Yakiniku Onuki | Review by 王小鈞

When visiting Akihabara, of course you can’t miss Marugo, this popular tonkatsu restaurant! There’s always a crowd lined up outside. We made a special trip to try it this time, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

The restaurant has two floors, and the two of us were seated at the counter on the first floor, where we could watch the chefs cook up close. I was worried that sitting in front of the fry station would leave us surrounded by the smell of oil, but there was none at all, which really surprised me.

Besides the delicious food, the service also made us feel very comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and attentive. As soon as they noticed that our teacups were empty, they immediately refilled them without being asked. The whole dining experience felt warm and welcoming.

The star of the meal, the tonkatsu, was also very satisfying! The breading was golden and crispy, while the meat inside was extremely tender and not dry at all. It wasn’t greasy either, and it went perfectly with the piping-hot white rice.

It also came with shredded cabbage salad and a lime wedge. I especially liked squeezing the lime juice over the shredded cabbage. The tangy, refreshing flavor went well with the tonkatsu, cutting through the richness and whetting the appetite.

By the end of the meal, everything from the food to the service had left a very good impression. No wonder this restaurant always has a long line. If you like Japanese tonkatsu, it’s definitely worth adding to your Akihabara itinerary!

On this food trip to Tokyo, I made a special visit to the main Ningyocho Imahan location to properly enjoy the long-established wagyu cuisine recommended by locals!

Before even entering the restaurant, I was drawn to the traditional red Japanese building. It has a strong old-town atmosphere that fits in well with the surrounding streets. Compared with typical modern restaurants, this place feels more nostalgic and elegant. Just standing at the entrance gives you the sense of occasion that comes with visiting a long-established restaurant in Japan.

There are set menus at different price points. The one I chose this time was around 18,000–25,000 JPY. Although it wasn't cheap, since I had made a special trip here, of course I wanted to fully enjoy the meal!

The Kuroge Wagyu was what I was looking forward to most. As soon as it was brought to the table, I could see the beautiful, even marbling, and the slices looked very tempting. The meat was truly very tender, with a rich beefy aroma, and I enjoyed savoring every bite. Although the main course only came with 2–3 slices of wagyu, which was less than I had imagined, the other ingredients and side dishes made the overall portion more generous than expected, and I felt quite full afterward.

Another thing that really added to the experience was that the set meal wasn't only impressive for its main course. Everything, from the appetizers and side dishes to the final dessert and hot tea, was of a high standard. The service and pacing of the courses also felt very comfortable. You can eat slowly and take your time without feeling rushed, which made the dining experience really enjoyable.

This time, I not only got to enjoy delicious Japanese wagyu but also experienced the attention to detail that a long-established restaurant puts into its cuisine. Although the price is on the high side, treating yourself to a meal like this once in a while during a trip is a worthwhile experience!

When visiting Tokyo, besides Disney, Yomiuriland is also well worth adding to your itinerary! It’s about a 30-minute trip from Shinjuku, and both adults and children can have a great time. The nighttime light show is especially beautiful—it really makes you not want to leave!

After exiting Keio-yomiuriland Station, there’s still some distance to go before reaching the amusement park. You can take a taxi, bus, or gondola up the hill. We originally planned to take the gondola, but it was suspended because of strong winds, so we had to walk uphill. It takes about 20–30 minutes, so remember to check the gondola’s operating status before heading out!

If you take the gondola, I recommend using an IC card since it’s more convenient. There are also big crowds when everyone leaves at night, so make sure whether the line is for buying tickets or boarding so you don’t get in the wrong one.

The park is filled with colorful lights everywhere, and every ride is decorated with sparkling lights in a wide variety of changing colors. Together with the nighttime view of the whole park, it really feels magical! There are great photo opportunities wherever you go, and you can even take beautiful pictures while waiting in line for rides.

When taking the gondola back down the hill, you can also enjoy a view of the entire amusement park lit up along the way. Be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy it—it’s really worth it!

A quick tip: Some rides have height restrictions for children, such as a minimum height of 90 cm. Remember to check the rules for each ride in advance so you don’t wait in line only to find out they can’t ride.

We didn’t enter the park until around 7 p.m. We bought our tickets online in advance, and scanning the QR Code at the entrance was very convenient. After entering, remember to keep the red wristband on. Since we had limited time, we had to quickly choose a few rides for the kids, and there were still so many we didn’t have time to try!

What left the deepest impression on us this time was Yomiuriland’s nighttime lighting and atmosphere. It was truly magical and romantic! It’s not only suitable for families with children, but also a great place for couples on a date.

If time allows, I really recommend planning to spend the whole day there, from daytime through the evening. That way, you can enjoy both the rides and the nighttime lights without feeling too rushed.