Top Picks for BBQs & Beer Gardens in the Kansai Region for 2018

05.May.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

The warm spring is rolling through and bringing us closer to the hot summer, and you know what that means in Japan? Barbeques and beer gardens!

In this article we take a look at some BBQ and beer garden events taking place in the Kansai region this year.

 

Top Picks for BBQs & Beer Gardens in the Kanto Region for 2018

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“Kyoto Tower Beer Garden” – Kyoto
Kyoto Tower Beer Garden is located on the 10th floor rooftop of Kyoto Tower Hotel and recently underwent renovation. At the drink counter, people can make their own Instagram-worthy drinks, and a new chef’s corner has also been built where you can watch the chef prepare food right in from of you.

There’s close to 50 drinks to choose from, and a huge menu spanning cuisine from Japan, the West and China. They also have tents prepared in case of rain or if customers wish to stay out of the hot sun. The beer garden is in perfect view of the Kyoto Tower too, so why not make a trip?

 

■Information

Kyoto Tower Beer Garden
Address: Kyoto Tower 10F, 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Running: April 28, 2018 – September 24, 2018
*Reservations only. Reserve by 12:00 the previous day.
Opening Hours: 12:00-15:00 (Last Orders 14:30)
Price: Adults ¥3,900 / Elementary School Students ¥2,400 / Children (Aged 3+) ¥1,500
TEL: 075-343-9090
Website: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-tower/

 

 

大丸ビアガーデンKYOTO2大丸ビアガーデンKYOTO

“Daimaru Beer Garden Kyoto” – Kyoto
The beer garden as an amusement spot is a summer pastime that has continued for over 100 years and always bustles with happy faces. Daimaru Beer Garden Kyoto brought it back to life last year where it was held on a rooftop, and once again this year, it will be held on the roof of Daimaru Kyoto. It was a hit last year and will be bigger and better this year, returning as a ‘traditional’ style of BBQ. The buffet will also feature obanzai, which is a traditional type of Kyoto cuisine. It’s also open during the day, so it’s a perfect place to stop by during your Kyoto sightseeing.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/106189

 

■Information

Daimaru Beer Garden Kyoto
Location: Daimaru Kyoto rooftop
Address: 79 Shijo Street Takakura Nishiiri Tachiurinishimachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Running: May 22, 2018―September 24, 2018
*The event will close if it rains.
*Closed on August 16.
Time: 5pm-10pm (Last Orders 9:30pm)
*Open from 4pm on Weekends & Holidays

Telephone Booking: 075-746-5067
*Phone bookings being taken from 1pm-8pm on May 16. Bookings taken from 11am-8pm from May 17 onwards.

Website Booking: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/kyoto/
*Website bookings available on the Daimaru Kyoto homepage from May 9 at 1pm.

 

 

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“Riverside Beer Garden 2018: Matsuri BBQ” – Osaka
This BBQ festival is aimed at adults and takes place in a spacious private area. It is currently serving food and drinks themed on Hokkaido and will switch to Kyushu & Okinawa later in August. For the Hokkaido slot, they are offering 3 plans that includes food such as juicy beef and pork, ramen salad which originates in Hokkaido, buttered jacket potatoes from Hokkaido, and more.

For drinks, they recommend yubari king melon sour and haskap berry sour. For the Kyushu & Okinawa slot, look forward to tucking into some tartar chicken which is a famous food of Miyazaki, amongst a range of dishes and ingredients from both Kyushu and Okinawa. For drinks they are also serving sweet potato shochu, strong Okinawa liquor, mango sour and flat lemon sour.

 

■Information

Riverside Beer Garden 2018: Matsuri BBQ
Running:
Hokkaido Cuisine: May 1, 2018 to July 31, 2018
Kyushu & Okinawa Cuisine: August 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018
*Will close temporarily or fully in case of bad weather or natural disasters.
*The rooftop seats (120 seats) will be open even during rain.
Address: Keihan City Mall Rooftop, 1-1 Tenmabashikyomachi, Chuo, Osaka
Opening Hours: 16:00-22:30 (Last Entry 20:30)
TEL: 06-6450-6640 (Reception 12:00-22:00)
Website: https://www.matsuri-bbq.com

 

 

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“Beer 300” – Abeno Harukas Beer Garden – Osaka
Abeno Harukas is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The beer garden on the Harukas 300 observation deck has been held three times, and this year will be the fourth. It has received praise for its tall view atop 300m, as well as its immensely satisfying menu. On this year’s “BBQ Menu” you can tuck into thick-cut beef harami, roast pork shoulder, and spicy piri chicken (which goes perfect with beer), each of which can be matched with a variety of different ingredients. Drinks are self-service, so there’s no obligation to wait around, so you can enjoy the beer garden to its fullest!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/100551

 

■Information

Harukas 300
Address: 1-1-43
Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka
Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00
TEL: 06-6621-0300
Website: https://www.abenoharukas-300.jp

 

 

大阪「プールサイドビアガーデン」2

大阪「プールサイドビアガーデン」

“Poolside Beer Garden” – Osaka
The Poolside Beer Garden will open at Senri Hankyu Hotel on June 1. This year, they’re serving freshly made pizza and pasta which you can see made in front of you! The drink’s menu is leveling up to 34 beverages, includes local Hokusetsu sake, and colourful cocktails that remind you for being a resort.

