8 Food To Try In Tokyo, Japan

food to try in tokyo
Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 5 min read

What comes to your mind when we mention Tokyo? A super modern city with state of the art technology, skyscrapers, and unique culture. You need to visit Tokyo to witness how awesome the city really is. Marvel at the sweeping views of Tokyo from the observation deck at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in the city. From one horizon to another, it is just mesmerizing. Then, delve into the world of the samurai by visiting Samurai Museum. The museum displays a collection of nearly 100 pieces of armor, weapons, and helmets of the samurai. What is so cool about this museum is a corner where you can take a picture wearing samurai armor. There will be a long line for this, so be patient. Also, do not forget to make a stop at Asakusa, which is home to the famous Senso-Ji Temple. After visiting the temple, you can enjoy a stroll through the restaurants and shops in the neighborhood. And, talking about food, Tokyo is known for its variety of unique dishes. Want to know what food to try while in Tokyo? Keep reading to find suggestions on the best food to try in Tokyo, Japan.

1. Yakitori (from USD 103.0)

Yakitori 018
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ocdp used under CC0

What do you think of skewered chicken, delicious? Basically, it is what yakitori is. This Japanese dish is highly popular because of its cultural significance. But, who doesn’t love grilled chicken? If you wonder what a Japanese barbecue looks like, it looks like yakitori. Sometimes, you can also find meat other than chicken along with vegetables grilled together. Then they are put on a kind of skewer that is usually made of bamboo or steel. Charcoal fire is used to grill yakitori.

Yakitori Matsumoto Ebisu

Address: 2-11-8 Ebisunishi | ROOB5 Bldg.1F, Shibuya 150-0021, Tokyo Prefecture

Price: from JPY 6,000 (USD 53.10)

byFood experience

1) The Midnight Diners: Tokyo Experience

Delve deep into Tokyo’s vibrant food scene with a four-hour bar-hopping tour in the charming districts of Kichijoji and the historic Harmonica Yokocho. Gain firsthand insights into Japanese drinking customs while sipping on unique cocktails from oolong-shu to the famed umeshu plum wine and enjoying classic accompaniment such as yakitori. Immerse in the nostalgic aura of 1950s-themed pubs, engage with cheerful locals in intimate settings, and let your trilingual guide bridge the language gap.

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The Midnight Diners: Tokyo Experience

Duration: 4hours

23 reviews

2. Okonomiyaki (from USD 203.0)

food to try in tokyo | okonomiyaki
Source: instagram

You may be used to eating sweet pancake, but what about a savory pancake? This is what okonomiyaki is all about. This pan-fried food mainly consists of cabbage. Other vegetables may be added along with other ingredients including meat and seafood. With a special sauce (and sometimes cheese) added on top, the taste of okonomiyaki is one you will not forget for a very long time.

Sometarō

Address: 2-2-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito 111-0035, Tokyo Prefecture

Price: from JPY 1,000 (USD 9)

byFood experience

1) Harajuku Food Tour with Shizuka: Kawaii Sweets & Street Food

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey with the charming host of ‘Japan by Food’, Shizuka Anderson. Wander through the vibrant lanes of Harajuku’s iconic Takeshita Street, indulging in a myriad of delectable street foods that beckon both your taste buds and Instagram feeds. Dive into the playful world of 'purikura’ photography, making memories while shopping for keepsakes. The finale of the tour is a visit to a cherished local haunt, where you’ll craft and cherish okonomiyaki, the savory Japanese pancake.

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Harajuku Food Tour with Shizuka: Kawaii Sweets & Street Food

Duration: 3.5hours

8 reviews

3. Soba noodles


Noodles are a staple for every Japanese. It is one of the strongest traditions of their culture. There are some varieties of Japanese noodles, one of which is called soba. Buckwheat flour is the primary ingredient of soba noodles. It may remind you of spaghetti because of its thick texture. Whether served cold or hot, soba noodles taste delectable. Vegetables and meat are used as toppings for the best taste.

Honmura An

Address: 7 Chome-14-18 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Price: from JPY 2,000 (USD 18)

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4. Ramen noodles (from USD 170.0)

Shoyu Ramen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Guilhem Vellut used under CC BY 2.0

Ramen noodles are wheat noodles and it looks a bit like Chinese noodles. In Japan, it is usually prepared as ramen noodles or simply ramen, in a fish or a meat broth. Sliced pork, beef or chicken are added as toppings to it along with seaweed and green onions. To make it more appetizing, soy sauce or miso is also used. There are plenty of ways to serve ramen.

