What to Eat in Tokyo, Japan A Guide to Tokyo Cuisine by JetSettingFools.com

What To Eat in Tokyo, Japan: A Guide To Tokyo Cuisine

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Sushi, Ramen, Gyoza, Yakitori, Okonomiyaki and Menchi Katsu. If you are wondering what to eat in Tokyo, these 6 food items are a must! People who are visiting Tokyo for the first time can get a taste of classic Tokyo cuisine by indulging in Japan’s most famous food in the best restaurants around the city.

Visiting Japan on a budget? Don’t worry! Our list of recommend things to eat in Tokyo won’t break the bank. Whether you are visiting Japan on the cheap or enjoying a luxurious Japanese vacation, use our list as your Tokyo Food Guide!

 

Best Tokyo Cuisine

Historically, Japanese cuisine had a base of rice accompanied by miso soup, grilled or raw fish and fresh or pickled vegetables. As Japan modernized – especially in the capital city of Tokyo – so has the food. Much of today’s Tokyo cuisine has been influenced by countries around the world – mostly so by China (which is how ramen wiggled its way into being a must-eat in Tokyo!).

 

Michelin Star Restaurants Tokyo

The food is so good in Tokyo that the 2023 Michelin Guide features an astounding 422 Tokyo restaurants! Of those, 12 restaurants received the coveted 3-Star Award (such as the well-known Kanda Restaurant Tokyo – reviews). While eating at most Michelin Star award winners comes with a hefty price tag, there are a few Tokyo Michelin Star Restaurants where prices are affordable. You can review the complete list of Michelin Restaurants Tokyo before your trip to Japan.

 

Cheap Eats Tokyo

As budget-conscious travelers, we were mindful of the high Tokyo food prices. In fact, we were quite aware of the high cost of just about everything in Japan. That being said, one of things we looked forward to on our trip to Japan was indulging in the must-eat food in Tokyo.

What we learned is that not all Tokyo famous food is expensive. While some Tokyo restaurant prices are notoriously high, we discovered an abundance of cheap restaurants in Tokyo, as well. In fact, some of the best places to eat in Tokyo offer meals for around $10 USD!


 

What To Eat in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo lightbulb sign at Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan

Our Tokyo, Japan food guide includes everything visitors need to know. In addition to our 6 favorite foods to eat in Tokyo, we have listed our recommended restaurants for each food item and a link to each TripAdvisor Tokyo restaurant’s reviews. At the end of this Tokyo food blog post, you will also find a helpful map to locate each eatery.

Top Tip: Within this article we indicate the best places to eat in Tokyo, Japan. However, you can use this list as a general guide of what to eat in Japan – as the items we feature are eaten throughout the country.

Pin, Save or Bookmark our Tokyo Food Travel Guide to plan your trip to Japan! 

 

#1 TOKYO SUSHI

Salmon sushi at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan

Sushi is one of my favorite things to eat anywhere in the world – I will eat it for any meal (including breakfast!) and it’s what I crave when I am not feeling well. So, it’s not surprising that eating sushi in Tokyo was the #1 thing I was looking forward to on our trip to Japan. What I quickly learned, however, is that sushi in Japan is quite different from the sushi we are used to eating. That said, I still think it is the absolute best food in Tokyo!

 

Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

Platter of sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market restaurant in Tokyo, Japan

Sushi is a Tokyo culinary artform. There are countless sushi places in Tokyo – from elegant and intimate to cheap and quick. Nigiri sushi – or nigirizushi – is the most popular and often considered the best sushi in Tokyo.

Familiar to many sushi lovers, nigiri is pressed rice topped with a single slice of fish (and often a dollop of wasabi, which is concealed between the fish and rice). Tuna, salmon and unagi (freshwater eel with sweet sauce) are common fish used in nigiri.

Gunkanmaki (or gunkan) is also common in Tokyo sushi restaurants; it’s a combination of rice and roe (orange fish eggs) wrapped in seaweed. Gunkanmaki doesn’t look very appetizing, but it’s definitely worth trying. One kind of Tokyo sushi we sampled that was completely new to us was inarizushi, which are delicious pockets of fried tofu stuffed with rice.

