Best Cheap Recommended Eateries in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on February 11, 2021 | Featured

Best Cheap Eateries in Tokyo

In Tokyo of 2021, you can find all kinds of food and cuisine from all around the world. And the prices also vary a lot. In this article, we will take you back to “the roots” so to speak. We want to introduce you to the best cheap recommended eateries in Tokyo, which offer more traditional Japanese food, such as sushi, Japanese soul food shabu-shabu, and izakaya style food.

We chose these places because most of them have many branches around Tokyo and they are cheap! Cheap and delicous!

Shabu Yo

The first one is Shabu-Yo. It is an all-you-can-eat style restaurant that servers a famous shabu-shabu dish. Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot. Ou are served very thin slices of raw meat that cook it yourself in a big pot on your table. It is absolutely delicious and can be seen as Japanese soul food.

There are several locations in Tokyo, including Shibuya and Shinjuku. You can choose from several courses and enjoy meat and an unlimited salad bar for 100 minutes. And for dessert, they have waffles, soft cream, and kakigori.

The prices are more than affordable and it is a must-visit for meat lovers.

Teke Teke

Teke teke is an izakaya-style restaurant that specializes in karaage (deep-fried chicken) and yakitori (chicken skewers). They have branches literally everywhere in Tokyo. The prices are very affordable, both for food and drinks. You can also get free refills of cabbage (for some vitamins). And lastly, the ambiance is just very nice and very Japanese.

Isomarusuisan

Isomarusuisan is another izakaya, but they specialize in seafood and fish, therefore their restaurants look more like a place by the sea. They have aquariums inside the restaurant with fish and other ocean animals. Very cool vibe especially if you visit not the most central locations, but go to more hidden locations with less foreigners and more locals.

As said, they make a focus on fresh fish, but they serve all kinds of food, including okonomiyaki and even pasta.

Guts Soul

Guts Soul is a yakiniku place. And yakiniku is a Japanese (well, originally Korean, but with some modifications, it became a well known Japanese food) style BBQ. Just like in shabu-shabu, also here you get slices of meat that you cook yourself. But this time instead of boiling them in a hotpot, you grill them on a grill that is placed right in the center of your table.

At Guts Soul you can choose from several course menus, which are mainly all-you-can-eat options, and then just enjoy your meat and about 20-30 side dishes, all included in the bill already.

What is so great about this place and why we recommend it, is that this place serves good tasty not frozen meat and the prices are very cheap.

Sushiro

In Japan you can find many conveyor belt sushi restaurants, so why do we prefer Sushiro over other similar shops? First of all, it tastes really good. They do not skimp on fish, so you don’t eat only rice but get your protein too. Secondly, the variety of the menu. Here you can find plenty of dishes besides the sushi, even many dessert options. And finally, the price is unbeatable, most of the menu is only ¥100 per plate.

Washoku Sato

If you do not have time or will to explore all the restaurants we mentioned above, just go to Washoku Sato. Why? Because they serve everything from the dishes we have mentioned in this article and even more.

In order to enjoy it in full, make a reservation in advance and you will get your own room. Then, from the menu you can choose the all-you-can-eat shabu shabu course or the all-you-can-eat sukiyaki (similar to shabu shabu, but the meat is cold in sweeter sauce) course. Each course comes with unlimited meat, of course, but also offers side dishes such as karaage, seafood bowls, tempura, steaks, yakitori, fries, sushi, soba, and the list goes on.

Like other places, Washoku Sato is also not expensice at all. This feast will cost you less than ¥3,000 per person. Let us know if there is a better deal 😉

If you were not familiar with any of the places mentioned above, you should check them out right away. They are perfect for those who already loves Japanese food and for those who wants to know more about Japanese dishes and the variety of it.

Thank us later.

