Stone oven hamburger chain Ishigamaya Hamburg has opened its first global flagship branch Ishigamaya GOKU BURGER in Omotesando. The restaurant will be open for a limited-period of 2 years.
The classic hamburger is made from 100% ground beef, but at Ishigayama Hamburg they serve what is known as the “Hamburg Steak,” a mix of onions, spices, breadcrumbs, milk and other ingredients in the patty. It’s a popular dish in Japan alongside ramen and tonkatsu.
We visited Ishigamaya GOKU BURGER to see what a hamburger tastes like at a place that specialises in juicy, stone oven cooked Hamburg Steak.
The restaurant faces Omotesando Hills. It’s in the same building as Heiroku Sushi on the second floor. It’s very easy to spot with its big sign that reads “GOKU BURGER.”
The cosy burger joint has a casual atmosphere to it, lit up by its many variations of lamps.
From the big windows you can look down onto the the streets of Omotesando.
From your table you can see the large stone ovens which cook the famous Hamburg Steak. The smell is incredible.
I ordered the ¥1,450 Avocado Cheeseburger. It looks really cool with the knife stuck through it. You can choose from three different sauces to coat your burger: Original, Teriyaki and the Chef’s Special. I went with Original.
Time to tuck in! But before that, you’ve got to put on the gloves provided by the restaurant which come with every burger. So what explains why the sauce is served in a separate tray! The fact you get your own gloves is a great idea since it means it’ll keep your hands nice and clean so you won’t get grease all over them.。
The meat is succulent and extremely juicy. The burger juices and sauce blend together to make a really delicious flavour which make you just keep on dipping.
The hamburgers are made with red meat that has only a little fat content, with each burger formed by hand individually. And by cooking them in a stone oven it means the burger will cook evenly and all at once, sealing the flavours and juices in even more compared to infrared cookers. The buns too have an amazing taste and are nice and fluffy.
The potato fries are round rather than long and thin. They don’t go soggy and go amazingly with the sauce too.
The ¥1,580 BLT Burger looks tasty too, it’s packed full of colourful ingredients.
When you order the ¥1,380 Premium Hamburg Steak Regular Set they pour the sauce over for you, so I had to take a photo. The thick steak is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside so it maintains its juiciness.
If you love burgers then you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Ishigamaya GOKU BURGER to try a burger like no other.
Information
Ishigamaya GOKU BURGER
Address: 5-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: http://www.kichiri.co.jp/brand/ishigamaya/
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All twelve branches of the American-style hamburger restaurant J.S. BURGERS CAFE in Japan began holding the "Edo x American Fair" from April 17.
The fair takes Japanese food connected to Edo like sukiyaki, sushi and tempura and turns them into classic American-style food like hamburgers, sandwiches, popcorn shrimp and more.
"Sukiyaki" Bacon Cheeseburger: ¥1,380
The burger is made with an original patty of soft and melt-in-the-mouth sliced beef rib which is covered in a sweet and spicy soy sauce that brings out the full flavour of the beef. It's topped with sauteed edible chrysanthemums, grilled spring onion and other ingredients that give it that sukiyaki appearance. But it also comes with smoked bacon and Gouda cheese to make it that collaboration between Japanese and American flavours.
Roast Beef "Sushi" Sandwich: ¥1,280
This sandwich takes soft and fatty roast beef and makes it look like meat-topped sushi. It's covered in an aioli sauce that's made with shredded dried plum and beefsteak as well as wasabi for a refreshing kick. Many flavours and textures can be enjoyed with this sandwich, from the beefsteak plant to the seaweed butter. It also comes with a side of fries seasoned with black sesame seed pepper.
"Tempura" Shrimp Fritter w/ Honey & Plum Dressing: ¥780
A delicious plate of fried shrimp in a special coating that comes with a mayo dip laced with sweet honey and sour shredded dried plum.
"Miso" Clam Chowder: ¥350
Clam chowder is an American classic, but this one is infused with secret Japanese flavours. The spring onions and ginger give it a flavoursome kick.
