In collaboration with JR East Japan Railway Tomokazu Matsuyama, a Brooklyn-based Japanese contemporary artist has created a small space for the community to come together. It is also part of Lumine’s art project looking to promote accessible public art within Tokyo.

If you are not familiar with Tomokazu Matsuyama’s style, he is best known for his multilayered, colourful artworks, a fusion of using traditional Japanese textures and images blended in with a 20-century American lifestyle.

The art parks main feature is the “Hanao-San”, a 7m tall sculpture, surrounded by abstract colourful patterns. It is a place to meet, rest and enjoy, which is why you will also find plenty of stools and benches to do so.

So come here and take a few minutes to take it all in. It is open 24h, free and the perfect place to get a break while exploring this busy Tokyo neighbourhood.

Find out more about Tokyo’s art-scene and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get all the latest updates and follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

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Ok, it is not like you are overlooking the Seine in Paris or a historical Piazza in Rome. However, just being able to slurp a nice bowl of Ramen without having to worry was priceless.

Also to be able to enjoy the nice weather really made my day. Though, it is worth mentioning this terrace has a solid roof, so it is perfect for any weather (with some minor restrictions of course).

Ok, Enough About the Terrace, How About the Food?

Yes, the food was also great!

Starting from 700Yen for a bowl of Abura Soba, soupless Ramen with an oily sauce on the bottom, the price is pretty fair. However, as it was my first bowl for at least 3 months, I decided to go all out and order one of Menchintei’s upgraded bowls. Meaning my choice of Ramen was loaded with juicy “Chashu”, the Japanese braised pork belly used as a traditional Ramen topping. I ended up paying 1400Yen using the ticket machine. Which made ordering effortless, as you can see what you get from the pictures above the buttons.

As I handed over my ticket, I noticed plenty of hand sanitizers around, another plus. And within just a few minutes wait, my Ramen arrived and I headed outside.

Ramen Terrace Bliss

This might be a personal thing, or cultural, but eating outside just makes me happy. It somehow gives me that “holiday” feeling. Something we don’t often get here, with the Tokyo restaurant experience mainly happening indoors.

So let me tell you, outdoor Ramen is pretty awesome! Especially, when you get perfeclty cooked noodles, with just that little bit of a bite and meat that melts in your mouth. Make sure to add their siganture garlic sauce to lift that bowl of Ramen to yet another level. What a nice culinary experience.

This is one shop that should definitely be on your Ramen list and if you are in the Shinjuku/Yotsuya area there is really no excuse not to visit!

Web

https://menchintei.jp/shop/yotsuya/

Opening Hours

Address

〒160-0004 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Yotsuya, 4−8 店舗棟１F ライオンズ四谷タワーゲート

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With everyone still living their normal life and no imminent change in sight, here are some impressions of the Coronavirus and Tokyo in today’s pictures. From Yoyogi Park to shopping in Shinjuku, places have become slightly emptier, but life has not changed much. Yet.

We want to see YOUR best shot!

Send us your best photo to be featured, just follow & tag us on Instagram we cannot wait to see your Tokyo!!!

“make sure to add #obsessedwithjapan “

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Best time to visit?

Shinjuku Gyoen is really beautiful at any time of the year! With its variety of places and setups, you will always find it calming and refreshing. But of course, we think it is particularly worth coming between March and April with the Cherry Blossoms viewings. As well as October and December when you can see the autumn leaves in Tokyo. 

And to be honest, early to mid-December is one of our favorite time! There are fewer people, as we are in low-season (have a look at the best time to visit Tokyo). And although autumn has already passed, the autumn leaves are still visible. Just entering their last stage and you can still see the beautiful array of red and yellow. It is really every nature lover’s dream.

How to enjoy Shinjuku Gyoen

First, we have to tell you, this Park is not free, there is a 500¥ entrance fee. But it is worth it!

Get your ticket from one of the many Machines, enter and grab one of the multi-lingual maps and you are ready to go.

This Park closes quite early, at 4.30 pm and we are honest, try to have at least one hour. Or if you do want to grab something to eat, have a tea make it 2h.

Both, the restaurant and teahouses close very early. So if you do want to visit them, make sure you arrive before 3.30 pm, actually make that 3 pm, as otherwise, they may not serve you after. So if you get to the park late and want to grab a tea/food, you may want to do that first.

If you are not hungry, head straight to the Greenhouse with its futuristic look. You will love the view from inside out. Especially from the tiny bridge!