Piece of sushi at Genki Sushi in Tokyo, Japan

Sushi rolls, called makizushi or maki, are not nearly as prevalent in Japan as they are in the United States. When we did spot maki on a Tokyo sushi menu, the rolls were simple, unlike the elaborate westernized rolls we are accustomed to consuming.

We pushed ourselves to eat Japanese sushi menu items that we were unfamiliar with, but that rank as Tokyo must-try food. Try as we might, not everything we ate was to our liking.

Some of the popular food in Tokyo sushi restaurants that our palate was not fond of was raw shrimp, tamagoyaki (egg omelette), iwashi (sardine) and uni (sea urchin). And, although oshizushi (or pressed sushi) is touted as a Tokyo traditional food that visitors should taste, neither of us could stomach it. We bravely tried battera – oshizushi with mackerel fish – but after a small bite, we were unable to finish it.

 

Sashimi Tokyo

Sashimi is a Tokyo specialty food. Often mistakenly called sushi, sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish served without any rice or other accompaniments. The best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, Japan usually serve sashimi, too.

 

Best Sushi Tokyo

Sushi Roll and Sake at kaiten sushi restaurant Toriton at SkyTree in Tokyo, Japan

In our search for the best sushi places in Tokyo, we consumed heaps of fish at establishments all over the city. Our quest for finding the best place to eat sushi in Tokyo was limited only by our budget – and clout, I suppose, as some places are impossible to get into unless you are local and well-connected. We feasted on kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) and sampled the freshest sushi we’ve ever had at the Tokyo Fish Market.

 

Tsukiji Fish Market Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market food stall restaurant with seated patrons in Tokyo, Japan

The freshest and best sushi restaurants in Tokyo are found at the Outer Market of the former Tsukiji Fish Market. That world-famous auction that took place inside the fish market for more than 80 years moved to a new location (Toyosu Wholesale Fish Market) in October 2018. However, the numerous sushi restaurants that cluster the lanes of the Outer Fish Market are still open for business.

The most popular restaurants have long lines by mid-morning. We escaped the crowds and delved deep into the alleyways to find less-congested restaurants where we could quickly get a seat. Of the places we ate, there were both set menus and a la carte (by the piece), so we could graze our way to more than one place. Unfortunately, none of the Outer Market sushi restaurants we visited had names printed in English, so we cannot recommend a specific place. 

 

Toriton Tokyo Solamachi

Conveyor Belt Sushi at Toriton Sushi Restaurant in SkyTree, Tokyo, Japan

Kaiten, or conveyor belt sushi, has negative connotations for lackluster and low-quality sushi – but that doesn’t hold true in Tokyo. Toriton restaurant at Solamachi Shopping Center is a prime example of quality sushi that happens to be served kaiten-style. Guests of the Tokyo Sky Tree restaurant will almost certainly have to wait in a queue for a seat; we heard of wait times of more than an hour, but we waited about 40 minutes.

Once ringside, we were free to grab any of the plates of sushi that circled around the chefs like a choo-choo train. The plates are color-coded to indicate the price of each item. Guests can also place orders for specific dishes rather than choosing from the dishes on the belt. Additionally, like in most kaiten restaurants, the tea and sauces are complimentary. Read Toriton reviews

 

Genki Sushi (CLOSED)

Entrance to Genki Sushi Train in Tokyo, Japan

Genki Sushi is one of the unique restaurants in Tokyo that has taken modern conveyor belt sushi to the next level. Rather than sushi continually chugging around the restaurant, the conveyor belt is used to deliver plates of sushi to specific seats.

Patrons use the touchscreen devices that are mounted at each seat to place their order and then wait for the sushi to be swiftly and precisely delivered. Although Genki is slightly kitsch and we wouldn’t rank it as the best sushi to eat in Tokyo, it’s one of the novel and fun restaurants in Tokyo to visit. 

 

Trendy Restaurants Tokyo

Japanese lanterns decorate restaurants in Roppongi, Tokyo, Japan

The famous Tokyo sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, is claimed to be the best sushi restaurant in the world. We will never know, as we didn’t have a chance of scoring a reservation. The 10-seat restaurant in the Ginza district is a Michelin 3-Star establishment – and has seen many famous guests, like President Barack Obama.

