Tokyo Food Guide: Where to Eat and Drink
Katsu heaven in Tonkatsu Maisen
Japan - the world’s hardest place to get a bad meal. A country where even the run down 711s and underground subway stalls will blow you away. Our daily itinerary in Japan revolved around where we were eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - and we had no intentions of skipping any meals.
Tokyo is New York City on steroids. It’s impossible to scratch the surface of the city with just a few days or even weeks. But the best way to get a good taste of the city is to bite your way through the thousands of restaurants Tokyo has to offer.
With so many options on the plate and so little time, choosing where to eat and drink in Tokyo can be overwhelming. But we’ve got you covered - here are our favorite places to eat and drink in Tokyo, Japan.
RAMEN
Our first bowl of ramen in Japan and our absolute favorite. From the citrus notes in its yuzu broth, the al dente noodles that slide perfectly with each slurp, the cherry on top-grilled pork, and the Japanese garnishes in between - Afuri’s ramen is a bowl full of perfection. Located in the hipster neighborhood of Ebisu, the restaurant is the size of a small dive bar in Brooklyn. Simply order from the vending machine at the entrance then patiently wait by the bar and your ramen will be out in no time.
Address: 1-1-7 Ebisu 117 Bldg.1F, Ebisu, Shibuya 150-0013 Tokyo Prefecture
How to get to Afuri: 3 minute walk from the west exit of Ebisu Station on the JR Yamanote line
Price Range: $ - $$
At Ichiran it’s all about you and your bowl of ramen. Once you enter Ichiran after an hour plus wait, you’ll order your ramen on a colorful vending machine. After ordering you’ll be seated in a cozy booth for one, and your plus one will be seated at the booth next to you. Eating at Ichiran is a really unique experience in Tokyo and the ramen happens to also be amazing. Loved how you can customize your ramen based on your preference like how much oil you want in your broth and the thickness of your noodles. Once you’re ready the server opens the window to collect your order, then opens it again to deliver your ramen. We’ll never know what goes on behind the scenes of Ichiran but based on their delicious ramen, it’s probably magic.
Address: 1-22-7 Jinnan Iwamoto Bldg. B1F, Shibuya 150-0041 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Ichiran: 3 minute walk from Shibuya station Hachiko Exit
Price Range: $ - $$
IPPUDO
We’ve dined at Ippudo in Manhattan a lot over the years so we had to try it in Tokyo. Let’s just say the restaurant is a chain for a reason - Ippudo serves a straight up good bowl of ramen. From Tokyo to NY, you can’t go wrong with any of the chains!
Address: 1-26-5 Asakusa Rox3g, Taito 111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Ippudo: 2 minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express Line
Price Range: $ - $$
RAMEN ST. - TOKYO STATION
Only in Japan can you find the best shops and restaurants at an underground subway station. After asking numerous people and getting lost several times, I eventually found “Ramen St.” which is a strip of ramen joints in Tokyo Station. There are so many places to choose from, but I eventually chose the ramen joint with the longest line. The wait was fairly fast and I was served quickly. The ramen here had more of a fishy broth which isn’t my style, but if you’re into that style of broth I would recommend it (but I did love the noodles).
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi Tokyo Station Ichibangai B1F, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Tokyo Ramen St: Directly connected to Yaesu Central exit of Tokyo Station
Price Range: $ - $$
Ordering ramen from Afuri’s vending machine
Other Options for Ramen in Tokyo: +Kagari (Ginza) +Host Boy (Shinjuku)
SUSHI
Conveyor Belt Sushi:
UOBEI
If you only have time for one unique dining experience in Tokyo, you can’t miss conveyor belt sushi aka “kaiten sushi” in Japan. Located in the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Uobei is a fun dining experience in Tokyo and the restaurant serves excellent sushi. Once you order on your counter iPad, the dishes are sent to you on a revolving conveyor belt. No need to keep track of your dishes cause Uobei is a lot cheaper than swanky sushi joints in Ginza. For the price and experience, Uobei is a must for sushi in Tokyo! No reservations needed but it'll most likely be about a 45 minute wait.
How to Get to Uobei: 5 minute walk from Shibuya station Hachiko Exit
Price Range: $ - $$
Authentic Sushi:
DAI - TOYUSU MARKET
(formerly Tsukiji Inner Market)
Tsukiji Market, a Tokyo institution for many years, recently moved its wholesale “inner” fish market and daily tuna auction to the Toyosu Market in Tokyo Bay. Tsukiji Inner Market was THE place for fresh authentic sushi for both locals and tourists. But not to worry, Tsukiji Inner Market's popular sushi joints are still in business and found a new home at Toyosu Market.