The Tea House

We highly recommend visiting the Rakuu-tei Tea House while you are here. It will give you an opportunity to experience a very quick version of the traditional tea ceremony.

Basically you get to taste the matcha tea accompanied by a traditional wagashi in a peaceful surrounding. But without the lengthy ceremony. Have a look at our traditional tea ceremony post to learn about the difference…

And its good value, a bowl of Matcha and the small Japanese sweet are 700¥. The funny thing is you pay outside at a machine and bring your ticket inside (Ramen style). Be careful, the door is a bit stuck, so if you cannot open it straight away don’t give up.

Inside it is peaceful, not a lively place, you could almost hear a needle drop. But as mentioned before, the idea of the tea ceremony is the same. A place to relax. 

As we entered an older lady dressed in a bright yellow kimono took our ticket and appeared shortly after with a beautiful small Japanese dessert. Another minute passed and the green tea was served. Just a beautiful moment.

The Restaurant

The restaurant has a real community vibe to it. And its ecological menu has some interesting items, as well as a few vegan options. Most of their mains are below 1000¥, with a nice variety of curries and other Japanese dishes.

Service was a little bit slow, so keep that in mind if you arrive late, we would recommend the Tea House over the Restaurant…

The Greenhouse

This also closes early at 4 pm, so another one to check out first if you come late. It is not huge, you can probably blaze through it in about 20-30min. But there are some great shots you can take from the inside out. So if you are a photographer, you will like this!

The Old Gyotei or Taiwan Pavilion

This is probably the most photogenic place in the whole park, with its mirror-like lake just in front of this beautiful Pavilion.

Stay here for a little while and take in the beauty, as it provides one of the best views in Shinjuku Gyoen. We hope you have your Cameras ready, as this is one Photo you will want to take!

Good to keep in mind

If you decide to visit on a tight schedule, we recommend 1-2h. Depending on whether you eat or have tea, that will obviously add to the time. But you could easily stay here for an afternoon, especially if you like taking photographs.

And just to say it one more time, come early, as otherwise you will be rushed and this Garden is really a place to relax and take it easy.

Web

https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/index.html

Address

11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014

Opening Hours

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It’s a small shop, 6 ppl max. So there might be a little wait and if you are in a big group, this might not work. But it’s great if you are by yourself! Well and to be honest, ramen is probably that one dish, you won’t really have a long conversation while eating it. Just the nature of it, as it’s best eaten fast, makes it a solo dinners best friend.

Now we also warn you, if you are in a hurry this is not the place for you. The chef here really takes her time preparing each bowl one by one. And you can taste the attention to detail. But it also means you will wait about 15 min for your bowl of choice. 

Nevertheless, we think it’s worth it! And actually, it was nice not being rushed. 

We got a ticket from the Machine outside (some English on the Buttons) and ordered the special spice ramen for 980¥. The most expensive item. But it just looked so good! And the promise of Middle Eastern spice-infused ramen just sounded so delicious! And the added extra umami from the roasted tomatoes was amazing.

To be honest, every bowl that came out looked the part. Decorated with coriander or meat that she hand blow torched. Yes, you heard right…

So if you are looking for a different take on this pretty straight-forward dish, then SHAKA Ramen is the place you want to check out! Which is also why it made it to our Best Ramen in Tokyo list!

Web

No

Address

1 Chome-32-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Opening Hours

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Just at the top of Shinjuku under the Yamanote and Saikyo Railway Tracks graffiti artist Mot8 has created not one, but 3 huge Murals. And we have a feeling a 4th one is one the way, maybe next year?

We heard that Mot8 has spent a respectable time abroad living and working in Italy. Which is partly why he has developed an almost pop art style. With most of these works including mythical creatures and depicting great encounters.

Biological Matrix Tokyo

Just as you are leaving Seibu Shinjuku Stations north exit, you will find the first of the 3 called “Biological Matrix Tokyo”.

We feel that although in the same style, it has more western influences than the others. Is that a Leprechaun there in the middle?

Mienai Chosen

The next Mural you will see on the way is “Mienai Chosen” created in 2018.

We really love this one, as it has a great sense of textures and unexpected objects. The more you look at it, the more you see another part of the story.

New Era

Just recently in the 2nd half of 2019, the latest Mural has been finishes called “New Era”. We think it is definitely the most psychedelic of all of them. Located on the other side of the Street. Very close to 1-13-2 Hyakunincho, in case you check it on google maps.

