Nikujiru Gyoza no Dandadan
2024.12.11
Discover Japan’s Latest Must-Visit Stores in 2024
Experience Japan’s Culture Through Its Newest Stores
Japan continues to captivate global travelers with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. In 2024, a wave of exciting new stores was opened across the country, offering unique shopping experiences that reflect Japan’s culture, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge innovation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan of Japan, these newly opened stores are worth adding to your itinerary.
store introduction
From artisanal crafts to pop culture and wellness, Japan’s latest stores offer something for every traveler. Here’s a look at some must-visit locations that promise unforgettable experiences:
Hama Sushi Hachioji Kunugida store
Hama Sushi, a beloved Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain, has expanded with state-of-the-art flagship stores featuring upgraded interiors and next-generation dining technologies. Each new location offers an immersive experience where tradition meets technology.
Hama Sushi is known for its fresh and affordable sushi, offering a wide selection that includes seasonal and limited-edition items at reasonable prices. The dining experience is enhanced by high-tech features like touchscreen ordering systems and AI-powered sushi chefs that ensure quick service and consistent quality. The spacious seating and child-friendly menus make it a perfect spot for families, while each branch introduces regional specialties that allow diners to experience unique local flavors.
Signature dishes such as the Tuna Trio Plate, featuring premium cuts of tuna, and the Seasonal Sushi Platter with locally-sourced fish showcase the brand’s culinary excellence. To round off the meal, the Matcha Parfait offers a delightful sweet treat. For the best experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours for a quieter atmosphere, and use the Hama Sushi app to reserve a table and track special promotions.
Founded in 2011 in Chofu City, Tokyo, “Nikujiru Gyoza no Dandadan” was established to provide a space where customers can leisurely enjoy gyoza and beer. Its guiding principle is “creating a stylish and spirited restaurant that will be loved by the community for years to come.” Rather than pursuing short-term popularity, the restaurant continuously evolves to remain a beloved spot for local residents.
Dandadan’s gyoza has been loved by many people since its founding, aiming to offer a flavor that can be enjoyed casually by people of all ages.
The signature dish, “Juicy Pan-Fried Gyoza,” was perfected after more than a year of research. Coarsely ground pork leg meat is mixed with finely chopped cabbage and chives, then expertly “kneaded” by skilled artisans to lock in the juiciness. The wrappers are made with flavorful whole wheat flour and cooked to the perfect thickness for an ideal texture.
Enjoy a blissful moment created by gyoza and beer in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
RAMEN CLUB
Everyone’s favorite ramen has been transformed into a premium snack!
Homemade noodles fried three times are coated in rich soup and topped with authentic ingredients for a truly satisfying experience.
The “Sapporo Miso Ramen Snack” features medium-thick curly noodles with four toppings, including bean sprouts and corn, delivering the iconic miso flavor of Sapporo-style ramen.
The “Tokyo Shoyu Ramen Snack” uses medium-thick straight noodles and includes five toppings such as naruto fish cakes and green onions. The carefully crafted soy-based soup is a blend of traditional chicken umami and the roasted aroma of dried sardines, recreating the classic Tokyo-style ramen taste.
Both snacks authentically replicate the signature flavors of these regional ramen varieties. The noodles are specially made for each flavor and fried three times, resulting in a crispy, satisfying texture.
As you bite into the noodles, the soup coating melts in your mouth, creating a perfectly balanced harmony of noodles and soup.
The stylish packaging is designed in the shape of a ramen bowl, making these snacks not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Authentic Japanese-Style Dashi Curry Shibamata Store
Experience Authentic Japanese-Style Curry at the Hidden Gem “Dashi Curry” in Shibamata
Located in Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, “Dashi Curry” offers a unique take on Japan’s beloved national dish, curry rice, by incorporating “dashi” (Japanese broth), the essential foundation of traditional Japanese cuisine.
While many curries are known for their intense spiciness, Dashi Curry carefully balances the natural warmth of dashi with the rich and spicy depth of classic curry flavors, creating a harmonious and soothing taste experience.
The cozy interior has only seven seats, offering an intimate atmosphere filled with the owner’s passion and dedication. Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared bowl of curry in a calm, welcoming setting.