Information
J.S. BURGERS CAFE Official Website: http://burgers.journal-standard.jp/
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The new L’OCCITANE Omotesando Voyage Sensoriel will open in the Omotesando and Harajuku area―Tokyo's hub of trends and culture―on July 27. This new concept store is Japan's first ever spa and cafe establishment where customers can enjoy L’OCCITANE with all five of their senses.
1st Floor: VERBENA CAFÉ by L’OCCITANE
Nestled in the corner of the first floor is the chic VERBENA CAFÉ where customers are treated to a menu blooming with fresh verbena, an ingredient you don't see everyday. Fresh Verbena Blanc Manger - ¥1,280 (Tax Included) Mango Verbena Parfait - ¥1,480 (Tax Included)
Sweet Tea Float Series - ¥1,280 Each (Tax Included)
The menu is tied to the seasons, so for this summer, you can look forward to cooling yourself off with the Fresh Verbena Blanc Manger and Mango Verbena Parfait, both made with fresh seasonal fruits, or a choice of one of the refreshing Sweet Tea Floats.1st Floor: petit Spa L'OCCITANE
Also located on the first floor is the petit Spa L'OCCITANE which is opening as the first spa attached to a main branch. Their beauty menu covers everything from ageing care to relaxation. They also offer facial treatment services using Immortelle Divine Harmony―the latest in L'OCCITANE's skincare range―as well as the relaxing L'OCCITANE spa service which is guaranteed to send you off into a beautiful sleep. 1st Floor: VOYAGE SENSORIEL
The shop will also sell the elusive 86 Collection, a series of fragrances made in collaboration with Pierre Hermé Paris and sold at select stores only across the world. Additionally, to celebrate the opening of the VERBENA CAFÉ, the shop will also sell limited edition verbena products and kits which can be gift wrapped. If you're looking for a little luxury while in Tokyo then look no further than the spectacular new L'OCCITANE Omotesando Voyage Sensoriel, opening July 27. Information
L’OCCITANE Omotesando Voyage Sensoriel
Grand Opening: July 27, 2019
Address: Emoto Bldg. 1F/B1F, 4-29-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Business Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Cafe Last Orders 20:00)
Official Website: https://jp.loccitane.com/omotesando -
Omotesando―The hub for the latest trends and fashion in Japan, home to iconic landmark stores and sites aimed at the country's youth to cafés and restaurants that make you feel like a celebrity. Weekends are an especially busy time in the high-end avenue of Omotesando where shops and streets bustle with lines of locals and tourists out on shopping sprees. Today we are joined by Japanese Instagrammer omao who's in-the-know when it comes to cafes, something you can tell with just one glimpse of their page. For those of you who are left wondering where to stop off for a coffee break or some lunch during your visit to the Omotesando and Harajuku area, omao is here to show you some stylish and little-known good spots. Bread, Espresso &
At Bread, Espresso &, you can enjoy some seriously bread and coffee. This café and bakery offers both dine-in and takeout services. It's tucked away from the main street just a 5-minute walk from Omotesando Station's A2 exit. On my visit this time, I ordered several different bread options. Everything looked so delicious that I felt spoiled for choice! Red bean butter. There's no way on earth that could ever be unappetising. The pastry is super soft. Each individual order is packaged in its own bag which left a good impression with me in the hygiene department. ▼Bread, Espresso & Address: 3-4-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Business Hours: 8:00-20:00 No Fixed Holidays Website: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ CHAVATY CHAVATY is a café specialising in milk tea. This one is also within just 5-minutes walking distance from the A2 exit of Omotesando Sation. When I took this photo I ordered the tea latte and scone set. When you order an iced tea latte it comes in a cute bottle, but it was hot on this day so I got it hot. What surprised me from the get go was hot big the drink is! It's hugely satisfying, you really get your fill. The houjicha latte I tried once was tasty too, but I was interested in the uva milk tea this time around. The scones were scrumptious as well! I particularly liked the honey-like fruit that comes with them. ▼CHAVATY Address: Minami-Harajuku Bldg. 1F, 4-6-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Business Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30) No Fixed Holidays Information: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130602/13224245/ montoak montoak is a suspicious-looking building just an 8-minute stroll from Harajuku Station. It's my favourite spot; I've been here so many times. The menu is delicious and there are lots of seats. My weakness is the Gorgonzola cheesecake. ▼montoak Address: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Business Hours: 11:00-03:00 No Fixed Holidays Website: https://www.montoak.com/ LATTEST Another 5-minute stroller from Omotesando Station's A2 exit is LATTEST which I place in my top three favourite cafés in Omotesando. It can be a little hard to find, but it's a lot bigger than I thought. I experienced their seasonal rose mocha. Simply amazing! Milk foam is just what I like. It's smooth and moist, and there's not a lot of it so it's not heavy. I like the coffee beans they use too. Cafés that have tasty mochas are just the best, right? ▼LATTEST Address: LATTEST 1F, 3-5-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Business Hours: 10:00-19:00 No Fixed Holidays Website: http://www.lattest.jp/ The Local Coffee Stand The Local Coffee Stand is sandwiched in the middle of Shibuya and Omotesando and about an 8-minute walk from Omotesando Station. Their lattes are so, so good! First up, the foam is plump, and the sweetness of the milk really stands out. And the espresso, although it's full-bodied, isn't bitter and mixes deliciously with the milk. The coffee beans and food are both high-quality like that of a select shop, so I wanted to try eating and drinking everything they had. I recommend the macadamia cookies. They have an eggy fragrance and are just mouth-watering. I pretty much liked everything about this place. ▼The Local Coffee Stand Address: 2-10-15 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo Business Hours: Weekdays 8:00-20:00 / Weekends 9:00-19:00 No Fixed Holidays Website: http://thelocal2016.com/ Franze & EVANS London This is a popular Italian cafe-deli based in London. It's located away from the busy main street and can be reached in just 3-minutes from exit A3 of Omotesando Station. During those awkward times when you want to eat a salad but want to eat cake too then this is the place you need to go. Their carrot cake is truly amazing, as is their salad. All the cakes they sell just seem to sparkle before you that it's nearly impossible to pick just one. The lemon cake caught my attention too... It doesn't need to be said how great everything tastes, but the portions need to be mentioned as they are nice and hearty, and I love this place because of it. ▼Franze & Evans London Address: Franze & Evans London 1F, 4-9-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Business Hours: [Mon-Sat] 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30) / [Sun & Holidays] 11:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30) No Fixed Holidays Website: http://www.franzeevans.jp/#/ Did you enjoy these picks? omao has plenty of other recommendations and photos of coffee and desserts over on their Instagram page. If you're stuck for choice on what café to visit while in the city then be sure to follow them on Instagram. Photo & Text:omaoTranslation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
LDFS Co. Ltd., which operates six cafes and brands in Tokyo, has opened a new location! The company currently operates THE GREAT BURGER, a gourmet burger shop in Harajuku, The Little BAKERY Tokyo, and GOOD TOWN DONUTS. Now, they’ve brought the old-school burger store Jennifer Seven to Harajuku! Jennifer Seven is a combination general store and burger store that sells apparel, kitchen items, and groceries. While it may seem like a general store with a coffee stand at first glance, the back door opens to reveal a secret burger shop! The innovative location will serve simple burgers, not the hearty and massive gourmet burgers available next door at THE GREAT BURGER.
General stores are found in rural America and carry a wide range of daily necessities, much like a yorozu-ya in Japan. Jennifer Seven sells original apparel, sundries, and goods with a vintage flare, as well as tableware and other items from the U.S. In addition, guests can find unique food items like handmade jellies and jams, fresh fruits and local veggies, natural wines, small gifts, and plenty more. The drive-thru coffee stand attached to the store sells GOOD TOWN COFFEE, and Chinese-American steamed buns are also available at the Harajuku location! Each classic burger will come with simple and tasty ingredients, including the beef patty, ketchup, mustard, original burger sauce, pickles, and onions. The restaurant’s simple interior features white and vintage wood with blue-grayish green accents and was designed by the owner himself, inspired by diners and school cafeterias in rural America. Come enjoy a classic burger at this secret burger joint! Information
Jennifer Seven
Location: Jennifer Seven
J-cube C Building 1F (6-12-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
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Burberry has announced a collaboration with the popular art manga Blue Period! The unlikely pair will team up on an original story featuring a new character Lola, who is an anthropomorphic version of Burberry’s iconic Lola bag designed by Riccardo Tisci. This original story booklet will be gifted exclusively to visitors to Burberry stores nationwide starting August 20, 2022. Fans can also enjoy the digital version on Burberry.com.
