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Discovering Tokyo’s culinary wonders is a delight for any food enthusiast, as the city boasts an incredible array of dining options, ranging from Michelin Star restaurants to hidden gems tucked away in its vibrant neighborhoods. You never know what culinary treasures you may stumble upon while exploring the city’s streets. What sets Tokyo apart is the accessibility of amazing food at any price point, making it a foodie’s paradise.
To help you make the most of your time in this food lover’s haven, I’ve curated a list of 8 foods you must eat in Tokyo, Japan. From traditional sushi experiences and crispy tempura to exploring food halls and savoring street food delights, this guide ensures a great introduction to Tokyo’s rich culinary scene.
Foods You Must Eat in Tokyo:
1. Reserve a Traditional Sushi Experience
A trip to Tokyo isn’t complete without a traditional sushi experience. Tokyo is the world capital of sushi and not only is the fish some of the freshest that you’ll ever have, but many of the chefs spend years perfecting their skills. I recommend securing a reservation before your arrival. Reservations can be difficult for foreigners to obtain, but a hotel concierge may be able to assist. There are also services such as Pocket Concierge that allow you to make reservations online for a fee.
Upon landing in Tokyo, I called Kyubey (which came highly recommended) and was able to book a lunch reservation at one of their less busy locations. Ginza Kyubey was established in 1935 in Tokyo and has become one of the top sushi restaurants in Japan. You can expect high-quality food and amazing service. The whole experience was really special. Not only was the food delicious, but the amount of care put into preparing every piece of fish was amazing to watch.
A traditional sushi experience should be at the top of your list of foods you must eat in Tokyo. It isn’t going to be cheap, but it is worth the splurge. If you wish to save a little money, I suggest opting for a lunch reservation. The cost of the smallest lunch portion at Kyubey is 4,700 JPY; it was quite filling and I found the servings to be generous.
2. Try Crispy Tempura Dishes
Tempura, or tendon, is a traditional Japanese dish of vegetables, meat, or seafood that has been battered and fried. These items are usually served over rice and dipped in a special sauce, called Tetsuya. The batter is light, unlike the deep-fried items that are common in the United States. Tendon Tenya is a chain with locations throughout Tokyo and is a great spot for a cheap and delicious tempura meal.
I found the location in Harajuku to be convenient and the perfect place for a quick bite. The tempura at Tendon Tenya was some of the best I found during my trip and you really can’t beat the price. Some of my favorite items are the prawns and the pumpkin tempura. Dishes start at around 400 JPY and go up to 1000 JPY for a combo.
3. Visit an Underground Food Hall
Explore Tokyo’s culinary treasures without the need for reservations by venturing into the underground food halls of its department stores. A standout among them is Tokyu Food Show, conveniently situated near the renowned Shibuya Crossing, located on the basement level of Shibuya Station. Once part of the now-closed Tokyu Department Store, the gourmet-style food court remains open due to its popularity.
As one of Tokyo’s largest food halls, Tokyu Food Show boasts over 85 vendors offering a diverse range of global cuisines. From French pastries to Chinese dumplings, Indian curries, and delightful local Japanese bites, the selection is both extensive and delicious. Don’t miss out on the incredibly fresh sushi and mouthwatering yakitori. The food, intended for takeout, maintains high quality, with many vendors affiliated with local restaurants. While primarily designed for a grab-and-go experience, a few small counters are available for those who don’t mind standing while enjoying their culinary finds.
4. Tokyo Street Food
You might be surprised to learn that street food in Tokyo can be somewhat of a challenge to find. It is there, you just need to know where to look. Harajuku is a great area to explore. Along the main road, near Tokyu Plaza, you’ll find a handful of vendors mixed in among the shops. This area has more modern street food items. Here you will find multiple vendors serving the popular cheese dog, which is simply fried cheese on a stick, as well as many crepe stands.
Togoshi Ginza Shotengai is another great stop for food. It’s located in Shinagawa Ward and is the longest shopping street in Tokyo. The street becomes a walking street and is closed to traffic Monday through Saturday between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday. The street is known for its korokke vendors. Korokke is a Japanese croquette or a breaded ball of potato or meat.
Nakamise Street is another shopping street that is popular for its food. Nakamise Dori leads up to the gate of Senso-Ji temple and is just a short walk from the Asakusa Station. The street is very touristy and is packed with souvenir shops, but the food makes it worth a visit. The food stalls offer all kinds of traditional Japanese street food. You’ll find everything from fresh dumplings, yakitori, mochi ice cream, and karaage (fried chicken).
