-
Whenever you think of Japan, you’re probably not thinking about tall skyscrapers and sterile gray scenery. Most people who have never been to Japan have a certain image of the country in their minds as a result of decades of cinema. There are two distinct images that come to mind when most people think of Japan – a hyper-modern country with bizarre cultural traits or a place with quaint rural villages filled wooden buildings and lantern light.
![]()
Neither image is very accurate, but they both exist in some form. On one hand, Japan is a modern country with everything you’d expect to find in an economically prosperous country; on the other hand, Japan has a deep appreciation for its history and architecture, which often manifests itself through nostalgic recreations of the way things used to be.
![]()
For an example of how modernity meets the nostalgic, you don’t have to look any further than Kita Otsuka’s Noren Gai neighborhood in northern Tokyo. In Japanese, the name literally calls to mind a street of shops with curtain doors. One developer set out to create an area of shops that look as though they’ve come straight out of pre-war Japan. There are a few restaurants there that are not to be missed if you’re looking for a unique dining experience.
![]()
Agalico Gyozarou’s open-air seating gives it the feel of a classic street food cart; this gyoza is anything but fast food though. Agalico serves up classic Japanese-style dumplings as well as several other comfort food favorites.
![]()
Other than classic steamed and pan-fried gyoza, they have things on the menu like chicken wings and fried rice with chashu pork.
![]()
After filling up on dumplings, head upstairs to let your inner diva out. The owner of Agalico also runs a karaoke snack bar above the restaurant.
![]()
For some more Japanese classics, be sure to check out Shida Jyukuseidori Jyuhachiban. Shida specializes in everyone’s number one late-night snack – yakitori. Try out the all-you-can-eat course to try an amazing selection of different chicken cuts, sausage, and even organs.
![]()
The meat is beautifully infused with a smoky charcoal flavor, making it the perfect thing to go with an ice-cold beer or a towering lemon sour that’s made with an entire lemon.
![]()
Lastly, there’s PariPari. The name means “crispy” or “fried,” and the menu makes it clear why. One of their most popular dishes is half a chicken, fried with veggies and savory homemade chicken soup. Practically everything on the menu is fried, from onions to whole shrimp, shells and all, so this isn’t necessarily the place to go if you’re watching your weight, but it’s the perfect place to hit up for a cold beer and a salty snack.
![]()
-
To get to the Noren Gai neighborhood and try these places for yourself, all you need to do is take the Yamanote Line to Otsuka Station. From Tokyo or Shibuya, it only takes about 20 minutes on the Yamanote Line to get there. From Otsuka Station, it’s just a short walk north; you can’t really miss it.
Go here