This story depicts the emotional journey of Yatoria Yaguchi and Ryuji Ayukawa as they meet and are progressively more influenced by Lola. Hachitaro is inspired by Lola's boldness, inner strength, purity, and free self-expression, and is inspired to free himself from everything external and internal holding him back. To commemorate this partnership, a special wallpaper featuring an illustration by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, the author of Blue Period, will be available exclusively from Burberry's official LINE account starting on the first day of the collab. The Burberry Omotesando takeover event will also run through September 5, so come enjoy a fashionable manga world! ©Tsubasa Yamaguchi/Kodansha Information
Burberry Omotesando Takeover
Running: August 20 – September 5, 2022
Venue: Burberry Omotesando
Hours: 11:00-20:00
*Original Story Booklets are only available in limited quantities.
Details: https://jp.burberry.com/c/collaborations/blue-period-anime/ -
The Strings Omotesando will hold the Violet Masquerade sweets buffet at GRAMERCY HOUSE, a banquet venue on the second floor, on select dates from September 7 until October 27, 2022. Guests can enjoy a selection of desserts featuring chestnuts, grapes, and other autumn treats in calming violet space. Why not come enjoy the feel of a masquerade while eating your fill of sugary delights?
The event will feature jewel-like tarts lavishly decorated with figs and grapes, strawberry cheesecake inspired by a courtly flower garden, and lemon mousse shaped like a fanciful headdress. The buffet itself will be decorated with masks and glittering ornaments. The buffet will also include lunch with a lineup of savory dishes such as spiced grilled chicken, black curry made with charcoal, and purple sweet potato potage. Visitors showing up to the buffet wearing violet will receive an original purple mocktail called Fancy Violet. Why not come for a girls’ night out or a family dinner this Halloween season? Information
Violet Masquerade Sweets Buffet
Running: September 7 – October 27, 2022
*On select dates only. These dates will be announced on the website.
*Weekdays only.
Venue: GRAMERCY HOUSE / The Strings Omotesando 2F
Hours: 12:00-14:00 *120-minute seatingsDetails / Reservations: https://www.strings-hotel.jp/omotesando/event/sweetsbuffet/#next
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A new concept cafe for the popular snack Tabekko Doubutsu will be opening in Omotesando for a limited time, from July 5 until August 21. The snack is similar to animal crackers in the west, though these little creatures are a little cuter. Korean-style Macaron Set
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe - Omotesando Goods Set (4 varieties) Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe - Omotesando Mini Drawstring Pouch (9 varieties) Tabekko Doubutsu has been hugely popular with young children and adults alike since the snack was first released in 1978. Guests visiting the collaboration cafe can enjoy themed sweets and new merchandise along with a special photo spot perfect for social media! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Omotesando
Running: July 5 – August 21, 2022 *Reservations required
Hours: 11:00-19:00
Venue: 5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (1F)Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/tabekko-cafe/reserve
Official Site: https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
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Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai on a new street art project! 'TSUNAGU - Omotesando Street Art Project' was unveiled on April 29, 2022. The project, which aims to improve the city’s scenery and share positive messages, is on display in Omotesando, a popular area with young people. The canvas is the formal site of the Oriental Bazaar, an iconic part of Omotesando for over four decades. Under the theme of ‘hope,’ three young artists will be displaying their artwork in a massive temporary enclosure on the site. Hopefully, Japan really will open tourism soon so that guests from around the world can enjoy these inspiring pieces!
The first piece of art was unveiled on April 29 and was drawn by Dai Tamura, a young Japanese artist who has attracted worldwide attention after becoming an illustrator for the NBA. The dynamic and powerful compositions vividly depict endangered animals and plants alongside delicate flowers to symbolize hope for the futures of these beautiful creatures. Be sure to keep an eye out for the next installation coming soon! Information
TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project
Location: Oriental Bazaar Former Site
Address: 5-9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Official Site: http://www.fendi.com