There’ll even be performances like samba to enhance the resort atmosphere. Enjoy this cool, refreshing beer garden by the poolside!

 

■Information

Poolside Beer Garden
Running: June 1, 2018 – September 30, 2018
Address: 2-1 Shinsenri Higashimachi, Toyonaka-shi, Osaka (Senri Hankyu Hotel Poolside)
Opening Hours:
[Monday-Saturday] 17:30-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)
[Sunday & Holidays] 17:30-20:30 (Last Orders 20:00)
Price: Adults ¥4,500 / Children (3+) ¥2,000
TEL: 06-6871-2416
Website: https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/hh/senrihh/

 

 

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“Sorairo Kitchen in Tenshiba: Terrace BBQ Beer Garden” – Osaka
‘Sorairo Kitchen in Tenshiba’ is a casual Italian restaurant where they have open a BBQ beer garden on the terrace, which looks out onto the lawn.

The roast beef shoulder, thick cut roast pork and organic vegetables with the BBQ can come with rotisserie chicken cooked on the terrace or an all-you-can-eat buffet!

 

■Information

Sorairo Kitchen in Tenshiba
Address: Tenshiba Entrance Sequare, 住所:5-55 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Food Last Orders 22:00 / Drinks Last Orders 22:30)
*Lunch menu available until 16:00
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 050-5286-3794
Website: http://www.iconet.co.jp/shop/brand/06.html

 

 

Are you hungry yet? Make sure to try a Japanese BBQ and beer garden during your trip this summer and make some nice memories!

 

Top Picks for BBQs & Beer Gardens in the Kanto Region for 2018

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • The warm spring season is almost over, and summer is coming soon. BBQ parties and beer gardens are the two most exciting events of the hot summer season. In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended BBQ parties and beer gardens.

     

    Top Picks for BBQs & Beer Gardens in the Kansai Region for 2018

     

    日本の“夏祭り”がコンセプト「和風ビアガーデン」埼玉で開催3

    日本の“夏祭り”がコンセプト「和風ビアガーデン」埼玉で開催 たいやき

    Saitama Prefecture – Light & Music Beer Garden
    The theme of the event is a “Japanese summer festival” (Natsumatsuri) and it will take place in a traditional Japanese-style beer garden. As you come through the bamboo lantern-lit entrance, you will be engulfed by soft lights in a wide, open green space.

    Ordering the special offer Roast Beef Sushi (1 person 3 pieces) gives you the chance to see the expert chef put on a fiery flambe show. There’s also a buffet with a mix of around 20 Japanese and Western foods such as skewered and grilled food, savory egg custard, sushi wrapped in fried tofu, juicy sausages and much more as well as a line-up of close to 15 drinks served free flow style including beer and Japanese cocktails.

     

    Detailed information:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/102961

     

    ■Information

    Light & Music Beer Garden (Japanese: 光と音のビアガーデン~彩涼夏舞~)
    Running: July 6, 2018―August 31, 2018 (*Reservations to be made 3 days in advance)
    Time: 1st Slot 17:00-19:00 / 2nd Slot 19:00-21:00
    Price: ¥6,000 (Price includes consumption tax and service charge)
    Location: Omiya Rikyu Guest House
    Address: 1-816-7 Uetakechō, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama Prefecture
    Access: 9-minutes walk from Toro Station via the JR Line.
    TEL: 048-614-0811
    Website:http://www.bestbridal.co.jp/guestparty/saitama/rikyu_omiya/beer-9/

     

     

    六本木の屋上庭園にビアガーデンがオープン!手ぶらBBQを楽しもう六本木の屋上庭園にビアガーデンがオープン!手ぶらBBQを楽しもうTボーン

    Tokyo- ARK HILLS SOUTH TOWER ROOFTOP LOUNGE ~ROPPONGI BBQ BEAR GARDEN~
    A beer garden serving authentic BBQ cuisine was opened on top of Ark Hills South Tower where a luxurious rooftop garden sits. Despite being in the middle of the big city, the garden has a freeing, spacious feeling with plenty of greenery and even sofa seats. Food includes filling T-bone steak that uses carefully selected Iwanaka roasted pork shoulder, as well as a selection of seafood and vegetables. In addition, downstairs in the same building, you can buy meat to take to the BBQ too. Choose your favorite ingredients and enjoy cooking it on the barbeque yourself.

    Detailed information:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/103521

     

    ■Information

    ARK HILLS SOUTH TOWER ROOFTOP LOUNGE ~Roppongi BBQ Beer Garden~
    Address: Ark Hills South Tower Sky Park, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
    *Please use the direct elevator on the path behind the B1F Ark Kitchen ‘Etsubo’ (笑壷)
    Running: April 23, 2018 – September 30, 2018
    Opening Hours: 17:00-23:00
    *[April-June] Saturdays 12:00-23:00 / Sundays & Holidays 12:00-22:00
    *[July-August] Saturdays 15:00-23:00 / Sundays & Holidays 15:00-22:00
    *[September] Saturdays 12:00-23:00 / Sundays & Holidays 12:00-22:00
    TEL: 03-5549-1550 (*Reception opens April 20)
    No Fixed Holidays. (Except during bad weather.)