However, getting a seat for the 30-minute-$300 USD dinner is nearly impossible without an inside connection. Read Sukiyabashi Jiro reviews. Other top sushi restaurants in Tokyo, Japan are Sushi Saito, Yoshitake, Mizutani and Sawada.

 

#2 RAMEN IN TOKYO

Diners eating at Ichiran Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Ramen was first introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century as wheat noodles served in broth and topped with roasted pork. Since then, the dish has evolved into something that Japan can clearly call its own. The dish is so popular, in fact, that the nearby city of Yokohama has an entire museum dedicated to ramen – naturally called, the Ramen Museum.

Ramen noodle soup is one of the best things to eat in Tokyo – and should not be confused with Instant Noodles (the only version of ramen I knew before visiting Japan). There are numerous flavor combinations, but most ramen can be sorted into one of four categories: shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), miso or tonkotsu (pork bone). Common toppings include braised pork, spring onions, boiled egg, sprouts, bamboo shoots, garlic and seaweed.

Cities throughout Japan have crafted their own signature ramen creations. In Tokyo, the most common version is curly noodles in soy-enhanced chicken broth, which is then topped with scallion, bamboo shoots, pork, fish paste, seaweed and egg. With more than 5,000 ramen restaurants in Tokyo, Japan (and 24,000 across the country) it’s overwhelming to choose where to eat a bowl of the most popular food in Tokyo.

 

Ippudo Ramen

Bowl of ramen at Ippudo Roppongi in Tokyo, Japan

Now a chain of more than 100 restaurants across Japan and in select locations around the world (including New York, London and Paris), Ippudo is raved by fans as the best ramen in Tokyo! Founded in 1985 in the southern Japanese city of Fukuoka, the owner (who was crowned the Noodle King circa 2005) believes in maintaining flavor quality of their staple ramen dish, Shiromaru Classic – but also prepares innovative combinations, such as their Akamaru Modern and seasonal specialties.

Using traditional methods to create a broth that is both rich and smooth, the soup at Ippudo is cooked for 18 hours. The attention to detail and quality are what make Ippudo one of the must-eat restaurants in Tokyo.

We first heard of Ippudo when searching for the best restaurants in Roppongi Tokyo, where we were staying for half of our Tokyo visit. We liked the food at Ippudo Ramen so much that we ended up eating there twice during our stay – and in a city of 160,000 restaurants, that really says something.

Although we heard it is common to have to wait for a table (as it is with most must-visit restaurants in Tokyo), we were seated right away on both visits. Counter seats are available at the front of the restaurant, while tables fill the small space in the back. We were impressed by the attentive waitstaff and were thankful they had an English menu. Read Ippudo reviews.

 

Ichiran Ramen

Bowl of Ichiran Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Ichiran Ramen is listed in almost every Foodie Guide to Tokyo – and it makes our list, too. What ranks Ichiran as one of the must-go restaurants in Tokyo is the unusual dining experience.

Rather than waiters and dining tables, guests place their order at a vending machine and eat in a compartment reminiscent of a small library cubical. Secluded from neighbors and closed off to the waitstaff by a bamboo curtain, undistracted patrons can completely focus on their ramen experience.

The menu at Ichiran is simple, which makes ordering from the machine easy. Ramen, of which there is one lone choice (tonkotsu ramen), is the only main course on the menu. All other items are side dishes or enhancements – such as extra pork, egg and drinks.

Meal At Ichiran Ramen, Tokyo, Japan

Once seated, guests can further specify ramen preferences – such as noodle tenderness, spiciness and accompaniments – by filling out a small slip of paper. Then, when ready, diners ring the bell for the waitstaff to collect the order request. Within a few minutes, the bamboo curtains are raised and a steaming bowl of custom-ordered ramen miraculously appears.

The ramen at Ichiran is good, really good. Even though it wasn’t our favorite Tokyo ramen, we highly recommend the experience. A bowl of ramen (sans any extras) costs about $8 USD, which makes Ichiran one of the most popular and affordable restaurants in Tokyo.

There are multiple Ichiran locations in Tokyo (including Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi), but there will still likely be a queue. Guests who don’t want to wait or want to take the goodness home with them, can purchase ramen kits to-go. Read Ichiran Ramen reviews.

