the bifrost · eats https://simondamb.org/eats food spots curated by rwu — japan-heavy, regularly updated. en Tue, 22 Sep 2026 02:13:43 GMT 60 https://simondamb.org/og/default.png the bifrost · eats https://simondamb.org/eats Kobo: Matcha, Salted Caramel, Whiskey Toasted Coconut https://simondamb.org/eats/kobo-matcha-salted-caramel-whiskey-toasted-coconut https://simondamb.org/eats/kobo-matcha-salted-caramel-whiskey-toasted-coconut Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS Flavors of the week. Matcha white chocolate 👍👍👍👍👍 Salted caramel 👍👍👍👍 Whiskey toasted coconut 👍👍👍👍 Kobo: Passionfruit https://simondamb.org/eats/kobo-passionfruit https://simondamb.org/eats/kobo-passionfruit Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS Flavor of the summer. Kobo ice cream. PASSIONFRUIT Tokyo: Godaime Hanayama Udon https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-godaime-hanayama-udon https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-godaime-hanayama-udon Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan award-winning flat udon. lines form early, noodles can sell out, get a number first thing in the day. Godaime Hanayama Udon.
Location: Tokyo (Ginza and other locations).
Hours: Weekdays roughly 11am–3:30pm and 5:30pm–9:30pm, weekends shorter.
Address: Multiple locations.
Website: https://www.hanayamaudon.co.jp/
Google Maps: Varies by location.

Notes: Award-winning flat udon. Lines form early and noodles can sell out, so get a number earlier in the day.

]]> Osaka: Patisserie Grenier https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-patisserie-grenier https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-patisserie-grenier Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan puff pastry and french-style baked goods. solid dessert stop, two osaka locations. Patisserie Grenier;
Location: Osaka (two locations);
Hours: Varies by location;
Address: Multiple locations;

Notes: Known for puff pastry and French-style baked goods. Good dessert stop.

]]> Kyoto: Hikiniku to Come https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-hikiniku-to-come https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-hikiniku-to-come Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan 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. Hikiniku to Come.
Location: Kyoto (also other cities).
Hours: Typically 11am–3pm and 5pm–9pm.
Address: Multiple locations.
Website: https://hikinikutocome.com/en/visit
Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/4oo86nm

Notes: Best meal of the trip. Charcoal-grilled hamburger steaks cooked in stages. Reservations open about 7 days in advance around 9am. Expect long lines without booking.

]]> Osaka: Unagi Kushiyaki Izumo https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-unagi-kushiyaki-izumo https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-unagi-kushiyaki-izumo Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan unagi and egg bowl in umeda. portions are big, order half rice. Unagi Kushiyaki Izumo;
Location: Osaka (Umeda);
Hours: 11am–11pm;
Address: LUCUA B2F, 3 Chome-1-3 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka 530-0001, Japan;

Notes: Unagi and egg bowl. Large portions, recommended to order half rice.

]]> Osaka: Odoridako Dotonbori https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-odoridako-dotonbori https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-odoridako-dotonbori Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan takoyaki with a whole octopus inside. tasty but plenty of other stalls nearby worth trying too. Odoridako;
Location: Osaka (Dotonbori);
Hours: Afternoon to late night;
Address: 1 Chome-7-24 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka 542-0071, Japan;

Notes: Takoyaki made with whole octopus inside. Tasty, but many other stalls nearby worth trying.

]]> Tokyo: Age 3 Ginza https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-age-3-ginza https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-age-3-ginza Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan deep-fried stuffed sandwiches. the creme brulée filling is the standout. expect a line. Age.3 Ginza;
Location: Tokyo (Ginza);
Hours: 11am–7pm;
Address: 1 Chome-24-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan;

Notes: Deep-fried stuffed sandwiches. Crème brûlée filling is the standout. Expect a line.

]]> Tokyo: HATCOFFEE https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-hatcoffee https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-hatcoffee Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan custom 3D latte art. they made pong come to life in foam. fun novelty stop. HATCOFFEE.
Location: Tokyo. Hours: 11am–6pm, closed Wednesday.
Address: 3 Chome-15-6 Kotobuki, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0042, Japan.
Website: https://hatcoffee.jp/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zjdGcZAxWQEURdkD7

Notes: Known for custom 3D latte art. They made Pong come to life in foam. Fun novelty coffee stop.

]]> Tokyo: Pizza Marumo https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-pizza-marumo https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-pizza-marumo Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan japanese-inspired pizza with fermented dough. the umami one tasted distinctly 'japan'. reservations open way in advance. Pizza Marumo;
Location: Tokyo (Ebisu);
Hours: 11:30am–3pm and 5pm–11pm;
Address: 1 Chome-11-13 Ebisuminami, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0022, Japan;

Notes: Japanese-inspired pizza with fermented dough. Umami pizza tasted distinctly “Japan”. Reservations open far in advance.

