Unveiling Japan's Top Culinary Delights
Discovering the Best Ramen and Sushi Spots in Tokyo and Kyoto
Japan's bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are renowned for their exceptional culinary scenes, offering a delightful mix of traditional and modern flavours. Here's a guide to some of the most popular ramen and sushi spots in these cities.
Tokyo
For ramen lovers, Tokyo offers a diverse range of options. Ginza Kagari, famous for its luxurious tori paitan (creamy chicken broth ramen) and thin noodles, is a must-visit. Located near Ginza Station, it's intimate and often busy but worth the wait for its refined taste. Another standout is Ramen Koike, known for its hearty chicken and niboshi (dried fish) broth options and signature rare pork topping.
The Tokyo Ramen Street at Tokyo Station is an underground paradise, hosting eight top-rated ramen shops offering a variety of ramen styles and even vegan and gluten-free options.
When it comes to sushi, Tokyo's scene is robust. Top spots often recommended include Sukiyabashi Jiro, a famous Michelin-starred establishment, Sushi Saito, and Sushi Dai at Tsukiji or Toyosu Market.
Kyoto
Kyoto's ramen scene is equally impressive. No Name Ramen, a hidden gem with a cozy atmosphere, is highly recommended. Kyo-Ramen, offering traditional Kyoto-style ramen, is another popular choice, despite mixed reviews on Tripadvisor.
As for sushi, Izuju and Sushi Matsumoto are popular choices in Kyoto, known for their Kyoto-style sushi.
Navigating Japan's cities is made easier with a highly organized network of rails, and the rental of a pocket wi-fi. Google Maps can be useful in navigating even the narrowest alleys. For a unique experience, consider a visit to the A Robot Restaurant in Tokyo, offering a light-filled, touristy, and wacky performance.
Dotonbori in Osaka is a highly concentrated area of restaurants and entertainment, a stimulus overload for all senses. Nakameguro, a vintage-style neighbourhood on the outskirts of Shibuya, offers a laid-back atmosphere and a variety of hip restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.
7-eleven convenience stores in Japan offer a wide variety of unique and delicious treats. Nishiki Market in Kyoto is an indoor market filled with exotic ingredients and ready-made treats, perfect for casual shopping or a light lunch. Isetan, a luxury department store located at the Shinjuku train station, has a basement level food hall with a vast selection of Japanese foods.
For those seeking a taste of the famous Ippudo ramen, it can be found in many locations across Japan, including Osaka and Tokyo. Rokurinsha, a ramen joint tucked away in JR Tokyo Station, serves some of the best tsukemen available. Soufflé pancakes can be found in Osaka, with Happy Pancake being a popular eatery for this dish. It's recommended to go early in the morning and write your name on the list to wait for the doors to open.
In summary, Tokyo and Kyoto offer a rich culinary experience, with a variety of ramen and sushi spots to explore. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of ramen or a delicate piece of sushi, these cities have something to satisfy every palate.
Embarking on a luxury travel lifestyle, one can indulge in Japan's vibrant food-and-drink scene, especially the renowned cuisines of Tokyo and Kyoto.Besides discovering the best ramen spots, Tokyo is also known for its exclusive sushi restaurants offering a unique dining experience.Kyoto's ramen scene matches Tokyo's, while its sushi restaurants offer a taste of Kyoto-style sushi.Beyond food, adventurous travelers can explore custom experiences like the A Robot Restaurant in Tokyo or the lifestyle hub of Nakameguro in Tokyo or Osaka's Dotonbori district.
