Sometaro is a wonderful little restaurant with a lot of character. Tucked away on a side street just a couple blocks from our hotel in Asakusa, it doesn't look like much at first. What it lacks in decor, it more than makes up for in rustic charm. Their specialty is okonomiyaki, which is a traditional working class Japanese meal. okonomiyaki - which basically translates to "what you like grilled" - are savory grilled meat pancakes. Homer Simpson eat your heart out.

Traditionally patrons cook the meal themselves on a grill inset into the table. Fortunately for the uninitiated and Japanese illiterate, not only does Sometaro have English language menus, they will also get the cooking started for you. As with many of the more traditional restaurants, check you shoes at the door and plan on sitting cross legged on the floor. It's all part of the experience.

Sometaro Website, sorry Japanese only.

Some info about okonomiyaki, including a recipe.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.