Hanayama Udon Ginza Branch | Review by 王小鈞

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Hanayama Udon Ginza Branch

Experience the exquisite "Himokawa Udon," a Gunma specialty, in Ginza.

2 Nov 2026 See More

On this trip to Ginza, I specifically planned to visit the popular Hanayama Udon, which is known for its lines. I had heard about Gunma Prefecture’s famous “belt udon” before, and I finally got the chance to try it for myself!

As soon as we sat down and the udon was brought to the table, I was honestly surprised by how wide the noodles were. Their wide, flat shape was very distinctive and completely different from the udon I usually eat. Both of us chose udon in broth. I originally thought the wide noodles would be the main highlight, but the broth was also excellent. It was savory, flavorful, and easy to drink, so I couldn’t help taking a few extra sips.

Since it’s a popular restaurant with a line, you need to be patient, but after trying it, I could see why it’s so popular. When you visit Ginza, besides shopping, don’t forget to stop by for a bowl of this highly distinctive belt udon!

Other Reviews by 王小鈞

Marugo

Established in 1975, Marugo is a beloved Akihabara institution famous for its premium pork cutlets (tonkatsu). Carefully selected pork stands out for its sweetness, tenderness, fine texture, delicate flavor, and juicy richness. With perfectly crispy breading, each cutlet demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, earning Marugo recognition as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the Michelin Guide Tokyo.
- Akihabara, Kanda, Ochanomizu
- Japanese Cuisine
2 Nov 2026 See More

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!
Yakiniku Onuki

Yakiniku Onuki is a popular barbecue restaurant known for its melt-in-your-mouth lean meat and a secret marinade sauce. The slightly sweet marinade, which goes well with both the meat and rice, has been a signature of the longstanding Yakiniku Onuki in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, for 45 years. The selected Japanese black Wagyu beef is renowned for its rich flavor and sweetness, further enhanced by this special sauce.
- Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
- Meat Dishes
2 Nov 2026 See More

On this trip to Shinjuku, Tokyo, I specifically planned a meal of premium Wagyu yakiniku and chose Yakiniku Onuki in Shinjuku 2-chome. I already had high expectations for this restaurant, and after sitting down and trying the food, it really was a wonderful dining experience!

This time I ordered the black tongue set, and the thick-cut black tongue was what impressed me the most. Just looking at the thickness of the meat and its beautiful marbling was enticing. After grilling, it was very fragrant, with a slightly charred exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. It had a substantial, pleasantly chewy texture and was truly delicious!

Another great thing about this place is that it offers tableside grilling service. The staff grill the meat for you, handling everything from flipping it to controlling the heat just right. Every piece of meat can be enjoyed at the ideal doneness. You don't have to do anything yourself and can simply sit back and enjoy the food.

The restaurant also thoughtfully provides a selection of different sauces and salts. Pairing them with each type of meat lets you better appreciate the natural sweetness and aroma of the Wagyu.

Overall, not only was the quality of the meat excellent, but the service was also very attentive. The entire meal was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal in Tokyo, this place is definitely worth adding to your list!
Ningyocho Imahan, Ningyocho Honten / Kisentei, Ningyocho Honten

This restaurant stands at the former Kisentei location, a comedy theater from Meiji to Showa Periods. Ningyocho Imahan is known for the cuisine using Japanese Kuroge Wagyu beef. The 1st floor is Kisentei, serving steak on the iron grill cooked before your eyes. The 2nd floor is Ningyocho Imahan, offering Japanese food such as sukiyaki and shabu shabu.
- Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
- Meat Dishes
2 Nov 2026 See More

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!