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isomarusuisan

Tags: food, hotpot, izakaya, japanesefood, karaage, restaurants, roppongi, shabushabu, shibuya, shinjuku, soulfood, sukiyaki, sushi, yakitori

Top Vegan Places in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on February 3, 2021 | Featured

Top Vegan Places in Tokyo

Tokyo has a huge variety of dining options. No wonder, this is a city with more Michelin stars than Paris and New York combined. However, when it comes to vegan food, Tokyo does not have a very good reputation.

In this article, we will try to change it by introducing top vegan places in Tokyo. As in the past couple of years, the vegan scene has grown a lot. Today pretty much in every area you will find at least a few restaurants that are completely vegan or offer plenty of plant-based options that are originated in Japanese cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Middle-Eastern, or even American junky food. These are only a very few examples.

Ain Soph (Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Ginza)

Ain Soph has three locations in Tokyo and one in Kyoto. Burgers, pancakes, Japanese cuisine. The dishes vary depending on the location. Among what they offer you can find burgers, wraps, pancakes, vegan Japanese set meals, desserts, and even pastries. There is also some seasonal menu, so it does not matter how often you visit there, you will find something new to try.

Falafel Brothers (Roppongi, Ebisu, Shibuya)

A small falafel shop that started in Roppongi, now has three locations: the original Roppongi spot, Ebisu, and Parco Shibuya. Along with the delicious falafel pita sandwiches and falafel bowls, you will be able to find here vegan gyoza, vegan pizza, even vegan burgers, and a great selection of cakes and other baked goods.

T’s Tantan (Tokyo Station)

Conveniently located in Tokyo station, it was one of the first places to offer Japanese ramen and gyoza in a vegan variation. All the dishes here are extremely delicious and reasonably priced. It is also possible to buy some prepacked monk meat and cup noodles here and enjoy it at home.

Great Lakes (Takadanobaba)

Opened just about a year ago this place offers great vegan hamburgers. It is almost hard to believe that this is not real meat. The cheese sauce is also recommended. You can come here alone or with friends and enjoy a glass of beer or other cocktails. Very tasty and easily accessible by the Yamanote line.

Nataraj (Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku)

And if you crave some Indian food, then this is the place for you. They have it all, vegan curry, vegan naan, and even vegan desserts. But the best part is that it is all-you-can-eat restaurant. So you can really indulge yourself here.

Hatena (Daikanyama)

Last but certainly not least, Hatena cafe in Daikanyama. This small cafe in the fashionable area is a real gem. Here you can find some delicious vegan doughnuts and vegan doughnut burgers! Also, if you are lucky, you might come on a day when they have their vegan croissants and egg croissant sandwiches.

If you speak Japanese you can even DM them a day or a few before you are planning to go there and request what you want.

Amazing taste and amazing customer service! Just like in every other place mentioned in this article.

So if you hear that Tokyo is not friendly to vegans, keep in mind that this is nothing more a myth that was broken at least a few years ago. Today, with the amount of vegan options, the only problem you are going to have is deciding where to eat first.

Vegan bon appetite!

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Tags: cafes, daikanyama, doughnuts, ginza, healthyfood, humburgers, indianfood, plantbased, restaurants, roppongi, shibuya, shinjuku, tokyo, vegan, veganfood, veganintokyo

Japan Winter Trip Ideas For You

Posted by Lior on December 18, 2020 | Featured

WINTER TRIP IDEAS

As we posted in our previous posts, Japan is obviously very famous for the cherry blossom season. It also has extremely beautiful foliage during autumn. However, if you want to travel around Japan in winter, it is a great time too, as you can enjoy many snowy landscapes, hot onsens, and ski resorts. Japan Winter Trip Ideas For You brings you info about some of them.

Hakodate

One of the biggest cities in Hokkaido. And it is especially famous for the spectacular views you can enjoy from Mount Hakodate, which are snowy and magical during the winter days and nights.

Another attraction is Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden featuring an airy greenhouse & monkeys bathing in a hot spring.

And for the foodies, this place will be interesting because of the freshest seafood ever with any kind of fish that are unique to this area.