]]> Tokyo: Roast Beef Ohno https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-roast-beef-ohno https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-roast-beef-ohno Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan wagyu roast beef volcano bowl. went back just for the broth. Roast Beef Ohno;
Location: Tokyo (multiple locations);
Hours: Varies by location;
Address: Multiple locations;

Notes: Wagyu roast beef volcano bowl. Simon wanted to go back just for the broth.

]]> Tokyo: I'm Donut https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-im-donut https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-im-donut Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan 11/10. long lines but absolutely worth the hype. multiple locations, sells out early. I’m Donut?;
Location: Tokyo (multiple locations);
Hours: Varies by location, often sells out early;
Address: Multiple locations;

Notes: Rated 11/10. Long lines but absolutely worth the hype.

]]> Kyoto: Tendon Makino https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-tendon-makino https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-tendon-makino Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan tempura rice bowls. long lines, only the hostess speaks english, but the food's good. Tendon Makino;
Location: Kyoto;
Hours: 11am–8:30pm, closed mid-afternoon on weekdays;
Address: Japan, 〒604-8047 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakasujicho, 481-3;

Notes: Tempura rice bowls. Long lines. Only hostess spoke English. Some order confusion, but food quality was good.

]]> Tokyo: AMAM DACOTAN https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-amam-dacotan https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-amam-dacotan Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan popular bakery in kita-aoyama. long line, visually striking breads and pastries. AMAM DACOTAN;
Location: Tokyo;
Hours: 11am–7pm, closed Wednesday;
Address: 107-0061, 3 Chome-7-6 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo;

Notes: Popular bakery with long lines. Waited in line. Known for visually striking breads and pastries.

]]> Tokyo: Tsukiji Yamacho https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-tsukiji-yamacho https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-tsukiji-yamacho Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan tamagoyaki on a stick at tsukiji. popular morning stop, expect a line. simple and satisfying. Tsukiji Yamacho;
Location: Tokyo (Tsukiji);
Hours: 6:50am–3:30pm;
Address: 4 Chome-10-10 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;

Notes: Tamagoyaki on a stick. Popular morning stop, expect a line. Simple and satisfying.

]]> Kyoto: Nakatonidou https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-nakatonidou https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-nakatonidou Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan famous mochi shop in nara (day trip from kyoto). live mochi pounding is the show, time it right. Nakatonidou;
Location: Nara (day trip from Kyoto);
Hours: 10am–7pm, closed Tuesday;
Address: 29 Hashimotocho, Nara 630-8217, Japan;

Notes: Famous mochi shop where you can watch live mochi pounding. Fun, energetic stop and worth timing right.

]]> Osaka: Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi Dotonbori https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-daiki-suisan-kaitenzushi-dotonbori https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-daiki-suisan-kaitenzushi-dotonbori Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan conveyor belt sushi in dotonbori. casual, reliable, good value. easy walk-in while exploring. Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi;
Location: Osaka (Dotonbori);
Hours: Typically late morning to evening;
Address: Dotonbori area, Osaka;

Notes: Conveyor belt sushi. Casual, reliable, and good value. Easy walk-in option while exploring Dotonbori.

]]> Kyoto: Gion Komori https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-gion-komori https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-gion-komori Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan traditional sweets shop, famous for warabi mochi. big midday lines, quieter near closing. Gion Komori;
Location: Kyoto (Gion);
Hours: Tue–Sun 11am–6:30pm, closed Monday;
Address: Japan, 〒605-0087 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Motoyoshicho, 61;

Notes: Traditional Japanese sweets shop known for warabi mochi. Big midday lines, quieter near closing.

]]> Kyoto: MOTOI Gyoza https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-motoi-gyoza https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-motoi-gyoza Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan gyoza by a michelin-starred french chef. papa gyoza and celery gyoza were the highlights. MOTOI Gyoza;
Location: Kyoto;
Hours: Tue–Sun 11am–9pm, Monday late hours;
Address: 470-2 Setoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8122, Japan;

Notes: Gyoza by a Michelin-starred French chef. Papa gyoza and celery gyoza were highlights.

]]> Tokyo: Mukai https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-mukai https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-mukai Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan best sashimi of the trip. cash only. arrive before opening or just after lunch rush. Mukai;
Location: Tokyo (Shibuya);
Hours: 10:45am–1:45pm, closed Wednesday;
Address: 15-6 Shinsencho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0045, Japan;

Notes: Best sashimi of the trip. Cash only. Arrive before opening or just after lunch rush.

]]> Tokyo: Cois Espresso Club https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-cois-espresso-club https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-cois-espresso-club Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan creme brulée cheesecake and creme brulée espresso. VERY sweet, expect a line. Cois Espresso Club;
Location: Tokyo (Shinjuku);
Hours: 11am–8pm;
Address: 1 Chome-5-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022,

Japan; Notes: Known for crème brûlée cheesecake and crème brûlée espresso. Very sweet, expect a line.

