Tokyo
A dazzling fusion of ultramodern and traditional, where centuries-old temples stand in the shadows of neon-lit skyscrapers and world-class cuisine awaits around every corner.
About Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a city of captivating contrasts where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology and innovation. From serene gardens and historic temples to neon-lit streetscapes and futuristic skyscrapers, Tokyo offers visitors a unique journey through time and culture.
As one of the world's premier culinary destinations, Tokyo boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city globally. Yet some of its most memorable food experiences can be found in humble ramen shops, standing sushi bars, izakaya (Japanese pubs), and bustling street food markets.
The city is organized into distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and culinary specialties. Explore the fashionable streets of Shibuya, the electronic wonderland of Akihabara, the traditional atmosphere of Asakusa, or the upscale dining of Ginza – each offering its own unique perspective on Tokyo's rich food culture.
Essential Tokyo
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) for mild temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors
Getting Around
Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway
Extensive network of subway lines throughout the city
JR Lines
Japan Railways network including the Yamanote Line that circles central Tokyo
City Bus Network
Comprehensive bus system that reaches areas not covered by rail
Budget
Budget: ¥800 - ¥1,500 per meal (ramen shops, teishoku set meals, kaiten-zushi)
Mid-range: ¥2,000 - ¥5,000 per meal (izakaya, mid-range restaurants)
High-end: ¥10,000+ per meal (high-end restaurants, kaiseki, premium sushi)
Essential Japanese Phrases for Food Lovers
Essential Japanese Phrases
Hello
Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
Thank you
Arigato gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)
Please
Onegaishimasu (お願いします)
Excuse me
Sumimasen (すみません)
Cheers
Kanpai (乾杯)
Delicious
Oishii (おいしい)
The bill, please
Okaikei onegaishimasu (お会計お願いします)
I would like this
Kore o kudasai (これをください)
How much is it?
Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか？)
Do you have an English menu?
Eigo no menu ga arimasu ka? (英語のメニューがありますか？)
Seasonal Guide to Tokyo
Spring
Months
March - May
Average Temperature
10°C - 21°C
Cherry blossom season. Mild temperatures and beautiful pink sakura throughout the city. Perfect for outdoor dining and food festivals.
Summer
Months
June - August
Average Temperature
22°C - 30°C
Hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Many beer gardens and outdoor food markets open during this season.
Autumn
Months
September - November
Average Temperature
15°C - 25°C
Pleasant temperatures with beautiful autumn foliage. Excellent season for food events and outdoor dining.
Winter
Months
December - February
Average Temperature
2°C - 10°C
Cold but generally sunny with minimal snowfall. Great time to enjoy warming foods like ramen, hot pot, and oden.
Tokyo's Food Neighborhoods
Tokyo is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique culinary experiences, atmosphere, and specialties. Discover the food culture of Tokyo's most vibrant districts.
Shinjuku
A major commercial and entertainment center with the world's busiest railway station. Known for its skyscrapers, department stores, and bustling nightlife district of Kabukicho.
Neighborhood Highlights
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory
- Golden Gai - a network of tiny bars and eateries
- Kabukicho entertainment district
Best For
Tokyo's Food Scene
Tokyo is arguably the world's greatest food city, with more Michelin stars than any other city and an unrivaled diversity of dining options. From humble street food to exquisite kaiseki ryori (multi-course traditional meals), Tokyo offers culinary experiences for every palate and budget.
Tokyo Food Etiquette
- It's customary to say "Itadakimasu" before eating and "Gochisosama deshita" after finishing
- Slurping noodles is acceptable and even encouraged for some dishes like ramen
- Tipping is not customary in Japan and may cause confusion
- Use chopsticks properly - don't stick them upright in rice or pass food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks
- Pour drinks for others, not yourself, when dining with company
Unique Tokyo Food Experiences
- Early morning sushi breakfast at the Tsukiji Outer Market
- Visit a themed restaurant in Akihabara or Shinjuku
- Try conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi)
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony
- Dine at a department store food hall (depachika)
Unique Tokyo Food Experiences
- Early morning sushi breakfast at the Tsukiji Outer Market
- Visit a themed restaurant in Akihabara or Shinjuku
- Try conveyor belt sushi (kaiten-zushi)
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony
- Dine at a department store food hall (depachika)
Must-Try Tokyo Specialties
Sushi
Fresh raw fish atop vinegared rice. Tokyo-style (Edomae) sushi emphasizes simplicity and the quality of ingredients.
Where to try:
Sukiyabashi Jiro
Tokyo Ramen
Noodle soup typically featuring pork or chicken broth. Tokyo is known for shoyu (soy sauce) ramen with curly noodles.
