Experience Tasting Mount Koya’s Famous Sesame Tofu at ONAKA PECO PECO in Tsukiji

07.August.2019 | FEATURES / FOOD

ONAKA PECO PECO by Rurubu Kitchen is a cafe located in Tsukiji, a district in Chuo, Tokyo. They serve rice balls filled with locally sourced ingredients from various locations in Japan. In the evenings, the rice balls can be enjoyed with delicious sake.

 

If you visit the cafe right now you’ll be able to try sesame tofu (goma tofu) made by the long-running restaurant Kadohama. Sesame tofu is a meibutsu―or “local speciality”―of Mount Koyo.

 

While it is possible to buy sesame tofu on Kadohama’s online store, the only places you can eat them out at is at their restaurant on top of Mount Koya or at select branches of department stores such as Mitsukoshi or Isetan. We visited ONAKA PECO PECO by Rurubu Kitchen for a taste of this exquisite collaboration.

Mount Koya is located in the Ito district of northern Wakayama Prefecture and is home to the town of Koya. The region is encased an abundant mountainous landscape. The Japanese Buddhist monk Kūkai opened the sacred mountain around 1,200 years ago. In 2004, Mount Koya which was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004 under the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” category. It has since become a popular tourist destination with Japanese and foreign travellers alike.

 

Here is the heavenly menu lineup at ONAKA PECO PECO which is packed full of Kadohama’s sesame tofu.

There are five items which are made with the sesame tofu: an onigiri rice ball, crab soup, cold tofu, pork shabu shabu, and a drink.

Time to tuck in and try this famous food which has been enjoyed for many years!

White Vegetables & Steamed Pork Shabu w/ Koji Sesame Tofu Sauce – ¥800

This dish is garnished with a generous serving of fresh white vegetables and succulent meat. It includes lotus root, enoki mushrooms, cauliflower, and pork. It also comes with a white sauce made with sesame tofu, shio koji, and sesame oil. The sauce has a mild flavour in which you can get the full glorious taste of the tofu. It’s smooth and refreshing so is a perfect pick for the hot summer.

Sesame Tofu & Plum Cheese-Loaded Rice Ball – ¥250

This rice ball is a flavourful combination of a sesame tofu and plum paste and lots of cheese.

This fat rice ball is wrapped in paper like a hamburger. The rich taste of the tofu and cheese reduces the sourness of the plum, giving it a gentler flavour.

Sesame Tofu & Egg Crab Soup – ¥400

The soup is an amazing combination with the rice ball. It has a miso soup base filled with green onion, enoki mushrooms, and crab. The elastic-y tofu is cut into big satisfying chunks. Its rich, creamy flavour combined with the crab is to die for.

Sesame Tofu & Sweet Sake Jelly Drink – ¥350

The cute white-coloured beverage is a healthy mix of sesame tofu paste and sweet sake. It retains the pulpy texture of the tofu and the aftertaste is super refreshing.

You can order the drink for takeout so you can take a stroll around the streets of Tsukiji.

Kadohama Sesame Tofu – Eat In: ¥300 / Takeout: From ¥240

If you’re looking to enjoy the sesame tofu on its own then you’ve got to try it with either the wasabi and soy sauce or brown sugar. You can also order this to take away too. Each box contains one piece of tofu.

The cafe is also selling exclusive merchandise as part of the collaboration. The collection includes a t-shirt, sacoche bag, and cap. Each item has a simple design making them easy to incorporate into looks.

Easy access to Kadohama’s sesame tofu―which is made using traditional cooking methods that have been passed down generations at Mount Koya―can only be enjoyed at ONAKA PECO PECO by Rurubu Kitchen. If you’re in Tokyo this summer, then take a trip to Tsukiji district to try this healthy and nutrient-packed tofu.

 

Model: Ririka Satsuki

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MMN Editorial Team)

Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

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    Tsukiji Market, located in the Chuo ward of Tokyo, is known to be the largest fish market in the world. The freshest seafood is brought in and here, you are able to savor delicious sushiand kaisendon, or seafood rice bowls, on site.

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    The terms ”jonai” and ”jogai” written next to the name of the shop states roughly where the shop is located. The difference between jonai and jogai can be found in this MATCHA article.

    Read more: What'sThe Difference Between Tsukiji Jogai And Jonai?

    1. Kaisendon Oedo (Jonai)

    First, we would like to introduce you to Kaisendon Oedo in the jonai area. The great part about this shop is their menu has over 150 items and you can eat seafood according to your preferences here. From tuna, salmon, scallops, crab, sea urchin, and shrimp, there are rice bowls with a variety of seafood mixed and matched.

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    There are staff members that can speak English, so those that cannot speak Japanese can ask about the types of fish and how they taste in English. At Kaisendon-Oedo, you will also be able to taste the fresh and delicious tuna they auctioned at the tuna auction first thing in the morning.

    *1 Hakodate: A city in Hokkaido.
    *2 Otaru: A city in Hokkaido.

    Read also: How to See the Tuna Auctions at Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market

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    Next, we would like to introduce you to a sushi shop called Umai Sushikan.

