The city, which is a hub for fine dining, has more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris and New York combined. There are gourmet options such as traditional kaiseki, a huge selection of street food and vegetarian options, all at varying prices.
UNESCO has listed Japanese cuisine as a cultural heritage site due to its high quality, freshness and rich, authentic flavors. If you love Japanese cuisine, you’ve probably already appreciated dishes such as tempura, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sushi and udon noodles. However, the unique opportunity to taste them in a Tokyo restaurant or at a street kiosk in Tokyo cannot be compared with anything else. So what is Tokyo’s food famous for? We offer you to see the most popular food establishments in the city.
Tsukiji Fish Market – The Place That Shaped Japan’s Food Scene
Japan is one of the main consumers and producers of seafood. Surrounded by rich marine life, the archipelago ranked third in the world in total catch in 2020. The country is home to many fishing ports and fish markets that have helped shape the Japanese food scene. One of these fish markets is the Tsukiji Fish Market, which began operating in 1935.
At the Tsukiji Fish Market you can learn how to cut fish and purchase a variety of products. Try sashimi rice bowls, sushi and other Japanese dishes. After shopping, you can also try some of Japan’s legendary teas – green tea, sencha or matcha – or have a cup of coffee in one of the market’s charming tea rooms or cafes.
In October 2018, Tsukiji Fish Market moved and changed its name to Toyosu Fish Market. The new location is approximately 2.3 km from the Tsukiji Fish Market, in a new food complex located in the Toyosu Inland Market. Besides restaurants, you can also see traditional Japanese handicrafts, visit a hot spring and other attractions.
If you are coming directly from Narita International Airport, take the Skyliner to Nippori Station, then take the Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station. From Yurakucho Station, take the Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station. From Toyosu Station, take the Yurikamome Line to Shijō-mae Station, located in the heart of Toyosu Market.
Authentic Culinary Experiences – Kaiseki Cuisine at Geisha Restaurants
If you want to experience fine dining, such as traditional kaiseki, be sure to visit any geisha restaurant that offers music and dance entertainment. Among the best geisha areas in Tokyo are Asakusa and Kagurazaka.
Kaiseki dinner was originally served to the royal family. He is the epitome of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. A kaiseki lunch consists of several courses, including sakizuke (appetizer) served with sake. It also includes simmered dish, sashimi, grilled dish and hanmono (rice). Finish your meal with a delicious matcha tea while a geisha entertains you.
To get to Asakusa from Narita Airport, take the Keisei Narita Sky Access Line to Oshiage Station. From Oshiage Station, take the Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station. To get to the Kagurazaka area, you need to travel from JR Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station. Then transfer to the Tokyo Subway Tozai Line to Kagurazaku.
Vegetarian dishes – Shojin Ryori cuisine
With a wide range of rich and flavorful dishes to choose from, Tokyo also offers top-notch vegetarian and vegan options. Buddhist cuisine, or Shojin ryori, is often served during a meal at a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in Tokyo.
It became popular when Zen Buddhism spread to Japan in the 13th century. This type of cuisine is strictly vegan, as the dishes do not contain animal products. This cuisine is popular with both vegans and vegetarians. Most food establishments near traditional Tokyo temples often serve Shojin ryori.
Many dishes contain simple ingredients such as pickles, rice and miso broth. A Shojin Ryori lunch may also include a traditional Japanese salad, Shiro-ae, made from pureed tofu and vegetables with sesame and soy sauce.
A wonderful restaurant serving Shojin ryori cuisine is Tera Cafe. From JR Tokyo Station, take the JR/Tokyo Subway Hibiya Line to Daikanyama Station.
Food courts on the underground floor of department stores – all the food in one place
Whether you’re looking for sushi or tempura (a Japanese battered mixture of meat, vegetables and seafood), you’ll find it all in Tokyo’s underground food courts. So where are they? Finding them is not difficult as almost all department stores in Tokyo have food courts.
One of the most popular is located in the Shinjuku Takashimaya department store. There you will find a variety of Japanese and international delicacies away from the busy streets of Tokyo.
Underground food courts are usually divided into grocery stores and sections with food from around the world. You will be offered a choice of yakitori, salads, curries, French or Italian pastries. These underground food courts also offer a variety of food gifts, including beautifully wrapped boxes of cookies and chocolates and wine. They sell very fresh products here.
To get to Shinjuku Takashimaya Department Store, get off at JR Tokyo Station and head to Shinjuku Station. Trains on the Oedo, Keio or Odakyu lines go here.
