A country with an ancient history and deep culture, Japan is the dream destination for many people. The partners and businesswomen Yasmin Yonashiro and Simone Xirata from the restaurant Jojo Ramen with three ramen houses in São Paulo, are also passionate about the Asian country.
Simone’s relationship with Japan is part of the businesswoman’s history and career. With a degree in business administration from USP, the inspirations and references for the creation of Jojo Ramen come from visits to more than 50 Japanese cuisine establishments, both in Japan and in the United States.
Sake sommelier Yasmin Yonashiro, who joined Jojo Ramen in 2017 and has been a partner since last year, also has a close history with Japan. Her legacy, for example, includes mastering traditional Japanese hospitality. An international standout, she participated in the Shochu Academy events in 2022 and the Japan Sake and Shochu Producers Association (JSS) in 2023.
Going beyond the capital Tokyo, they suggest places to have a drink, coffee or have a great gastronomic experience in three different Japanese cities and regions: Okinawa , Osaka and in Hokkaido .
Where to eat in Okinawa
The Lequio
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In the capital Naha, we suggest visiting the The Lequio a cocktail bar from the famous mixologist Shingo Gokan considered one of the most prominent figures in this area of Asia.
Another tip is to take the opportunity to try local products, such as Awamori, in various versions of drinks, and also in the most eccentric form, Habushu, in which they infuse a snake into the drink.
In fact, it is essential to try the excellent house rums, from the Mizuho distillery, one of the three oldest in Okinawa, where the drinks are made with locally grown sugarcane. It is worth mentioning that El Lequio is among the discoveries on the 50 Best Discovery list in Japan.
The Lequio: 1 Chome-3-3 Asato, Naha, Okinawa 902-0067, Japan / Tel.: +81 98-975-9674 / Hours of operation: Daily 7:00pm to 2:00am.
Agu-buta Shabu & Okinawa ryori Asatoya
The capital Naha also has excellent options for enjoying a shabu shabu (meat and vegetable stew) made from Agu pork, a native breed that, after almost becoming extinct, has returned to the market.
We went to the Buta-Agu Asatoya from the chef Hiroki Ohama which is next to El Lequio, where we tasted different parts and types of Agu. As the meat is extremely tasty, with a marbling that reminded us of Wagyu, the experience was surprising and one of the best shabu-shabu we’ve had.
Asatoya: 2F, Asato Building, 1-3-3, Asato, Naha-shi, Okinawa, Japan / Opening hours: Everyday, 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
Kishimoto Shokudthe
If you are staying in the city of Naha, we suggest that you hire a driver to take you to the town of Motobu, north of the main island, about 1h30 from the capital. There, a good tip is to eat the traditional dish called Okinawa Soba at Kishimoto Shokudo .
This is the only dish offered at the restaurant. Available in three sizes, each priced at 850 yen (about $32 for an extra large), 750 yen (about $28.60 for a large) and 600 yen (about $22.90 for a small).
Kishimoto Shokudo: 350-1 Inonami, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan / Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm.
Where to eat in Osaka
Kadoya Shokudō
In Osaka, we suggest trying ramen at Kadoya Shokudō . Like any good ramen house, it is a very popular place, with waits of up to two hours.
But we suggest arriving close to opening time, at 11 am, as the chances of queues are reduced. A tip is to try the Abura Soba, Ramen de Kuro Buta and Tsukemen — the noodles there are incredible.
Kadoya Shokudō: Capital Nishinagahori 1F, 4-16-13 Shinmachi, Nishi-ku, Osaka, 550-0013/ Tel.: +81 06-6535-3633/ Opening hours: Wed.-Tue., 11am-5pm.
Cremia Ice Cream Stand
Also in Osaka, be sure to visit Dotonbori, an area famous for its street food. There, try typical snacks such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.
But one of the best discoveries is in the little shop Cremia which serves the best soft-cream ice cream in Japan.
Cremia: 7-11 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0084, Japan / Tel.: +81 6-6213-5578 / Opening hours: Daily, 5:00pm to 11:00pm.
Where to eat in Hokkaido
Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q
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Located in Sapporo, the Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q It’s a must-see place to try excellent ramen.
Shoyu ramen uses Hokkaido beans—both in the shoyu and the noodles. For us, it was one of the best dishes of this category in all of Japan.
Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q:Ｆ, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, Japan 0600001 / Tel.: +81 11-212-1518 / Hours of operation: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; closed on Sundays.
Standard Coffee Lab
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Another must-see is visiting coffee shops to try the best lattes in Japan. For this, we recommend Standard Coffee Lab from the barista Satoru Oiso . The establishment also serves the best matcha latte ever.
Customers can also try sweets and snacks, such as the Snack and Wine Set for 1,540 yen (around R$58.70) and the house pudding for 660 yen (R$25).
Standard Coffee Lab: 6 Chome-7-1 Fujino 3 Jo, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2283, Japan / Tel.: +81 11-593-2260 / Hours of operation: Fri.–Tue. 10am–6pm; Wed.–Thurs. Delivery only.
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Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
