also a surprising variety of options, including cafeterias, Western-style restaurants, and even the first store of a famous beef bowl chain. "Tenbo" is located near the Yatchaba, a little away from the seafood building. Read more here ↓ syupo

As I was riding a Toei bus from Ikebukuro to Oji, I suddenly felt a craving for gyoza. Nearby was "Kako," a restaurant that has been in business for over 70 years. Located at the corner of the old Nakasendo and Meiji Dori roads, among a mix of residential and commercial buildings, this historic area is a popular spot for diners every day.

Enjoy a cold beer or rich sake while watching the scenery pass by outside the train window. These "nomi-tetsu" (drinking train) events offer such a luxurious experience, attracting not only train enthusiasts but also many other travel enthusiasts. This time, we'll be introducing some of the events taking place across Japan in the second half of 2025 (from now until the end of the year).