Are you going to Japan this year?
The country reopened to tourism in October, almost heralding a surge in tourism in 2023. Yep, December will be the time to write a tirade about how no one wants to see more photos of noodle bowls and tonkatsu on social media. For now, though, a glimpse into one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations remains exhilarating.
I spent a week in Tokyo in March as part of the story of the city’s influence on LA’s growing sushi culture, notably the return of some of our best omakase chefs and their inspiration for fundamentals. This is part of a comprehensive project by the food team covering all sushi in Los Angeles.
but i can’t no Eat and drink in Tokyo. Let me state clearly: I claim to have no knowledge of the city’s foodie trails. What I do have is the privilege of local discerning Japanese friends in Tokyo and Los Angeles who have graciously provided guidance at every turn. I am deeply grateful to them and it seems only fair to pass on some generosity.
Any experience or study of Tokyo reveals two swift realities: There are a million ways to eat well, and making reservations at popular restaurants is a brutal sport. Plan ahead as much as possible, hire a hotel concierge to help with reservations for weeks, and know that if you can’t get into the 3-star temple you’re hanging out at, that’s totally fine. I haven’t, and I keep thinking about how shocking my trip was.
“Jiro’s Dreams of Sushi” has cemented Tokyo’s place in the hearts of the world as craftsmen – artisans who devote themselves to their chosen field, always striving to master and improve. The city is definitely where to chase your crush: mine included tea, coffee, tempura and pizza, and I encountered greatness.
Well, consider this very personal rundown: no ramen, no izakaya, no French celebrities. It’s one way to set foot in a place full of options. Note that I included Koji Kimura’s unique eight-seat sushi bar, which I covered extensively in my Tokyo-LA article, but his restaurant is currently closed while he opened a second one in Shanghai branch. Keep an eye out for his return and arrange bookings accordingly.
Here’s your guide to what America’s best sushi city has to offer, from the ultimate California roll to spectacular omakase.
