When in Japan, taste the country’s regional cuisines – from Hokkaido all the way down to Okinawa. You can sample classic Okinawan cuisine at Ryutan in Tokyo Station’s Kitchen Street.
Okinawan cuisine is also known as Ryukyuan cuisine which refers to the Ryukyu Kingdom that ruled Okinawa from the 15th to 19th centuries.
The cuisine has been greatly influenced by the island’s history of trade with China and Southeast Asia. From China came the pigs which have become the cuisine’s main focus. From Southeast Asia came all the spices, fruits, and vegetables, like the goya (bittermelon) and nabera (luffah, or towel gourd).
From Japan’s mainland, the cuisine brought in miso, bonito flakes, kombu, and dashi; however, you will not typically find mushrooms in the dishes. There is also influence from the US’s post World War II administration including that of canned goods, hamburgers, and taco rice.
Tokyo Station has an overwhelming choice of restaurants, both international and of Japanese cuisines. In Japan, it is not just Japanese food, but rather you can enjoy regional cuisines.
Ryutan in Kitchen Street offers authentic Okinawan cuisine and classic dishes featuring ingredients sourced from Okinawa.
While all restaurants in the station offer English menus (as this is the capital’s central train and subway station), most dining in Ryutan are local office workers enjoying drinks and a meal after work.
Note that during lunch hours (between 11am and 4pm) the restaurant is non-smoking. For dinner hours (between 4pm and 11pm) smoking is permitted.
Ryutan
B1F Kitchen Street, Tokyo Station
1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
11am to 11pm
Buy your Official JR Pass and Regional Pass!
Stay connected in Japan with Pocket Wifi!
Arrive in style and convenience with Meet & Greet service!
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!
Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!
A Brief Bread History. Pita is one of the world’s most popular breads with a…
From Olive Oil & Garlic to Garlic Butter. Garlic Bread is a favorite in any…
All About the Filipino Champorado. Champorado is the famous Filipino breakfast dish that’s a favorite…
All About the Bar Pizza. Beer in one hand, pizza in the other. The perfect…
Originally posted October 20, 2022 Reposted May 3, 2022 Tapas Time(line) and More Theories. Tapas…
From the Ice Cream Float to the Sundae. Before the sundae was created, ice cream…