Things worth knowing before you open the door
Ordering wrong, causing offence with a camera, or arriving after the soup runs out.
Most wasted journeys and awkward moments inside a shop are avoidable with advance warning. Here are cases we have confirmed.
Portions are not what you expect
At Sabouru 2, the regular size is already a large. Order the big one and you will probably leave food. Start with regular.
Before you take a photograph
At Tsukiji Outer Market, a fair number of stalls dislike being photographed. A market is a workplace, and some traders would rather their goods and methods were not captured.
Ask first. A refusal is nothing to take personally.
Know the strength
Kamiya Bar serves two versions of its signature drink, and the older one is 40% alcohol. It is sweet and goes down easily, but it is whisky strength. Locals will tell you three glasses is the danger line.
When the ingredients run out, the day ends
Higashi-Ikebukuro Taishoken closes once the soup runs out. Trusting the posted hours and arriving late can mean a shut door.
Chomeiji Sakuramochi Yamamotoya is time-sensitive for another reason: no preservatives, so the same day is the limit. It does not survive as a souvenir for tomorrow.
Tight spaces
Torifuku Shibuya seats six per floor, and the upper floor is reached by a steep staircase. Arriving with large luggage makes it difficult for everyone.
Checklist
- Portion — "regular" at an old shop may not match your standard
- Photography — ask first at markets and owner-run shops
- Strength — signature drinks tend to be strong
- Sell-outs — popular places close before the posted time
- Luggage — many rooms are small; use a coin locker first
- Shelf life — preservative-free sweets last the day only
Each venue page on this site collects these under "Heads-up". Worth a glance before you set out.