Fūunji

Address: Yoyogi, Yoyogi, Shibuya 151-0053, Tokyo Prefecture

Price: from JPY 1,000 (USD 9)

byFood experience

1) The All Star Tokyo Food Tour

Ramen has become one of the most popular dishes worldwide, but Japanese cuisine is a lot more than that. Embark on a gastronomic exploration of Tokyo’s rich culinary tapestry. As you meander through iconic locales, from the upscale streets of Ginza to the bustling lanes of Yurakucho and Shinbashi, delve into Japan’s inviting izakaya culture. Here, amidst a backdrop of neon glows and nostalgic red lanterns, the essence of post-war Japan comes alive. Experience unique tastings of seasonal delicacies, discover age-old fruit emporiums, and unravel tales that bind food, culture, and history.

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The All Star Tokyo Food Tour

Duration: 3hours

4 reviews

Tokyo Tour Guide

Ayano

Ayano

Hello! I am Ayano, a local host in Tokyo. I have been living in Tokyo for over 10 years, so I know a wide range of restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist spots! Leave your Tokyo sightseeing to me. I have traveled to various countries and had unforgettable experiences. Being passionate about traveling, I really want to take you to the captivating places in Tokyo. As photography is my hobby, I will capture beautiful photos that will become lasting memories. Join my tour and let's explore Tokyo together!

Tours by Ayano

5. Takoyaki


Everyone who ever tried takoyaki would usually fall in love with this Japanese snack. Takoyaki resembles meatballs but it is actually made of wheat flour cooked in a special ball-shaped pan. When you first bite into it, you will be able to see diced or minced octopus inside the ball. With a special sauce and ingredients such as green onions and pickled ginger on top, takoyaki can taste even more delicious.

Gindaco Takoyaki

Address: 1-24-24 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Price: from JPY 1,000 (USD 9)

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6. Tamagoyaki

Myeongnan-jeot-gyeran-mari
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 쑤기언니 used under CC BY 4.0

Egg lovers should definitely try tamagoyaki. If you are aware of what sushi is, then tamagoyaki is nothing but an egg sushi. It is an omelet that has been folded to resemble a sushi. But what about its taste? It is sweet and you can indulge in tamagoyaki for as many as you want. Generally, this folded omelet is wrapped in sushi rice with seaweed. Just like sushi, wasabi and soy sauce are often used as an accompaniment. Forget about your diet for a little while and savor this delicious dish.

Yamachou Matsue

Address: 4-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Price: from JPY 2,000 (USD 18)

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7. Gyudon


Gyudon is the Japanese term for a beef bowl. Based on the name, you can already guess what Gyudon is. Yes, it consists of a bowl of rice topped with beef and onion. What makes Gyudon tasty is its sauce. You can enjoy the sweet sauce with the beef and when you taste it, it just melts perfectly in your mouth. For a more full-bodied flavor soy sauce, mirin and dashi are blended together with the sweet sauce.

Matsuya Asakusa

Address: 1-12-8 Asakusa | Oyama Bldg. 1F, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo Prefecture

Price: from JPY 350 (USD 3)

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8. Sushi (from USD 88.0)


Sushi is probably the most popular Japanese dish. Why? Because it has a lot of varieties and it just tastes so good. Sushi is a kind of dish where vinegared rice is combined with a selection of ingredients such as seafood, meat and cooked or raw vegetable. Generally, seaweed is used as a wrap. Sushi rice is different from usual rice as it is carefully prepared with salt and sugar. Japanese people like eating sushi with soy sauce, wasabi or pickled ginger.

Sushi Saito

Address: 1-4-5 Roppongi | 1F Ark Hills South Tower, Minato 107-0052, Tokyo Prefecture

Price: from JPY 22,000 (USD 195)

byFood experience

1) Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Tour

Delve deep into the heart of Tokyo’s iconic Tsukiji Market on this immersive culinary journey. Unearth the secrets of the market’s enduring vibrancy, despite the relocation of its famous auction to Toyosu. With a seasoned local by your side, meander through bustling lanes witnessing the eclectic array of aquatic delights and tasting fresh tuna at a wholesale market. This epicurean adventure culminates in a rendezvous at an esteemed sushi establishment, where tradition and taste intertwine. Let each bite of sushi melt on your tongue, and raise a toast with authentic Japanese sake to celebrate Tokyo’s gastronomic legacy.

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Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Tour

Duration: 3hours

14 reviews

Enjoy the food, enjoy the attractions, enjoy Tokyo

Everything that Tokyo offers must be enjoyed. Spend some time here because there are lots of attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options to explore. Have the ultimate vacation in this happening city.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

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