We actually went as far as finding Harukor - Tokyo's only Ainu restaurant - but never made it inside. This feels like a real missed opportunity because we're not just talking about another Japanese restaurant; this is a rare chance to taste the cuisine of Japan's indigenous Ainu people.

The fact that Teruyo Usa is keeping these traditional recipes alive in the middle of Tokyo is pretty special. We heard their menu is this perfect mix of authentic Ainu dishes and familiar Japanese items, all made with ingredients brought down from Hokkaido to keep it legit. Those deer meat rice bowls and grilled salmon dishes sounded amazing.