Join John Daub as he embarks on a food tour through Shinjuku, Tokyo, exploring the vibrant culinary scene that includes sushi, wagyu, tempura, and sake, guided by local expert Sho. Discover the history, culture, and flavors that make Shinjuku a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Shinjuku, a bustling district in Tokyo, is known for its vibrant nightlife and culinary delights. With over three and a half million people passing through Shinjuku Station daily, it holds the title of the world's busiest station. This urban maze is filled with thousands of restaurants surrounding its 200 exits, making it both complicated and exciting for visitors. In this blog post, we will follow John Daub on his food adventure through Shinjuku, guided by local expert Sho, as they explore the best of Japanese cuisine.
John begins his journey in East Shinjuku, meeting his guide Sho from Magical Trip. They navigate through the bright streets of Kabukichō, a neighborhood known for its nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment options. This area is a playground for adults, offering everything from izakayas (Japanese pubs) to karaoke bars.
Their first stop is an izakaya, where they are greeted by a clean and stylish interior. The restaurant offers a special foodie menu, allowing them to sample a variety of dishes. As the staff prepares the food, John can smell the grilling unagi (freshwater eel) in the kitchen. They start their meal with a traditional cheers, "Kampai!" (Cheers!), and the food arrives quickly.
The table is filled with an array of dishes:
John notes that typically, food is served course by course, but for the sake of the video, they have everything at once. Sho explains the significance of Edo sushi, a larger sushi style that dates back to the Edo period, made with red vinegar for a unique flavor.
As they enjoy their meal, John asks Sho about the common practice of mixing wasabi into soy sauce. Sho clarifies that while it can be done, it’s not the traditional way to enjoy sushi. Instead, it’s better to place a small amount of wasabi directly on the sushi.
As they walk through Kabukichō, Sho shares insights about the area’s history. Shinjuku, meaning "new living quarters," was established as a post town in the 17th century. Over the years, it has transformed into a vibrant hub with over 5,600 restaurants, making it a culinary hotspot.
Next, they visit a yakiniku restaurant specializing in wagyu beef. Upon entering, John is pleased to see the beef tracking number displayed, ensuring transparency about the meat's origin. They are served Kagoshima kuroge wagyu, renowned for its marbling and tenderness. Sho explains that this wagyu has won awards at the wagyu Olympics, making it a top choice for meat lovers.
The chef presents four cuts of wagyu along with vegetables. John learns that wagyu can be enjoyed in various ways, including shabu shabu, sukiyaki, and steak. The marbling of the beef provides an extraordinary tenderness, and John emphasizes the importance of savoring each bite.
To conclude their culinary adventure, John and Sho head to a local sake bar in the historic Omoide Yokocho, known for its intimate atmosphere and character. Here, they sample a variety of sake, starting with a unique cloudy sake from Saga prefecture. Sho explains that this sake is fresh and still alive, offering a natural sweetness.
As they continue tasting, they encounter a red sake from Kyoto, made from an ancient recipe. John notes the similarities between this sake and umeshu, a sweet plum wine. The experience of tasting different sakes challenges their palates, much like wine tasting.
John reflects on the incredible food adventure through Shinjuku, highlighting the importance of local guides like Sho in discovering hidden gems that are often overlooked in guidebooks. With a plethora of dining options and a rich culinary history, Shinjuku is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
As John wraps up his tour, he encourages viewers to explore the diverse culinary landscape of Japan, reminding them that sometimes the best experiences can be found in the most unexpected places. Whether it's sushi, wagyu, or sake, Shinjuku offers a taste of Japan that is truly unforgettable.
