TASTE OF YUTENJI : UNIQUE TEMPLE, ORIGINAL RESTAURANTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Yutenji is a quiet residential area located in Meguro-ku, with easy access to popular main areas such as Shibuya and Nakameguro, being only one train stop away from the latter. The district itself actually once belonged to the Kamimeguro and Nakameguro villages during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is an area that is perfect to live in, walk around and enjoy the traditional restaurants that preserve the cultural history of the old city of Tokyo from the post-war period. The area’s name comes from the famous Yutenji temple, with the main life of the district revolving around it, making it incredibly important to Yutenji, along with the Niomon Gate. But that’s not all this gorgeous neighborhood has to offer, let’s dive into it together!

Yutenji Temple

Yutenji Temple was founded in 1718, in the middle of the Edo period, by Yuten Shonin and his disciple Yukaijin. It is said that Shonin was an extremely talented monk who contributed to the reconstruction of the Todaiji Temple in Nara, as well as the revival of the Great Buddha of Kamakura. However, Yuten, who was named the 36th abbot of Zojoji Temple, was in poor health from the spring. Thus, his disciple began to search for a mausoleum where he could perform his regular recitation of the Buddha’s name. However, on July 15 of the same year (1718), Yuten passed away.

Despite Shonin’s death, the temple was well-received by the public and the Tokugawa family eventually sponsored it. In 1722, the eighth Tokugawa shogun, Yoshimune, gave the temple the title of Meikenzan Yutenji, and it flourished as one of the most famous temples of the Jodo sect. On January 13, 1723, the name “Yutenji Temple” was officially approved. Yuten was named the founder of the temple and Yukai the second generation.

Address: 5 Chome-24-53 Nakameguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0061, Japan

Website: http://www.yutenji.or.jp/

Original and Traditional Restaurants

Curry Station Niagara is renowned for its railway atmosphere! This curry restaurant, to be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, is based on the concept of a dining car of the Showa era. In the restaurant, accompanied by the railway panoply, a train brings the dishes straight to the customers. Enjoy the curry and rice while feeling the “railway romance of the Showa era” in this nostalgic and unique atmosphere. The curry is prepared from pork tenderloin and has a tangy potato flavor. But this isn’t the only part of the meal prepared with love; the rice is made with Nile Restaurant’s curry powder, Indian ghee oil, and flour, then roasted in the oven for two hours. Together, both the curry and the rice create a flavor explosion, unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. For young and old alike, we recommend that you not miss this train!

Address: 1 Chome-21-2 Yutenji, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0052, Japan

Website: https://niagaracurry.com/

Opening Hours: 11 am – 5 pm, Tuesday – Sunday

Price Range: ¥1,000 – 2,000 per person

Motsuyaki Ban is a chain of izakaya, with the main restaurant being in Nakameguro, and other stores located in Yutenji and Gotanda. The storefront, lined with bottles of lemon sour, for which the izakaya is famous, gives an impression of nostalgia, with an old-fashioned atmosphere from the Showa era. Even just drinking this renowned lemon sour is an experience like no other. The glass comes with shochu inside, squeeze the lemon on top yourself, then add the amount of acid you want. It is ideal for people who don’t like carbonated drinks. Another thing that makes it convenient is that you can even order the shochu and lemon separately.

And to accompany the alcoholic drinks, you can’t miss their grilled skewers. In this izakaya, you can eat skewers for a very reasonable price, between 70 and 100 yen each. The Motsuyaki (grilled giblets) is in the name of the restaurant, so it’s definitely a must-try to get the whole experience. The sweet and honey flavor of the Motsuyaki is sure to permeate you and keep you coming back for more. But this isn’t all they have, their other dishes and ingredients are just as tasty and abundant. For example, there is also the “motsu nabe”, which comes with a gas stove on which you can enjoy your dish in a large pot, soaking each of the delicately prepared ingredients in a delicious broth little by little. Definitely something to do if visiting Yutenji with friends.

Address: 2 Chome-8-17 Yutenji, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0052, Japan

Website: https://www.motsuyakiban.com/

Opening Hours: 3 pm – 10 pm, 7 days a week

Price Range: ¥2,000 – 3,000 per person

Tokyo En is a yakiniku restaurant with a long and incredible history, first established in 1978 in Otsuka, Toshima-ku. Under the slogan “the best restaurant of delicious yakiniku”, the restaurant has constantly pursued high-quality meat, becoming famous for this dedication. In fact, even the name “Tokyo En” comes from the idea of becoming “the best yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo”. This particular store is located about a 4-minute walk from Yutenji Station and is said to be frequented by many celebrities because of its location. The menu includes three specialties, the most popular of which is the original 10-second loin, the ultra-fresh liver chateaubriand, and the beef, especially the kalbi, which means ribs.

For a price range, it is considered to be in the high-end barbecue category. However, how much you spend will depend completely on the amount of food you order and whether you have drinks. Thus, if you only eat a little and drink a little, the price is about 7,000 yen per person. But, if you eat a lot and drink a lot, the price increases up to 10,000 yen. No matter the price, whatever meat you order is of the highest quality and exquisite taste. So, if you want to eat luxurious and delicious meat from time to time, this is the place to be!

Address: Japan, 〒153-0065 Tokyo, Meguro City, Nakacho, 2 Chome−38−28 鈴木ビル 1F

Website: https://tokyoen-yutenji.com/

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 5 pm – 11 pm, Saturday, Sunday: 4 pm – 11 pm

Cultural Activities

NAGOMI HOUSE is a cultural centre in Yutenji where you can experience various aspects of Japanese culture, such as Kimono, tea ceremony, flower arrangement (“ikebana” 生け花), calligraphy (“shodo” 書道), Japanese sweets making, and sushi, just to name a few. You can enjoy these activities with your friends, family, or even as a couple. And for those who are unsure of where to begin, cultural initiation workshops for beginners and yukata rentals are also available. Located an easy 5-minute walk from Yutenji station and about 15 minutes to get there from Nakameguro, Nagomi House has the desire to contribute to the enrichment of the mind through the experience of traditions. Feel free to visit if you want to have a deeper experience of Japanese culture and enrich yourself with the country’s vast and extensive traditions.

Address: Japan, 〒153-0063 Tokyo, Meguro City, Meguro, 2 Chome−11−3 2F

Website: https://www.nagomihouse.jp/

Opening Hours: 11 am – 6 pm, 7 days a week.

In addition to being steeped in history, the Yutenji Mitama Matsuri is celebrated every year in July. Families, couples, and children from the local kindergarten come together to celebrate and participate by dancing in colorful yukatas during the summertime. It starts in the late afternoon, so come and discover the eight different structures arranged for the occasion, and have fun in the evening with the dance festival, food stalls, and games. There is truly something for all ages. Enjoy the summer by wearing a yukata and coming to participate in the activities! It is an opportunity to discover another side and enjoy the atmosphere of the neighborhood in a way like never before.

Whether you’re looking for that perfect meal to enjoy with your loved ones and friends, or hoping to experience the aspects of Japan that make it so special, you can’t go wrong when it comes to Yutenji. Steeped in history, cultures, and traditions, this is one destination that is sure to take your next Tokyo trip to a whole new level. So bring your friends, family, or that special someone, and jump right in. Don’t miss visiting Yutenji during your next trip to Tokyo to explore a very local neighborhood full of surprises!

Featured Photo: Laurent

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