    Website: http://arkhills.beergardens.jp/
    Booking: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/

     

     

    東京・町田 モディ「LUGAR HA AMOR」

    東京・町田 モディ「LUGAR HA AMOR」2

    Tokyo – LUGAR HA AMOR
    LUGAR HA AMOR is a beer garden where you can enjoy an extraordinary space, foods, videos and music on the rooftop of MACHIDA MODI. The word LUGAR HA AMOR means “a place filled with love” in Portuguese. The space created under the key word of “luxury beer resort” has three kinds of comfortable sofas that are couple sofa, bed sofa and low table sofa. You can also enjoy the video show projected on the wall of the building and project a message to your precious person.

     

    ■Information

    LUGAR HA AMOR
    Address: 6th Avenue, 2-6, Haramachida, Machidashi, Tokyo
    Period: 2018/4/27 (Fri.) to 9/30 (Sun.)
    Price: 3,000 yen~

    Website:https://www.lugar-ha-amor.com

     

     

    東京・池袋「炎のプルコギ伝説β(ベータ)」

    東京・池袋「炎のプルコギ伝説β(ベータ)」2

    TOKYO – Hono no Bulgogi Densetsu β
    The rooftop beer garden, Hono no Bulgogi Densetsu β was opened on the 16th floor of Tobu Hyakkaten Ikebukuro Honten. The theme of 2018’s bear garden is “wellness.” Healthy spinach and pea sprouts are added to the Bulgogi pot as well as vegetables. The spiciness of the bulgogi pot including eight kinds of vegetables, meat, bean starch vermicelli, kimchi, toppogi can be adjusted at your own will. They also offer beer/sour/whisky servers and a gin server!

     

    ■Information

    Hono no Bulgogi Densetsu βAddress: 1-1-25, Nishiikebukuro, Toshimaku, Tokyo (16th floor (rooftop) of Tobu Hyakkaten Ikebukuro Honten)
    Period: 2018/4/25 (Wed.) to 9/2 (Sun.)
    ※The whole building will be closed on 8/22 (Wed.)
    ※The beer garden will be closed when the weather condition is bad
    Business hours: (Mon. to Thurs.) 17:00 to 23:00 (Fri., Sat., Sun. and holidays) 16:00 to 23:00
    ※Last order (a la carte and drink) – 22:00
    ※Please note that the business hours noted above might be changed
    TEL: (direct) 03-6912-5955

    Website:http://www.tobu-dept.jp/ikebukuro/

     

     

    神奈川「海の見えるビアガーデン はまビア!」

    神奈川「海の見えるビアガーデン はまビア!」2

    Kanagawa Prefecture – Umi no Mieru Beer Garden Hama Beer!
    Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel opened their popular beer garden, Umi no Mieru Beer Garden Hama Beer! The terrace is very close to the ocean, so you can enjoy eating and drinking in the beer garden while feeling the breeze from the ocean.

    The theme of the dishes this year is “American-style BBQ.” Gorgeous meat dishes and American-style dishes using special spices and sauces which go well with beer, are offered. As a main dish, you can enjoy a big steak (100g.). Let’s enjoy full-fledged hotel dishes at this beer garden♡

     

    ■Information

    Umino Mieru Beer Garden Hama Beer!
    Period: 2018/6/15 (Fri.) to 9/17 (Mon, holiday)
    ※Except the days when events are held such as the fireworks festival
    Reservation: 2018/5/15 (Tue.) 10:00~
    Address: 1-1, 1st Avenue, Minatomirai, Nishiku, Yokohamashi, Kanagawa Prefecture
    Business hours: Mon. to Thurs. 18:00 to 21:30 (L.O.)
    Fri. to Sun, holidays 17:00 to 21:30 (L.O.)
    Fees: 6,000 yen (same day) / 5,500 yen (pre-sold ticket)
    (free drink – 120 minutes, table foods)

    Website:http://www.interconti.co.jp/yokohama/

     

     

    神奈川・横浜「BAYSIDE BEER GARDEN 2018」

    神奈川・横浜「BAYSIDE BEER GARDEN 2018」2

    Kanagawa Prefecture – BAYSIDE BEER GARDEN 2018
    Three kinds of BBQ beer gardens are offered at tables cook & LIVING HOUSE in Yokohama. The first BBQ is NEW YORK BBQ where you can enjoy juicy and thick smoked pork with a special BBQ sauce. You can also make your own customized burger at your own will! They are also offering many countries’ BBQs including seafood BBQ and grilled steak! Fruits cocktails and plum wines are also available!

     

    ■Information

    BAYSIDE BBQ BEER GARDEN 2018 NEW YORK/MEXICO/GERMANY
    Address: NEW YORK: 20184/16 (Mon.) to 2018/6/30 (Sat.)
    MEXICO: 2018/7/1 (Sun.) to 2018/8/31 (Fri.)
    GERMANY: 2018/9/1 (Sat.) to 2018/10/31 (Wed.)
    BBQ – business hours: 17:00 to 23:00 (last entrance 20:00)
    TEL:045-620-8970

    Website:https://www.tablescook-livinghouse.com

     

     

    Top Picks for BBQs & Beer Gardens in the Kansai Region for 2018

  • Top 7 Places to Eat Curry in Harajuku Not Known by Many People

    08.May.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    Did you know that there are lots of places to eat irresistibly delicious curry in Harajuku, but not that many people know about them yet? Now you can get in on the secret.

