Iconic theatres in the heart of Tokyo: Ginza
The Kabuki-za (歌舞伎座) theatre opened in Ginza (銀座) in 1889. Alongside it, you’ll find some of the city’s finest theatres such as the Teikoku (帝国) theatre, Nissei (日生) theatre, Tokyo Takarazuka (東京宝塚) theatre, and venues dedicated to classical music.
Miyazawa’s ‘tamago sando’
A longstanding bestseller with over 200 eggs prepared daily
“Our sandwiches have been a staple for customers who bring them to places like Shinbashi enbujo (新橋演舞場) and Kabukiza (歌舞伎座) for years,’ says the second-generation owner, Shimizu Chitose (清水千歳).
This shop is particularly famous for its evening deliveries. As the night deepens, orders for sandwiches flood in from Ginza’s bars and clubs.
The shop was established in 1983 by Chitose’s father, offering both Western-style dishes and coffee. Despite its modest size, the menu is as extensive as a diner’s. Known for its Western cuisine, the shop offers 10 varieties of sandwiches, including those with fried items and beef fillet steaks.
The signature ‘tamago sando’ features a rich egg salad with a thick texture. When asked about the secret behind it, the answer from the skilled chefs is simple: “Just keep mixing.”
They only cut the boiled eggs once with a cutter, then use a rice paddle to crush the yolks and thoroughly mix them with mayonnaise, ensuring the yolk coats the whites.
They use between 200 to 240 large L-size eggs daily, preparing enough egg salad for at least 90 servings.
The energy boost of Ginza workers: ‘Apple Juice’
Right: ‘Tamago sando’ for takeaway.
DATA ‘Miyazawa’
Address: 8-5-25 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3571-0169
Hours: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM the next day
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Instagram＠ginza.miyazawa
‘Omelette Sandwich’ at Kissa (喫茶) YOU
A highly popular dish at the cafe opposite Kabukiza
The ‘Omelette Sandwich’ shares equal popularity with the cafe’s signature ‘Omu-rice.’ While the omelette rice uses cream in the egg mixture, the sandwich relies solely on eggs. It retains a firm texture that’s easy to pick up, yet remains soft and fluffy.
Matsushima Ryuko (松嶌龍子), who recalls the first-generation owner, shares, “If actors ate during the intermission, they had sandwiches. Whenever their makeup changed for a role, the sandwiches were cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make them easier to eat.”
The cafe, which opened in 1970 next to Kabukiza (later relocating to its current location), was entrusted to Matsushima by the original owner, who was an avid theatre lover. The meticulous service has been passed down, ensuring that no matter how busy it gets, guests can enjoy their meal with a pleasant experience.
Fresh cream added to your coffee!
Right: The ‘Omelette Sandwich’ available for takeout at 1,300 yen.
DATA ‘Kissa (喫茶) YOU’
Address: 4-13-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-6226-0482
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last order; on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, last order is at 3:30 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays
A city with famous theatres: ‘Tokyo – Nihonbashi’
Nihonbashi (日本橋), a district named after the Ningyo-cho (人形町) area, where in the Edo period there were popular Joruri (浄瑠璃) theatres, is home to some of Tokyo’s oldest theatres, including the ‘Meijiza (明治座)’ and ‘Mitsukoshi (三越) theatre,’ making it a renowned hub for theatre enthusiasts.
‘Tamago sandwich’ from Hamanoya parlor Nihonbashi main store
Hot omelette matches perfectly with the lettuce’s bitterness
In 1966, the original ‘Hamano-ya parlor (はまの屋パーラー)’ opened in Hibiya (日比谷), only to close its doors after 45 years. A new company has since revived this iconic cafe, preserving the original charm of the first generation.
Their signature ‘Sandwich’ comes in six varieties, with the ‘Tamago (egg)’ being highly recommended. The omelette, prepared with a gentle steaming technique, is then layered between crispy toast. A key feature is the lettuce inside, which remains crisp and slightly bitter, balancing the creamy, warm omelette. This thoughtful combination gives the sandwich added depth of flavor. Recently relocated in autumn 2023, it remains a hidden gem ideal for a quick stop before or after theatre visits.
Peach flavoured cream soda – a rare find!
Right: ‘Egg sandwich’ for takeaway.
DATA: ‘Hamanoya parlor Nihonbashi main branch (はまの屋パーラー 日本橋本店)’
Address: 1-7-2 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Yagi Nagabiru B1
Phone: 03-6281-8818
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (L.O.)
Closed: New Year’s holidays
Instagram@hamanoyaparlor
This article is a reprint from the magazine ‘WARAKU’ (June-July 2024 issue). All prices are inclusive of tax, and prices or hours may change. Please check before visiting.
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/258270/
