Nestled in the quiet streets of Sasazuka, Mils Tacos delivers authentic Mexican flavors to Tokyo with giant burritos, bold nachos, and a cantina-style warmth that feels like home. Chef Roy’s mission is rooted in memory, family, and a love for the true taste of Mexico—no shortcuts, no imitations. This is where locals and expats gather over Jarritos and Tecate, savoring each bite as if sharing a well-kept secret.

Tucked into Ikebukuro’s fringe, Ha Ha is a five-table pasta joint where crab cream pasta makes you go “ah-ha!” One man runs the whole show—cooking, serving, and keeping the jazz flowing while you toast your own bread. Cracked crab, rich cream, and no pressure to leave. The kind of place that doesn’t try to impress—because it doesn’t need to.

Discover Kyoto’s hidden side with MK’s curated list of nine secret spots—quiet temples, surreal stone gardens, back-alley pizzerias, and a cocktail bar with no menu. From the mossy stillness of Kōmyō-in to the invitation-only flame of Daichan Yakiniku, this guide goes beyond the tourist map and into Kyoto’s whispering soul. A luxury-minded look at the city’s best-kept secrets, made for those who’ve already seen the postcard.

Once feared, now beloved, Shinsekai is Osaka’s chaotic, retro dreamscape where neon light meets battered kushikatsu, and old-school arcades glow beneath Tsutenkaku’s gaze. This MK Deep Dive traces the neighborhood’s transformation—from 1910 ambition to postwar decay to a new wave of reverence. Step into the unpolished soul of a city too bold to imitate, and too alive to fade.

Azabujuban might be best known for its boutiques and designer dogs, but tucked between the luxury is a taste of New York—wax-paper-wrapped bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches and foldable pepperoni slices served with swagger. In this MK Presents dispatch, a Queens-born writer explores two Tokyo spots that channel NYC energy through simulated nostalgia, media-fueled devotion, and a surprising attention to greasy detail.

Discover Kyoto’s most romantic power spots on a private MK tour to Kifune and Kamigamo Shrines. Follow ancient legends, write heart-shaped ema, and enjoy grilled rice cakes along the way. Whether seeking blessings for love, renewal, or quiet reflection, this sacred journey through Japan’s spiritual heart offers more than sightseeing—it’s a return to something timeless.

Step inside a red-brick relic of Hokkaido’s frontier days. The Sapporo Beer Museum pours more than golden brew—it serves up 120 years of pioneer ambition, resilience, and the simple joy of beer under cold northern skies.

Once a bustling enclave of butchers, merchants, and diplomats, Nankinmachi—Kobe’s Chinatown—has burned, rebuilt, and risen again with its own brand of resilient charm. In just 270 meters, this district blends red lanterns, green tea sweets, and Taoist prayers into an unforgettable microcosm of Chinese culture nestled in cosmopolitan Kobe. A savory, sensory bridge between worlds.

Dotonbori isn’t just a street—it’s Osaka’s neon pulse, where retro-futurism meets fried food and spontaneity. Once a 17th-century canal, now a technicolor fever dream of signage, octopus balls, and late-night regrets. The district’s wild energy—equal parts jazz-era decadence and Blade Runner chaos—turns every walk into a scene. From Glico’s running man to legends of KFC curses and celebratory canal dives, this is where Osaka lives loud.

Discover the top 5 Hitsumabushi restaurants in Nagoya, where ritual meets flavor. Experience Hitsumabushi's unique taste and tradition!

Discover the top 5 Jingisukan experiences in Sapporo, where smoke and flame reveal the soul of Hokkaido. Savor the true taste of Jingisukan!

Before I ever tasted Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, I found its spirit in a quiet Wakayama port town. That first bowl—steaming, salty, alive with bone and memory—became a symbol of comfort and authenticity. In Fukuoka, ramen means tonkotsu: a rich, milky broth born from laborers’ need for quick nourishment and perfected into culinary art. Discover the history, heart, and five best bowls that define the true flavor of Hakata.

Discover the top 5 places to savor Ōmi Beef in Shiga, Japan's oldest wagyu legacy. Experience Ōmi Beef's rich history and exquisite taste.

The night hums with the quiet rhythm of Tokyo—neon reflections shimmer in rain-slicked streets, the air growing sharper as winter loosens its grip. Unnoticed by most, the city’s mood begins to shift. Conversations grow lighter, laughter lingers a beat longer. Cool Biz season is just around the corner. I meet my contact, Toshi, at the designated spot. A quick glance left, then right. With a flick of a metallic card, he swipes open a discreet entrance. A garage stacked with Rol

Step into the world of MK’s finest—elite drivers with the city's best-kept secrets. These are the hotspots only insiders know.

Hakone’s Narukawa Museum offers more than art—it’s a portal to myths, mountain gods, and a view where reality blurs into legend.

Trattoria L’Insieme whisks you to old-world Italy with crackling opera, warm service, and focaccia so good, you'll dream about it.

Chianti in Sasazuka serves unforgettable Italian with warm hospitality, legendary salad dressing, and dishes that linger in memory.

A slow, mindful day in Kamakura—Great Buddha, empanadas, a seaside sunset, and the luxury of taking it all in, effortlessly.

Shumai Rumba delivers championship-tier flavor in a retro, pro-wrestling-inspired haven in Nishi-Ogikubo. A meal worth a rematch.