Source: YouTube

Chinjuya: Maybe The Strangest Place To Eat In Japan

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever eaten? If you’re an adventurous eater and in Japan, Chinjuya in Yokohama is the place where you can challenge yourself to try creatures that you may never have even thought of as being edible! Even the name Chinjuya translates to “rare animal restaurant.” Florie and Miki of the Deep in Japan YouTube channel live up to their channel name by taking us to this unique area tucked away in the Sakuragi-cho area of Yokohama.

The area around Chinjuya was known for black markets until World War II, but is now a prime destination for curious foodies. As you enter Chijuya, its appearance doesn’t seem much different from a regular izakaya (Japanese-style bar), and they even serve a range of interesting animal-free drinks.

They tried fried axolotl, also known as a Mexican salamander, which despite being endangered in other parts of the world is bred with relative ease for consumption. (Organic!) Just one axolotl set them back 1,980 yen (about $18 USD), so this restaurant is not the cheapest place to go if you’re looking to leave with a full stomach.

Other items they tried include fried moth larvae, giant isopods, and fried newts. In addition to smaller creatures, the restaurant also serves ostrich, crocodile, camel, and meat from giant rabbits. Piranhas have even graced the menu before, served in all their toothy glory.

You have to have a strong stomach to watch the video… let alone go there yourself! Check out the video to see how Florie and Miki enjoyed their meal. Chinjuya is popular on Twitter (Japanese-language only), especially with their pictures of limited-time-only menu items.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.