This popular spot definitely lives up to the hype! I came in just to give it a try and ended up becoming a huge fan. The grilled flying fish broth was incredibly aromatic, and the noodles soaked up all that flavor. Every bite was so satisfying. I kept thinking about giving up while waiting in line, but after eating, all I could say was, “I’m so glad I stayed!”
Yakiago Shio Ramen Takahashi, Shinjuku Main Store | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Sushi Dai
Located inside the bustling Toyosu Market-Tokyo’s hub for fresh seafood-Sushi Dai is a famous sushi restaurant that consistently draws long lines. Being situated within the market allows the chefs direct access to top-quality ingredients. The head chef’s expert judgment ensures only the very best seafood is selected, prioritizing freshness and flavor over brand or origin.
One of the must-try restaurants at Toyosu Market is Sushi Dai. I thought arriving early would be enough, but when I got there a little after 6:00 a.m., there was already a long line. People really go all out for a taste of this fresh sushi!
The wait takes patience, but the moment I sat down and tried the first piece, I knew it was worth it. The chefs prepare each piece right in front of you. The fish is fresh with a subtle sweetness, and every bite highlights the natural flavor of the ingredients. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying. -
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AFURI Ebisu
Located just a 3-minute walk from Ebisu Station, this stylish ramen shop specializes in tanrei-kei (light and refined) ramen, crafted with pure natural spring water from Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and a carefully simmered blend of chicken and seafood. AFURI has expanded from Tokyo to Kanagawa, Hokkaido, and even overseas in the U.S. and Hong Kong. The Ebisu branch is open until 5 a.m. and operates as a completely cashless restaurant.
If you always order tonkotsu ramen, it’s definitely worth switching things up!
AFURI is best known for its yuzu shio ramen. The broth is light and refreshing, with the savory flavors of chicken and seafood plus a subtle hint of yuzu that makes a great first impression. I was worried it might taste bland, but not at all—it became more delicious with every sip, and I couldn’t resist finishing the entire bowl of broth. This is a great choice when you’re craving ramen but don’t want anything too rich or greasy. -
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St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo
Located on a hill in Sekiguchi, Bunkyo Ward, this Catholic church has a long and storied history. It began in 1899 as a wooden Gothic-style chapel built for the École Française des Dames de Saint-Maur. In 1900, it became the chapel of the Sekiguchi Parish, and by 1920, it was elevated to serve as the Cathedral of Tokyo.
On this trip to Tokyo, I made a special pilgrimage to see this stunning cathedral!
I followed Google Maps from Gokokuji Station but ended up winding through residential neighborhoods. I later learned that coming from Edogawabashi Station is much easier.
It rained all day, but that didn’t take away from its beauty at all. The building’s curves are incredible. It’s hard to imagine that something so fluid and structurally beautiful was designed by hand before computer modeling existed. The more I looked, the more I admired the architect.
The interior was even more impressive. The exterior is sleek and minimalist, while the inside features raw exposed concrete with natural light streaming through the gaps. The whole space feels quiet and sacred, and you naturally slow down as you walk through it. -