We sincerely look forward to your visit.
Oniichi
Located between Sangenjaya Station and Gakugei University Station, “Oniichi” is a handmade rice ball specialty shop that opened in 2024. At our shop, we use a premium rice variety from Ibaraki Prefecture called “Milky Queen,” known for its stickiness and natural sweetness, and serve perfectly steamed rice. Additionally, we use fragrant Asakusa nori from Chiba Prefecture, and our skilled artisans carefully shape each rice ball by hand to bring out the best in the ingredients.
Prices start at an affordable 190 yen, allowing you to easily enjoy the traditional flavors of Japan.
Recommended Menu Items
Signature Salt Rice Ball
Simple yet crafted with care, this rice ball highlights the rich flavor of “Milky Queen” rice, the aromatic Asakusa nori, and a perfect balance of salt—a creation we’re truly proud of.
Homemade Grilled Salmon
A rice ball wrapped with generously portioned, perfectly grilled homemade salmon. Its rustic yet profound taste is sure to delight.
Soy-Marinated Egg Yolk + Seasoned Minced Meat
A luxurious combination of rich soy-marinated egg yolk and flavorful seasoned minced meat. Perfect for those seeking a rich and satisfying flavor.
Toro-Taku
A delightful pairing of creamy minced tuna (toro) and crunchy pickled takuan radish. This rice ball offers a harmonious balance of bold richness and refreshing taste.
At “Oniichi,” we deliver delicious rice balls made with carefully selected ingredients, ensuring every bite is satisfying from start to finish. You can enjoy our rice balls in-store or take them out, making them a great choice for a snack during sightseeing or outings.
Visit “Oniichi,” located between Sangenjaya and Gakugei University areas, and experience the unique taste of Japan that you can only find here.
Over Excellent Daimaru Umeda Store
Jewelry brand “Over Excellent.” Dedicated to pursuing the most beautiful brilliance of diamonds, the brand applies its Japan-originated gemstone cutting technique, the “O.E. Cut,” to natural diamonds. The “O.E. Cut” is designed based on three-dimensional optical theory, developed through research into the angles that make diamonds appear exceptionally beautiful. In 2019, the O.E. Cut Diamond became the first diamond to win the Good Design Award.
The Over Excellent Daimaru Umeda store opened in October 2024 as a large flagship store. It is the only one of the brand’s three stores to feature an exclusive VIP room.
The store offers a wide range of products, including classic bridal and fashion diamond jewelry, Made-in-Japan coral, Akoya pearls, Argyle pink diamonds, and other colored diamonds. Additionally, it features luxury items and rare products that can only be found at this location.
Over Excellent Daimaru Umeda Store
Address: 3rd Floor Accessories, Daimaru Umeda Store, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone Number: +81-6-7410-0612 (Direct Line)
Tax-Free Shopping Available (For details, please contact the store staff.)
Over Excellent Kintetsu Abeno Harukas Store
Jewelry brand “Over Excellent.” Dedicated to pursuing the most beautiful brilliance of diamonds, the brand applies its Japan-originated gemstone cutting technique, the “O.E. Cut,” to natural diamonds. The “O.E. Cut” is designed based on three-dimensional optical theory, developed through research into the angles that make diamonds appear exceptionally beautiful. In 2019, the O.E. Cut Diamond became the first diamond to win the Good Design Award.
The store offers a wide selection of jewelry, including bridal collections such as engagement and wedding rings, as well as everyday fashion jewelry. Experienced staff are available to provide personalized assistance based on customers’ preferences. Feel free to visit the store at your convenience.
Over Excellent Kintetsu Abeno Harukas Store
Address: Accessories Section, 2nd Floor Wing Building, Kintetsu Main Store Abeno Harukas, 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka, Japan
Phone Number: +81-6-6625-2106 (Direct Line)
Tax-Free Shopping Available (For details, please contact the store staff.)
Over Excellent Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Jewelry brand “Over Excellent.” Dedicated to pursuing the most beautiful brilliance of diamonds, the brand applies its Japan-originated gemstone cutting technique, the “O.E. Cut,” to natural diamonds. The “O.E. Cut” is designed based on three-dimensional optical theory, developed through research into the angles that make diamonds appear exceptionally beautiful. In 2019, the O.E. Cut Diamond became the first diamond to win the Good Design Award.