Sapporo and Otaru

Of course, Sapporo, the capital of the north island, is also worth a visit. Not only it hosts a famous snow festival, there are also many places to visit, such as Sapporo Beer Museum. Or the famous morning fish market, where you can enjoy freshly prepared snow crab for relatively a low price.

And if you are in Sapporo, make sure you visit a nearby smaller town Otaru. During the winter days, it looks like a Christmas fairytale that came to life: shops that sell souvenirs, all kinds of food, sweet treats, and of course Otaru canal with its old fashioned gas lamps that provide a romantic atmosphere during the evenings.

Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of the main island, which makes it a relatively easy destination to get to from Tokyo, and it has a few points of interest during the winter times.
First, you can visit Yamanouchi. This municipality in the northern part of the prefecture is famous for the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild monkeys are bathing in the natural hot springs of the park. And you can even bathe with them.
Another place to visit in Yamanouchi is the largest ski resort in all of Japan, Shiga Kogen. This resort even hosted some of the Olympic events of 1998.
Second, another resort you can visit is Karuizawa resort. It takes only about an hour to get here from central Tokyo. It surrounded by mountains, therefore you can enjoy skiing here as well. And also ice-skating is pretty popular here during winter.
And if you are not into action sports, this town has plenty of options for shopping and restaurants for any budget and taste.
Shirakawago

Shirakawago is a Japanese traditional village, which was declared as Unesco world heritage site. It is worth visiting all year round but especially during the winter when the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses are covered with snow and illuminated.

Japan is one of the very few places in the world where you can experience all 4 seasons. And Japan has a lot to offer to do during any of them. These are only a few examples, but the list can be continued.

Tags: dining, fish, guide, hakodate, hotsprings, karuizawa, market, monkeys, nagano, onsen, otaru, sapporo, seafood, shopping, snow, tokyo, travel

Our Favorite Foliage Spots in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on September 15, 2020 | Featured

Famous Foliage Spots in Tokyo

Japan is world-famous for its beautiful cherry blossom, also known as sakura. But when the autumn is almost here, it is a time to remember that the foliage in Japan is also a very pretty season.

To enjoy the beauty of the Japanese red leaves you do not even need to leave Tokyo.

Here we are bringing to you a list of Our Favorite Foliage Spots in Tokyo.

Hibiya Park

Hibiya Park is a small park that is close to Hibiya Midtown, Shimbashi, and Ginza areas, but it deserves to be on Our Favorite Foliage Spots in Tokyo.

When the foliage is at its peak, the red and yellow colors in this park lined by the pond are so beautiful that we can guarantee, it will make you speechless.

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Teien Museum is a museum of modern art that is also surrounded by a beautiful park. The park is worth a visit all around the year, but in the autumn it becomes a really stunning magical place. However, the place is not very famous, which means you will be able to enjoy it without too many other tourists.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen on the contrary is quite famous, but due to its large size and also a big variety of different trees, you can enjoy the foliage here the longest, as different trees change their colors at different times.

Todoroki Valley

It is a true natural oasis in the densely populated city of Setagaya. This park is very beautiful during the summer, but its true colors revel at the end of autumn. Late November-early December should be the best time to go there and see the stunningly beautiful nature by yourself.

Mt. Takao

However, if you want to get outside of the city but not to go too far and you are interested in hiking, it is highly recommended to go to Mt. Takao. You can get there by just one train from Shinjuku or Tokyo stations. And spend all day in the area. Enjoy the views, have a picnic, enjoy the autumn festival that usually takes place over there during the peak times.

Autumn in Japan is beautiful. It full of color, it is not so rainy, not too cold. It is one of the best times to come to Japan and enjoy not only the food and the culture but also nature.

We hope that visiting Japan will be available very very soon!

For the winter trips, please see this post.

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Hibiya Park

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Todoroki

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Takao

Tags: apartments, autumn, foliage, ginkotrees, hibiya, mapletrees, redleaves, sendagaya, shinjuku, takao, tokyo, travel, views, worthvisiting

Off the beaten path – Hidden Neighbourhoods in Tokyo

Posted by Lior on July 2, 2020 | Featured

There is plenty of places to see in Tokyo. Some of them are very popular and hence quite crowded all around the year. Therefore if you are looking for a less touristy place, Off the beaten path – Hidden Neighbourhoods in Tokyo is a post for you.

