Food & Drink | Tokyo Weekender

This Tokyo Bar Will Hypnotize You, Literally

Cezary Jan Strusiewicz — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:47:46 +0000

The Wonder Belly Button (Fushigi no Heso) is a hypnosis café & bar in Shinjuku, named so because “the belly button is where we were once connected to our mothers via the umbilical cord. It’s a symbol of the center of the body, its core,” explained the bar’s proprietor and hypnotist Mr. Endo. “It’s also […]

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A Gourmet Experience in the Heart of the Forest

Matthew Hernon — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 04:34:51 +0000

The view of the river and the surrounding forest is breathtaking. Yet, as we drive up to Hatachi Amari Yotsu in Shiga Prefecture, it almost feels as if we’ve arrived at the wrong destination. A rustic building on a riverbank, it looks, from the outside, more like a barn than a fine dining establishment. It’s […]

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7 Affordable Michelin-Rated Restaurants in Tokyo

Alina Joan Ito — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:18:33 +0000

The Michelin guide is the gold standard of culinary ratings, and we all wouldn’t mind savoring dishes that are given the French tire company’s stamp of approval. Fortunately, experiencing a Michelin-rated restaurant doesn’t have to break the bank, despite its reputation for being illustrious and fancy. There are plenty of restaurants in Tokyo that have […]

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4 Must-Visit Date Night Restaurants in Tokyo

Mimana Kiel — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:26:28 +0000

Most of the time, it’s the company you keep and not the location you seek. However, getting to know another person in a romantic setting never hurt anyone, right? Whether you’re taking yourself out, going out with friends or you’ve just matched on an app and are searching for your next date spot, these restaurants […]

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The Secret to Getting Expensive Japanese Fruit for Cheap

Wakaba Oto — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:12:41 +0000

Hidden in plain sight lies the key to snagging top-notch fruit and vegetables without emptying your wallet in Japan. Mercari, the Japanese e-commerce conglomerate, is quietly upending how we buy produce. From Flea Market to Fresh Market Mercari, Japan’s largest community-powered marketplace app, holds a well-kept secret. Its full potential remains largely under the radar. […]

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Enjoy a Shanghai Summer With These 7 Delicious Dishes

Weekender Editor — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:09:22 +0000

In case you didn’t already know, Shanghai is having a cultural moment. From emerging neo-punk subcultures to huge government-sponsored initiatives meant to entice international travelers, the city has much to offer. To get you in the Shanghai mood, we’ve listed up seven of our favorite Shanghai foods and where to eat them in Tokyo. Xiaolongbao, […]

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A Complete Guide to Japanese Chopstick Etiquette

Anna Carne — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:29:36 +0000

Before you visit Japan, it’s helpful to have a working knowledge of chopsticks, and be aware of the language surrounding them. The placement of your eating implements can convey many hidden meanings. And looking like you know how to use them can get you a long way too. This guide will ensure that you come […]

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Don’t Call It Sake — It’s Probably Not

Wakaba Oto — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:31:12 +0000

It’s time to get your terminology straight. The global fascination with Japanese sake is undeniable, but clarity is essential: not all that glitters is gold, and not all that’s labeled as “sake” is truly sake. Seishu: The Legal Definition Seishu, which literally translates to “clear sake,” is a legal term defined by Japan’s National Tax […]

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Japanese-Style 7-Eleven Stores Are Heading to the U.S.

Matthew Hernon — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:00:09 +0000

Its egg salad sandwich is legendary. Then there’s the wide selection of onigiri, bento boxes and hot beverages to choose from. The karaage is also very popular, as is the instant Ippudo ramen. With so many appetizing options at affordable prices, it’s no wonder 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan have become such a hit with tourists. […]

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5 Convenience Store Gummies To Try on Your Next Japan Visit

Mimana Kiel — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 07:31:07 +0000

You’re out with friends, and you’ve just had dinner. It’s late, and as you make your way to the train station, a sudden craving for sugar hits. You run to the nearest convenience store only to be met with a wall of gummies in a dizzying array of flavors: banana milk, blueberry water, umeboshi Japanese […]

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