Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

※ As of 2023, Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku does not take reservations. ——— Onigiri are the seaweed-wrapped rice balls loved all over Japan for millennia. They’re roughly analogous to Western sandwiches, with a delicious core of flavored filling hidden among the rice. Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku is the oldest onigiri specialist shop in Tokyo. Located near the famous Sensoji Temple, they’ve been serving up hungry pilgrims, gawking tourists, and dedicated regulars ever since 1954. The name of the restaurant name is a common phrase for someone who spends their days lazing around having fun and never working — a playful jab at the work ethic of the founder’s husband. Nowadays her grandson and daughter man the counter, in the afternoons and evenings respectively. They serve up onigiri which is a world apart from the standard convenience store fare. Think of it like the difference between a gas station sandwich, and a fresh, crispy, meaty delight from a quality deli. All of the rice balls are made fresh right in front of you, from ingredients arranged inside the glass counter display. There are over 20 ingredients to choose from, with English descriptions in the menu, so you’ll definitely find something to suit your tastes and dietary requirements. Despite the service and quality, this won’t actually have much of an impact on your wallet. In fact, Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku is listed in the Michelin Guide for its fantastic value, with Bib Gourmand status — not bad for what started off as a small-time neighborhood onigiri shop! Michelin Guide: 2023 - Bib Gourmand