Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Suginami-ku, Tōkyō, Japan

1. Kohaku no Mori

A traditional Japanese restaurant offering a unique kaiseki dining experience, showcasing seasonal Suginami produce.

Seasonal Offerings: Menus change with the seasons to highlight fresh local ingredients.
Intimate Atmosphere: Small, cozy restaurant offers a personalized dining experience.
Cooking Classes: Learn traditional Japanese cooking techniques in the attached cooking school.

A chocolate lover's paradise with multiple shops offering unique handmade chocolates.

Handmade Chocolates: Each shop offers a variety of artisanal, handcrafted chocolates.
Chocolate Workshops: Learn chocolate making techniques in workshops held by local chocolatiers.
Chocolate Tours: Guided tours allow visitors to discover the best chocolate shops in Suginami.

A bustling alleyway filled with ramen shops serving a variety of regional styles.

Regional Specialties: Each shop specializes in a different region's style of ramen.
Affordable Prices: Most shops offer delicious, filling ramen at affordable prices.
Late-night Ramen: Many shops stay open late into the night for those late-night ramen cravings.

A cooking studio offering hands-on classes in Japanese and Western cuisine.

Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Japanese dishes, like sushi and tempura.
Western Cuisine: Also offers classes in Western cooking techniques, such as pasta making.
Team Building Activities: Organize team building activities for your group or company.

A lively street filled with yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurants.

Fresh Quality Meats: Restaurants offer high-quality, fresh meats for grilling.
Variety of Sauces: Experiment with a variety of sauces and seasonings to enhance your meal.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Restaurants offer a relaxed, casual dining experience.

A guided food tour of Suginami's best eateries and hidden gems.

Local Specialties: Discover unique, local specialties not found elsewhere.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share stories and insights about each eatery.
Flexible Schedules: Tours can be customized to fit your schedule and dietary preferences.

A bustling street dedicated to teppanyaki (Japanese grill cooking) restaurants.

Skilled Chefs: Experience the artistry of skilled chefs as they prepare your meal.
Fresh Seafood: Restaurants offer a variety of fresh seafood options for teppanyaki.
Affordable Prices: Prices are reasonable, making this a great option for foodies on a budget.

A vibrant street filled with okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) restaurants.

Customizable Dishes: Choose from a variety of fillings and sauces to create your perfect okonomiyaki.
Lively Atmosphere: Restaurants offer a lively, energetic atmosphere for an enjoyable dining experience.
Budget-friendly Prices: Okonomiyaki is a budget-friendly dish, making it accessible to all travelers.

A tofu workshop offering hands-on classes and fresh tofu tastings.

Cooking Classes: Learn the art of tofu making in hands-on cooking classes.
Fresh Tofu Tastings: Sample fresh, homemade tofu in a variety of dishes.
Tofu History: Explore the history and cultural significance of tofu in Japan.

A charming cafe specializing in matcha (green tea) beverages and desserts.

High-quality Matcha: Uses premium, ceremonial-grade matcha sourced from Uji.
Creative Desserts: Offers a variety of creative matcha desserts, such as cakes and parfaits.
Traditional Atmosphere: Provides a traditional, serene atmosphere for a peaceful tea break.

A wagashi (Japanese confectionery) workshop offering hands-on classes and tastings.

Cooking Classes: Learn the art of traditional Japanese confectionery in hands-on classes.
Fresh Wagashi Tastings: Sample fresh, handcrafted wagashi in a variety of flavors.
Historical Context: Explore the history and cultural significance of wagashi in Japan.

A guided tour of a local sake brewery, including tastings and lessons.

Sake Brewing Process: Learn about the traditional sake brewing process.
Tastings and Lessons: Enjoy tastings of various sake styles and learn to appreciate their nuances.
Sake Pairing: Discover the art of pairing sake with different foods and occasions.

A mochi (Japanese rice cake) studio offering hands-on classes and tastings.

Cooking Classes: Learn the art of traditional mochi making in hands-on classes.
Fresh Mochi Tastings: Sample fresh, handcrafted mochi in a variety of flavors.
Mochi History: Explore the history and cultural significance of mochi in Japan.

A museum dedicated to ramen, featuring multiple ramen shops representing different regions.

Regional Styles: Experience the unique flavors and styles of ramen from different regions.
Interactive Exhibits: Learn about the history, culture, and artistry of ramen making.
Affordable Prices: Ramen shops offer delicious bowls at reasonable prices.

A self-guided crawl of Suginami's izakayas (Japanese pubs) offering a variety of dishes and drinks.

Local Specialties: Discover unique, local specialties not found elsewhere.
Self-guided Experience: Explore at your own pace and choose which izakayas to visit.
Late-night Izakaya Culture: Experience the lively, late-night izakaya culture of Suginami.