Asakusa exploration for the second time~~~(￣∇￣ﾉﾉ"ﾊﾟﾁﾊﾟﾁﾊﾟﾁ!!ｮｯ! Second round! Finally made it to the onigiri specialty shop "Shukuro" that I couldn't visit for a long time. When it comes to onigiri, I think of the famous Otsuka's "Onigiri Bongo" known for its long lines. Shukuro is a long-established shop founded in 1954. A sign saying "Tokyo's oldest original onigiri" was displayed. They make each onigiri right in front of you, like a sushi restaurant, as you place your order. Date: 2/18 Saturday, arrived around 10:40 (opening at 11:30), no customers ahead, 4 groups behind + The schedule was going smoothly and we arrived 50 minutes before opening time. We were prepared to wait, but they opened the curtain around 11:00 and let us in one by one. Yay! At this point, the seats were all filled. When entering the shop, they asked each group how many onigiri they wanted. After the seats were filled, they told the arriving customers the next available time slot and asked if they wanted to make a reservation. They also asked how many onigiri they wanted and to come on time. The type of filling is decided upon arrival, but they asked for it immediately after seating, so it's best to decide beforehand. They also spoke fluent English to foreign customers. Impressive service! The same system applied to takeout orders, with a specified pickup time and pre-ordering the filling. Order: Set for lunch - 2 onigiri and miso soup with tofu set, 748 yen x2, Husband: Tarako, Ami +55 yen, Me: Sake, Ami +22 yen. We planned to try other items like menchi katsu, curry bread, and taiyaki, so we only ordered 2 onigiri each. Tasting time! They took our orders in the order we were lined up outside. The onigiri arrived in a bamboo basket with pickled radish. First, the husband's Tarako and my Sake arrived. I thought they would bring 2 onigiri per person, so it was a surprise. Let's eat! The onigiri was plump and delicious, with crispy seaweed. The size was similar to convenience store onigiri, maybe a bit smaller. The fillings were generous, not too salty, and held together well. Just as we finished, the second round of Ami arrived. I read in an article that they recommend Ami for first-time visitors, so I switched from Shirasu to Ami. Ami Ebi is a sweet and savory simmered shrimp. Yum, it was delicious! Sweet, savory, not too salty, and it blended well with the rice. We devoured them and the miso soup in no time. So tasty! I could eat 2 more... Payment: Cash only, receipt provided. We paid at our seats. The owner was friendly, saying we didn't have to rush to eat. He even said they have plenty of time for the next reservation. We didn't eat in a hurry, we just enjoyed the onigiri so much. The husband said the same. A regular customer ordered Yamagobo and Beni Shoga for takeout. I thought it was cool. If I have the chance, I would visit again. Thank you for the meal.

Located right in front of the station, this is the oldest onigiri shop in Tokyo, founded in 1954! There was no line, but it was busy with people coming in and out. You enter, inquire about the next available seating time, reserve your spot and the number of onigiri you want to eat, then return on time. I was able to make a reservation for 15 minutes later since it was before noon, so I went shopping at a nearby store and came back to the counter. I ordered tarako (cod roe) and kombu with nameko mushroom miso soup. They also offer a set with tofu miso soup, but I could smell the red miso soup, so I added the nameko mushroom miso soup separately. The onigiri are made individually and served in a basket. The pickled daikon radish had a nice crunch to it. The ingredients are simple and traditional, not the trendy mixed variety, allowing the rice to shine. The seaweed was crispy, the rice fluffy, and every bite had a good amount of filling. The tarako was raw, not cooked, and the kombu was shiitake kombu. The miso soup was indeed red miso, piping hot and comforting. The chef making the onigiri was friendly and entertaining, even speaking fluent English with a hint of humor to foreign customers. He efficiently took reservations for seating and onigiri while constantly making onigiri with another staff member, without missing a beat. It was a cozy and welcoming atmosphere at the counter, enjoying onigiri while watching the lively interactions. I will definitely visit again, already thinking about what to try next time. Thank you for the delicious meal!