 

Tokyo Michelin Star Ramen

Three ramen shops in Tokyo have been bestowed a prestigious Michelin star: SobaHouse, Tsuta and Nakiryu. We did not dine at these establishments, as we heard lines start forming hours before opening and, with so much to see and do in Tokyo, we just didn’t have time to spare for the wait. Although wildly popular, costs are not exorbitant – diners can feast at these Michelin star restaurants for less than $10 USD.

 

#3 GYOZA IN TOKYO

Pan-fried gyoza from Harajuku Gyozaro in Tokyo, Japan

Gyoza is another classic Japanese dish – some go as far to say a National Food – that was snatched from China in the 1940s. The dumplings are made from thin dough that is stuffed with a mixture of meat and vegetables.

Traditionally, gyoza are filled with a combination of pork, onion, cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. However, some modern gyoza shops and Japanese restaurants have started creating unique dumplings. Gyoza are prepared in four ways: pan fried (our favorite), boiled, steamed or deep fried – and usually come with 4 or 6 pieces per order. Often eaten as a snack, gyoza are one of the best cheap eats in Tokyo!

 

Harajuku Gyozaro

Cucumber salad and sake at Harajuku Gyozaro in Tokyo, Japan

As one of the top Tokyo things to eat, Gyoza are found on a plethora of restaurant menus in the city – usually listed as appetizers. However, we recommend eating this must-try food in Tokyo at a shop that specializes in Gyoza: Harajuku Gyozaro.

The gyoza restaurant, which is a favorite of both locals and tourists, has a simple menu with just two types of gyoza available: pan fried or steamed. Side items are also available, but are limited to small bowls of cucumber, cabbage and bean sprouts.

Fried Gyoza at Ippudo Roppongi ramen restaurant in Tokyo, Japan

We visited Harajuku Gyozaro mid-afternoon when there wasn’t a line (but we were warned of wait times up to an hour) and were seated at the counter. With a front-row view of the kitchen, we watched order after order of gyoza being cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. We indulged in both pan-fried and steamed gyoza and, in hindsight, wish we would have ordered a second round! Read Harajuku Gyozaro reviews.

Want to try gyoza at other restaurants in Tokyo? Try one of these 5 historic Gyoza restaurants in Tokyo, Japan. 

 

#4 TOKYO YAKITORI AND KUSHIYAKI

Omoide Yokocho, Memory Alley, yakitori restaurants in Tokyo, Japan

The origin of Yakitori – or skewered chicken – dates to the 1800s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that eating yakitori became popular. Today, yakitori is one of the top things to eat in Tokyo – whether as a meal-on-the-go, at a sit-down dinner or as a late-night snack. While yakitori is one of the simplest food concepts – pieces of seasoned chicken threaded onto a stick and cooked over hot coals – there are numerous options when it comes to Japanese yakitori.

Corner restaurant stall filled with patrons at Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane in Tokyo, Japan

All of the edible parts of the chicken are used in yakitori – from the thigh to tail to innards (like liver, heart and intestine) and even cartilage – but (usually) each stick is prepared with like cuts of meat. Before and during cooking, the chicken is flavored either with salt or a sweet-and-salty sauce.

Some of our favorite kinds of yakitori are momo (thighs), tsukune (minced chicken meatballs) and Negima (thighs with leeks). While yakitori specifies skewers of chicken, kushiyaki is the general term to indicate skewered and grilled meat and vegetables. Some ‘Yakitori Stands’ also serve kushiyaki.

 

Best Yakitori Tokyo: Omoide Yokocho

Chicken meatballs with sweet sauce at restaurant in Omoide Yokocho in Tokyo, Japan

During our trip, we consumed many sticks of yakitori – eating them at restaurants, izakaya and food stalls around Tokyo. However, the place we liked eating them most was at Omoide Yokocho – better known as Memory Lane (and nicknamed Piss Alley) – located just outside Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station.

At Omoide Yokocho, narrow lanes are crammed with hole-in-the-wall eateries cranking out sizzling yakitori. Most of the ramshackle restaurants can only accommodate 6-10 patrons and smoke billows from the grills into the alley. Don’t be fooled by the appearance: the Memory Lane establishments are some of the best restaurants in Shinjuku.