The store offers a wide range of bridal jewelry, including engagement and wedding rings, as well as fashion jewelry for everyday wear. In the elegant and historic atmosphere of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, experienced staff are ready to provide personalized assistance tailored to customers’ preferences. Feel free to visit the store at your convenience.
Over Excellent Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Address: 1st Floor Accessories, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Main Building, 1-4-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Phone Number: +81-3-6225-5050 (Direct Line)
Tax-Free Shopping Available (For details, please contact the store staff.)
Music&ShishaBar Chill House
Located just a 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station and a 3-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station, “Music & Shisha Bar Chill House” is a hidden oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The interior features a modern and chic design with a black and gray color scheme, complemented by luxurious leather sofas. With its comfortable lighting and sophisticated decor, the space creates a relaxing atmosphere for adults to unwind.
Here, you can enjoy carefully selected shisha and a wide variety of drinks while immersing yourself in chill sounds spun by DJs. Open until 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s an ideal spot for late-night refreshment.
If you’re looking for a refined and relaxing space in Asakusa that combines music, shisha, and drinks, “Chill House” is the perfect choice. We look forward to welcoming you.
THE CAMPING LOUNGE WAITER-U
A new and unique café-bar, “The Camping Lounge WAITER-U”, has opened in Shimokitazawa!
This innovative spot is a must-visit for camping enthusiasts, offering a space where you can experience the spirit of camping right in the city. Operating as a café during the day and a craft beer bar at night, it provides a range of enjoyable experiences for visitors.
During café hours, you can savor authentic coffee brewed using camping gear from brands like Snow Peak and Coleman, and even try your hand at cooking your own camp-style meals like hot sandwiches and curry right at your table. It’s a fun way to feel like you’re outdoors without leaving the city.
At night, the bar offers an all-you-can-drink craft beer experience for just 2,200 yen per hour. With a wide selection of beers, including IPAs and stouts, the affordable pricing makes it an appealing choice for beer lovers.
The interior is decorated with lanterns and fire pits, creating a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a campsite. With its relaxed seating arrangements and ambient vibe, “The Camping Lounge WAITER-U” is the perfect spot for café enthusiasts, camping fans, and craft beer lovers alike. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a truly special time here.
BONAVENTURA Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C Store
BONAVENTURA Opens a New Store at Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C.!
On Friday, November 1, 2024, the Milan-based luxury leather brand “BONAVENTURA” opened a new store on the 3rd floor of the South Building at Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C.
The sophisticated space, inspired by the aesthetics of Italian Gothic architecture, beautifully captures the brand’s world. The store combines Italy’s traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary sensibility, offering a wide variety of timeless bags, elegant wallets, and small leather goods.
BONAVENTURA is a brand that pursues the perfect balance between beauty and functionality, delivering products that bring a sense of special happiness to everyday life. Crafted from the finest materials in Europe and designed with the refined sensibilities honed in Milan, each item promises to bring joy every time you hold it.
Come and experience the world of BONAVENTURA at the new store!
FAQs
Q1: Are these stores tax-free for international tourists?
Yes, most of these stores offer tax-free shopping for visitors with valid passports. Be sure to check at the cashier.
Q2: Do these stores accept international credit cards?
Yes, major international credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX are widely accepted.
Q3: Are English-speaking staff available?
Many of these stores have English-speaking staff or multilingual services to assist international visitors.
Q4: Can I ship purchases internationally?
Some stores offer international shipping. Inquire about shipping options at the store.
Q5: How can I learn about more new openings in Japan?
Stay updated by following official Japanese tourism websites and social media channels for the latest store openings and travel tips.
Conclusion
Exploring Japan’s newest restaurants and shops in 2024 is a perfect way to experience the country’s vibrant culture and modern innovation. Whether you seek delicious sushi, unique local flavors, or high-tech dining, Japanese stores provide unforgettable culinary memories. Plan your visit today and savor the taste of Japan’s ever-evolving dining scene.