I arrived about 30 minutes after the restaurant opened on a regular day, and there were about 8 groups waiting in line. Despite it being September, the sun was quite strong, and the foreign couple in front of me took turns seeking refuge in the shade. If you plan to go during the day, consider adjusting your timing or bringing a parasol. I waited for about 30-40 minutes before entering. The restaurant seemed to be quite popular among foreigners, as I saw a total of 3-4 couples. It was amusing to see them struggle with eating onigiri. The friendly chef seemed busy but still managed to take orders. Some may have mixed feelings about this, but I personally enjoy this kind of customer service. I ordered a plum and bonito onigiri. I was worried that the plum might be too salty in the traditional style, but it turned out to be slightly sweet and deliciously tender! The seasoning of the onigiri was perfect, and it was worth sweating it out while waiting. I realized that I had been eating convenience store onigiri all this time, so having freshly made warm onigiri after many years was a treat. The size was a bit smaller than convenience store onigiri, so even women could probably eat three without a problem. I would love to try the luxurious ikura onigiri next time, so I will definitely visit again!

For more details, please visit the blog at https://tokyo-tabearuki.com/yadoroku-asakusa 1. Tokyo Tabearuki's review of Onigiri Bongo and related stores 2. What is Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku? 3. How to get to Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, its appearance, and business hours 4. The system of Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku 5. The menu and atmosphere of Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku 6. Set of Shirasu, Salmon, and Tofu Miso Soup at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku "Tokyo Tabearuki's review of Onigiri Bongo and related stores" Onigiri Bongo Otsuka Ekimae Store The most popular onigiri shop with long lines in front of Otsuka Station Featured on TV show Passion Continent, with a wait time of 2.5 hours on weekdays! Detailed explanation of the menu November 12, 2022 Yamataro Zoshigaya The landlady of Yamataro Zoshigaya trained at Bongo Information on the appearance, menu, and take-out specialty of the new store June 25, 2023 Summary of Onigiri Bongo and related stores, affiliate stores, and inspired stores March 26, 2023 What is Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku? Onigiri Yadoroku in Asakusa opened in 1954. It is said to be the oldest onigiri specialty store in Tokyo, and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2024. As of August 25, 2023, it has a rating of 3.54 on Tabelog and 4.2 on Google Maps. It has been selected as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide Tokyo from 2019 to 2023, making it the only onigiri shop in the world to be featured in Michelin. The shop is known for using carefully selected ingredients and authentic onigiri made with single-origin Koshihikari rice (subject to change depending on the year), Edo-style seaweed, and natural salt (subject to change depending on the season). The shop is open for lunch, and customers can bring in products from a confectionery shop located behind the shop during lunch hours. While I have only visited Bongo and related stores, it is surprising to see a lot of traffic to all the stores, possibly due to the Bongo boom. Encouraged by this, I plan to explore other onigiri shops outside of the Bongo-related ones, starting with Yadoroku. "Yadoroku" means "six of the inn" and is a term used to either belittle or show affection for the head of a family. How to get to Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, its appearance, and business hours Address: 3-9-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Capital Plaza Asakusa About a 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station, along Kotoito Street Exterior of Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku Business hours: Lunch: 11:30 AM - (until the rice runs out) Dinner: 5:00 PM - (until the rice runs out) Closed: Lunch on Sundays, Dinner on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays The system of Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku I read several reviews, but the timing was inconsistent, so I will share my own experience this time. 4.1 Weekday in early August 2023, around 1:15 PM The storefront was empty, and when I entered, the master said, "It's over, it's over." Seriously? That was quick. It seems that they had closed orders before 1 PM that day. So, I had to go to my second choice, "Tonkatsu Kawakane," for their Kawakane Don (Japan's first katsu curry). The original katsu curry! Established in 1918 in Asakusa, "Kawakane" has been serving the Kawakane Don since its street stall days, and even the famous singer Misora Hibari was a regular customer. 4.2 Wednesday in late August 2023, around 12:50 PM The storefront was empty again, and when I entered, I was asked, "Did you make a reservation?" When I replied, "No, not yet," I was told, "Tell me your name. Come back around 1:15 PM." I was also asked how many onigiri I wanted, so I requested "2 pieces." Ah, so this is how the system works. There was no need for registration. Just communicate your preferences to the master verbally, and you're all set.

