Tokyo is one of the world's most exciting dining destinations. The city features a wide range of both local and regional Japanese cuisine in addition to all types of international fare. Its top restaurants have accrued more Michelin stars than both Paris and New York combined. But good food can be found at every price range from cheap hole-in-the-wall joints to expensive high-class restaurants with every budget in between.

Tokyo specialties

As Japan's political center for over four centuries, Tokyo has naturally exerted great influence on Japanese cuisine. Consequently, some Tokyo specialties have become so popular that they are now known as the standard version of the dish rather than a local specialty. Local creations from Tokyo (formerly called Edo) are often referred to as "Edo-mae", literally meaning "in front of Edo", in reference to Edo Bay (now Tokyo Bay) which provided the city with its local seafood. The following are some popular Tokyo specialties:

  • Nigiri-zushi
  • Tempura
  • Soba
  • Chankonabe
  • Monjayaki
  • Tsukudani
  • Tokyo Sweets

Regional specialties from across Japan

Tokyo is also a good place to enjoy regional Japanese foods from across the country, which have been available in Tokyo since the Edo Period when the regional lords (daimyo) from across Japan were forced to maintain large villas in the capital and spend alternate years there. A by-product of this policy to keep the regional lords under the shogun's control was the influx of various regional cooking styles into the capital.

These days, foods from across the country can be found at many restaurants specialized in regional cuisines. Some of the most popular regional foods that can be sampled around Tokyo come from Okinawa, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Kyoto and Hokkaido. In addition, successful restaurants from across Japan often open outlets in Tokyo in an effort to branch out and make a name for themselves.

International dining

International food is enjoying great popularity in Tokyo, and many Japanese chefs have achieved recognition for their skills in foreign cooking, often acquired by practical training overseas. Furthermore, Tokyo is home to various international communities, which have brought a variety of different cuisines with them.

While popular foods such as Chinese, Indian, Italian, French and Korean can be found virtually anywhere in the city, there are also a few districts serving less prominent international cuisines especially around the embassies located in the Azabu, Hiroo and Roppongi districts. Below are a few of the more concentrated international districts:

  • Shin Okubo - Koreatown
  • Kagurazaka - France Town
  • Ikebukuro - Chinatown

Casual dining

There are lots and lots of casual dining restaurants of all types found across Tokyo. While restaurants are easy to find just about anywhere in the city, good places to go for a large variety of them are around train stations, entertainment districts and the restaurant floors of most department stores, where there is usually a good selection of restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine to international dining.

Izakaya are the most common type of casual dining establishments and are good places to try a variety of dishes. They can be found in droves around train stations and entertainment districts and serve popular food items such as yakitori, sashimi and of course beer. The following are a few casual dining areas around Tokyo that are well known for their atmosphere:

  • Shinjuku
  • Yurakucho
  • Asakusa

Fine dining

Tokyo is well known for its fine dining and has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants of any city in the world. Fine dining restaurants are often found on the top floors of skyscrapers and major hotels, and the cuisine served at these restaurants ranges from traditional Japanese to international and fusion fare. Of course, they tend to be priced accordingly, and some restaurants may require advance reservations. The following are a few districts that are known for their fine dining establishments.

  • Tokyo Station
  • Shiodome
  • Shinjuku
  • Ginza
  • Azabu

Themed dining

Themed cafes such as maid and butler cafes, as well as pet cafes are popular attractions where you can converse or play games with a maid or butler, or spend time with animals such as cats, rabbits or birds while eating light meals or enjoying a coffee or tea. Maid cafes can easily be found in Akihabara whereas butler cafes are more concentrated around Ikebukuro. Pet cafes can be found in small numbers around the city. All these types of cafes usually charge a small cover charge in addition to food and drinks.

Another type of themed dining are food theme parks which typically feature different variations of a specific food such as ramen or gyoza. Despite the name, food theme parks are usually indoors and work similarly to a food court except that all the vendors are selling variations and regional types of the same dish. Some food theme parks around Tokyo include the Namja Gyoza Stadium in Ikebukuro and a ramen theme park in Aquacity on Odaiba.

Those looking for a quirky and entertaining meal, themed restaurants like the Ninja Restaurant can be a fun and appealing attraction. Themed restaurants are decorated similarly to amusement parks, have themed menus and staff dressed in costume. The food usually follows the overall theme, and there may be some type of performance during the meal.