5. Sweet Treats of Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is a shopping street located in the district of Harajuku, an area popular with Japanese youth. It’s one of my favorite areas in Tokyo. Harajuku is known for its artsy vibe, vintage shops, themed cafes, and cosplay stores. Along Takeshita Street, you will also find fun dessert shops.
Totti Candy Factory is one of the favorites among tourists. It’s known for its giant cotton candy and rainbow grilled cheese. Other must-visit shops include Marion Crepes and Eiwelt Gelato for cute animal-shaped ice cream cones.
6. Conveyor Belt Sushi
There are a handful of conveyor belt sushi restaurants around Tokyo, but one of the most visited and highly rated is Genki Sushi. Genki Sushi is located in the Shibuya area and is a quick walk from the train station. It’s a great place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some fresh sushi at a great price. Genki Sushi is very popular and can get busy during lunch and dinner hours.
On arrival, you’ll want to check in with the host and join the wait outside. A crowd can form and although it looks like a lot of people, the restaurant is run efficiently and the wait is not as long as one would think. Once your name is called, you’ll be given a seat at a counter with a touch-screen monitor to use for placing your order. The menu is available in a few different languages, including English, and you are allowed to select a few small plates at a time.
When your food is ready it is sent out on a belt that runs across the counter. As it is being sent out, your screen will light up, alerting you to which belt it will arrive on. The experience is a fun one, especially if it’s new to you. The food is delicious and you can enjoy a meal for under 1000 JPY.
7. Japanese Pancakes
There are a lot of cute cafes and brunch spots scattered throughout Tokyo, but I recommend going somewhere for Japanese pancakes. Tokyo is crazy about pancakes and there are numerous spots around the Shibuya and Harajuku areas. Flippers, one of the more popular restaurants, can have a wait of over an hour. What’s so special about pancakes, you ask? Japanese pancakes are made differently than those in the United States.
The egg whites are separated from the yolks, beaten until fluffy, and then folded back into the batter. Japanese pancakes are thick, souffle-like, and loaded with fresh whipped cream and fruit. They are amazing and worth the wait. If the brunch queue is too long, I suggest pancakes for dinner. Flippers is open until 8 pm. I arrived about an hour before closing and only had a ten-minute wait. You can also try Eggs n’ Things. They have a handful of locations around Tokyo, including one in Harajuku.
8. Explore the Alleys of Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho is a maze of narrow alleyways located near the Shinjuku Station. Within the alleyways are tiny restaurants and open food stalls serving drinks and the most incredible yakitori. Omoide Yokocho roughly translates to Memory Lane. It is an area of older buildings and began as a black market in the days after World War II.
It was a dangerous area at the time, but people didn’t have a choice in going since that is where food and supplies were located. Today, Omoide Yokocho is a safe place to visit and the food stalls are fully licensed. Not only is the food terrific, but the people-watching is great as well.
Want more foods you must eat in Tokyo? I recommend checking out the Toyosu Fish Market, visiting a Udon restaurant, or having an egg salad sandwich from the convenience store, Lawson. Looking for a fun place to have a drink? Visit Nonbei Yokocho or Golden Gai and have a Japanese whiskey or sake. Both areas are made up of narrow alleyways that are packed with tiny bars. Golden Gai is the largest of the two with over 200 bars located in six alleyways.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Trunk Hotel
Trunk Hotel is a contemporary hotel with a great outdoor deck that serves as a co-working space during the day and hosts a cocktail bar at night. It’s located near Harajuku’s well-known shopping street, Cat Street, but is far enough away from the main road that it still provides some quiet. The hotel is conveniently located to many of the top tourist attractions and the Shibuya crossing is just a ten-minute walk.
Hilton Tokyo
Hilton Tokyo is located in Shinjuku and is a favorite of many travelers. It has an underground walkway connecting it to the metro, which makes it easy to get around the city. The hotel has incredible views and its concierge can help secure reservations at some of the sushi restaurants around town.
Hotel Fukudaya
Hotel Fukudaya is the perfect place for those on a budget. The small hotel is tucked away from the hustle and bustle but still allows guests to easily explore Shibuya. It’s a short distance from the train station and provides guests with a traditional Japanese inn experience.
Have you been to Tokyo? Is something missing from this list of foods you must eat in Tokyo? If you’ve enjoyed this post, please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. For more fun things to do in Tokyo, continue to my post, “Top Ten 10 Things to Do in Tokyo.”
This guide is absolutely superb. Such detailed and comprehensive guide, it feels I am almost travelling along. Stunning pictures.
Thank you!