Edo Tokyo Kirari Project: Featured in the Media as Part of the Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism Initiative
2026.03.12
LIFEThe Edo Tokyo Kirari Project is working in collaboration with the Tourism Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs to share the appeal of Tokyo’s long-standing food traditions with audiences in Japan and abroad. As part of the Tourism Division’s efforts to promote “Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism,” three of the project’s participating businesses—Shinbashi Tamakiya, Toshimaya (Toshimaya Sake Shop), and Hanashyo—were introduced as establishments that symbolize Tokyo’s food culture.
The initiative presents Tokyo’s traditional food culture, techniques, and history—continuing since the Edo period—as modern tourism resources, communicating their value to a wider audience. These distinctly Tokyo food experiences are attracting attention as important tourism assets for visitors from both Japan and overseas.
● Media Coverage and Overview
These featured articles explore the background of Tokyo’s food culture while highlighting initiatives among the businesses introduced.
1. Domestic Coverage (Rurubu&more.)
Focusing on foods loved by the townspeople of Edo, this article introduces locations where visitors can taste and experience Edo-period food culture, from tsukudani to Edo kiriko glassware and kakuuchi-style liquor-store standing bars, while also exploring the history behind them.
Article: “Why Is Edo-Style Soba Broth So Dark? The More You Learn, the More Delicious It Tastes! Experience Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism by Tasting Soba, Katsuobushi, and Tsukudani While Exploring Edo Food Culture”
Guided by food journalist Mackey Makimoto, television personality Ritsuko Tanaka visits spots where Edo food culture can still be experienced.
Main feature: Tsukudani from Shinbashi Tamakiya, founded in 1782, is introduced as one of the traditional flavors supporting Edo food culture.
Article: “Edokko Were True Gourmets! Tuna, Dojo Hotpot, Izakaya—Take a Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism Trip to Taste Favorites from Edo to the Present”
Edo cuisine researcher Hanako Usui takes Yusuke Nomura, the fourth-generation owner of Shojin Ryori Daigo, on a food tour of downtown Tokyo exploring Edo food culture that still lives on today.
Main feature: Edo kiriko glassware by Hanashyo, founded in 1946, is introduced as tableware that elevates the dining experience. In addition, Toshimaya, founded in 1596 (now Toshimaya Honten), and Toshimaya Sake Shop, opened in 2020, are presented as places where visitors can experience Edo food culture.
2. International Coverage (Time Out Tokyo)
These English articles aimed at international visitors highlight how Tokyo’s history and traditions continue today through contemporary food experiences.
Article: “Gastronomy tourism in Tokyo: A true taste of Edo”
Main feature: The traditional initiatives of Shinbashi Tamakiya are introduced from the perspective of international visitors.
Article: “Gastronomy tourism in Tokyo: Edo’s legacy of innovation”
Main feature: Hanashyo is introduced as a place where visitors can appreciate the beauty of contemporary Edo kiriko, while Toshimaya Sake Shop, a standing bar in the spirit of Edo, is also highlighted from an international perspective.
＊What Is Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism?
“Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism” refers to a style of travel centered on enjoying the food nurtured by the climate, environment, customs, traditions, and history of the land, and experiencing the local culinary culture at the essence of your trip.
■Rurubu&more.
“Why Is Edo-Style Soba Broth So Dark? The More You Learn, the More Delicious It Tastes! Experience Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism by Tasting Soba, Katsuobushi, and Tsukudani While Exploring Edo Food Culture”
https://rurubu.jp/andmore/article/23989
“Edokko Were True Gourmets! Tuna, Dojo Hotpot, Izakaya—Take a Tokyo Gastronomy Tourism Trip to Taste Favorites from Edo to the Present”
https://rurubu.jp/andmore/article/24267
■Time Out Tokyo
“Gastronomy tourism in Tokyo: A true taste of Edo”
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/restaurants/gastronomy-tourism-in-tokyo-a-true-taste-of-edo
“Gastronomy tourism in Tokyo: Edo’s legacy of innovation”
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/restaurants/gastronomy-tourism-in-tokyo-edos-legacy-of-innovation
■ Articles will also be published on the official GO TOKYO Gourmet website, which showcases the diverse appeal of Tokyo’s food culture.
https://www.gourmet.gotokyo.org/
