Onigiri Bongo has served the humble onigiri, or rice ball, for 60 years. The current owner is the widow of the original owner, whom she married after discovering the restaurant as a newcomer to Tokyo.

From sushi to tempura, these are the classic Japanese recipes to master at home. Some are quick and easy—and others take patience but are worth the effort.

8 best restaurants for gourmet and innovative onigiri rice balls in Tokyo The humble onigiri rice ball is elevated with premium ingredients and creative fillings at ...

Fire up (well, plug in) the rice cooker, for rice balls with pickled mushrooms, miso-glazed eggplant and comforting cabbage soup.

The rice balls are often served in a set, including pickles and miso soup. A weekday meal set with two onigiri and tofu soup goes for for 800 yen, about $5.98 — in Tokyo, a very affordable lunch.

These Japanese rice balls filled with salty-sweet salmon are customizable, fun, and great for snacking.

Among the many wonderful things at Japanese convenience stores, perhaps the most wonderful of all are the rice balls, or onigiri, as they’re called in Japanese. Tasty, reasonably priced, and ...