◇ Visit date: Around 11:00 AM on a Saturday in August ◇ Crowd: Not crowded (opened early) ◇ Ordering method, speed of service: The owner takes the order verbally and puts the onigiri in a basket as requested ◇ Taste: "Your choice of 3 onigiri with miso soup" Selected fillings: pickled plum, Nara pickles, ginger miso. Delicious rice and fillings. The rice is soft but holds together well. The size and quantity of the 3 onigiri are just right. ◇ Price: Reasonable ◇ Customer service: Average ◇ Payment method: Cash

I visited around 6pm on a regular day and there was no waiting time. The restaurant was empty and had a sushi bar-like setup where the hostess made the onigiri behind the counter. The service was excellent and all the onigiri I tried were delicious. [Order] Umeboshi 341 yen, Nara-zuke 319 yen, Tarako 374 yen, Miso soup 374 yen.

The rice and nori at this restaurant are carefully selected, and the kindness of the female owner adds to the charm of the place. From simple pickled plums to various ingredients, the food is delicious. Be sure to visit early as they close once the sushi rice runs out.

I went to a popular onigiri specialty store in Asakusa where there is always a long line, called "Onigiri Asakusa Yado Roku", which has been featured in the Michelin Guide. This shop has been passed down through generations and is now run by the third-generation master. You can choose from a variety of fillings to customize your warm onigiri. I ordered the following: ◇ Ikura (salmon roe) ◇ Shake (salmon) It was delicious! The ikura was large and the shake had a nice salty flavor. I'm excited to try something different next time. You can dine in or take out, so I highly recommend this place for a lunch in Asakusa!

Onigiri shop in Asakusa. It has been selected as a Michelin Bib Gourmand. It seems to be the oldest onigiri shop in Tokyo. There is always a line or it seems closed, but on this day there was no line and seats were available so we entered. The service was a bit formal. We ordered tarako onigiri for 341 yen, sake onigiri for 374 yen, and shijimi clam onigiri for 367 yen. The onigiri are not hand-rolled, but molded with a special onigiri mold. The onigiri are made with softly cooked rice, giving a soft texture. It seems they have a commitment to the ingredients and rice, but the rice was just okay. The nori is crispy and fragrant. The fillings are just the right amount, making it a type of onigiri to enjoy the rice. The size is average. The miso soup is made with red dashi and has a homely taste. It is served piping hot. Overall, it feels like a traditional onigiri shop, but if there had been a line, the impression might have been different. Also, being a tourist spot, a long-established shop, and a Bib Gourmand, it felt a bit pricey.

I may have had too high expectations for the taste, so it was delicious but not outstanding. I would prefer the seaweed to be a bit crispier. I ordered two pieces, but they gave me three. I didn't want to make a fuss so I just ate them. The bonito flakes could use a bit more seasoning, as they were a bit dry.

Ate yakitori and oyakodon at Toriko, then walked from Senzoku-dori to Yanmon-dori. While exploring the Senzoku area, I got hungry again. It was past 8 PM. The lights were still on at Yado Roku. "Let's stop by for a bit..." During the day, the young chef makes sushi, but at night, it's the landlady. There were no set meals for dinner, only a la carte. Landlady: "Would you like some soup?" Me: "Then, I'll have clam miso soup." "And also, pickled plum and salmon..." I slurped the clam miso soup and ate two rice balls, but I was still hungry. So I added "ginger miso pickles." It's not particularly delicious, but maybe because it's Yado Roku, it goes down smoothly like a dessert? It's not certain, but it was definitely tastier when made by the landlady than the young chef. Thank you for the meal.

