I now frequent Japan because of my food tours. I love Japan! I believe most travelers today zero in on going there instead of Hong Kong, which used to be the place to go for Filipinos. Last year, I went there six times while the year before that I went nine times. Every time I have a trip to Japan, I feel nothing but excitement. Food is exceptional, people are kind and polite, the country is clean, and shopping is fun because there are bargains all over. 

More than anything, I enjoy seeing the participants enjoying the food I have chosen. The dining places I choose cannot be just good, they have to be exceptional. I jokingly tell my participants, I only choose the Japanese meals that will make you involuntarily think of your loved ones while enjoying them because you want them to experience what you’re eating.

There is a problem with traveling there a lot though. Even the best quality food of Japan, I need to take a break from—those include A5 Wagyu, ramen, high-grade unagi etc. Another problem is many people have come to love Japanese food. So in most of my invitations to dine out here in Manila, including the invitations from my own kids, it is mostly to Japanese restaurants. So as not to offend, I just go along and eat a burger after. 

There are only two or three Japanese restaurants I can walk into with a sincere smile in Manila. Sushi Shokunin is one and another is one I discovered—or  should I say rediscovered?—a few weeks back. At these two restaurants, I can order dishes they don’t have in Japan.

Most Sundays, I play badminton at 9 a.m., then I head back home to freshen up to be ready for church by noon. My daughters join me most of the time. I know what’s on their mind after service—late lunch. I also know what kind of cuisine. After getting spiritually full, it’s our tummy’s turn.

Yūgen is a fairly new Japanese restaurant in the Pearl Drive area. This place used to be called Marafuku, which used to have good food. Today, it has changed—and the food is even better. The once open kitchen is still visible from the dining area but now covered with glass so we the diners don’t smell of food when we leave like we used to. To me, Yūgen makes the best prawn tempura. It has great sushi rolls, baked oysters, sashimi, and all the Japanese dishes now considered common in Manila. I only mostly order a spicy tuna salad and kisu tempura or fish tempura. I love these simple dishes. My kids also love Yūgen’s yakitori, fried rice, and black ramen. This dry ramen is new. Never seen it at any other Japanese restaurant here or abroad. Sarap!

I’ve been eyeing the grilled hamachi head with just salt. There are so many things on the menu. But for someone who has become choosy with Japanese food, I’ve been very happy with the salmon sashimi, spicy tuna salad, and my fish tempura. And I have my loved ones beside me also enjoying the same food, which gives Yūgen plenty of plus points. 

Yūgen has become our family’s go-to Japanese restaurant these days. Check it out! You’ll enjoy it 100 percent!

Would you like to join us in our Korean food tour and Japanese food tour in March? Text or email Melody +63 917 624 2819 or [email protected].