Toyosu Market is a bit of a trek so if you want to stay central in Tokyo the stalls and restaurants at the Tsukiji Outer Market (different from Tsukiji's Inner Market) are just as good for an authentic sushi fix. But if you’re looking for the OG sushi joints from Tsukiji they’re now at the Toyosu Market.
For the sushi obsessed who are willing to take the trip to Toyosu Market, eat at Dai. Dai is one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo serving the most authentic and freshest sushi at an unbeatable price. Reservations aren’t accepted here so be prepared to wait on a long line. Get to Dai as early as possible (before 11 am) because the restaurant closes as soon as they sell out of their sushi. If Dai is closed, Daiwa is another option at Toyosu Market.
If you're an early bird planning to visit Toyosu Market, don’t forget to check out the famous tuna auction from 5am-8am. You no longer have to snag tickets in advance and can simply observe through the auction windows.
How to Get to Toyosu Market: Take the JR Yamanote Line one station from Tokyo Station to Yurakucho (1 minute). From Yurakucho, take the Yurakucho Subway Line to Toyosu (8 minutes). Finally, take the Yurikamome to Shijo-mae Station in the center of Toyosu Market (4 minutes)
Price Range: $ - $$
Other Options for Authentic Sushi: Sushizanmai (Tsukiji Outer Market) and Daiwa (Toyosu Market)
High End Sushi:
SUKIYABASHI JIRO
Tokyo reigns as the city with the most Michellin starred restaurants in the world. So if you’re going to shell out on a fine dining meal, do it in Tokyo. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a 3 Michellin star sushi restaurant located in the posh area of Ginza. The chef, Jiro Ono, is known as “sushi no kamisama” which translates as sushi God in Japanese. The omakase dinner is pricey and it only lasts about 30 minutes but it’s worth every second. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time for high end sushi restaurants like Sukiyabashi Jiro. Tell your host or hotel concierge to make reservations for you weeks or even months in advance.
Address: 4-2-15 Ginza Tsukamoto Sogyo Bldg. B1F, Ginza, Chuo 104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Sukiyabashi Jiro: 2 minute walk from the Ginza station
Price Range: $$$
Other Options for High End Sushi: Sushi Sawada (Ginza)
Katsu
TONKATSU MAISEN AOYAMA
Only the Japanese can make a pork cutlet taste exquisite. Tonkatsu Maisen is not your basic katsu from an all you can eat Japanese buffet in America. Splurge on the Kurobata Katsu, a high end pork cut from black Berkshire pigs. Trust me, you’ll be daydreaming about this dish for the rest of your life.
Address: 4 Chome-8-５ Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
How to Get to Tonkatsu Maisen: 5 mins walk from Omotesando station A2 Exit
Price Range: $$ - $$$
WAGYU STEAK
Just when I thought I’ve had the best steaks at fine dining restaurants in New York, Japanese wagyu beef blew me away. Wagyu’s tenderness and buttery soft flavor will melt in your mouth (and melt your heart). For a premium quality wagyu steak in Tokyo, dine at Uka-tei. Make reservations in advance!
Address: 5-15-8 1F Jiji Press Bldg., Ginza, Chuo 104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Uka-tei: 1 minute walk from the No. 6 Exit of Higashi-Ginza Station
Price Range: $$$
KAISEKI
Kaiseki is a traditional multi course Japanese dinner in which a series of small, intricate plates are served. Don’t leave Japan without trying kaiseki. Kaiseki originated in Kyoto but if you aren’t able to make it there, Tokyo has a plethora of options for kaiseki. Most kaiseki dinners are well over $100 per person so save kaiseki for a special night. For a Michellin rated kaiseki dinner in Tokyo, Den is highly recommended. Make reservations in advance!
Address: 2-3-18 Jingumae Kenchikuka Kaikan JIA Bldg., Shibuya 150-0001 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Den: 2 minute walk from Jimbocho station
Price Range: $$$
TSUKIJI OUTER MARKET
Tsukiji Market is by far my favorite market in the world and a must for all foodies visiting Tokyo. You can walk, eat, and shop at your own pace cause you won’t bump into any pushy sales people or petty thieves here. You can find everything from sushi to street food and to matcha sweets to trinkets. Even though Tsukiji’s Inner Market moved to Toyosu Market, the Tsukiji Outer Market (which comprises of food stalls, restaurants, and shops) is still alive and much easier to get to. Spend the afternoon here and eat your heart out at the array of stalls.
WHAT TO EAT IN TSUKIJI MARKET?
