Tag Archives: 4 stars

{  Tenguyaki in Takaosan  }

Tenguyaki in Takaosan
Tenguyaki in Takaosan
Tenguyaki in Takaosan

Did you know that there’s a 3-star michelin rated Mountain in Tokyo? It’s called Mount Takao (Takaosan) and it’s hard to believe that such a beautiful mountain is just an hour or two away by public transportation from central Tokyo. It’s a nice getaway from the busy city life and the best part is they have many trails to choose from so all different age groups and levels (from beginner through advanced) hikers can enjoy this mt. Even the ‘Inariyama trail,’ which is supposed to be the most strenuous, is hiked by everyone from elementary school kids on field trips to grandmas & grandpas, so it’s a great way to get some exercise surrounded by nature without going on an all-day hike. If you are not that into hiking but still want to go to Takaosan, you can still take the tram and reach the observatory for a nice scenic view! On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from the top and it’s a great way to experience nature in the massive metropolis of Tokyo.

I love hiking — I’ve climbed Mt. Fuji and Half Dome in Yosemite, but Takaosan is one of my favorite hikes in Tokyo. Just a tip, I would try avoid climbing Takaosan during major holidays like Golden week as it gets really packed and difficult to navigate. Also, bring a large ziploc bag/trash bag with you as you will have to take your trash home with you. For advanced hikers, you can continue from the top of Takaosan to the Mt. Jimba Trail to extend your hike.

Anyhow, at the top of the tram station is where you can find the delicious treat pictured above called “Tengu Yaki” for 130yen. ‘Tengu’ means a long‐nosed goblin and that’s what the shape is based off of. It has a sweetened black soybean paste inside the crispy waffle and it’s tasty. Surprisingly not too sweet and it’s a perfect snack to pick up on the way. Go on this hike with your family and friends on a nice weekend :)

Takaozan’s English website:
http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/index2.htm

Address // 2205, Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 042-665-1808
Website // n/a

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{  Kakiyasu  }

Kakiyasu
Kakiyasu
Kakiyasu

Sukiyaki is a type of Japanese cuisine in which thinly sliced beef and vegetables are mixed and cooked slowly in a shallow iron pot. The meat and veggies are then dipped in to a small bowl of raw egg for the traditional Sukiyaki flavor and texture. Kakiyasu in Ginza serves a perfected authentic and delicious sukiyaki. Ladies dressed in kimonos give you such a proper and Japanese experience from beginning to end. I definitely recommend coming here if you want to try something traditional and delicious.

We couldn’t resist the sukiyaki lunch set that included a dessert for 2100yen. There was another sukiyaki lunch set for 1500yen but apparently the quality of meat they serve in the 2100yen course is higher + it comes with dessert so we decided to splurge a little. It almost felt like it wasn’t going to be enough meat when the plate first arrived, but it was the right amount overall with all the veggies hidden under the meat + the all you can eat rice. Highly recommend it. The sorbet dessert also provided the perfect balance to clean our palettes after the strong flavors of the sukiyaki.

Address // 7F, 7-9-15, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3289-3771
Website // www.kakiyasuhonten.co.jp

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{  Senbikiya  }

Senbikiya
Senbikiya
Senbikiya

There are so many amazing places to get sweets and desserts in Japan but Senbikiya is one of the most famous dessert shops because of their high-quality premium fruits (which are inside of all of their desserts!). They also sell the fruits separately but they can get quite expensive, like 8400 yen for a watermelon… yikes!

Senbikiya has locations all over Tokyo but there are a few places where you can actually dine/tea at. We went to get dessert at their Ebisu location and it was definitely worth it. I love everything I’ve had from here. The strawberry short cake is perfect — not too sweet but sweet enough and with fresh strawberries. The mango pudding and fruit panna cotta were both delicious, while the waffle dessert pictured above was just ok (but the fresh mango and mango ice cream that came with it were yummy). Come here for tea time or dessert, you won’t be dissapointed.

Address // Atre 3F, 1-5-5, Ebisuminami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-5475-8306
Website // www.senbikiya.co.jp

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{  Frey’s Famous Pizzeria  }

Frey's Famous Pizzeria
Frey's Famous Pizzeria
Frey's Famous Pizzeria

If you are craving for good pizza, come to Frey’s. You won’t be dissapointed. Their Bianca pizza is one of our all-time favorite pizza’s ever.

Frey’s serves only 3 kinds of traditional Italian pizza’s, but they have truly mastered the flavors. The Margherita, Marinara, and Bianca pizza’s are each sold for 1500yen. Each pizza is not that big so one person can easily finish an entire pizza on their own. Our favorite hands down is the Bianca, but their Margherita is also quite good. I recommend making reservations as this place gets packed with locals.

Address // 4-5-15, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-3497-8820
Website // n/a

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{  Martiniburger  }

Martiniburger
Martiniburger

Craving an NY style gourmet burger in Tokyo? Then try Martiniburger in Kagurazaka. When you first pass by this restaurant you might mistake it for a bar because of the Absolut Vodka signs that are advertised on their large windows and the neon blue bar counter that shines through, but it’s actually a great burger joint.

We tried the “Brooklyn” and the “Lite Burger”. The Brooklyn comes with a generous 200-gram all-beef patty, mushrooms, gouda cheese and bearnaise sauce along with a side dish of your choice for 1350yen (we chose the simple salad as the side). The Lite Burger has a 150-gram all-beef patty with an english muffin as the bun(!) and a side dish of your choice for 900yen (I chose the creamed spinach as the side).

They were both delicious. The great part about the burgers here is that you’re not overwhelmed by all the toppings, you really taste the 100% beef that is oh so juicy. And the price? Not too shabby for all of this food. Oh, and if you’re not in the mood for a burger but are craving American food, they also have chicken sandwiches, lasagnas, pecan pies, and cocktails :)

Address // 31 Nakazatocho, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (map)
Phone Number // 03-6280-8920
Website // http://martini-burger.com

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