    From standard Japanese-style curry to more unique flavours, here’s our list.

     

     

    Suzuki Satomiさん(@_suzukisatomi_)がシェアした投稿

    YOGORO

    This spinach-based chicken curry (¥900) is a reputable item on YOGORO’s menu, made in a tetsunabe pot! There are two types to choose from: one with spicy tomato as the base and fresh cream, and a milder version made with spinach. You can pick from pork and chicken for the meat to enjoy an original combination. We also recommend it topped with the soft-boiled egg!

     

    ■Information
    YOGORO
    YOGORO
    Address: Komatsu Bldg. 1F, 2-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
    Opening Hours:
    [Monday-Friday] 11:30-16:00 / 18:00-20:00
    [Saturday] 11:30-16:00
    Closed: Sundays & Public Holidays
    TEL: 03-3746-9914
    Webpage: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130601/13076645/

     

     

    @beggar_manがシェアした投稿

    Minoringo

    This Keema curry (¥900) looks just like a decorative cake. The top of the curry is flooded with cheese. Its rich flavour is simply irresistible! We also recommend the standard Keema curry without the cheese too♡

     

    ■Information
    Minoringo
    Address: West Bldg. 1F, 1-22-7 Jingumae, Shibuya, Toyko
    Opening Hours:
    [Tuesday-Friday] 11:30-15:00 / 18:30-21:30
    [Weekends & Holidays] 11:30-19:00
    Closed: Mondays
    TEL: 03-6447-2414
    Website: http://www.minoringo.jp

     

     

    Curry Up
    This curry house is produced by ‘A Bathing Ape’ founder NIGO. The beef & butter chicken curry (¥1,100) has a distinct mild yet rich taste to it. It’s enjoyable to enjoy two different flavours in one as seen in the picture. You can also combine your own flavours to your liking.

     

    ■Information
    Curry Up
    Address: 105, 2-35-9 Jinguae, Shibuya, Tokyo
    Opening Hours:
    [Monday-Saturday] 11:30-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)
    [Sunday & Holidays] 11:30-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)
    No Fixed Holidays.
    TEL: 03-5775-5446
    Website: http://www.curryup.jp

     

     

    Akiko Shibataさん(@akiko.shibata)がシェアした投稿

    SHANTi
    If we’re talking soup curry, then where else to go than SHANTi. The spice is on point and there’s a hearty serving of vegetables. There’s also many varieties of curry to choose from, so expect to be spoilt for choice. During lunchtime you can get a large serving of rice for free, and you’re free to enjoy a second helping, so if you’re a big eater, look no further.

     

    ■Information
    SHANTi
    Address: Honorary Harajuku Bldg. 2F, 3-26-11 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
    Opening Hours: 11:30-00:00 (Last Orders)
    No Fixed Holidays.
    TEL: 03-5772-6424
    Website: http://www.shanticurry.com

     

     

    @mi__ko__がシェアした投稿

    BRITISH INDIAN CAFE 1930
    You wouldn’t think that this is a curry house, with its landmark stylish red wall. They serve Indian curry made the way the British do. Their popular butter chicken curry mixes together honey and fresh cream to give it its distinct sweet flavour. The faint spiciness and milk sweetness has made it a particularly popular dish with female customers. The softness of the tandoori chicken is great too. Being British-style, the curry goes well together with black tea.

     

    ■Information
    BRITISH INDIAN CAFE 1930
    Address: 3-27-7 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
    Opening Hours: 11:30-21:00
    No Fixed Holidays.
    TEL: 050-5590-0486
    Website: http://cafe-1930.com

     

     

    @i.nori_jpがシェアした投稿

    HENDRIX
    You could call the chefs at HENDRIX spice masters. They’re extremely thorough and attentive with the timing of when they put their spices in the curry. A popular dish on their menu is their pork curry. It’s cooked gradually with a large amount of spice and has a deep flavour that doesn’t just simply scream ‘hot.’ They’re also particular about their saffron rice which complements the curry. They use only koshihikari rice from the city of Inzai in Chiba Prefecture. The fact they’re even particular about the rice means you can look forward to some truly layered flavours!

     

    ■Information
    Address: 2-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya Tokyo
    Opening Hours: 11:30-14:30 / 18:00-23:00
    Closed: Sundays & Public Holidays
    TEL: 03-3479-3857
    Webpage: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1309/A130901/13007422/

     

     

    mokubaza

    MOKUBABZA

    This keema curry restaurant is located on the corner of a secluded street. It originally used to open only as a night bar, but keema curry became the talk of the town for being delicious, so it came to be open during lunchtime too. The most popular item on their menu is undoubtedly their ‘Cheese Keema Curry.’ It offers a large serving of rice topped with keema curry and melty mozzarella cheese. Placed again on top of that is a perfectly round egg yolk, giving it a unique appearance. This exquisite dish is cooked thoroughly with carefully selected spices.