    Many sushi and seafood bowl shops in the jonai area tend to be small shops with approximately 10 seats, but this is a larger shop with 42 seats. This is recommended for groups, families and those who do not want to wait in a line to eat. At Umai Sushikan they have seasonal sushi set additions such as the Pacific Saury sushi in autumn so you can come back to try something new many times.

     

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    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/42992

     

    ■Information

    GYOZA BAR Comme a paris

    Address:2-2-4 Aoyama Alcoop205, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

    Hours:5:00PM to 11:45PM(L.O.11:30PM)

    Holiday:Sunday

    Tel:03-6427-6116

    TEL:03-6427-6116

    URL:http://www.aoyama-gyozabar.com

     

     

    Tamawarai(Harajuku)

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    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/19569

     

    ■Information

    Tamawarai

    Address:5-23-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

    Hours:[Tuesday~Friday]11:30~15:00(L.O.14:30)18:30~21:30(L.O.21:00)

     [Saturday]11:30~20:00(L.O.19:30)

     [Sunday]11:30~17:00(L.O.16:30)

     Holiday:Monday (If Monday is a national holiday, the next day, Tuesday will be a holiday)

    TEL:03-5485-0025

    URL:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1306/A130601/13129390/

     

     

    Moo Moo Paradise Kabuki-cho main store (Shinjuku)

    You can’t make it through the Japanese winter without eating a “nabe” (hot pot). Shabu shabu is a hot pot dish that you can enjoy no matter what the weather is like -hot or cold. “Moo Moo Paradise Kabuki-cho main store” is mostly popular among young people. The first store started in Kabuki-cho in 1993, and now there are forty branches all over the world. They slice the meat right before they serve it up. The soup stock for shabu shabu is extracted from exclusive oxtails.  They offer organic ponzu and sesame dressing for the dipping sauce. They are very particular about the food they serve.

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/24978

     

    ■Information

    Moo Moo Paradise Kabuki-cho main store

    Address: Humax Pavillion Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Bldg. 8F, 1-20-1 Kabuki-cho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

    Hours:Monday~Friday17:00~23:00(L.O.22:30)

    Saturday・Sunday・Public holidays11:30~23:00(L.O.22:30)

     

    Holiday:no holiday

    TEL:03-3208-0135

    URL:http://www.mo-mo-paradise.com/index.html

     

    >>next page

     

    Tsurukamero(Harajuku)

    “Trusukamero” is located in the “Urahara” area (an area behind Meiji Street, in front of Takeshita Street). The outside design of the restaurant is modern and unique. A turtle and crane are depicted on raised wooden slats. With regards to their lunch menus, they offer sashimi, tendon (tempura rice dish) udon noodles and gyoza (dumpling)/curry, which all Japanese people love. They also offer various kinds of a la carte dishes centering around “nabes” (Japanese hot pot dish) so that adults can drink alcohol comfortably. The recommended “nabe” is “Medetai Nabe” which will bring you good luck. The menu includes the head of red sea bream and harusame noodles.  The taste of the fish-broth-based soup is so delicious!

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/71295

     

    ■Information

    Tsurukamero

    Address:4-27-2, Jingumae, Shibuyaku, Tokyo

    Hours:12:00 – 23:00

    Holiday:irregularly

    TEL:03-5413-3947

    URL:https://kiwa-group.co.jp/tsurukamerou_harajyuku/

     

     

    Oden Kappo Yushima Riki(Yushima)

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    ■Information

    Oden Kappo Yushima Riki

    Address:〒113-0034 3-35-1 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

    Hours:16:30~22:30(L.O22:00)

    Holiday:Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays

    TEL:03-5816-6535

    URL:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13210071/

     

     

    Gonpachi(Asakusa)

    Many people say, “If you’re looking to entertain foreign guests, look no further than Gonpachi.” This traditional Japanese-style restaurant is not only popular with Japanese guests, but also with guests from overseas. In the year 2002, former President Bush and former Prime Minister Koizumi enjoyed an informal dinner at this very restaurant. There are handmade soba noodle dishes, Kushiyaki (a skewered meat and vegetable dish), and handmade sushi. High-grade charcoal is used to carefully grill the Kushiyaki skewers.

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/24945

     

    ■Information

    Gonpachi Asakusa Azumabashi

    Address: Nakagawa building 1st & 2nd floor, 2-1-15, Kaminarimon, Taitou-ku, Tokyo

     Hours:11:00~23:00(Food 22:00L.O. Drink 22:30)

    Holiday:no holidays

    TEL:03-5830-3791

    URL:http://www.gonpachi.jp/asakusa/

     

     

    How did you like our introduction to restaurants that serve great Japanese food? You should try eating at one of these restaurants that serve “new” Japanese food!

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    28.October.2017 | FOOD / SPOT

    Sushi is the probably the most famous Japanese food! Below are 5 sushi restaurants we highly recommend.

     

    Roppongi “atelier Morimoto XEX”

    “atelier Morimoto XEZ” is a combined restaurant produced by Masaharu Morimoto who works in foreign countries centering around the U.S. You can make an order until 3:00 AM and enjoy many kinds of dishes which are a mixture of Japanese style and Western style. “Edomaezushi” is the recommended dish. Why don’t you enjoy the dishes created by this top chef who is loved by people all over the world?