Our opinion of the Mot8 Mural?

Needless to say, these are great! And whether you are taking a selfie or looking for a great backdrop for that photoshoot, either of the Mot8 Mural is way worth a visit! But if you are looking for something else, check out our Great Tokyo Street Art Guide for other hidden gems in Tokyo!

Address

Closest Landmark, Doutor Coffee Shop: 2 Chome-46-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021

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We love the variety of small Cafes, Restaurants, and stalls and of course, whatever you fancy, you will find it in Shinjuku! So let’s have a look at our list of best Restaurants in Shinjuku!

1.Tatsunoya Ramen

Our best Restaurants in Shinjuku List would not be complete without a Ramen place on it!

We warn you, there is always a queue, but it is worth the wait! We recommend getting the “Tsukemen” and don’t forget to eat it with their signature Spicy Bean sprouts. It does not get much better than this.

Address

〒160-0023 東京都新宿区西新宿７丁目４−5

Opening Hours

Every day 11 am to 10.30 pm

2.Sapporo Soup Curry Tokyo Dominica

if you are in Shinjuku hungry and craving for vegetables make sure you visit Sapporo Soup Curry Tokyo Dominica!

With Hokkaido soul food on the menu, if you feel a bit worn out, this will get you the boost you need with all the extra veggies. Another nice thing, you can easily customize your dish, one thing often a tough one in Japan. Make sure you add extra cheese, you will not regret it!

Just make sure you got money as this is cash only.

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3-chōme−31−31-1 第2大伸ビルB1F

Opening hours 

• Every day 11.30 am to 10.30 pm
• except for Sunday they close at 9 pm.

3. Coto Cafe

Coto Cafe is a stylish Cafe on the 2nd floor near Shinjuku Sanchome Station. You enter and immediately feel comfortable!

The menu is only in Japanese, but the staff goes out of their way to help, so don’t worry. It features Cafe style dishes, Lunch sets, and great Cakes. So this is the perfect place to eat a lighter lunch or Dinner when in Shinjuku.

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 5-chōme−17−6 中田ビル2F

Opening Hours

• Wednesday to Monday from 11.30 am – 11 pm
• Tuesdays closed

4.Al Dente

At first glance, Al Dente may look more like a franchise or family restaurant. But don’t be fooled, if you like pasta this is a great choice to go to!

You will be queuing around lunchtime as Al Dente is well known in the area, but if you go in the evening you should be ok. The English menu reads easily: pasta, pasta, and more pasta. With the highlight being a bacon-topped carbonara. And yes it was delicious!

Our tip: Get a Bruschetta for a side for the perfect meal or just bread to soak up all the sauce…

Address

〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−25−1 新宿センタービル

Opening hours

• Every day 11 am – 9 pm
• except Sunday from 11.30. am

5.Oiwake Dango Honpo Cafe

Ok, you caught us! Technically not a Restaurant, this Shop, and Cafe is a must-visit if you have a sweet tooth and want to try this traditional Japanese dessert!

Oiwake Dango Honpo Cafe famous for its dumplings called “だんご” as well as it’s shaved ice dessert known as Kakigōri. Get the dumpling set for 567¥, which includes two variations and as much free Green Tea you can drink. A set includes 2 skewers with 3 dumplings each on it. Covered in a sauce or topping. The standard set comes with one skewer topped with Red Bean past and the other one is a traditional Mitarashi Dango.

They also do take away, which is great with Shinjuku Gyoen just a little walk away.

Address

3 Chome-1-22 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Opening hours 

Every day 10 am – 8.30 pm

So this is our list of the best Restaurants in Shinjuku!

Now we hope you check them out! We will be adding more, so come back if you cannot see a place you want to go just yet. Or let us know your favorite place in Shinjuku and we go check it out!

Also, have a look at our best Lunch places in Shibuya! or how about checking out where to eat in Shimokitazawa?

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It’s actually all they do! And it’s great to watch them make it behind the huge canisters of olive oil. The flames shooting up and the chefs “swinging” the pans making sure every bit it’s soaked in sauce. And just like that, your meal arrives.

You will be queuing around lunchtime as workers flood this place, Al Dente is well known in the area with all the offices around it. But if you go in the evening you should be ok.

The English menu reads easily: pasta, pasta, and more pasta. With the highlight being a bacon-topped carbonara. We re not going to lie: it’s tasty. Especially because the spaghetti were al dente, with just the right seasoning. 