     

    Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/38757/2

     

    ■Informaiton

    CURRY & BAR – “MOKUBAZA”

    Address: 2-28-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening Hours: 11:00-15:00 (Lunch Time) / 19:30-23:30 (Bar Time)

    Closed: Sundays & Holidays (Only closed for lunch on Sundays)

    TEL: 03-3404-2606

    Website: www.mokubaza.com/

     

    Drooling yet? You’ve absolutely got to try the exquisite curry hidden away in Harajuku. Tuck in during lunchtime or dinnertime!

     

  • Introducing AFURI—Harajuku’s Michelin-Starred Ramen Restaurant

    25.April.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    Hi, everyone. I’m Shiota, the Director of the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.

     

    Foreigners coming to Japan love ramen, as shown in our questionnaire where it ranked 2nd place. I’m sure there’s a lot of you reading those who like it too.

     

    AFURIさん(@afuri_official)がシェアした投稿

    Did you know, there’s actually a famous ramen place in Harajuku listed by Michelin? Today, I’ll introduce you to AFURI Harajuku, a ramen shop recognised worldwide.

     

    It’s easy to get to. Just take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station and it’s a 3-minute walk from there. Head left out of Takeshita Exit and make a right when you come to Nescafe Harajuku. You’ll be able to see it on your left.

     

    AFURI 原宿 ラーメン ベジタリアン

    The restaurant itself has a very stylish and modern exterior. You’ll actually wonder whether it’s really a ramen shop when you see it. It has a welcoming atmosphere even if you go by yourself. When we went, despite it being 3pm on a weekday, most of the seats were taken up. And half of the customers were non-Japanese! As expected of such a popular restaurant.

     

    The smell of citrus hits your nose upon entering the restaurant, something you wouldn’t expect in a place that sells ramen.

     

    The inner section of the U-shaped counter is in fact an open kitchen, giving the whole restaurant a feeling of openness, and the background music that plays is calm. It feels like you’re in a fancy café.

    AFURI 原宿 ラーメン ベジタリアン

    I ordered the Yuzu Salt Ramen (¥980).

     

    The toppings are simple. It comes with juicy mizuna, a boiled egg, bamboo shoots, char siu chicken fillet, and refreshing yuzu skin. You can choose from a boiled char siu packed with the chicken’s good flavour or a light and healthy chicken char siu.

     

    Infatuation Denverさん(@infatuation_den)がシェアした投稿

    The noodles are thin and a healthy mix of wholewheat flour from Hokkaido and rye. The soup is made with carefully selected ingredients such as roast chicken,  seafood and potherbs that have been carefully cooked in natural spring water from Mount Afuri. The flavour is both full-bodied and light and will have anybody who’s tasted it addicted.

     

    Maria Eduarda Costaさん(@duudacostaa)がシェアした投稿

    There’s also a vegan ramen (¥1,350) option too made with seasonal vegetables for vegans, vegetarians and healthy eaters. It’s made with freshly-harvested Kamakura vegetables. No animal products are used in the dish, whether that’s in the noodles, soup or toppings. The salted soup goes perfectly with the vegetables. This option is also recommended for people who aren’t good with thick ramen.

     

    AFURI in Harajuku is celebrated not only by worldwide fans of ramen, but healthy eaters and vegetarians too. There’s no doubt you’ll become hooked once you give their food a try.

     

    ◼︎Information

    AFURI Harajuku

    Address: Grande Foresta 1F, 3-63-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening Hours: 10am-3am (following day)

    No Fixed Holidays.

    3-minutes on foot from Takeshita Exit for Harajuku Station

    TEL: 03-6438-1910

    Website: http://afuri.com/

    MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center

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    MOSHI MOSHI BOX is a tourist information center located at the cross road of Takeshita Street, Meiji Street, and Harajuku Street. The staff there are experts on the Harajuku area. You can get the most up-to-date news of Harajuku from the site.

     

    Services:

    Service list

    ・free wi-fi

    ・free water

    ・free PC & charge

    ・baggage room

    ・gift shop

    ・currency exchange

    Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

    Closed: The year-end and New Year holidays

    Contact: 03-2225-6447

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  • Travel Q&A: 10 Rules & On-the-House Services at Japanese Restaurants

    19.April.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD

    Restaurants in Japan have a very different list of rules, on-the-house services and etiquette standards compared to other countries. If you enter a restaurant when in Japan without knowing some of these things you might make a mistake!

     

    We’ve put together a list of 10 important points to learn before dining out in Japan.

     

     チップ

    1.Don’t give tips

    The fact that you don’t need to give tips as restaurants in Japan can be bewildering to some foreign tourists. In Japan, there’s normally no service charge, unless it’s a high-end restaurant, in which case it’s possible that a service charge will be added. If you force a tip on the staff, they will get told off by their superiors later, so keep that in mind.

     

    お通し

    2.Watch out for ‘Otooshi’

    Otooshi, also known as tsukidashi, are small appetizers served at bars and establishments that sell alcohol, particularly izakaya. They will be served event if you didn’t order them, and you can be charged for them. There are numerous reasons they give for serving ootoshi, such as ‘proof that we have taken your first order’ and ‘something to eat while you wait for the first food to come out.’ Lots of tourists not accustomed to this practice have felt cheated.