Bacon-wrapped asparagus on a stick at Omoide Yokocho in Tokyo, Japan

Strolling through Omoide Yokocho can be overwhelming at first. With the tantalizing scent hanging heavy in the air, it can be tempting to sit down at the first available seat. However, we recommend walking the lanes, soaking in the atmosphere (and the scent) and peeking into each shop to see what they are grilling.

Many of the establishments at Omoide Yokocho grill more than chicken – beef, pork, seafood and vegetable sticks are also available. Most important: enjoy the experience! Some of the best food in Shinjuku can be found in the alleyways of Omoide Yokocho.

Omoide Yokocho restaurant alley in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

While it seems fairly straight-forward, there are some things to know about Omoide Yokocho. Most places don’t open until 5:00pm when workers transit through the station on their way home after a long day at the office. Not all establishments are foreigner-friendly – if not, keep walking as there are plenty of places that welcome tourists.

Check prices – some restaurants apply a cover charge and require a drink purchase. Expect each yakitori stick to cost about 200 yen, which can add up quickly if trying to make a meal out of it. We highly recommend sampling the fare (and environment) at more than one spot; order one drink and 3-4 sticks then move on to the next place. Read Omoide Yokocho reviews.

 

Jomon Roppongi

Kushiyaki sticks at Joumon Roppongi restaurant in Tokyo, Japan

Not all kushiyaki is served from cramped-quarter market stalls. Jomon – one of the top-rated Akasaka, Tokyo restaurants – provides an upscale-yet-casual kushiyaki experience. Patrons remove their shoes at the entrance and sit on low chairs or mats on the floor.

Sake served in a wooden box at Joumon Roppongi in Tokyo, Japan

The space is filled with smoke from the grill and boisterous chatter. We sat at a window and indulged in multiple recommended skewers from the chef while sipping sake. Not a budget option, sticks start at 300 yen, with an assortment of 8 skewers costing 1,680 yen. There is also a seating charge, however, we thought the experience and the food was well-worth the price! Read Jomon reviews.

 

#5 OKONOMIYAKI TOKYO

Pieces of cut Okonomiyaki at Sometaro in Tokyo, Japan

Japan’s version of the savory pancake is called okonomiyaki, which is sometimes eaten as a snack, but often serves as a complete meal. Although there are variations, the most popular Japanese okonomiyaki is made from a batter (wheat, potato, water, eggs) that is mixed with meat, seafood and vegetables and then grilled on a teppan (iron griddle).

When the pancake is crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside, it is topped with a thick, sweet sauce, seaweed flakes and Japanese-style mayonnaise then cut into bite-size pieces to be consumed.

Raw batter for cook-your-own Okonomiyaki at Sometaro in Tokyo, Japan

The hearty-and-filling dish is often served at restaurants that specialize in just okonomiyaki. At some restaurants, patrons sit at the grill and watch the chef prepare the okonomiyaki (we ate it this way in Kyoto). At other restaurants, diners sit on mats around a small teppan grill table and cook their own. Modern variations of okonomiyaki are served with fried noodles in a dish called modan-yaki.

 

Sometaro Okonomiyaki

Grill-Your-Own Okonomiyaki at Sometaro restaurant in Tokyo, Japan

Sometaro Okonomiyaki is a grill-it-yourself Asakusa restaurant in Tokyo that has been in business since 1937. The busy restaurant (expect to wait) has multiple teppan tables where guests can opt to dine solo or with fellow patrons. We chose the latter, as it’s always a great way to meet new people!

Cooking At Sometarō Okonomiyaki, Tokyo, Japan

The menu, which is in English, offers a variety of concoctions. As one pancake serves as a complete meal, the prices are rather affordable, ranging from 700 yen to 1,380 yen. Read Sometaro Okonomiyaki reviews. Other popular restaurants to eat okonomiyaki are Sakuratei in Harajuku or Kiji (the most famous) in Marunouchi or Shinagawa.

 

#6 MENCHI KATSU CROQUETTES

Meat Dish and Beer restaurant Niku no Ohyama in Tokyo, Japan

A popular Tokyo street food (but also found in restaurants), menchi katsu is a deep-fried meat croquette. In the most popular version, minced meat is mixed with onion, salt and pepper, then breaded and fried. The result is a crispy outside with a flavorful, gooey inside. The croquettes can be eaten plain or jazzed up with Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce, known as tonkatsu sauce.

