Hand-Picked Eats & Sights in Tokyo

Even the greatest adventurers had help. TokyoSpark is your insider guide to discovering the interesting, unique, and quirky Tokyo.

Don’t know much about Tokyo yet? Start with my Tokyo Orientation then check out my Tokyo Guide.

Hi, I’m Chad Thiele. I’m the founder of TokyoSpark.

I’m the eternal visitor. I work on a military base, live outside the local economy, and get to enjoy Tokyo like a visitor everyday — for the last 22 years — learn more about me here.

My latest Japanese food guides

Japan has some of the most amazing food in the world. But what is it? If you’re new to Japanese cuisine you’ll want to learn what everything is.

What is Nori? Japan's #1 Healthy Superfood?

What is nori? Nori is a type of seaweed found in Japanese cuisine. Japanese supermarkets carry a huge variety of nori to discover and enjoy.

What is Teppanyaki? Your #1 Guide to this Sizzling Delight

Teppanyaki is the Japanese word for flat iron grilled foods. It’s a combination of the words teppan and yaki. Teppan meaning flat iron grill and yaki meaning grilled (as in grilled foods).

The Last Guide to Japanese Wagyu Beef You'll Ever Need

Wagyu is the stuff of legends. Magnificent, purebred, meticulously raised Japanese beef. But there is more to wagyu than meets the eye. Let's go over all of it.

The Incredible Price of Sushi in Japan: High and Low

You’ve probably heard the price of sushi in Japan is super high. And you’re right. Sushi in Tokyo can either be incredibly expensive, or remarkably cheap.

What Is Sushi? At Least 12 Awesome Things You Didn't Know

Sushi doesn’t mean raw fish like you probably imagine anytime you hear the word. That sushi chef in white with that cool hat masterfully crafting the perfect piece of sushi.

Where to Eat Ramen in Shinjuku; 7 Remarkable Ramen Shops to Discover

I often get asked where the “best” places to eat ramen in Tokyo are. This question is impossible to answer because the best is different for everyone.

Latest Artwork

Looking for something awesome to hang on your wall? Or maybe the most unique, exclusive souvenir for your friends to show off Japan?

My recent dining recommendations

Here you’ll find the most recent restaurants I’ve added to TokyoSpark, regardless of where in Tokyo they are located.

Yoroniku: When You Just Have To Have the Best Yakiniku There Is

Yoroniku is an award-winning A5 wagyu yakiniku restaurant with a pure focus on impeccable atmosphere and unbelievable Japanese BBQ flavor.

Kitakata Bannai: A Meat Lover's Dream Bowl of Ramen

Kitakata Bannai is a tonkotsu ramen chain specializing in thick noodle ramen topped with yakibuta chashu in clear soup and a surprisingly deep, hearty flavor.

Imafuku: A5 Wagyu Shabu-Shabu & Sukiyaki Absolute Perfection

Imafuku is a Michelin-starred wagyu shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant specializing in top-notch quality dining in Minato, Tokyo.

Sumibiyaki Yakiniku Nakahara: A5 Wagyu Grilled to Perfection

Sumibiyaki Yakiniku Nakahara is a top-end A5 wagyu yakiniku restaurant specializing in perfecting the yakiniku grilling experience in Chiyoda.

Ushisuke: A Yakiniku Restaurant Even Your Dog Can Enjoy With You

Ushisuke is a yakiniku restaurant with multiple locations in Tokyo, where -- yes -- you can actually bring your pet dogs along to enjoy delicious grilled meat.

Torisoba Kotobuki: Yes, Lemon Ramen is Actually a Real Thing

Torisoba Kotobuki is a unique ramen shop in Ikebukuro with a zingy twist on the menu: ramen made with loads of citrusy lemon.

Don’t trust an algorithm for your information

I love social media. But the info you receive is filtered through an algorithm showing you popular, sometimes superficial content — or worse, sponsored content.

I focus on real, authentic content that passes my “human filter” and on decades of experience — TokyoSpark arrives in your inbox unfiltered, unbought and unbossed.