Gotokuji Temble, Setagaya

Goutoku-ji is a Buddhist temple from Edo period. It belonged to f the Ii family, the lord of the Hikone clan. At the temple, you will find the Gotokuji Ii family graveyard, which is a nationally designated historic site. In addition, there are many other cultural heritage sites related to the Ii family, including the Buddhist temple and the Bell. There is also a theory this is the birthplace of the maneki neko. Therefore you will find a very photogenic area with many statues of this cat (as in the cover photo).

After visiting the temple, you can do a little cafe-hopping tour as well. There are many cute coffee shops and small restaurants in the area. Such as Chouette torréfacteur laboratoire, Cloud tapioca, City Coffee Setagaya, etc.

Nezu Shrine, Yanaka

Nezu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo, Japan. The shrine was established in 1705, which makes it one of the oldest places of worship in the city. The place is also famous for its Torii which remains the Torii in Fushimiinari, Kyoto, and for its greenery and flowers, especially at the end of May.

Nezu shrine is located nearby old fashioned neighborhood called Yanaka. Visiting there is like diving into old Tokyo. While visiting there you won’t be able to believe you are still in Tokyo. In Tokyo in the 21st century.

And, of course, this place is also famous for its street food and cute cafes. here you will be able to taste some traditional Japanese sweets in interesting shapes and forms. For example this little sweets spot – Manekiya.

Cat Sweets at Manekiya- hidden neighborhood

Todoroki Valley

The Todoroki Valley is one of the most unconventional green spaces in Tokyo. It is an attractive walking trail, leading for about one kilometer through a narrow, wooded valley along a small river located in the most densely inhabited area – Setagaya.

The walking path is about a 20-30 minute walk. Along the walking trail, you will find a couple of bridges, remains of tunnel tombs, and geological rock strata viewing points. At the other end of the valley stands an atmospheric temple -Todoroki Fudo.

The area is especially popular at the end of November- beginning of the December as the leaves turn red and yellow. But because it is an open space area, you won’t feel that is crowded even at these busy times.

We hope you enjoyed our ideas for some more places to visit in Tokyo, that only the locals know.

If you liked this post, let us know, and share it with your friends. And we will post more ideas like this in the future. Also, please do not forget to check the other posts in this blog.

Tags: daytrip, furnished apartment, neighbourhoods, setagaya, travelling, trip, visiting tokyo, yanaka

Tokyo Cool Animal Cafes we recommend

Posted by Lior on April 6, 2020 | Featured

Tokyo is famous for many things. One of them is definitely animal cafes. In the beginning, you could find mainly cat cafes and owl cafes, but the business has expanded to dog cafes, pig cafes, and even Alpaca café. These are Tokyo Cool Animal Cafes we recommend to you if you love the animal world.

Rabbit café in Shibuya – USAGI Paradise café

This café has several branches around the city. Probably the most convenient for you will be the one in Shibuya.

The entrance fee for 30 minutes is 1,250 yen; for 60 minutes – 2,500 yen. A small snack for a rabbit – 400 yen.

We recommend making a reservation before visiting it, Reservations can be easily booked online:

http://usa-para.com

Address: 13-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya, B1F

Opening hours: Every day 12 PM-10 PM

Cat café – Coorikuya

If you are a cat person, this one is for you. This cafe is also quite popular and has many branches: in Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Akasaka, etc.

The Entrance fee for 30 minutes is 650 yen, 60 minutes – 1200 yen, free time – 1,800 yen.

Website:

http://www.coorikuya.com/index.html

Address in Shibuya: 13-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya, 2-3F

Opening hours: Every day 12 PM-10 PM

Shiba-inu dog café – Mame-Shiba

More of a dog person? We got you covered with this cute dog cafe. Mame-shiba is a smaller version of the famous Shiba-inu breed and it is absolutely adorable.