Displayed menu on side of restaurant at Ameyoko Market in Tokyo, Japan

Being highly portable, menchi katsu is often considered the best street food in Tokyo. By definition, menchi katsu is a meat croquet, but there are other variations. Meat and potato, crab meat and curry are options. A pork cutlet that is fried is called tonkatsu and is another Japanese specialty.

 

Niku no Oyama

Entrance to Ameyoko Market Shopping Street in Tokyo, Japan

The best menchi katsu we ate were at Niku no Oyama, or Meat and Beer. Located on a side street from the famous Ameya Yokocho Market, Niku no Oyama is a sit-down restaurant with a quick-and-easy take away stand in front. Because we stopped by Niku no Oyama during a special event when the queue was hours long, we opted for croquettes-to-go. Each yamitsuki menchi (meat patty) cost about 200 yen. Fried to perfection and full of flavor, we liked them so much that we circled back to the restaurant for a second round. Read Niku no Oyama reviews.

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Depachika: Mall Basement Food Courts

Stacks of Bento Boxes at Precce Grocery store in Tokyo Midtown in Tokyo, Japan

I often cringe at the thought of eating at mall food courts, but the basement department store food courts in Tokyo, called depachika, are an exception…even upscale. Although there are numerous Roppongi Restaurants, the depachika at Tokyo Midtown should not be overlooked. Especially good for groups that can’t agree on one thing to eat!

Bento Box from Grocery Store at Tokyo Midtown in Tokyo, Japan

There are numerous food outlets in the Tokyo Midtown basement selling an array of Tokyo cuisine to-go – including convenient bento boxes. What we really liked about grabbing food from the Tokyo Midtown depachika is that we could take our food outside to the tables in the courtyard or into the adjacent Hinokicho Park.

Top Tip: For visitors on a budget, check out the Tokyo food store, Precce, located in Tokyo Midtown. The posh grocery store has an elaborate section of pre-made meals at affordable prices. Everything from sushi to croquettes to yakitori is available. However, we most liked trying the freshly-prepared bento boxes that allowed us to sample an array of Japanese fare.  

 

Convenience Store Food

Convenience stores are well-known cheap places to eat in Tokyo. With the high food price in Japan and Tokyo, the convenience stores offer quick, easy and affordable food options. The three most popular convenience stores are 7-Eleven, Lawsons and Family Mart.

While out sightseeing in Tokyo, we often popped into Family Mart (by far our favorite of the three) for a quick Tokyo lunch. In addition to pre-packaged goods like rice balls, sushi and sandwiches, convenience stores offer a selection of hot items. Some hot food items include fried chicken, yakitori and stew.


 

More Tokyo Local Food

Squid on a stick at a market in Tokyo, Japan

Still hungry? Consider adding a few of these classic dishes and iconic places to your Tokyo food trip itinerary!

 

Soba Noodles

Japanese soba noodles are made from buckwheat. They are served both hot (often in soup) and cold (plain, with toppings or as a salad).

 

Kobe Beef

Wagyu Beef sticks at market in Tokyo, Japan

Considered a delicacy for its marbling, flavor and tenderness, Kobe beef comes from a special wagyu breed of cattle, Tajima. The expensive meat is served in the best steakhouses in Tokyo. 

 

Sardines

Sardines are used in a variety of Tokyo dishes, but they are also served as a specialty. At Nakajima – a Michelin star restaurant in Shinjuku that specializes in sardines – guests can order them fried, raw, grilled or simmered.

 

Onigiri

Great as mid-day snack, onigiri are triangular-shaped rice balls wrapped in seaweed and usually filled with a salty ingredient. Sold from street vendors and convenient stores, onigiri are good for on-the-go.

 

Japanese Crepes

Brownie and Banana crepe from Marion Crepes in Tokyo, Japan

Especially popular in the youth-filled Harajuku district, sweet crepes are a must-eat in Tokyo, Japan. The city’s three most popular crepe shops are found on the same landmark street, Takeshita Dori. The displays at all three – Angel’s Heart, Marion Crepes and Santa Monica Crepes – are all tempting. We decided on a brownie ice cream crepe from Marion…and devoured it. 