]]> Tokyo: Kitsuneya https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-kitsuneya https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-kitsuneya Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan very popular beef rice bowl stand at tsukiji market. arrive early. Kitsuneya;
Location: Tokyo (Tsukiji);
Hours: 6:30am–1pm, closed Sunday and Wednesday;
Address: 4 Chome-9-12 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;

Notes: Very popular beef rice bowl stand at Tsukiji Market. Early arrival recommended.

]]> Kyoto: Gion Duck Noodles https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-gion-duck-noodles https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-gion-duck-noodles Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan duck ramen specialty shop with an emoji-only menu. line is real, worth it. Gion Duck Noodles;
Location: Kyoto;
Hours: About 11am–9:30pm daily;
Address: Japan, 〒605-0073 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Gionmachi Kitagawa, 329;

Notes: Duck ramen specialty shop with emoji-only menu. Expect a line, worth the wait.

]]> Kyoto: Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-hoho-hojicha-uji-main-store https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-hoho-hojicha-uji-main-store Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan hojicha-focused brand in uji. distinct roasted tea flavor, different from all the matcha-heavy spots nearby. Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store;
Location: Uji, Kyoto;
Hours: 10am–6pm;
Address: Myoraku-51-2 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan;

Notes: Hojicha-focused brand. Distinct roasted tea flavor compared to matcha-heavy spots nearby.

]]> Tokyo: Menya Sho Honten https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-menya-sho-honten https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-menya-sho-honten Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan local-approved ramen near our shinjuku stay. solid non-touristy choice. Menya Sho Honten;
Location: Tokyo (Shinjuku);
Hours: 11am–3pm daily, evenings vary by day;
Address: 7 Chome-22-34 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan;

Notes: Local-approved ramen spot chosen based on where we were staying. Solid non-touristy choice.

]]> Kyoto: Masuda Chaho https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-masuda-chaho https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-masuda-chaho Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan specialty tea shop in uji. the uji matcha soft serve is the move. pairs well with other uji tea stops. Masuda Chaho;
Location: Uji, Kyoto;
Hours: 9am–6pm;
Address: Renge-21-3 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan;

Notes: Specialty tea shop. Known for Uji matcha soft serve. Good pairing with other Uji tea stops.

]]> Tokyo: Azuki to Kouri https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-azuki-to-kouri https://simondamb.org/eats/tokyo-azuki-to-kouri Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan shaved ice specialty shop in yoyogi. reservations open 7 days ahead at 9pm JST. order three portions, not two. Azuki to Kouri;
Location: Tokyo;
Hours: 11am–7pm;
Address: 151-0053, 1F Grand Duo Yoyogi, 1-46-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo;

Notes: Shaved ice specialty shop. Reservations open 7 days in advance at 9pm JST. Very good, should have ordered three shaved ice portions.

]]> Osaka: Rikuro’s https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-rikuros https://simondamb.org/eats/osaka-rikuros Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan the famous fluffy cheesecake. not very sweet, popular souvenir-style dessert. Rikuro’s Cheesecake;
Location: Osaka (multiple locations);
Hours: Varies by location;
Address: Multiple locations;

Notes: Famous fluffy cheesecake. Not very sweet. Popular souvenir-style dessert.

]]> Kyoto: Tsuen Main Branch https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-tsuen-main-branch https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-tsuen-main-branch Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan oldest teahouse in japan. matcha latte is the call. restaurant side may be closed. Tsuen Main Branch;
Location: Uji, Kyoto;
Hours: 10:30am–4:30pm;
Address: Higashiuchi-1 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan;

Notes: Oldest teahouse in Japan. Matcha latte available; restaurant side was closed when visited.

]]> Japan: Gyukatsu Motomura https://simondamb.org/eats/japan-gyukatsu-motomura https://simondamb.org/eats/japan-gyukatsu-motomura Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan deep-fried beef cutlet you grill yourself on a hot stone. melts in your mouth without being heavy. multiple locations. Gyukatsu Motomura;
Location: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (multiple locations);
Hours: Generally 11am–10pm;
Address: Multiple locations;

Notes: Deep-fried beef cutlet served with a personal hot stone grill. Melt-in-your-mouth beef that is surprisingly not greasy or heavy.

]]> Kyoto: Maccha House https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-maccha-house https://simondamb.org/eats/kyoto-maccha-house Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Simon Damborg eats RWUEATS japan famous for matcha tiramisu. reliable, high-quality matcha sweets across multiple cities. Maccha House.
Location: Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka (multiple locations).
Hours: Varies by location, generally late morning to evening. Address: Multiple locations.
Website: https://maccha-house.com/en/

Notes: Famous for matcha desserts, especially the matcha tiramisu. Reliable, high-quality stop for matcha sweets across major cities.

]]>