I arrived at the restaurant at the opening time of 11:30, but there were already customers inside. I was able to make a reservation for 12:15. There wasn't much explanation provided, so first-time visitors might feel a little confused. I tried the set of onigiri (salmon, kelp) and it was delicious with generous fillings. The miso soup that came with it was also great, especially the red miso which paired well with the rice. There are other items on the menu that I'm curious about, so I would like to visit again. At first, I thought the owner might be intimidating, but they were actually very friendly and easy to talk to.

On Saturday night, I lined up at 16:45 for a restaurant that opens at 17:00 and was able to get in after about 40 minutes. They didn't have a lunch set, so when I was asked about the miso soup toppings after entering, I ordered onigiri along with it. This time, I chose salmon, but next time I want to try the flavored pickles and salted fish!

I visited for lunch on a regular day. It was raining, so I arrived a little before 11 o'clock and there were two groups waiting in line, but I was able to enter smoothly. When it comes to onigiri, Otsuka's Bongo is famous, but it seems that Shukuro is the oldest onigiri specialty store in Tokyo. There are more varieties of fillings at Bongo. The crispy nori, chunky fillings, and delicately molded rice. I thought that onigiri eaten at a specialty store really has a different taste.

Visited the Michelin Bib Gourmand 2023 rice ball shop "Onigiri Asakusa Shichiroku" located a 3-minute walk from TX Asakusa Station. Around 1:30 pm on Saturday, there was no line in front of the shop. I thought they might have sold out, but I was able to enter easily. I ordered the ginger miso pickled rice ball for 297 yen, the grilled rice ball for 297 yen, the scallion rice ball for 352 yen, and the miso soup with Nameko mushrooms for 374 yen. The food was served in about 5 minutes. Unlike "bongo," the rice balls here do not have any junk food-like options and are simple and Japanese-style. This might be what appeals to the Michelin judges. The scallion rice ball I had today was delicious, with fried tofu and seasoned with Japanese broth. The ginger miso pickled rice ball and grilled rice ball were also delicious. I enjoyed every bite until the end.

The store was supposed to open at 11:30, but it seemed to have opened earlier as I arrived around 11:30 on a weekday and had to wait for about 10 minutes. When you enter the store, they immediately ask for your choice of ingredients, so it's good to have an idea beforehand. They quickly make the onigiri once you tell them, and it comes out in no time. The rice in the onigiri is chewy and there are lots of fillings packed inside, which was impressive. I had two onigiri (okaka, salmon) and tofu miso soup set for ¥748. The store is small but has good turnover. However, when I visited on a Saturday at 12 o'clock last time, they were already sold out, so be careful with your visiting time.

I had the opportunity to go near Asakusa for work, so I decided to go to Asakusa afterwards. It's about a 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station. I arrived right when they opened at night. The hostess welcomed me and I sat at the counter. I ordered my favorite kombu and grilled cod roe, and miso soup with clams. They serve the onigiri as soon as they are ready, and the hostess hands them to you with a smile, which made me feel warm inside. I wanted to take a picture of the two onigiris together, but I couldn't resist eating them hot. The miso soup was made with red miso, but I couldn't really taste the clam flavor, which was a bit disappointing. The onigiri had slightly soft rice with a large piece of kombu. The salt was on the sweeter side, giving the onigiri a gentle and delicious flavor. The nori was crispy, and the uneven edges were especially tasty. On my way out, the hostess struck up a conversation with me, which made the experience even more enjoyable. While I wasn't extremely impressed, I think it's rare to find a place where you can eat freshly made onigiri, so I appreciate this kind of shop. I also liked the atmosphere and hospitality of the place. Thank you for the meal, I will definitely come back!