Where to try:
Nakiryu
Monjayaki
A runny, savory pancake made from a flour and dashi batter mixed with various ingredients and cooked on a hot iron grill.
Where to try:
Tsukishima Monja Street
Tempura
Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, typically served with tentsuyu dipping sauce.
Where to try:
Tempura Kondo
Yakitori
Skewered chicken pieces grilled over charcoal, ranging from breast and thigh to more adventurous parts.
Where to try:
Omoide Yokocho
Where to Eat in Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
While the inner wholesale market moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains a food lover's paradise with hundreds of shops and restaurants selling fresh seafood and other ingredients.
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane/Piss Alley)
A narrow alleyway packed with tiny bars and yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) stalls. This atmospheric spot preserves the ambiance of post-war Tokyo.
Isetan Depachika
The basement food hall of the Isetan department store, offering an incredible selection of Japanese and international foods, from ready-to-eat items to exquisite ingredients and confectioneries.
Toyosu Fish Market
The successor to the famous Tsukiji inner market, Toyosu is now where Tokyo's fresh seafood auctions take place. Offers observation decks and numerous restaurants serving the freshest seafood.
Seasonal Food Festivals & Events
Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami)
Annual celebration of cherry blossoms with picnics under blooming trees. Parks and riverside areas t...
When: Late March to early April
Season: Spring
Location: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Meguro River, Yoyogi Park
Food Traditions:
- Hanami bento boxes
- Sakura-flavored sweets and drinks
- Outdoor picnics with friends and colleagues
Kanda Matsuri
One of Tokyo's three major Shinto festivals featuring massive processions of portable shrines (mikos...
When: Mid-May (held in odd-numbered years)
Season: Spring
Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine, Surrounding Kanda area
Food Traditions:
- Festival street food stalls (yatai)
- Yakisoba (fried noodles)
- Takoyaki (octopus balls)
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
A spectacular fireworks display dating back to the Edo period, lighting up the summer sky with aroun...
When: Last Saturday of July
Season: Summer
Location: Sumida River, Asakusa area
Food Traditions:
- Traditional summer festival foods
- Chilled noodles (hiyashi chuka)
- Grilled corn on the cob
Tokyo Ramen Show
Annual event showcasing popular ramen shops from across Japan, offering special bowls and limited-ed...
When: Late October to early November
Season: Autumn
Location: Komazawa Olympic Park
Food Traditions:
- Regional ramen varieties from throughout Japan
- Limited-edition collaborative ramen bowls
- Ramen tastings
Top Attractions with Nearby Food Options
Explore Tokyo's iconic landmarks and cultural sites, with recommendations for where to eat nearby. Combine sightseeing with authentic food experiences.
Meiji Shrine
Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in a tranquil forested area in the ...
Hours: 5:00 AM to sunset (hours vary by season)
Cost: Free (inner gardens: ¥500)
Nearby Food: [object Object], [object Object]
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 645 AD. Famous for its massive red lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate...
Hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (temple grounds open 24 hours)
Cost: Free
Nearby Food: [object Object], [object Object]
Tokyo Skytree
The tallest tower in Japan at 634 meters with observation decks offering panoramic views of Tokyo....
Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: Tembo Deck: ¥2,100, Tembo Galleria: additional ¥1,000
Nearby Food: [object Object], [object Object]
Tokyo Food Itineraries
Tokyo Food Highlights in One Day
Explore Tokyo's diverse culinary scene with this recommended itinerary.
Breakfast
Sushi Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market
Morning
- Explore Asakusa & Street Food Tasting
Lunch
Tonkatsu Lunch
Afternoon
- Depachika Food Hall Experience
- Shibuya Crossing & Trendy Café
Dinner
Izakaya Dinner in Shinjuku
Evening
- Nightcap in Golden Gai
Tokyo Food Map
Explore an interactive map of Tokyo's best food spots, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden local gems and vibrant street food markets.
Tokyo Food Map
Interactive map temporarily unavailable while we resolve technical issues.
Location Summary
Found 10 total locations in Tokyo:
- Restaurants: 3
- Street Food: 3
- Markets: 2
- Attractions: 2
Local Tips
Most restaurants in Tokyo display plastic food models or picture menus outside, making it easier to choose even without knowing Japanese.
Convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson offer surprisingly good food at reasonable prices.
For budget-friendly dining, look for restaurants in the basement or upper floors of buildings, as ground floor establishments often charge higher rent.
Always carry cash, as many smaller restaurants and food stalls don't accept credit cards.
When entering a restaurant, wait to be seated even if there are empty tables. The staff will guide you to the appropriate space.
If you have dietary restrictions, carry a card in Japanese explaining what you cannot eat.
Restaurants near tourist attractions often have English menus; look for "英語メニュー" (eigo menu) sign.
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion. Simply pay the amount on your bill.