Another great thing you can choose your portion size. For example, the normal carbonara (110g) is 980¥. Go “mini” (70g) and get 50¥ discount. Go big (180g) and pay 100¥+, or go double (250) and pay 300¥+. Just to warn you, it’s rich, if you get carbonara or any option with bacon, normal should be ok. But check out the pictures below to see the small portion versus a normal one.

Also, our pro tip here at Obsessed with Japan: order bread with it, to soak up the leftover sauce. Tip two: order the bruschetta. It’s perfect! A little taste of Italy..

..and if you are looking for a drink after, why not check out nearby Shinjuku Grandbell Hotel Rooftop bar?

Web

https://www.giraud.co.jp/company/brandlist.html#pasta-house (only brand portfolio)

Address

〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−25−1 新宿センタービル

Opening hours

• Every day 11 am – 9 pm
• except Sunday from 11.30. am

The post Al Dente appeared first on Obsessed with Japan.

It’s close to Shinjuku, on the way to Shinjuku Gyoen and we have been passing it a few times recently, so it was about time we tried it!

It’s a small enough shop, maybe 7 counter seats and two tables of two. And it gets quite busy in the evening, but if you pass by just after lunch, there is ample free space.

When we came in, the staff straight away tried to help us work out the ticket machine, which was really kind. There is some English to guide you, but the buttons itself still only show Japanese. But it’s totally workable, so don’t worry ???? 

What we love about Abura-Kun Ramen is that they do a lot of set meals for you to save some money. For example, if you arrive after 5 pm you can get gyoza+beer/sour+ Appetizers for ¥750. Or how about ramen + beer/sour from 930¥?  (Depending on the dish you choose).

Another thing we love is the price! Because you pay for the style, not for the size. They also divide them into spice levels, which we think is pretty clever. For example, we wanted to eat extra spicy (as always) and paid 780¥ for the smallest size, but you could have had a bigger portion for the same price. Its great cause we do hate wasting food, but many portions are just massive. Which makes this a smart way of avoiding it! And then again, if your hungry get the big size for no extra charge and everyone is happy, pretty good right?

She will also ask you if you like some extra rice (free again) to soak up the last bit of sauce, which was another nice touch. And yes, we absolutely have to come back to try the roast beef Abura soba! All in all, this is just one of these great Ramen places in Tokyo!

Now, all that is missing is dessert and guess what? Your only 5 min away from the best Japanese dumpling (Dango) shop in Shinjuku! So check out Oiwake Dango Honpo Cafe if you still have some space.

Web

Don’t have it

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2-chōme−7, 新宿２丁目７−1不二川ビル一階

Opening hours 

Everyday 11 am – 23 pm

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The beauty of soup curry for us really is the plenty of vegetables added to it. If you feel a bit worn out, this will get you the boost you need and get those veggies in! Another nice thing, you can easily customize your dish, one thing often a tough one in japan. 

If you are new to the magic that is “soup curry” this is how it works. From the Menu choose your basic option, kinda like the main course. Usually, it’s the combination of what main Meat and vegetable you would like. You will have a few basic options on the menu, then you choose the rest.

How to order

1. What Sauce: Often they offer house style, tomato or meat base
2. Spice level: From 1-10, if you like spicy go for a 6. Anything after that can be painful.
3. Extra toppings: More veg, cheese or meat. ALWAYS add cheese! Trust us you will not regret it ????
4. Rice size: choose how much rice you want. 

When you customize you will see what is included in the basic price and what will come at an extra charge. For example, we ordered 1. A vegetable curry (1200¥) with tomato base sauce, spice level 6 (+100¥), small rice (incl), fried cheese (+150¥) for a grand total of 1450¥. As a second one, we had another vegetable curry (1200¥) this time with yellow coconut base sauce, spice level 3 (0¥), small rice (incl), no toppings, which got us to 1200¥. It’s pretty straight forward, but don’t be fooled choosing can be a tricky one..

They both arrived with lightning speed and god they looked good! 

We tucked in and felt better with every bite! The vegetables were tasty and included staples, such as tempura pumpkin, burdock, cabbage, carrot, beans, lotus root and many more!

So if you are in Shinjuku hungry and craving for vegetables make sure you pop in, sit down and enjoy! Just make sure you got money as this is cash only.

Web

https://www.facebook.com/tokyodominica/

Address

〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3-chōme−31−31-1 第2大伸ビルB1F

Opening hours 

• Every day 11.30 am to 10.30 pm
• except for Sunday they close at 9 pm.

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