Café is located in Harajuku, so the access is very easy.

The entrance fee is 880 yen.

No reservations are available.

Website:

http://owls-cats-forest.com/free/mameshiba-harajuku

Opening hours:

Weekdays 11 AM- 7 PM

Weekends 10:30 AM- 7:30 PM

Hedgehog café – ChikuChiku Café

This café is located in Shibuya and dedicated to the hedgehogs and their healing powers. It also has a website in English, where you can find all the relevant information about the prices, opening hours, and the other rules.

Website:

https://hedgehoghome.cafe/en/

Address:

1-13-5 Daikyousibuya, Shibuya, 2F.

Snake café – Tokyo Snake Center

And lastly, if you love animals but not fluffy ones. consider going here. Last but not least on this list is a café in Harajuku where you can spend some quality time with lovely snakes.

The entrance fee is 1000 yen.

Website:

http://snakecenter.jp/

Opening hours: 11 AM-8 PM (closed on Tuesdays)

Snake cafe — Snake Cafe

For the most accurate times and fees check the homepages. If you want more cafe recommendations, check out this post.

Tags: animal, apartments, cafe, ikebukuro, owls, roppongi, shibuya, snakes, tokyo

Shopping in Tokyo for Any Budget

Posted by Lior on April 6, 2020 | Featured

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world and obviously it has many shopping options. In this article, we will explore shopping in Tokyo for any budget in the most central and interesting areas of Tokyo, near Shibuya and Roppongi, Shinjuku and Harajuku.

Luxurious shopping

If you have a pretty much-unlimited budget, then the best options for you will be shopping in Ginza district and Aoyama and Omotesando areas or the oldest department stores. Such as Mitsukochi in Nihonbashi, Isetan in Shinjuku, and Takashimaya in Shibuya. All these places are good if you are looking for some luxury clothing and accessories.

Also, do not forget to check their basement floors that sell any food you can imagine and quality is superb as expected.

shopping takashimaya tokyo — Takashimaya Nihonbashi

Mid-class shopping

If you are not looking to push the limits of your budget but still want to enjoy the Japanese shopping, then shopping malls such as Lumine, Marui and worldwide known brands H&M, Zara, Adidas, etc. are the places for you. You can find those in Shibuya and Shinjuku of course, but also in more distant locations such as Tachikawa and others.

Also, do not forget the Japanese most famous brand – Uniqlo. The branches of it you have anywhere. It is a good quality clothing for all the members of the family that is very practical and not expensive at all. If you are not familiar with Uniqlo, you should definitely change it, while you are in Japan.

shopping tokyo lumine shinjuku — Lumine Shinjuku

Budget shopping

Tokyo most definitely is very glamour and full of gloss. But you can satisfy your hunger for shopping even with a very small budget. Tokyo is the Mecca of the thrift shopping. One of the best spots for thrift shopping is hipster and cool Shimokitazawa. Here you have all the brands, all the vintage clothes for more than affordable prices. Another famous location for that matter is Harajuku. Just a step away from the fashionable Omotesando, in small streets of Harajuku and Cat Street, you will find many second-hand shops that sell really good stuff in a really good condition. Another spot is a real gem and not many tourists get there is Koenji. Only a 10-minute train ride from Shinjuku will take you to this hipster area, with many local eateries, shrines, shopping arcades, and more thrift shopping.

Stay at home – Tokyo Sakura Edition

Posted by Lior on March 27, 2020 | Featured

Spring is a popular season in Japan because of the blossom of the world-famous cherry trees. However, this year due to rapidly spreading coronavirus, the spring festivals in Tokyo and all around Japan are pretty much canceled. The governor of Tokyo asks the citizens and the guest of the city to stay at home in order to prevent the further spread of the virus. Of course, it is extremely sad, but during this time, our safety and the safety of those around us should be a priority. It does not mean however that we cannot enjoy sakura blossom at home. Stay at home – Tokyo Sakura Edition gives you ideas on how to enjoy the cherry blossom from the comfort of your home and stay safe.

