Tokyo may be known for its neon-lit streets, but peer closer and you’ll realize that the city is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the tastebuds. Indeed, food is more than a mere necessity in the metropolis: it’s a cultural celebration that brings together multiple generations, captivating food lovers from all over the world.
From exquisitely fresh Japanese sushi to hearty Japanese ramen bowls tucked away in nondescript alleyways, Tokyo’s food scene is an absolute tapestry of both tradition and innovation. So, let’s check out the best things to eat in Tokyo, Japan!
The Best Savory Food in Tokyo Japan
Let’s start off with the absolute best savory offerings you’ll find throughout the metropolis!
1. TOKYO MONJA | MONJA-YAKI
2. JAPANESE SUSHI
3. JAPANESE CHANKO NABE | Sumo Wrestler's Hotpot
Chanko Nabe is a delectable hot pot dish that’s a common staple among Sumo wrestlers. As such, you can expect this dish to be full of nutrients and proteins.
In true Japanese fashion, the ingredients are seasonal, so you can expect heaps of vegetables and protein such as chicken or fish.
If you ask us, one of the top places to try Chanko Nabe is Chanko Chiyonofuji, which is a renovated Sumo Gym. Located in Sumida City in Tokyo, this establishment offers a choice of Yokozuna and Ozeki set menus. Each menu features a chanko hot pot alongside an assortment of side dishes.
We also recommend that you check out Taniarashi Restaurant in Minato City.
4. JAPANESE RAMEN NOODLE
Is there anything more comforting than tucking into a hearty bowl of Ramen after spending a day touring the best attractions in Tokyo? We think not!
It’s no secret that there are a lot of Japanese Ramen noodle spots speckled across the city. After all, it’s a firm favorite among locals and tourists alike. Not only is this one of the most budget-friendly dishes in Tokyo, but it’s also super versatile. Some of the most popular types of Ramen noodle include Shoyu (soy sauce), Miso, Tonkotsu (Pork), Shio (Salted), and Tantan (Spicy).
Here’s an insider tip for you: the most authentic Japanese Ramen noodle places in Tokyo is found in those ancient places that are usually passed down from generation to generation.
5. JAPANESE TEMPURA
6. JAPANESE SOBA Noodles
7. JAPANESE Kaiseki RYORI
Often said to be the epitome of Japanese cuisine, Kaiseki started out in 16th-century Kyoto. Back then, it was a simple meal of miso soup, rice, and several small side dishes served as part of a tea ceremony. Nowadays, it evolved to become among the most beautifully presented dishes in Tokyo.
One of the best things about Kaiseki is that it’s made of whatever’s in season. In most restaurants, Kaiseki is served in a distinct order: the appetizer precedes a simmered dish, which is then followed by a sashimi course, a grilled item (often a protein), as well as rice and soup.
A firm favorite among locals and tourists alike, Nihonryōri Hakuun in Minato City offers an eclectic menu that’s teeming with dishes like charcoal-grilled bonito and abalone soup.
We can also vouch for Ise Sueyoshi (also in Minato City) and Jingumae Higuchi, a 2-star Michelin Kaiseki Restaurant in Shibuya City.
8. Yakitori
Another classic Japanese delicacy, Yakitori refers to chicken skewers that are grilled over charcoal, resulting in a crispy, charred exterior while still maintaining a soft, succulent texture inside.
Traditionally, Yakitori is seasoned in two ways: either with a tare sauce with vinegar, dashi broth, and soy sauce or with salt only. Locals will tell you that authentic Yakitori is best savored with salt only so you can properly appreciate the natural flavor of the chicken.
If you’re in Shibuya city, be sure to check out Yakitori Tsukada, known for serving amazing Yakitori made from excellent-quality, free-range chicken.
9. Tonkatsu
For many, Tonkatsu is the stuff that dreams are made of: think thick, luscious slabs of juicy pork cutlets fried to absolute perfection and served on a bed of crunchy salad alongside an umami dipping sauce.
Here’s a fun fact about Tonkatsu: ‘Katsu’ signifies victory and as such, it’s traditionally eaten before a sports contest or an exam in Japan.
Since it’s such a favorite in Tokyo, you’ll find excellent Tonkatsu spots all over, but we’re quite partial to the ones served at Tonkatsu Juroku in Taito City and Ginza Tonkatsu Saito in Ginza.
10. Japanese Teppanyaki
The Top Sweet Treats in Tokyo
Okay, now that you’ve had your fill of those amazing savory Tokyo specialties, it’s time to check out the sweet treats that beckon in the metropolis.
Here are some local classics that you just can’t miss during your stay in Tokyo.