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/58797

     

    ■Information

    atelier Morimoto XEX

    Address: Roppongi Building, 7-21-19, Roppongi, Minatoku, Tokyo

    Holiday: New Year’s Day

    TEL:03-3479-0065

    URL:http://www.xexgroup.jp/morimoto

    ※The counter with cast iron-pan can be used until 24:00 and the isolated room can be used by paying 20,000 yen.

     

     

    Shinjuku “Sushizanmai”

    “Sushizanmai” is a sushi chain restaurant. The price of one of the lunch menus “Maguroduke Donburi” is only 477 yen (tax not included)! Moreover, you can drink as much coffee as you like. The lunch menu noted previously is offered from 11:00 to 17:00 at Shinjuku Higashiguchi Store (only on weekdays.) The helping of rice can be chosen at will and the menu comes with miso soup. The menu is recommended for those of you who want to enjoy seafood at a low price!

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/34111

     

    ■Information

    Sushizanmai Shinjuku Higashiguchi Store

    Address: 3F Seno Building, 3rd street, 18-4, Shinjuku, Shinjukuku, Tokyo

    Business hours: 24 hours, lunch time – 11:00 to 17:00

    Holiday: no holiday

    TEL:03-5357-7737

    URL:http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/shops/detail/70

     

     

    Shinjuku “Hokkaido Sushi Unimaru”

    The branch store of “Hokkaido Unimaru” where you can enjoy sushi and dishes of sea urchin opened inside of “Odakyu Ace” at Shinjuku Station’s West Exit. The set “Uni Tabekurabe” (1,800 yen) offers three kinds of sea urchins; Murasaki Uni, Bafun Uni and Ensui Uni. Accordingly, you can compare the taste of these different sea urchins. This set menu is highly recommended. You can choose either “Shiro Shari (white rice)” using rice vinegar or “Aka Shari (red rice) using red vinegar.

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/40869

     

    ■Information

     “Hokkaido Sushi Unimaru”

    Address: 〒160-0023, West Exit Basement #1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo (Odakyu Ace North Department)

    Business hours: 8:00 to 23:00

    Holiday: no holiday

    TEL:0362790148

    URL:http://www.tokyo-rf.com/restaurants/r30/index.html

     

    >>next page

     

     

    Nishiazabu “SUSHI Gonpachi”

    “Gonpachi” is a restaurant loved by both Japanese people and people from abroad and many people say, “You should take your guests from foreign countries to Gonpachi.” They offer sensitive Japanese cuisines and Edo-style sushi using fresh fish delivered in the morning. The taste of each ingredient is the same as that of famous old restaurants and it is superb. “Kyaki Set” where you can enjoy 10 kinds of sushi dishes for 3,000 yen is recommended.

     

    Detailed information:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/27328

     

    ■Information

    SUSHI Gonpachi Nishiazabu

    Address: 3F, 1-13-11, Nishiazabu, Minatoku, Tokyo

    Access: 10 minutes on foot from Nishiazabu’s intersection, Tokyo Metro Roppongi Station, Nogizaka Stataion, Hiroo Station, Omotesando Station.

    Business hours: dinner – 17;00 to 26:00 (L.O. Food 25:00 / Drink 25:00)

    TEL : (03)5771-0180

    URL: http://www.gonpachi.jp/sushi_nishiazabu/

     

     

    Azabujuban “Yuma”

    You should go to “Yuma,” a horse meat-specialized store if you want to eat unusual sushis. They offer horse meat dishes at a reasonable price (horse meat dishes are expensive in Tokyo). The recommended dish is “Otona Nigiri” which comes with four kinds of horse meat, 8 pairs of sushis (1,580 yen). Horse meat is known as being a healthy, nutritious food which many doctors in France recommend to their patients. Horse meat has a great effect on anti-aging and is recommended to people who want to lose weight. Why don’t you enjoy their healthy menus?

     

    ■Information

    Baniku (horse meat) Specialized Restaurant Yuma Azabu Juban Store

    Address: B1F, TAKADEN Building, 1-8-11, Azabu Juban, Minatoku, Tokyo

    Business hours: Monday to Saturday: 17:00 to 23:30 (L.O.23:00): Sun 15:00~22:30(L.O.22:00)

    Holiday: no holiday

    URL:http://www.ideaplus-inc.co.jp/brand/shop/youma.html

     

     

    How did you like our introduction of recommended sushi shops in Tokyo? Let’s enjoy Japanese “sushi!”

     

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    TYSONS & COMPANY(@tysonsandcompany)がシェアした投稿

     

    Ivy Place

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  • FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop to Open at Laforet Harajuku

    28.January.2023 | FASHION / SPOT

    Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area.   FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.  

    ◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop

    When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.   Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.

    ◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’

    Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.

    ◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine's Day

    On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details!   Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).   FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive Goods

    Random Photo - Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included)

    Random Pin - Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included)

    Random Purikura Stickers - Valentine pop-up ver. (14 varieties): ¥600 (Tax Included)