food spots curated by rwu

Kobo: Matcha, salted c, whiskey toasted c

Flavors of the week. Matcha white chocolate 👍👍👍👍👍 Salted caramel 👍👍👍👍 Whiskey toasted coconut 👍👍👍👍

eats jul 4

Kobo: Passionfruit

Flavor of the summer. Kobo ice cream. PASSIONFRUIT

eats mar 21

Elem

Excerpt here

Tokyo: Godaime Hanayama Udon

award-winning flat udon. lines form early, noodles can sell out, get a number first thing in the day.

Osaka: Patisserie Grenier

puff pastry and french-style baked goods. solid dessert stop, two osaka locations.

Kyoto: Hikiniku to Come

best meal of the trip. charcoal-grilled hamburger steaks cooked in stages. reservations open 7 days ahead at 9am, book or expect a long line.

Osaka: Unagi Kushiyaki Izumo

unagi and egg bowl in umeda. portions are big, order half rice.

Osaka: Odoridako Dotonbori

takoyaki with a whole octopus inside. tasty but plenty of other stalls nearby worth trying too.

Tokyo: Age 3 Ginza

deep-fried stuffed sandwiches. the creme brulée filling is the standout. expect a line.

Tokyo: HATCOFFEE

custom 3D latte art. they made pong come to life in foam. fun novelty stop.

Tokyo: Pizza Marumo

japanese-inspired pizza with fermented dough. the umami one tasted distinctly 'japan'. reservations open way in advance.

Tokyo: Roast Beef Ohno

wagyu roast beef volcano bowl. went back just for the broth.

Tokyo: I'm Donut

11/10. long lines but absolutely worth the hype. multiple locations, sells out early.

Kyoto: Tendon Makino

tempura rice bowls. long lines, only the hostess speaks english, but the food's good.

Tokyo: AMAM DACOTAN

popular bakery in kita-aoyama. long line, visually striking breads and pastries.

Tokyo: Tsukiji Yamacho

tamagoyaki on a stick at tsukiji. popular morning stop, expect a line. simple and satisfying.

Kyoto: Nakatonidou

famous mochi shop in nara (day trip from kyoto). live mochi pounding is the show, time it right.

Osaka: Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi Dotonbori

conveyor belt sushi in dotonbori. casual, reliable, good value. easy walk-in while exploring.

Kyoto: Gion Komori

traditional sweets shop, famous for warabi mochi. big midday lines, quieter near closing.

Kyoto: MOTOI Gyoza

gyoza by a michelin-starred french chef. papa gyoza and celery gyoza were the highlights.

Tokyo: Mukai

best sashimi of the trip. cash only. arrive before opening or just after lunch rush.

Tokyo: Cois Espresso Club

creme brulée cheesecake and creme brulée espresso. VERY sweet, expect a line.

Tokyo: Kitsuneya

very popular beef rice bowl stand at tsukiji market. arrive early.

Kyoto: Gion Duck Noodles

duck ramen specialty shop with an emoji-only menu. line is real, worth it.

Kyoto: Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store

hojicha-focused brand in uji. distinct roasted tea flavor, different from all the matcha-heavy spots nearby.

Tokyo: Menya Sho Honten

local-approved ramen near our shinjuku stay. solid non-touristy choice.

Kyoto: Masuda Chaho

specialty tea shop in uji. the uji matcha soft serve is the move. pairs well with other uji tea stops.

Tokyo: Azuki to Kouri

shaved ice specialty shop in yoyogi. reservations open 7 days ahead at 9pm JST. order three portions, not two.

Osaka: Rikuro’s

the famous fluffy cheesecake. not very sweet, popular souvenir-style dessert.

Kyoto: Tsuen Main Branch

oldest teahouse in japan. matcha latte is the call. restaurant side may be closed.

Japan: Gyukatsu Motomura

deep-fried beef cutlet you grill yourself on a hot stone. melts in your mouth without being heavy. multiple locations.

eats jun 1

Kyoto: Maccha House