On-nami

The tradition of hanami is very much loved in Japan and basically it means that groups of people meet in parks and having picnics under the cherry trees. These meetings include viewing sakura but also snacking and drinking.
In on-nami “on” stands for “online”. So it might be difficult for some of us to see any sakura trees from their window but anyone can go to the closest convenience store and get some time-limited sakura snacks and drinks and have an online picnic with their friends.

Discounts, Coupons, Delivery

While going out is highly recommended, you can still enjoy ordering a takeaway. Many places such as Domino’s Pizza, Sushi restaurants, and other chain restaurants and small businesses will deliver food right to your house for a 30% discount, sometimes 50%. It is a real deal, especially on rainy days.

Self-Development

Remember how you always were mumbling that you don’t have enough time for yourself? That you just want to stay at home? read a book? watch the tv show everyone is talking about? try a new recipe?
This is your time! Try to make yourself these delicious snacks from the trading Keto diet and binge on 10 seasons of an old or new tv show, or even better, take online courses from Harvard University.

Whatever you decide to do, remember to stay safe, stay at home, and always look on the bright side of things.

And we hope to host you soon here in Tokyo!

Shopping in Tokyo for Any Budget

Posted by Lior on March 11, 2020 | Featured

Luxurious shopping

Also, do not forget to check their basement floors that sell any food you can imagine and quality is superb as expected.

Mid-class shopping

Budget shopping

Public transportation in Tokyo 101

Posted by admin on March 5, 2020 | Featured

Tokyo public transport is including dozens, if not hundreds, of the metro, train, and bus lines, all operating by different companies. Despite its size, the transportation system in Tokyo is very much accurate and convenient, but for the newcomers might be a little bit overwhelming. And we get it! So, we are here to put some things in order and explain public transportation in Tokyo.

IC Cards

First thing first, when you arrive in Tokyo, to live or just as a tourist, it is better to get an IC card. These are prepaid cards that you can charge in advance. It will save you plenty of time, as you won’t need to check how much to pay for each ride (the price is different and depends on a distance), and you won’t need to wait in a line to buy a paper ticket every time.

You can purchase the SUICA card at JR stations and Pasmo cards at non-JR stations. When purchasing your IC card, you will need to pay a deposit of 500 yen, which you can get back when returning the card before leaving the country. You can return the card at JR station or the airport.

Samples of Suica and PAsmo — Suica, Pasmo

Recently, JR launched a new type of IC card, that is valid only for 28 days but you do need to pay a deposit. This was made for the convenience of the tourists before the Olympic games. This card you can get at the airport or JR ticket offices and the travel centers. For more details please check the official website.

sample of the tourist ic card - welcome suica — Suica for the tourists

Google Maps

Once you have your IC card, you can start exploring the city. To find your way, it is highly recommended to use Google maps. It might not work equally well in all the parts of Japan, but in Tokyo, it works perfectly and it is a Must-have. Just put your destination in the search box and the app will do the rest for you. You can make things even more convenient by using the “Options” button, where you can choose the “lowest cost route” or “route with fewer transfers”, etc.

Daily Passes

And last but not least, at the stations, you will see many ads advertising daily passes. Daily passes for Tokyo usually do not pay off. If your day/trip planned wisely, most of the time you won’t need to use a train more than twice a day. And even if you will use a train often, the trains might belong to different companies, so one ticket will not cover them all anyway.

It is recommended to check daily passes if you go on day trips to Kamakura, Hakone, etc.

Summary

Probably 10-20 years ago to find your way in Tokyo, you need to be a genius or know Japanese, but today everything is on the internet and just a basic preparation before your visit to Tokyo will make your trip easy and pleasant.

We wish you a great time in Tokyo and we hope you will appreciate the public transportation in Tokyo for its efficiency and convenience!

Tags: apartments, guide, idcards, jr, metro, navigation, pasmo, passes, station, suica, tokyo, trains, transportation, travel