Why Tokyo?
Tokyo, the world's most populous metropolis
Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo.
Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. Previously a small castle town, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's largest cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of 1945.
RESTAURANTS
My favorite restaurants in Tokyo
Tamawarai
There’s no shortage of soba specialists in Tokyo, but few manage to create noodles quite as flavorful and satisfying as those at Tamawarai. Each batch is made from scratch — the dough mixed, rolled, and cut by hand — and much of it with buckwheat the restaurant helps to grow.
Address:
神宮前5-23-3, Tokyo, Tōkyō 150-0001, Japan
What I like about it
The side dishes, such as soba miso and the wonderfully creamy yuba (tofu skin), are prepared with equal care.
Onigiri Manma
Manma, an onigiri (rice ball) shop, sits in the shadow of the Shinjuku Isetan department store. Onigiri are a classic comfort food, but Manma’s draw is its unique fillings: Popular options include a “mother and child” of grilled salmon with sujiko salmon roe, seasoned ground meat with cured egg yolk, and bacon.
Address:
Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3-chōme−14−231F
What I like about it
The casual seating is at the counter, so everyone has front-row seats to watch the staff assemble giant rice balls.
Ningyocho Imahan
Housed in a classic low-rise building in a traditional neighborhood, Imahan is one of Tokyo’s oldest and best loved purveyors of beef cuisine. Book yourself into one of the private rooms for an extended omakase feast. Just choose what provenance and grade of wagyu you want, then relax and let the kimono-clad waitstaff pamper you.
Address:
2 Chome-9-１２ Nihonbashiningyōchō, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 103-0013, Japan
What I like about it
Shabushabu, sukiyaki, teppanyaki, and steak are all prepared and served with old-school refinement and expertise.
Gallery
My photos from Tokyo