     

    水

    3.Water is free

    When you sit down at a restaurant in Japan, you’ll be served water. Many tourists are surprised at the fact that cold water is served all year round the majority of the time in Japan. There are also establishments that serve free hot green tea instead of water.

     

    ピザ

    4.The unexpected things are expensive (or cheap)

    It’s not rare for things like delivery pizza or Korean pork belly BBQ, which are extremely cheap and common foods in other countries, to be expensive in Japan. On the other hand, you can eat Japanese foods like sushi, tempura and ramen at a very cheap price.

     

    ビール

    5.You order alcohol first at an izakaya

    It’s not a set rule, but generally when you go to an izakaya, ordering a drink gives you plenty of time to read through the menu. Beer is often ordered before anything else. There’s even a set phrase for it, toriaezu biiru (‘[I’ll have] beer for now’). Try saying it in Japanese when you’re at an izakaya.

     

    ○○放題

    6.All-you-can services

    Restaurants in Japan often have all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink services. If you pay a set price, you can eat or drink as much as you like. Many places offer this service, including, but not limited to, izakaya, yakiniku restaurants, and sushi bars. We recommend this to people who want to pay a little to get a lot!

     

    おしぼり

    7.Oshibori are free

    Oshibori, or moistened towels, are given for free at Japanese restaurants. They are wet towels used to wipe your hands and face before a meal. Depending on the restaurant, you may be given a cold or hot towel. Staff at izakaya will also hand them to you. A lot of tourists praise this service as high quality.

     

    ファストフード

    8.Rules and menus are different at fast food restaurants

    International restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Subway are of course in Japan too. If you’re a tourist bored of Japanese food, you’ll probably want to eat something familiar like fast food. In those times, you’ll be baffled by the differences between a fast food joint in your own country and in Japan. For example, in the case of McDonald’s, the Japanese large-sized drinks are smaller than the medium-sized drinks in the US. There’s also no self-service. Instead, the staff will pour the drink for you.

     

    フードコート

    9.You cannot take food into restaurants (though there are exceptions)

    One rule that puzzles a lot of people from Asia that come to Japan is the rule that states you cannot enter a place with food or drink. However, select establishments, such as food courts in large shopping malls, will permit you to do so. Be sure to do some research beforehand.

     

    座敷

    10.Take your shoes off on tatami

    At izakaya and traditional Japanese restaurants, they implement customary Japanese style seating and tatami flooring. If you’re dining at a place with tatami mats, you must take your shoes off before stepping on it. The table seats and tatami are split into different areas even if it’s the same restaurant, so even if it’s OK to wear your shoes at table seats, you’ll need to take off your shoes when using tatami in most cases.

     

     

    Did you learn something new? Sit alongside the locals when you come to Japan and enjoy some delicious Japanese cuisine!

     

    If you have any questions you want answering about Japan, then please be sure to get in touch with us on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Facebook page!

    https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/

  • 6 Best Spots to Visit in Odaiba: Gundam, Ramen, Shopping and More!

    05.April.2018 | FEATURES / SPOT

    As well as being a hub for shopping, Odaiba is a popular sightseeing destination. It’s seen as being a little far from central Tokyo, but you can in fact arrive there in about 20 minutes from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

     

    Here are 6 locations in Odaiba that we recommend for foreign tourists. Be sure to take note if you’re planning a trip there!

     

     

     

    愛緒唯さん(@_aoooooi)がシェアした投稿

    AQUA CiTY ODAIBA

    This is Odaiba’s huge shopping complex. There’s a huge range of facilities to be found there, including a shrine, ramen, 4DX® and much more. One place you mustn’t forget to visit is Odaiba’s “Statue of Liberty” which has become a famous photo spot. It’s relatively smaller compared to the one in New York and the replica in Paris, but you’ll still see a lot of people snapping pictures.

     

    ◼︎Information

    Address: 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato
    Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00
    Access: 1-minute on foot from Daiba Station via all lines / 6-minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station via the Rinkai Line
    TEL: 03-3599-4700

    Website:www.aquacity.jp

     

     

    yuko888さん(@yuko__888)がシェアした投稿

    Odaiba Tourist Information Center
    At this information center you will find a realistic looking android by the name of Chihira Junko. She is 26-years-old, was born on June 1st and comes in at 165cm tall. This is the only place in the world with an android permanently set up at a tourist information center. She speaks Japanese, English and Chinese.

    ◼︎Information

    Odaiba Tourist Information Center
    Address: AQUA CiTY ODAIBA 3F, 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato
    Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00
    Access: 1-minute on foot from Daiba Station via all lines / 6-minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station via the Rinkai Line
    TEL: 03-3599-4700

     

     


    Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai
    Ramen is a popular food in Japan as we discovered in our questionnaire held at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX on people’s favourite Japanese food. Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai is a collection of six famous ramen restaurants from around Japan that are popular both in Japan and overseas. They serve up an original menu that you can’t taste anywhere else.

