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Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, offering an impressive array of dining options that range from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual street food stalls. With its diverse culinary landscape, Tokyo provides something for every palate and budget, making it a top destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking traditional dishes or new culinary experiences, Tokyo delivers it all.
To help you make the most of your time in this food lover’s paradise, I’ve created 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 foods, this guide ensures a great introduction to Tokyo’s culinary scene.
Foods You Must Eat in Tokyo:
1. Reserve a Traditional Sushi Experience
A trip to Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without experiencing sushi at its finest. As the sushi capital of the world, Tokyo is home to some of the freshest and most expertly prepared fish. One of the best ways to enjoy sushi is at a traditional sushi restaurant, where the chef’s skill and attention to detail are on full display. I recommend securing a reservation at a reputable establishment such as Ginza Kyubey, a sushi institution established in 1935. While reservations can be tricky, many hotels offer concierge services that can assist with booking, or you can use services like Pocket Concierge.
Kyubey has multiple locations, with dinner service at their main restaurant costing 25,300 JPY. The experience is worth every penny. Be prepared for a meal that’s not just about food but about the craft of sushi making. For a more affordable sushi option, Sushizanmai, a popular chain, offers delicious sushi at various price points and has multiple locations.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit a high-end sushi restaurant, it’s advisable to make reservations well in advance, particularly for dinner, which can be fully booked months ahead. If you’re new to sushi, don’t hesitate to ask your chef for recommendations based on what’s fresh that day.
2. Try Crispy Tempura Dishes
Tempura is a beloved Japanese dish consisting of seafood, meat, or vegetables coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried. It is often served over rice with a special dipping sauce known as Tetsuya. For an affordable and tasty tempura experience, head to Tendon Tenya, a popular chain. The location in Harajuku is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Dishes here start at 590 JPY and go up to 1,060 JPY for combo meals, making it an excellent option for those seeking a budget-friendly lunch.
For a more upscale tempura experience, consider visiting Tempura Kondo in Ginza, a Michelin-starred establishment that takes tempura to a whole new level. At Tempura Kondo, expect the finest seasonal ingredients and delicate preparation techniques.
3. Visit an Underground Food Hall
Tokyo’s underground food halls are a great way to explore the city’s culinary offerings without the need for a reservation. If you’re short on time, underground food halls are a fantastic way to sample multiple dishes in one stop. They’re also perfect for when you want a quick meal without sacrificing quality.
Tokyu Food Show, located in the basement of Shibuya Station, is one of the largest and most popular food halls in the city. It’s a favorite on this list of foods you must eat in Tokyo. With over 85 vendors, you can find everything from sushi and yakitori to French pastries and Indian curries. The food quality is exceptional, and many of the vendors are affiliated with local restaurants, ensuring that you’re getting a taste of Tokyo’s best. These food halls are designed for takeaway, but there are counters where you can stand and enjoy your meal.
Another excellent option is Isetan Shinjuku’s Food Floor. It offers a diverse selection of high-quality goods, including gourmet snacks, premium sushi, and pastries.
4. Tokyo Street Food
You might be surprised to learn that street food in Tokyo can be somewhat of a challenge to find. It’s there, you just need to know where to look. Harajuku offers a great spot for modern street food, with vendors selling cheese dogs and crepes. You’ll find them along the main road, near Tokyu Plaza, mixed in among the shops.
Another excellent location is Togoshi Ginza Shotengai, the longest shopping street in Tokyo, known for its korokke (Japanese croquettes). Located in the Shinagawa Ward, 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.
If you’re in the Asakusa area, Nakamise Street offers a great selection of traditional Japanese street food, including yakitori, mochi ice cream, and karaage (fried chicken). Nakamise Dori leads up to the gate of Senso-Ji temple and is just a short walk from the Asakusa Station.
5. Ramen
Another iconic food you can’t miss in Tokyo is ramen. This hearty noodle soup is a Japanese comfort food favorite. Tokyo is home to countless ramen shops serving up bowls of rich, flavorful broth with perfectly cooked noodles. Tokyo-style ramen is typically characterized by a soy-based broth, often paired with thin, straight noodles, and topped with ingredients like chashu (braised pork), menma (bamboo shoots), and green onions. One popular spot to try ramen in Tokyo is Ichiryu Ramen, located in the Shinjuku area.
If you’re craving something more unique, Tsukemen (dipping noodles) is another popular variation where the noodles and broth are served separately, and you dip the noodles into the broth before eating. Whether you’re enjoying a piping-hot bowl on a cold day or savoring the rich flavors after a day of sightseeing, ramen is a must eat in Tokyo.