1. Taiyaki
This Japanese local traditional sweets Taiyaki has been loved by Japanese people in all generations for decateds. Easily recognizable by its fish shape, this waffle is usually filled with red bean, chocolate or cheese and you can find small pop up street shops at train stations and local super markets. A popular place for enjoying red bean Taiyaki is Naniwaya Sōhonten Azabu Juban in Minato City in Tokyo.
2. Japanese Matcha Desserts
If you’re a fan of all things matcha, you’ll be glad to learn that the city’s got heaps of amazing spots where you can sample just about every type of matcha-based desert you can think of.
Matcha chocolate walnuts, matcha cheesecake, matcha mochi…the works! In Chiyoda City’s Saryo Tsujiri, first founded in Kyoto in 1860, for example, you’ll find a charming café specializing in whisked matcha parfaits with various types of toppings.
3. Japanese Dango
Made of rice flour, Dango are round-shaped Japanese dumplings served on a skewer in very often sets of three or five. Pairing beautifully with Japanese green tea, they’re traditionally eaten with red bean paste, syrup, and sugar.
The best places in Tokyo for Dango are the 200-year-old Habutae Dango shop in Arakawa City and the 19th-century Kototoi Dango (Sumida City), known for its tri-colored Dangos on a plate.
4. Japanese Zenzai
Beautiful colors, a comforting texture, and a glorious medley of flavors all come together in this sweet dessert soup that’s especially popular in the Temple District.
Made by boiling sugar and red beans, the soup also features candied chestnuts, dango, and mochi – although some places also serve it plain.
Umezono in Taito City is especially known for its unique Zenzai made from mochi millet.
Speaking of mochi, this delightfully glutinous dessert always goes down a treat. Consisting of glutinous rice flour, mochi is adored in Japan (and all around the world) for its distinctively chewy texture.
Strawberry mochi (also known as Ichigo Daifuku) is quite popular, especially in the spring. These seasonal Japanese confectionaries are filled with red bean paste and a whole strawberry. If you’re visiting Tokyo in spring (March to May), be sure to head to Ginza Akebono for a box of their special Ichigo Daifuku.
Here’s one that goes down a treat during those hot summer months! Kakigori packs a refreshing blend of flavors.
The shaved ice is generously doused in milk and while the toppings usually change seasonally, they usually consist of pineapple, strawberry mascarpone, red bean, pumpkin or mango cream, Yuzu, or Kinako. Some cafes even serve specialties like Earl Grey-flavored shaved ice.
Cafe Lumiere in Musashino is known for their unique twists on this beloved Japanese dessert. We recommend the fluffy meringue Kakigori doused with rum and set on fire until it develops this delicious shell that perfectly enrobes the shaved ice.
7. Wagashi
A traditional Japanese concoction made up of fruit, mochi, and anko (azuki bean paste), Wagashi is an absolute feast for the senses. Not only does it taste good, but it offers quite a visual treat as well.
Carefully sculpted from rice flour, Wagashi is famous for its intricate colors and details. They’re often served in Tea Ceremonies alongside green tea.
Founded in Kyoto, Toraya Akasaka in Minato City is one of the top places in Tokyo for savoring Wagashi. An interesting fact about this store is that it used to supply sweet delicacies to the Imperial Court in the 1800s.
Tokyo’s street food scene is a culinary adventure in its own right. Amazing eats beckon in every corner and for many travelers, exploring the food stalls is the highlight of their trip. Tokyo’s street food seamlessly blends into everyday life, making every sightseeing expedition an opportunity to sample classic Japanese treats.
For instance, you will find Yakitori just about anywhere in the city. These grilled skewers are easy to eat on the move and some stalls add their own twists to this beloved classic.
By far one of the most legendary Tokyo street foods is Takoyaki. More than just a delicious dish, Takoyaki represents a cultural statement that’s enrooted in Japanese history. A crispy, golden-brown crust beckons, with an exceptionally tender piece of squid in the center, the whole thing smothered in Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed, bonito flakes, and of course, the signature Takoyaki sauce.
For something more filling, you can try Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that combines meat, cabbage, and various types of toppings.
A few of the (many!) great places to sample Tokyo’s diverse street food include:
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Especially known for its seafood extravaganza.
- Jizo-Dori Shopping Street: Perfect for Japanese mochi, Yakitori, and Taiyaki pastries.
- Takeshita Street: A dessert lover’s dream come true with inventive twists on classic sweets.
- Togoshi Ginza Shotengai: An eclectic assortment of modern and traditional Japanese snacks.
