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Located on a quiet street just a few minutes' walk from the station, this bar is frankly not that conspicuous. It might seem intimidating at first glance, but when I popped in a few years ago, I was surprised by how well-known it was. Its defining characteristics can be summed up as cheap, delicious, and serving the most flavorful Hoppy beer in the area. It's a quiet, reserved bar...

Ichinoseki, the gateway to southern Iwate Prefecture, is served by the Tohoku Shinkansen. It's a city steeped in unique culture, with many music fans visiting the world-famous jazz cafe "Basie." Shochiku, a Japanese-style restaurant located in front of the station, is a long-established establishment that has witnessed the town's history. Its signature sauce curry, a favorite of Naga Rokusuke...

Shibamata is the temple town of Taishakuten Temple, the setting for the TV drama "Otoko wa Tsurai yo." This historic town is dotted with famous eel restaurants. This time, we'll be introducing Ebisu-ya, which was founded in 1783. Enjoy a drink on a holiday afternoon while immersing yourself in the food culture of river fish cuisine that has been nurtured along the Edogawa River. Such a stylish place...

Located close to Sangenjaya Station is the "Triangle Area," a maze of narrow alleys. In this area, which still retains a strong postwar atmosphere, is Nagasaki, a renowned Nagasaki Chinese restaurant that has been in business since 1976. This popular restaurant has captured the hearts of many, and its specialties are champon and shumai. This time, we'll be introducing this shumai...

When you think of what to eat at Toyosu Market, the first thing that comes to mind is sushi. But the interesting thing about the restaurants on the premises is that there's more to it than just sushi. There are many hidden gems that have satisfied the appetites of market workers wearing rubber boots and riding around on turrets. One of these is Fukusen, a long-established eel restaurant that opens at 6am...

Established in 1947 (Showa 22), Eiryu is a famous Iriya restaurant. This long-established restaurant, which still evokes the bustle of the postwar era, is a "Machi-Chuuka" restaurant that has captured the hearts and stomachs of locals. Enjoy their signature large, homemade shrimp shumai, and finish off with a nostalgic bowl of chicken rice. This time, we'll be introducing a Machi-Chuuka restaurant...

Shibuya "Hagakure" Located on the second floor of an alley just before Aoyama Gakuin University, just up Miyamasuzaka in Shibuya, the famous Hagakure restaurant is quietly located. Just as its name suggests, it operates as if hidden away in the bustling streets of Shibuya. Hagakure before opening: Breathing heavily, I was the first to arrive.

In Mikawashima, Arakawa Ward, there's a tuna mecca worth taking the train to visit. It's called Yamato Suisan. As its parent company is a seafood wholesaler specializing in large fish (such as tuna), the quality is high, yet the prices are surprisingly reasonable compared to the market. The tuna is topped with thick, medium-fatty tuna...

Katsushika Shibamata, the setting for the nationally beloved film "Otoko wa Tsurai yo." The approach to Taishakuten Temple still retains the bustle of good old Japan. The aroma of sesame oil lures you in, and you step through the noren curtains to find Yamatoya, a restaurant beloved by Kiyoshi Atsumi, who played Tora-san, and director Yoji Yamada. Enjoy the famous tempura bowl and Kirin ramen...

In a quiet residential area where the Toden streetcar runs, there is a local Chinese restaurant where people line up before it even opens. The restaurant's name is "Chinese Restaurant Ichiban." It has been a beloved local restaurant since it opened in 1974. The experienced owner creates a variety of dishes that go beyond the boundaries of local Chinese cuisine. This time, we'll be focusing on the shrimp fried rice...

We were feeling great at Tokunaga Liquor Store, but since we were in Osaka, we couldn't help but go bar-hopping. After about an hour of enjoying ourselves, the other four Kansai residents started talking about whether it was time to move on to Matsuhisa. ohtab...

Among the office buildings in Osaki stands a local Chinese restaurant where time seems to have stood still. Established in 1941 (Showa 16), Kouraku has been satisfying the appetites of local workers for over 80 years. Its specialty fried rice lives up to its brown appearance and is a delicious lunchtime dish...

Asakusabashi, home to Torikoe Shrine, is a neighborhood where many historic, independent restaurants still thrive. Sugiei, a local soba noodle shop founded in 1969, is one such establishment. It boasts a warm atmosphere maintained by the second generation owner, side dishes made with soba broth, and its signature curry seiro and curry nanban, which combine spices and dashi stock. Local...

Established over 90 years ago, this restaurant is the first place to go when it comes to tempura bowls in the gourmet town of Ningyocho. The jet-black tempura, drenched in a secret sauce that has been constantly added to, makes a big impact. However, it's not as spicy as it looks, and it's not greasy. The deep Edo flavor is what makes it so appealing. There are often long lines at lunchtime, so we recommend...

Owariya is a long-established soba restaurant in Asakusa that has been in business for over 160 years. Its specialty is a gigantic shrimp tempura that fills the entire width of the bamboo steamer. Beloved by many cultural figures and locals, including the literary great Nagai Kafu, its flavors are not to be underestimated as a tourist spot. The aroma of fragrant sesame oil fills the air at this famous restaurant, making it a popular spot for local Asakusa eaters.