 

Japanese Kit-Kats

Hakkaido melon and Mascarpone cheese Kit-Kat in Tokyo, Japan

Kit-Kat candy bars are a Tokyo must-eat! Since the early 2000s, Kit-Kats have become a craze because of the unique, seasonal flavors. During our visit, we ate Kit-Kats that were strawberry flavored and topped with cranberry bits. We also tried the Hokkaido melon with mascarpone cheese flavor. Some of the most outrageous flavors include soy sauce, edamame, sake and cough drop. Green Tea Kit-Kats have become somewhat of a standard and are found in stores around Asia.

Top Tip: Unusual flavored Kit-Kats make a great gift for friends back home!

 

Kaiseki in Tokyo

Kaiseki is a set meal where the presentation is as important as the ingredients. This Tokyo food will be color-coordinated and will likely be in-season and local. The traditional haute cuisine is often served at banquets and tea ceremonies. Visitors can use this Kaiseki restaurant Tokyo list to find a place to experience a kaiseki meal. 

 

Tokyo Izakaya

An izakaya is a Japanese pub that serves tapa-style dishes alongside beers. Want to experience eating at classic izakaya restaurants in Tokyo? Book this popular Izakaya Tour!

 

Tokyo Station Restaurants

Train stations are not often thought of offering world-class cuisine, but Tokyo Station is an exception. At the center of the city, food options range from fine dining to grab-and-go fare. So, wondering where to eat in Tokyo Station? The best restaurants in Tokyo Station can be found on this list (which also includes the best restaurants near Tokyo Station). 

 

Crazy Themed Restaurants in Tokyo

Themed restaurants are a thing in Tokyo – and it seems the crazier, the better. Two themed entertainment eateries that got rave reviews as the coolest restaurants in Tokyo (but have since closed) were Kawaii Monster Café and Robot Restaurant. Bear in mind, any of these Tokyo novelty restaurants are better known for the experience than the food. 


 

Tokyo Eating Guide Map

Open air restaurant at Ameyoko Market in Tokyo, Japan

Find your way to the best places to eat in Japan with our useful map. Our top recommended restaurants in Tokyo, Japan mentioned above are marked. Use this Google Map for your food trip in Tokyo.

 

Tokyo Food Market

Man 'waters' fresh fish at Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, Japan

Food markets are a fantastic opportunity to try a little bit of everything. We already mentioned the Tsukiji Fish Outer Market, which is fabulous for fresh sushi. The market we liked best for a variety of food, however, was Ameya Yokocho Market (read reviews).

Located below the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, the market stretches 500 meters and features 500 shops. Many of the shops sell clothes and other goods, but fresh produce, seafood and restaurants are interspersed.

Drinking in Tokyo? Here’s all you need to know!

14 Tokyo Bars The Best Bars in Tokyo, Japan by JetSettingFools.com

 

Tokyo Food Festival

In addition to food markets, Tokyo food festivals are another great place to eat Tokyo specialized cuisine. The Furusato Matsuri food festival in Tokyo features Japanese cuisine from around the country. Other festivals focus on a specific food. The meguro Sanma Matsuri festival is all about grilled Sanma fish. The Mochitsuki festival celebrates the famous Japanese dessert Mochi.

 

Tokyo Food Tour

Instead of wondering what to eat in Tokyo, visitors can join a food tour. Led by expert local guides, guests are treated to the best Tokyo cuisine. Plus, they get the benefit of learning more about the Tokyo food culture and traditions. There are numerous tours offered in Tokyo, which you can search on Viator. For a tour that comes highly recommended by fellow travelers, book this Japanese Food Tour Tokyo.

 

Start planning your trip to Japan! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

Also Visiting Kyoto, Japan? Super! Be sure check out our detailed guides to the Best Things To Do in Kyoto, and our complete Kyoto Temple Guide

 

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What to Eat in Tokyo, Japan by JetSettingFools.com

2 thoughts on “What To Eat in Tokyo, Japan: A Guide To Tokyo Cuisine

  1. Zena

    Your list is great and very helpful.
    Can’t wait to go and try all of these.
    But I’m a bit sad you didn’t mention Yakiniku, I really wanted to know about that…

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