Your Guide to Tokyo Food

Without a doubt, Tokyo Japan is one of the best cities in the world for dining and drinking - from hotpot to endless sushi, saki, and plum wine, the endless choices are any foodies paradise. It can also feel a little overwhelming trying to pick and choose where to eat every day in a city this vast and beautiful.

In this Tokyo food guide, we’ll share all the must-try delicacies and must-visit spots for you to have the ultimate foodie experience in the city. From a list of specific dishes to what a 2-Day Tokyo Foodie itinerary looks like!

Starting with the 10 famous Tokyo food you can't miss!

Bread was only introduced in Japan in the 1850s and skyrocketed in popularity after World War II. Tokyo is rife with artisanal bakeries with buns of various flavors and textures that you’ll love!

You’ve never had eggs and rice as delicious and fluffy-smooth as omurice. You can get it either as fried rice wrapped in an omelet OR rice topped with an omelet! Either way, you absolutely have to try for yourself what makes omurice special!

What do you get when you combine tempura and donburi? You get yummy tendon! No, we are not talking about the tendons on your body, we’re talking about a bowl of rice with deep-fried seafood and veggies!

Abura soba literally translates to oil noodles, but it’s a misnomer since there’s little to no oil in the dish. The noodles have toppings, vinegar, and a light coat of oil instead of soup. We love it as a summer dish!

We typically consume soupy noodle dishes with the noodles already in the soup, but there’s a charm about the ones you have to dip. The dish is called tsukemen, and it’s served in two bowls, one for the noodles and one for the soup. Its broth is more concentrated and flavorful than other noodle dishes, as you only need a dip for a tasty slurp!

While Osaka and Hiroshima have the iconic okonomiyaki, Tokyo has monjayaki. This pan-fried batter has a similar texture to melted cheese, and the gooiness is just irresistible! Luckily, you’ll find numerous restaurants in Tokyo that serve monjayaki. 

Fukagawa-meshi (the rice dish of Fukagawa) originated in a fishing town in Tokyo back in the day. This hearty seafood consists of a bowl of rice topped with short-neck clams. The clams can also be served in miso soup or cooked in soy sauce. 

Chanko nabe is closely tied to sumo culture, as wrestlers often consume this protein-rich hotpot dish. In fact, chicken is used for the broth since it symbolizes victory. Even if you’re not a sumo wrestler, it’s perfect for warming you up on a hot day!

What’s an exploration of Japanese cuisine without some sushi? This versatile dish is a global phenomenon, but it’s also well worth trying in its home country. There’s a slew of sushi restaurants in Tokyo, and without a doubt, they are authentic. 

Anago is a saltwater eel native to Tokyo Bay, which is a more abundant alternative to the endangered unagi or freshwater eel. It can either be plainly grilled or served in kabayaki sauce, a sweet soy sauce glaze that gives Japanese fish dishes its sweet and savoury appeal.

 

Now that you have an idea of what food in Tokyo you should watch out for, this two-day foodie itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Tokyo’s food and drink scene – from Tokyo food tours, tea ceremonies, and some cafes to worth checking out!

Start your trip with a little culture and tradition as you make your way to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Tea isn’t just tea in Japan, it's an art form and a symbol of their culture. It is believed that tea ceremonies maintain a peaceful mind and wash away stress or fatigue, making it the perfect way to start your day. During this time, you’ll enjoy a delicious tea accompanied by some sweet treats, as well as learn the history and importance of this tradition.

Next up is Yanaka Ginza, a popular shopping street in Tokyo known for its array of family-owned restaurants with scrumptious recipes dating back over 60 years. From an old oden hotpot shop to a yakitori shop, travelers can book this half-day tour and explore this nostalgic place, trialling dishes passed on from generation to generation.

For dinner, book your spot at the famous Guenpin Fugu restaurant for a unique taste of Japanese fugu. If you love food and thrills, this experience should be on your list. You’ll be able to brave the poisonous pufferfish for which chefs require years of training and a fugu license in the number one fugu restaurant in Japan. Savour the taste of this unique delicacy within a traditional Japanese interior that features wooden panelling on the walls, cosy lighting, and traditional ceramic tableware. 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you should definitely try making your own mochi! One of Japan's delicious and famous desserts, mochi is traditionally made by hand and what better way to learn how to make this sweet treat than in the land it originated from.

End your evening the way the Japanese do, with an endless amount of drinks and fun! Book an all-you-can-drink sake tour, providing you with the perfect night experience in this buzzing city. Both tours will allow you to try as many varieties of your favorite Japanese drink, ensuring that you find the perfect one for you.

Start early on day two of your Tokyo food adventure with a trip to the local Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market. This one-hour guided tour will teach you about the historical and cultural background of Japanese food as you sample some of the best sushi and fresh crabs you’ve ever had. This experience is any culinary connoisseur’s dream.

A trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without a cooking class. The Traditional Japanese cuisine class in Tokyo is perfect for anyone looking to discover Japan through taste. This experience will teach you how to cook traditional Japanese food and at the end, you’ll be able to sample your hard work!

If cooking isn't for you, why not take the Food Crawl tour in Asakusa! This tour will guide you through non-touristy areas in Asakusa and you'll be able to sample a number of food in just one trip.

End your time in Tokyo with a trip to one of the many Michelin-star restaurants. One of our favourite places to visit TETSUAN Michelin Starred Kaiseki, where you can enjoy an authentic Japanese kaiseki meal. Japan is filled with amazing cuisine, and this little gem will be one of the most incredible experiences on your trip - not only is the food phenomenal and made from quality local ingredients, but it is also beautifully plated (which is perfect for a great Instagram shot!).