If you're visiting Arima Onsen and don't want to go from place to place for different baths, I highly recommend heading straight to Taiko no Yu!
Here, you can enjoy Arima's famous Kinsen and Ginsen springs all in one visit. The Kinsen spring is also one of Japan's most highly concentrated natural hot springs. It warms your whole body and feels so good. There are also 26 different types of baths, including open-air baths, rock baths, Goemon baths, carbonated baths, herbal baths, and stone saunas where you can slowly unwind.
My personal favorite was the open-air bath. Soaking while letting my mind go blank was truly soothing. If you have limited time but want to experience the appeal of Arima Onsen all at once, this place is well worth visiting. You really won't want to leave after your soak!
Taiko no Yu | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Hanayama Udon Ginza Branch
Established in Meiji 27 (1894) and loved over five generations, this udon shop has locations not only in its home of Tatebayashi, Gunma, but also in Nihonbashi and Haneda Airport. The Ginza branch, located behind the Kabukiza Theatre on Matsuya Street, has an atmosphere of luxury befitting its location.
On this trip to Ginza, I specifically planned to visit the popular Hanayama Udon, which is known for its lines. I had heard about Gunma Prefecture’s famous “belt udon” before, and I finally got the chance to try it for myself!
As soon as we sat down and the udon was brought to the table, I was honestly surprised by how wide the noodles were. Their wide, flat shape was very distinctive and completely different from the udon I usually eat. Both of us chose udon in broth. I originally thought the wide noodles would be the main highlight, but the broth was also excellent. It was savory, flavorful, and easy to drink, so I couldn’t help taking a few extra sips.
Since it’s a popular restaurant with a line, you need to be patient, but after trying it, I could see why it’s so popular. When you visit Ginza, besides shopping, don’t forget to stop by for a bowl of this highly distinctive belt udon!
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Marugo
Established in 1975, Marugo is a beloved Akihabara institution famous for its premium pork cutlets (tonkatsu). Carefully selected pork stands out for its sweetness, tenderness, fine texture, delicate flavor, and juicy richness. With perfectly crispy breading, each cutlet demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, earning Marugo recognition as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the Michelin Guide Tokyo.
When visiting Akihabara, of course you can’t miss Marugo, this popular tonkatsu restaurant! There’s always a crowd lined up outside. We made a special trip to try it this time, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
The restaurant has two floors, and the two of us were seated at the counter on the first floor, where we could watch the chefs cook up close. I was worried that sitting in front of the fry station would leave us surrounded by the smell of oil, but there was none at all, which really surprised me.
Besides the delicious food, the service also made us feel very comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive. As soon as they noticed that our teacups were empty, they immediately refilled them without being asked. The whole dining experience felt warm and welcoming.
The star of the meal, the tonkatsu, was also very satisfying! The breading was golden and crispy, while the meat inside was extremely tender and not dry at all. It wasn’t greasy either, and it went perfectly with the piping-hot white rice.
It also came with shredded cabbage salad and a lime wedge. I especially liked squeezing the lime juice over the shredded cabbage. The tangy, refreshing flavor went well with the tonkatsu, cutting through the richness and whetting the appetite.
By the end of the meal, everything from the food to the service had left a very good impression. No wonder this restaurant always has a long line. If you like Japanese tonkatsu, it’s definitely worth adding to your Akihabara itinerary!
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Yakiniku Onuki
Yakiniku Onuki is a popular barbecue restaurant known for its melt-in-your-mouth lean meat and a secret marinade sauce. The slightly sweet marinade, which goes well with both the meat and rice, has been a signature of the longstanding Yakiniku Onuki in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, for 45 years. The selected Japanese black Wagyu beef is renowned for its rich flavor and sweetness, further enhanced by this special sauce.
On this trip to Shinjuku, Tokyo, I specifically planned a meal of premium Wagyu yakiniku and chose Yakiniku Onuki in Shinjuku 2-chome. I already had high expectations for this restaurant, and after sitting down and trying the food, it really was a wonderful dining experience!
This time I ordered the black tongue set, and the thick-cut black tongue was what impressed me the most. Just looking at the thickness of the meat and its beautiful marbling was enticing. After grilling, it was very fragrant, with a slightly charred exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. It had a substantial, pleasantly chewy texture and was truly delicious!
Another great thing about this place is that it offers tableside grilling service. The staff grill the meat for you, handling everything from flipping it to controlling the heat just right. Every piece of meat can be enjoyed at the ideal doneness. You don't have to do anything yourself and can simply sit back and enjoy the food.
The restaurant also thoughtfully provides a selection of different sauces and salts. Pairing them with each type of meat lets you better appreciate the natural sweetness and aroma of the Wagyu.
Overall, not only was the quality of the meat excellent, but the service was also very attentive. The entire meal was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal in Tokyo, this place is definitely worth adding to your list!
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