Food-Theme Souvenirs
Tokyo Banana
Tokyo Hiyoko
Japanese Fravoured KitKat
YOKU MOKU
With a flagship shop in Tokyo, Yoku Moku is a confectionary brand that dates back to 1969. It’s known for its highly acclaimed Cigare, a crispy cookie wafer known for its soft mouth feel and rich, buttery flavor.
Shiroi Koibito
Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory
Seasonal Food in Tokyo
As you can probably tell by now, Japan is big on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here are some seasonal highlights you just can’t miss:
Spring (March to April)
Spring spells Sakura flavors, but we also recommend that you try various Japanese tea flavors since fresh tea leaves are harvested during this season. Tokyo Ohisama Berries also bloom in the spring.
Spring Sushi specialties include Bonito, Sayori, Kasugo, Bigfin reef squid, and Aori-ika.
Summer (June to August)
Tokyo’s beer gardens and rooftop bars come to life in Summer. We also recommend that you cool down with refreshing treats like Kakigori. Summer Festivals (Natsu Matsuri) like Iriya Asagao and Shitamachi Tanabata are packed full of Japanese specialties like Chocolate Bananas, Yakisoba, and Yakitori.
Summer Sushi varieties include sea urchin, sardine, Greater Amberjack, Horse mackerel, Sea Bass, and Abalone.
Fall (Mid-October to early December)
Fall sees the arrival of the annual Tokyo Ramen Festa, commonly held in Komazawa Olympic Park. You’ll find over 40 vendors from all over Japan, perfect for sampling regional varieties.
As far as fall sushi is concerned, be sure to try varieties like Bonito, salmon roe, Kohada, Sanma, and Filefish.
Winter (December to February)
Comforting dishes abound in the winter, with Nabe (hot pot) specialties like Sukiyaki (marbled meat, mushrooms, tofu, and seasonal vegs) and Shabushabu (thinly-sliced meat and vegetables with dipping sauces), all washed down with some warm sake.
Winter sushi is an absolute seafood fest in winter, with offerings like Oyster, Tuna, Yellowtail, Scallop, and Snow Crab sushi.
How to Get Around Tokyo
It’s exceptionally easy to get around Tokyo.
For starters, the cities are super walkable thanks to the flat topography, making it easy to explore the many hidden gems peppered throughout. You can also get around on a bicycle just like the locals do.
Tokyo also has an excellent subway and train system, both of which are easy to navigate thanks to the color-coded lines and English signage. Known for being punctual, the trains are clean and comfortable – although it can get crowded during peak hours. Major transit hubs like Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, and Tokyo stations are connected through the JR Yamanote Line that surrounds the city’s central point (the Imperial Palace).
Tokyo also has an extensive bus network for shorter journeys. Tourists usually find the 06 bus quite useful since it connects major neighborhoods like Hiroo, Shibuya, and Azabujuban.
Travel Tips for Visiting Tokyo Japan
Before you zip up your suitcase, we have just a few more travel tips for you
- Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Most people in Tokyo can understand simple English phrases but it’s still courteous to learn some basic Japanese like Konnichiwa (Hello), Sumimasen (Exuse me), and Arigatou Gozaimasu (Thank you).
- Get a Tokyo Pass
- Check out the free Tokyo tours and activities.
- Pack adequately: winter can get chillier than you’d think, so be sure to bring your warm clothing.
- There may be lots of walking involved so bring your comfiest and sturdiest shoes as well.
- Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting during Cherry Blossom and snow season for ski since most establishments sell out very quickly.
- Tipping isn’t customary in Japan.
- Get a Japan Rail Pass to easily travel around the country by train.
- Avoid traveling during rush hour.
- Keep your voice low in public spaces, especially when you are on the train.
- Stay hydrated, especially if visiting between May and October. These months are notoriously hot and it’s easy to get dehydrated especially when sight-seeing.
- Take some day trips from Tokyo. Neighboring spots like Gongendo Park and Lake Kawaguchiko have the best cherry blossoms in Japan.
- Free Wi-Fi and SIM Cards: The free Wi-Fi passport provides access to various Softbank hotspots at hotels, train stations, cafes, and various locations across Japan.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Tokyo
Tokyo is truly a one-of-a-kind metropolis that seamlessly fuses futuristic tech, fashion, cosplay, and ancient Japanese traditions.
We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect stay in Tokyo based on your budget and personal recommendations. If you’re in the mood for some additional adventures in the city, then check out our recommendations for the best authentic Japanese destinations in Tokyo.
*Please be aware that we cannot accommodate for individual food allergies or intolerances, so it is the responsibility of each guest to ensure their selections are safe for them to consume.
