Baiwan Zhukuailou Akasaka

At a glance

In Akasaka, an early Showa-era bathhouse has been converted into a Chinese restaurant. Bamboo surrounds its Ghibli-like exterior, while the interior has the quiet feel of a traditional home. Dinner costs over ¥10,000, but every lunch is ¥1,000–1,999, and the dining room is always full. Dishes include clay-pot rice with oysters and mushrooms in a thickened sauce, and black vinegar sweet-and-sour pork.