[Top 4 Popular Restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto] Traditional Japanese Food “ochazuke”
Ochazuke is a particularly simple and heartwarming dish in traditional Japanese food culture.
This simple dish, eaten by pouring hot tea over rice, is a healing food for Japanese people, and it is attractive because it is easy to make even in busy days In this article, I will explain the appeal of ochazuke.
What is the history of ochazuke?
The origin of ochazuke is ancient, and it is said that it already existed during the Heian period, and it has been loved by a wide range of people, including samurai and common people.
Over the ages, ochazuke has developed as a food culture closely connected to the lives of Japanese people.
Types and Diversity of Ochazuke

There are many variations of ochazuke.
For example, umeboshi is used for “plum ochazuke,” grilled salmon is topped with “salmon ochazuke,” and “cod roe ochazuke” is topped with fish eggs.
Also, there are characteristics depending on the region; in Kyoto, for example, ochazuke made with matcha is also popular.
How to make and enjoy ochazuke?

The basic way to make ochazuke is to simply pour tea (green tea is commonly used) into warm rice and add toppings of your choice.
However, it has unlimited possibilities in its simplicity, and various arrangements have been created depending on the home and region.
Let's experience “ochazuke” in Japan!

When you visit Japan, I definitely want you to experience authentic ochazuke.
Large cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto offer chazuke in a variety of styles, from long-established ochazuke specialty stores to casual cafes.
Also, each region in Japan has unique ochazuke, so I recommend tasting the local ochazuke when visiting a region.
4 recommended ochazuke specialty stores
Here are some recommended specialty restaurants where you can eat in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Tokyo “A comfortable, luxurious, ochazuke weather. LUMINE EST SHINJUKU”

An ochazuke specialty store located on the 7th floor of the Shinjuku shopping building “LUMINE EST Shinjuku Store.”
This is a restaurant where you can enjoy 2 ways to eat in 1 meal.
Since it is directly connected to the Shinjuku Station building, it is a convenient location to stop by while commuting or shopping.
Seasonal flavors are also available, such as limited-edition ochazuke using seasonal fish, so you can enjoy a wide range of flavors.
Location: LUMINE EST Shinjuku 7F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: A short walk from Shinjuku's “East Exit” or “Central East Exit”
Business hours: 11:00 to 22:00
Tokyo “Dashi Chazuke Keen Shin-Marunouchi Building Store”

Located in the Shin-Marunouchi Building, which is directly connected to Tokyo Station, this specialty store is proud of its carefully selected homemade soup stock.
The seats are centered around the counter, so it's easy for one person to enter.
They offer menus unique to specialty stores, such as ochazuke made with fresh fish, ochazuke based on local Japanese cuisine, and seasonal ochazuke that changes every month.
It seems that you can enjoy the rich flavor of the “best dashi,” which is made by adding chicken broth to the Japanese-style soup stock of kombu or bonito.
Address: Shin-Marunouchi Building B1, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2 minute walk from JR Tokyo Station; 1 minute walk from Tokyo Station on the Marunouchi Line; 3 minute walk from Otemachi subway station; 3 minute walk from Nijubashi Station on the Chiyoda Line
Business hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 22:00, Sundays and holidays 11:00 to 21:00
Kyoto “Kindame Kyoto Main Store”

This is a long-established tsukemono shop founded in Meiji 12.
Of course, they also sell tsukemono in the store, and at the “ochazuke seat,” you can enjoy ochazuke while looking out at the garden unique to Kyoto machiya.
Address: 576 Botanboko-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 20 minute walk from Randen “Kitano-Hakubaicho Station”
Business hours: 9:30 to 17:30
Kyoto “Taishumi HANANA”

This ochazuke specialty store is attracting attention because it specializes in sea bream chazuke.
Fresh red sea bream is used, so I recommend eating it with sesame sauce first.
After that, try pairing it with warm rice or pouring tea over it, and eat it as you like.
The exterior has a pure Japanese style inspired by a townhouse.
The inside of the store is equipped with large windows, and warm sunlight comes in during the day, making it a bright, open space with excellent comfort.
Address: 26-1 Sagatenryuji Setogawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 5 minute walk from Kyoto Arashiyama Station
Business hours: 11:00 to 15:00
summary
Ochazuke is a food that is particularly familiar and easy to enjoy in Japanese food culture.
Amidst its simplicity, you can feel the four seasons and regional characteristics of Japan.
Please experience this traditional “ochazuke” flavor and fully enjoy the charm of Japanese food culture.
A beauty experience is also recommended when visiting Japan!
Finding a spot in Japan where you can experience beauty treatments such as massages, nails, and esthetics to heal the tiredness of your trip is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.
Here are a few salons that I recommend to those who are particular about technology and quality.
Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

Open at 9 a.m.! A 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, this is a popular nail care salon where you can get rid of nail problems.
Recommended for those trying nail art for the first time, as well as those seeking special care. Men's care is also available, so it's also suitable for couples.
Ginza/ “head CONCIERGE Ginza Store”

A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”
It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.
Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”
Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.
Akihabara, Kanda, Awajicho/ “Esthetic & Relaxation WELLFIT” *Women Only

“Esthetic & Relaxation WELLFIT,” a talented salon attended by professional beauticians and therapists
This treatment can also be used for pelvic correction, small face, beautiful skin, head spa, and maternity care.
It is a powerful salon that has been published in over 50 beauty magazines and specialty magazines. Please enjoy the industry's most advanced technology.
Ikebukuro/ “Mix Up!! Ikebukuro store”

This salon, located about a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro, offers many effective facial treatments for pores, beautiful skin, lift-up, and anti-aging.
As for body treatments, you can choose between slimming or relaxation courses. You can have your whole body well cared for according to the condition of the day.
Jimbocho, Akihabara/ “CREBIA Jimbocho Store” *Women only

A slimming esthetic salon that leads to effortless results! Highly skilled and experienced staff are popular.
It is a talented salon that is a strong ally for women who want to go on a diet.
Our experienced staff will suggest a menu tailored to each person's constitution and concerns.
Oshiage (Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree)/“Zipangu Esthetic Room Oshiage Store”

The salon is located close to TOKYO SKYTREE, right next to Oshiage Station.
We have prepared a variety of facial menus with an emphasis on results, and we provide treatments tailored to each customer's skin concerns.
All of our estheticians have over 10 years of extensive experience.
This beauty salon is recommended for those who are concerned about repeated lift-ups, aging care, open pores, and rough skin.
Kyoto/ “Mani Nail Care Kyoto Store”

It's a 1-minute walk from Gojo Station in Kyoto, perfect for a break between sightseeing.
A nail salon boasting careful service that has received high reviews.
This nail salon also suggests colors that are perfect for your skin tone and preferences.
Osaka/ “bellissimo”

A beauty salon focused on results, located right next to Osaka's “Fukushima” station, and staffed by knowledgeable and experienced staff.
This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.
We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.
Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.
Osaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”

If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.
We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.
Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.
Fukuoka/ “Nailsalon epi” *women only

A 3-minute walk from Meinohama Station on the Fukuoka Metro Airport Line, this is the perfect nail salon for those looking for trends.
The color can be changed according to the wishes of each customer, and it is popular for its good durability and beautiful finish.
You can also enjoy a movie during the treatment in the stylish store, so you can spend a relaxing time.
Enjoy fashion from your fingertips at this popular nail salon.
Written by
- WellBe Inc.
- WellBe operating company
- WellBe Inc.
- WellBe operating company
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