    ◼︎Information

    Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai
    Address: AQUA CiTY ODAIBA 5F, 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato
    Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00
    Access: 1-minute on foot from Daiba Station via all lines / 6-minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station via the Rinkai Line
    TEL: 03-3599-4700

    Website:http://www.aquacity.jp/tokyo_ramen_kokugikan/

     

     

    Hello Kitty Japan
    This shop serves up a compelling collaboration between the Japanese style and Sanrio characters. It’s lined with merchandise of popular characters from Hello Kitty to Gudetama and beyond. They also sell kawaii sweets inspired by the characters in the sweets corner of their eat-in section♡

    ◼︎Information

    Hello Kitty Japan
    Address: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 2F, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto, Tokyo
    Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
    No Fixed Holidays.
    Access: 5-minutes on foot from Daiba Station via Yurikamome / 3-minutes from Tokyo Teleport Station Exit B via the Rinkai Line
    TEL: 03-3527-6118

    Website:https://www.sanrio.co.jp/shop/sh6204120/

     

     


    Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam – THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO
    THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO is an official Gunpla store aimed at Gunpla fans worldwide. You can enjoy Gunpla to the absolute max by buying, using, looking and learning. On the first floor there’s also a gigantic life-sized Unicorn Gundam towering at 19.7m high. Its knees and shoulders move, and it even lights up. In the evening, the statue and screen at the back showcase scenes from the anime series.

    ◼︎Information
    THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO
    Address: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 7F, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto, Tokyo
    Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
    No Fixed Holidays.
    Access: 9-minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station via the Rinkai Line / 10-minutes on foot from Odaiba-Kaihinkōen Station via Yurikamome / 10-minutes on foot from Daiba Station via all lines
    TEL: 03-6426-0780
    Website:https://www.gundam-base.net/

     

    yumika☺︎✴︎さん(@ymk_28)がシェアした投稿



    Madame Tussauds Tokyo
    Madame Tussauds Tokyo is home to over 60 realistic life-sized statues of world famous stars and celebrities from Hollywood stars to musicians, historical figures, sportsmen – the list goes on. You can take a picture with the figures on show and you can also make a giant figure of your own hand.

    ◼︎Information

    Madame Tussauds Tokyo
    Address: DECKS Tokyo Beach Island Mall 3F, 1-6-1 Daiba, Minato, Tokyo
    Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00
    Access: 2-minutes on foot from Odaiba-Kaihinkōen Station via Yurikamome / 5-minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station via the Rinkai Line
    TEL: 03-3599-5231

    Website:https://www.madametussauds.jp/ja/

     

    Did you like our pick?

    Odaiba has so many things for you to see in one day, so make sure to visit all its great spots!

     

  • Harajuku’s artistic okonomiyaki restaurant: Reporting from Sakura Tei!

    07.April.2018 | FEATURES / FOOD / SPOT

    Hi! I’m Ellie from MOSHI MOSHI BOX Tourist Information Centre. At MOSHI MOSHI BOX, we get a lot of people asking us to recommend a place where they can eat authentic Japanese food in Harajuku. That’s why I’ve decided to take a trip to “Sakura Tei”. Sakura Tei is a restaurant not far from MOSHI MOSI BOX that serves a typical Japanese dish – onokomiyaki. Half of Sakura Tei’s customers are tourists from outside of Japan, so I would really recommend this place to foreigners.

     

    What exactly is okonomiyaki? Its basic form is a savoury pancake made from water, wheat flour, shredded cabbage and fried batter pieces. The name okonomiyaki means grilled (yaki) as you like it (onkonomi). Therefore, it can be customised with seafood or meat. The ingredients are mixed together and then grilled in a cast iron pan. This is one of the most popular dishes in Japan.

     

    Look out for the artistic exterior and bamboo

    7I9A44597I9A4463

    Walk down Meiji-dori in the direction of Murasaki Sports (ムラサキスポーツ) . Meiji-dori is the street on which MOSHI MOSHI BOX is also located. Once you are at Murasaki Sports, walk down the street between Murasaki Sports and New Balance (NB) and then turn left at the Family Mart. You will immediately notice that the road splits off into two directions. From this point, take the thin pathway on your left. You will see a white building on your left called “DESIGN FESTA GALLERY”. The restaurant Sakura Tei is on the left of this building. Look out for the vivid wall art and bamboo exterior – this is a sign you are in the right place. If you get lost and don’t know the way, don’t hesitate to ask us for help at MOSHI MOSHI BOX.

    7I9A44727I9A4475 copy

    The interior is also photogenic! Each wall is painted with beautiful artwork. A new design is painted on the walls every half year, so you might see something different if you come back later in the year! Some paintings were offered by a solo exhibition artist from the “DESIGN FESTA GALLERY” next door. Other designs were even painted by the restaurant staff! The restaurant seats more than 200 people, making it perfect for even large parties.

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    Being hit by a wave of beauty, it was fun to take pictures of the interior even before having entered.

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    What caught my attention the most were the trees that are growing inside the restaurant. I was told that they were growing here before this place became a restaurant, and rather than cutting them down, the owner nurtured them, incorporating them into part of the restaurant. From this dynamic and unique idea, an atmosphere of freedom formed. You wouldn’t even believe you are still in Harajuku. The atmosphere is so relaxing.

