Truly Munchy in Japan - Tokyo Souvenirs (Taneya)

Munchy found this delicious red bean dessert on a trip to Ginza Mitsukoshi, Tokyo.

The crisp pastry is packed separately from the red bean filling (so that it retains its crispiness),

when put together, its a perfect combination, 

especially with the slightly chewy red bean filling that comes with mochi in the middle!

A perfect gift from Tokyo!

Location: http://taneya.jp/shop/index.html

Ginza Shop (Basement 2F), Mitsukoshi Ginza

http://taneya.jp/shop/tokyo_g-mitsukoshi.html

Truly Munchy in Japan - Kyoto/Tokyo (Kyoto Tsuruya)

Kyoto Tsuruya is a michelin star restaurant in Kyoto, 

serving traditional Japanese cuisine.

Munchy headed for the less pricy, Kyoto Tsuruya sub-restaurant in Tokyo.

The set meals were delicious! 

And importantly, they came at a more affordable price.

Location: Kyoto Tsuruya

Ginza Matsuya Restaurant, 8F Ginza Matsuya

http://www.kyoto-tsuruya.co.jp/ginza_matsuya.html

For the full list of Kyoto Tsuruya restaurants: 

http://www.kyoto-tsuruya.co.jp/

Truly Munchy in Japan - Kyoto (Nishiki Market)

Nishiki Market is a narrow street in Kyoto lined with stalls, 

selling a large assortment of traditional Japanese food.

You can even sample the dried food and snacks as you go down the street, 

though the crowds might make it slightly difficult to reach for the samples.

When Munchy was in Kyoto, it was almost time for new year in Japan.

Munchy took the chance to sample traditional rice cakes.

The rice cake restaurant in Nishiki Market offered set meals that catered to 

both the sweet and salty tastebuds...

... as well as Munchy's love for hotpots!

Be sure to try it when visiting Kyoto!

Location: Kyoto Nishiki Market

Take the subway karasuma line to shijo station or

take the hankyu line to karasuma station

Truly Munchy in Japan - Tokyo (Maisen Tonkatsu)

Maisen Tonkatsu (とんかつまい泉）

One of the best tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo.

Try the Aoyama Honten (青山本店）for a good sit down meal of tonkatsu.

Alternatively, if you have little time to spare from the shopping, try Maisen Tonkatsu at the railway station, Munchy found Maisen Tonkatsu at Tokyo station!

Location: http://mai-sen.com/restaurant/

Truly Munchy in Japan - Osaka (Dotonbori)

The food street of Dotonbori is a place where you will find tons of food.

Munchy's favorites from the street stores are octopus balls and yakisoba.

A river runs parallel to Dotonburi, so you can have a sweet meal overlooking the river.

Munchy's interesting food suggestion is actually Lord Stow's egg tarts.

The reknown Macau egg tarts are available at Dotonbori! 

Location: http://www.lordstow.com/

Truly Munchy in Japan - Tokyo (L'atelier de Joel Robuchon, Roppongi)

If you like to try some rather posh food in Tokyo, a good place is L'atelier de Joel Robuchon.

The food is delicious and if you still have stomach for a little more, try the restaurant's bakery.

Tip: Remember to make a reservation ahead of time.

Location: http://www.robuchon.jp/roppongi/lateier.html

Truly Munchy in Japan - Tokyo/Osaka Kani Douraku

Kani Douraku (かに道楽) is a delicious crab hotpot store.

If you visit Osaka, Kani Douraku is along the main street of Dotonburi, with a giant crab at the entrance.

There are also several Kani Douraku outlets throughout Tokyo.

It is definitely a great experience for any crab fan, with various crab dishes offered in each set.
It's interestingly how there are so many ways to prepare crab so tastily.
E.g. crab sashimi, crab hotpot, barbecued crab, rice with crab.

Location: Refer to the kani douraku website for the different outlets

http://douraku.co.jp/

Truly Munchy in Japan - Tokyo (Sushi Buffet)

Hina Sushi (Sushi Buffet)

The sushi is well-done, tasty and fresh.

If you like sushi and buffets, this is the place to try!

Location: B1, Shinjuku I-Land Tower, 6-5-1 West Shinjuku, Tokyo

http://www.create-restaurants.co.jp/shop/index.php?controller=FrontCrShop&action=shop_show&id=267&page=

Truly Munchy in Japan - Hakone

A trip to Hakone will most likely involve a trip along the Hakone Ropeway (tip: get the Hakone Free Pass).

Start at Sounzan station, and the trip takes you from Sounzan to Owakudani to Togendai.

From Togendai, you board a sightseeing cruise (a pirate ship!) along Lake Ashi.

The cruise ends at Hakone Machi where there are restaurants/museums/shops to explore.

Black Hot Spring Eggs (available at the Owakudani stop)

Delicious food awaits at Hakonemachi!