Tamago (Sweet Egg Omelet on a Stick)
Tuna Sushi
Grilled Eel Skewers
Seafood Donburis (Rice Bowls)
Raw Oysters
Sea Urchin Buns
Matcha Ice Cream
Daifuku (Mochii with Strawberry)
Address: 4 Chome-16-２ Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
How to Get to Tskuji Outter Market: 1 minute walk from Tsukijishijo Station A1 Exit
Price Range: $ - $$
DRINKS
Also known as the bar from the “Lost in Translation” movie, New York Bar is located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku. The view is phenomenal but comes with a price. There’s an entrance fee for non-hotel guests and drinks are expensive. But for the view and swanky atmosphere New York Bar is well worth it. Be sure to order the top notch sake on the menu.
Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishishinjuku | Park Hyatt Tokyo 52F, Shinjuku 163-1055, Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to New York Bar: 52nd floor of Park Hyatt - 10 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station
Price Range: $$ - $$$
GOLDEN GAI
Probably the coolest and most unique place to drink in Tokyo. Golden Gai is a a district of 6 narrow alleyways filled with 200 bars located in the Shijuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Better known as “microbar hopping”, roam from one bar to another paying at least 1000 yen at each bar but as soon as you sit you can drink all the beer, sake, or whatever there is on tap. If you’re not a drinker it’s still worth a visit.
Address: 1 Chome-1-６ Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
How to Get to Golden Gai: From Shinjuku Station, take the East Exit. Walk towards the Shinjuku Ward Office, then turn right. Golden Gai will be a 3 minute walk.
Price Range: $ - $$
TEA
Cute tea cafe in the middle of a Japanese flower market. Aoyama Teahouse is a great place for tea and even a quick meal. Scan through the extensive tea list and make sure to order the delectable french toast. It’ll most likely be a long wait, but Aoyama Teahouse will be a nice break from the chaos of Tokyo plus there are so many beautiful flowers to look at.
Address: 5-1-2 Minamiaoyama, Shibuya 107-0062 Tokyo Prefecture
How to Get to Aoyama Tea Flower Market: 3 minute walk from Omotesando Station A4 Exit
Price Range: $$
QUICK TIPS
Sweet crepes in Harajuku
1. Restaurant Apps for Tokyo - Tokyo is a wifi friendly city so take advantage of restaurant apps when you’re connected. Tabelog (Tokyo’s yelp) and Foursquare are very helpful when looking for restaurant recommendations.
2. Always Bring Cash - I was surprised to see that most places in Tokyo only accepted cash. 711s are the easiest places to withdraw money and they’re conveniently located everywhere + their ATMs accept American debit cards.
3. Make Reservations for High End Restaurants - If you’re planning to eat at any of the high end restaurants above, make sure to make reservations. Have your host or hotel concierge call the restaurant for you because it’s hard for non-Japanese speakers to book reservations. You can also make reservations on some restaurants on the Voyagin website.
4. Ordering Food from Vending Machines - Rather than servers, many restaurants (mostly ramen joints) require customers to order from vending machines. So don’t expect a waiter to approach you at these type of restaurants. Make your order on the vending machine, take your receipt, and patiently wait till your plate is ready.
Tamago (sweet egg) at Tskukiji Market
5. Getting to Restaurants - It’s easy to get anywhere in Tokyo via the train but it’s just as easy to get lost. With the language barrier in Japan, it’s challenging to communicate with locals (even though they’re extremely nice). So get directions from Google Maps ahead of time or download the Tokyo map on the Maps.me app for directions without wifi.
6. All Food is Good Food in Tokyo - You don’t have to travel far for a good meal in Tokyo. Almost any restaurant, food stall, and street vendor will serve delicious food. So when you have the chance in Tokyo, EAT! Let your taste buds go wild.
7. If All Else Fails, 711 to the Rescue - All jokes aside, 711 is amazing in Japan! You’ll find fresh sushi, tasty egg sandwiches, and Japanese sweets any time of the day (unlike processed slurpees and potato chips in America). If these gourmet 711s don’t convince you that Tokyo is one of the best food cities in the world then I don’t know what will.
With over 160,000 restaurants in the city, choosing where to eat and what to do in Tokyo can be intimidating. An easy way to start is by choosing where to eat then find out what the restaurant’s local area has to offer.
Pink champagne during the cherry blossom festival in Nakameguro
Tokyo is truly a foodie paradise and you can’t go wrong with any food establishment in the city. But the restaurants above have been tested time and time again from fellow travelers and friends, and we want you to experience the best!
For my seasoned Tokyo travelers, what are your food recommendations for Tokyo? What are other restaurants and dishes every traveller must try in Tokyo?