     

    Order an original Okonomiyaki at Sakura Tei!

    Besides okonomiyaki, the menu includes an abundant range of dishes such as monjayaki (similar to okonomiyaki), yakisoba (fried noodle dish) gyoza (dumplings) and teppanyaki (grilled food served on an iron plate). There is also an English menu available and many foreigners belong to the team of staff. They can speak many languages including English and Korean. You can order vegetarian and vegan food too so if you have any questions, feel free to talk to the staff!

    7I9A4487

    I ordered Sakura Tei’s most popular item off the menu – the “Sakura yaki” (¥1,400). All the prices on the menu are the prices including tax. Pork, squid, shrimp, matsutake mushrooms, welsh onions, pork belly slices and egg are the eight ingredients mixed into the batter of this okonomiyaki. Each table has a hot teppanyaki plate fitted into it so you can make your own okonomiyaki yourself.

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    It’s ok even if you’ve never made one before! Easy instructions on how to make it are provided on each table.

    7I9A4517

    I immediately took up the challenge of making one. First, you have to mix the ingredients with the batter with all your might – that’s the key to making it so delicious. After mixing well, place the batter onto the grill plate and form it into a round shape. Then, place the pork belly slices on top and cook until golden brown (Approx. 6-8 minutes).

    7I9A4518

    Once the underside is golden brown, it’s time to flip it over! It’s heavier than I thought… I wasn’t sure if I could do it…

    I drew up all my courage and went for it!!

    7I9A4519

    I did it! Whenever customers flip their okonomiyaki particularly well, there is always a mini celebration. It’s all about celebrating the process of making okonomiyaki and having fun here. A staff member even mentioned: “I love seeing the customers having fun while making okonomiyaki”.

     

    After flipping, cook for another 6 minutes.

    7I9A4537

    When your okonomiyaki is cooked, place your egg on top (that you lightly cooked on the teppanyaki grill) and then add the original sauce and mayonnaise. Sprinkle on some katsuobushi (dried skipjack tuna flakes), some more mayonnaise and you are done!

    7I9A4543

    I immediately took my first bite while it was still piping hot. Normally, okonomiyaki is slightly thinner than this one…but what about the flavour..?

    7I9A4547

    …Super delicious!!! The batter is packed with ingredients that taste great with the seafood stock. The slightly sweet sauce makes it into a delicious specialty that can only be experienced at Sakura Tei! Normal okonomiyaki uses wheat flour that makes you full very quickly, however Sakura Tei’s okonomiyaki is soft and thick – you will hungrily eat it all up! ♡

     

    A fried parfait?! My first dessert experience here

    7I9A4489

    After having okonomiyaki, you always want something sweet in your mouth! Skimming the menu, the one thing that caught my eye was the “ama-imonja yaki banayan” (¥550). Monjayaki uses wheat flour that is lightly mixed with water amongst a range of ingredients and then fried on the pan. It resembles okonomiyaki but is thicker. I quickly gobbled up the ama-imonja yaki.

    7I9A4555

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    It was easy to make! Just mix all the parfait ingredients together and then cook it. Just looking at this dessert made feel like an excited child. I had never tasted anything like this before!

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    It tasted a bit like a banana muffin and the caramelised golden-brown areas were sweet – I just couldn’t stop! You should try making this one too!

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    There is one more thing I would like to recommend you to have after your meal. The homemade “Sakura Lemonade” (¥500 ). Their lemonade includes a Sakura-salted flavor that is popular among foreigners. The fresh flavor and taste of sakura brings back memories of spring. You can enjoy this drink at any time of year, so please check it out!

    7I9A4596

    That was my first visit to Sakura Tei. It wasn’t just the okonomiyaki, dessert and drink that I enjoyed, but also the way the restaurant makes the customers laugh and smile. If you’re ever in Harajuku, make sure to check this place out!

     

    Model & Writer Ellie

     

    Information

    Sakura Tei (さくら亭)

    Address:3-20-1, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening hours:11:00 — 23:00 Lunch: 11:00 — 15:00

    No regular closing days

    TEL:03-3479-0039

    URL:https://www.sakuratei.co.jp/

     

    MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center

    o_01 copy

    MOSHI MOSHI BOX is a tourist information center located at the cross road of Takeshita Street, Meiji Street, and Harajuku Street. The staff there are experts on the Harajuku area. You can get the most up-to-date news of Harajuku from the site.

     

    Services:

    Service list

    ・free wi-fi

    ・free water

    ・free PC & charge

    ・baggage room

    ・gift shop

    ・currency exchange

    Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

    Closed: The year-end and New Year holidays

    Contact: 03-2225-6447

    Twitter・Instagram @mmb_harajuku

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  • Special Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition Highlights Attractions and Products from Kyoto

    16.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition. 

     

    Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto

    *The products shown are under development and may change slightly. 

     

    Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard

    *The postcard’s design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.

    *Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.

    *Postcards will only be available while supplies last.

     

    Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!

     

    ©芥見下々/集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会

  • Kyoto National Museum Decorated by NAKED and Kojima Shouten’s Famous Lanterns for Special Event

    14.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum.

     

    A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive.

     

    NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.

     

    At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event!

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