I had lunch at "Shokuro," which claims to be the oldest onigiri specialty shop in Asakusa, Taito Ward. I arrived a little before 11 am, and there were already about 10 people in line. The store opened at 11 am, and the owner came out to ask how many people and how many onigiri we wanted before seating us inside. When it was my turn, I was asked the same question, but the customer in front of me caused a temporary halt in seating inside. I had to wait until 11:25 for my reservation, so I explored the area around Senso-ji Temple to pass the time. When I returned to the store at around 11:20, I joined the line of about 8 people and at 11:25, a staff member called my name and guided me to the back of the counter. I ordered umeboshi and ikura onigiri and opted for the set with tofu miso soup. The onigiri were served in a sushi shop-like setting with a counter and table seating. The onigiri were about the same size as convenience store ones, wrapped in half-cut nori with one side extended. The store operates differently from typical lining up as customers are required to enter the store once and then leave based on a designated time given by the owner or staff. While I was eating, I was informed that the designated time for my visit was around 12:50 to 13:00, approximately an hour later. The onigiri would be served until they ran out, so it's advisable to visit the store early to secure your order. I learned from the owner's Instagram that he enjoys diving and is planning to visit Kerama. I also dove for the first time in Kerama from Naha. Shokuro is often compared to Bongo in Otsuka. In my opinion, Bongo offers more volume and variety of fillings. However, the waiting time at Bongo has become quite long recently. Unlike Bongo, where the fillings are visible on top of the onigiri, they are not visible at Shokuro, making them look the same from the outside. It depends on personal preference, but if you want a smoother experience, Shokuro might be the better choice among the two top onigiri shops in Tokyo.

It seems to be the oldest onigiri shop in Tokyo. I heard it has been around for 67 years. Amazing. The menu consists of onigiri and miso soup, simple yet delicious. The rice is fluffy and moist, truly top-notch. The miso soup has a subtle sweetness and elegant flavor. Thank you for the meal. The hostess's service is gentle and kind.

Established in 1957, this is the oldest onigiri (rice ball) specialty store in Tokyo. They are known for their sushi-style onigiri, where the onigiri is made right in front of you at the counter. Onigiri has a long history in Japan, dating back to the Yayoi period (800-900 years ago), making it one of the oldest foods in Japan. While onigiri is traditionally a home-cooked meal, this store has elevated it to a new level by offering it in a sushi-style format. Similar to the popular O-bon-go in Otsuka, this store, located next to Isetan Shinjuku, has also gained recognition and is set to open a new branch in January. They have attracted both local and international customers, with their onigiri being recognized by the Michelin Guide. The name "Yado Roku" translates to "a good-for-nothing husband who is never home," as the store was started by a husband who wanted to help out. On this Saturday evening, they offered umeboshi (pickled plum) for 313 yen and okaka (bonito flakes) for 291 yen. They have around 17 different types of fillings available, including popular options like salmon, grilled fish, and cod roe. The onigiri is wrapped in seaweed from Tokyo Bay and is delicately prepared by the second-generation female owner. The umeboshi is tangy and delicious, while the okaka is flavorful with bonito flakes. Both onigiri had a perfect balance of rice and filling, providing a satisfying and comforting meal experience. The onigiri made by the owner had a warm and heartfelt taste, leaving a lasting impression. It was a delightful dining experience.

■Shop Information The oldest onigiri shop in Tokyo, "Shukuro," is famous for its bonito flakes onigiri, and it is popular in the gourmet world as well. I visited after a long time, and they asked me to come around 1 pm after mentioning my name. I had to kill about 2 hours before that. It is recommended to choose your menu in advance. Once you sit down, they will ask for your order right away, without any detailed explanations. It would be nice if they had that here. ■What I Ate - Bonito Flakes Onigiri ¥290 - Ginger Miso Pickles ¥290 - Salmon Onigiri ¥319 - Salmon Roe Onigiri ¥740 - Kelp Onigiri ¥319 - Nameko Miso Soup ¥340 The onigiri are freshly made and fluffy, which is delicious, but there is something lacking. It's good that they are simple, but for those who prefer more hearty onigiri like the bonito flakes style, it might not be satisfying. Personally, I recommend the ginger miso and salmon! The balance of ingredients and rice was good! It's a nice onigiri to have once in a while. Follow "Nonaru Otoko's Tokyo Lunch Meals" on Instagram with 65,000 followers for delicious food recommendations from all over Japan! Follow now!