6. Sweet Treats of Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is famous for its trendy vibe and is home to some of the most creative dessert shops in Tokyo. Among the most popular is Totti Candy Factory, known for its giant cotton candy and rainbow grilled cheese. Marion Crepes is another great choice, serving both sweet and savory crepes. It started as a food truck in 1976 and is now the longest-running crepe shop in the city.
Cafe Reissue is a cute cafe, just off Takeshita Street, where you can get 2-D and 3-D coffee art. You can show the coffee artists a photo of what you want and they will attempt to creat it. Harajuku can get crowded, especially on weekends. Try visiting on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid long lines.
7. Conveyor Belt Sushi
Conveyor belt sushi is a fun and affordable way to enjoy sushi in Tokyo. Genki Sushi, located in the Shibuya area, is one of the most popular conveyor belt sushi restaurants in the city. The system is simple: you place an order on a touchscreen monitor, and your food is delivered on a conveyor belt right to your seat. The sushi is fresh, and you can enjoy a satisfying meal for under 1,600 JPY. While it’s a more casual sushi experience, it’s a great way to sample a variety of dishes.
Another great option for conveyor belt sushi is Sushiro, a nationwide chain that offers high-quality sushi at a great price point. With its large menu and rapid turnover, Sushiro is perfect for those who want a quick yet tasty meal.
8. Egg Salad Sandwiches
When it comes to quick and satisfying meals in Tokyo, egg salad sandwiches are a must eat in Tokyo. While they may seem simple, these sandwiches are a staple in Japanese convenience stores and are beloved for their light yet creamy filling. The egg salad is made with boiled eggs, Japanese mayonnaise (which has a sweeter flavor than its Western counterpart), and sometimes a touch of mustard for extra flavor. The sandwich is typically served on soft, fluffy white bread with the crusts cut off.
You can find these sandwiches at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson, making them an ideal option for a quick snack while on the go. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods or in need of a quick bite, the egg salad sandwich is the perfect meal on the go.
9. Japanese Pancakes
Japanese pancakes are a must-try for anyone visiting Tokyo, especially for brunch. These pancakes are thick, and fluffy, and often served with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and syrup. One of the best places to try them is Flippers in Harajuku, known for its souffle-style pancakes. Be prepared to wait, as it’s a popular spot, but the pancakes are well worth it.
The Happy Pancake is another great option with locations throughout the city, The Happy Pancake prides itself on its use of fresh ingredients and no additives. Each pancake is made to order, taking about 20 minutes, but is well worth the wait,
10. Explore the Alleys of Omoide Yokocho
For an authentic Tokyo food experience, visit Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), a maze of narrow alleyways in Shinjuku that’s lined with small yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) stalls. This area, once a black market after World War II, has become a beloved spot for both locals and tourists looking for delicious grilled meats and a lively atmosphere. The food is simple but incredibly flavorful, and the narrow alleyways make for an unforgettable dining experience.
Many of the eateries here serve yakitori skewers with varying cuts of chicken, but you’ll find other meats like pork and beef as well. Omoide Yokocho is a popular spot in the evenings, so try to arrive earlier in the night to secure a seat in one of the tiny eateries. This area can also be experienced as part of a food tour.
Want more foods you must eat in Tokyo? I recommend checking out the Toyosu Fish Market or visiting a Udon restaurant. Looking for a 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
Located near Harajuku’s iconic Cat Street, Trunk Hotel offers a modern, stylish experience with a unique blend of work and play. The hotel features an expansive outdoor deck that functions as a co-working space during the day and transforms into a lively cocktail bar by night. While situated near the bustling shopping district, Trunk Hotel is tucked away just enough to offer a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Its proximity to major attractions, including the famous Shibuya Crossing just a ten-minute walk away, makes it a convenient base for exploring the city.
Hilton Tokyo
The Hilton Tokyo, located in Shinjuku, is a popular choice for visitors seeking luxury and convenience. The hotel is connected to the metro via an underground walkway, making it easy to access Tokyo’s top attractions. With spacious rooms and stunning views of the city skyline, the Hilton Tokyo is perfect for travelers who appreciate both comfort and a prime location. The concierge staff is knowledgeable and can assist with booking reservations at the city’s most popular sushi restaurants, ensuring you experience Tokyo’s culinary offerings at their finest.
Hotel Fukudaya
For travelers seeking a budget-friendly yet authentic experience, Hotel Fukudaya offers a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) experience without the hefty price tag. Located just a short distance from Shibuya Station, this cozy hotel provides easy access to one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. Hotel Fukudaya’s traditional Japanese rooms and warm hospitality provide a glimpse into the country’s culture, making it a great choice for travelers who want to explore the city while staying in a place with character and affordability.
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!