Before I made the trip out to Japan, I had to do a lot of research on Japanese eateries!  The research definitely yielded some great rewards but in the end, I was unable to find a few due to the fact that I don’t know a lot of Japanese and being unfamiliar with the area.  One of my first meals in Japan was located right in my neighborhood, Shinjuku.  I found Bichiumaya thanks to the Tokyo Cuisine Guide.  His blog is so useful for us tourists – he shows a lot of pictures and tells you what you should order.  If I hadn’t read his entry, I would never have been able to eat what I ate there!

SURUMEIKA NO BUTTER SHOYU YAKI (Grilled squid with butter and soy sauce)

NEGI KAKE TSUKIMI NIKUTAM (Okonomiyaki with green onions & fried egg)

MOCHI CHEESE NIKUTAMA (Okonomiyaki with cheese & sticky rice cake)

This was one of the best meals we had in Japan.  We didn’t realize how big the portions would be and had to get a take-out bag.  I felt so bad especially since I read that you aren’t supposed to do take-out in Japan.  The squid was the best squid I have ever tasted.  Perfect seasoning and oh so tender.  The egg in the second picture was really one egg that had two yolks!  I was amazed by that.  Wonderful food and start to my trip in Japan.

Shinjuku, Japan – April 2012