Japanese-style breakfast

The easiest place to try a Japanese-style breakfast are hotels, many of which offer Japanese breakfast set meals or buffets with both Japanese and Western dishes. Otherwise a Japanese-style breakfast is difficult to find as most restaurants and coffee shops tend to serve Western-style breakfasts or coffee and toast sets only. One option may be gyudon restaurants which often offer basic Japanese breakfast sets at cheap prices.

For the more adventurous, the sushi restaurants in the Tsukiji Outer Market and at Toyosu Market are open from early morning, offering fresh sushi for breakfast. Note that many of these restaurants close by mid-afternoon.

Hotels around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo
Budget:
    • Mokkoan
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
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    • cyashitsu ryokan asakusa
      Mid-range
      Situated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan offers a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 24 km from the property.
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    • 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
      Budget-friendly
      Conveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe can enjoy an American breakfast. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from the accommodation, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the property.
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    • Kaminarimon Ryokan
      Luxury
      Ideally set in the centre of Tokyo, Kaminarimon Ryokan offers Asian breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Popular points of interest nearby include Hozomon Gate, Nitenmon Gate and Asakusa ROX Shopping Center. The property is non-smoking and is set 300 metres from Asakusa Public Hall. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms include a kettle, while selected rooms also feature a terrace and others also feature city views. At Kaminarimon Ryokan the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Drum Museum, Komagatado and Asakusa Station. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 22 km from the property.
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    • hanare
      Budget-friendly
      Offering quiet street views, hanare is set in the Taito district of Tokyo, 400 metres from Asakura Museum of Sculpture and 400 metres from Kyoouji Temple. The 2-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with a shared bathroom and free WiFi. The accommodation offers luggage storage space and a concierge service for guests. At the guest house, each unit includes a tatami. At the guest house, the units include bed linen and towels. There is a coffee shop on-site. Guests at the guest house will be able to enjoy activities in and around Tokyo, like walking tours. Popular points of interest near hanare include The Site of Koda Rohan House, Tenno-ji Temple Gojuno Tower Remains and Tennoji Temple. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 25 km from the property.
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    • No Borders Hostel
      Budget-friendly
      In the Shinagawa Ward district of Tokyo, close to Togoshi-ginza Shopping Street, No Borders Hostel features free bikes and a washing machine. Featuring a shared lounge, the guest house is close to several noted attractions, around 1.5 km from Meguro Fudoson Ryusen-ji Temple, 1.6 km from Yakushi-ji Tokyo Annex Temple and 1.7 km from Ohsaki New City Shopping Mall. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. The air-conditioned units have a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, a microwave, kettle, and a fridge. Featuring a shared bathroom with a shower and slippers, units at the guest house also offer free WiFi. The units are equipped with heating facilities. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Anyo-in Temple, Remy Gotanda Shopping Mall and Musashi Koyama Shopping Street Palm. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 12 km away.
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    • The Okura Tokyo
      Luxury
      Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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    • ulu Tokyo
      Luxury
      Attractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and rooms are equipped with a balcony. The rooms in the accommodation are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 17 km from the property.
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    • SOLA HOTEL
      Mid-range
      Featuring 3-star accommodation, SOLA HOTEL is located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Kamejimashogakko Memorial Park and 800 metres from Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Among the facilities at this property are a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel features family rooms. The aparthotel will provide guests with air-conditioned units with a wardrobe, a kettle, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with an oven and toaster. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Umeyashiki Monument, Tokyo Skytree and Tobacco & Salt Museum. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 21 km away.
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    • ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
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Tokyo Restaurants

Recommended in Tokyo
    • Udatsu Sushi
      Sushi
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - People from around the world visit to experience Mr. Udatsu's sushi. Inside the restaurant, which resembles an art gallery with its modern decor and numerous artworks, guests can enjoy sushi crafted from the highest quality ingredients. While the foundation is traditional nigiri, the menu also features original creations born from the chef's relentless curiosity and innovation.
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    • Waketokuyama
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      Awarded One Star in 2025 - With a meticulous focus on allowing guests to enjoy seasonal ingredients at their peak, the menu changes approximately every two weeks. The signature dish, "Grilled Abalone with Seaweed Aroma," features thick slices of abalone generously coated in a rich liver sauce, offering an exquisite taste of the sea.
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    • Fry-ya
      Tonkatsu
      Exquisite fried dishes crafted by a head chef with experience earning stars in both Switzerland and Japan. The remarkably light tonkatsu is a favorite not only among Japanese diners but also among visitors to Japan. With the theme of "small portions, many varieties," guests can enjoy sampling a wide selection of tonkatsu in smaller portions.
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    • TEMPURA & WINE SHINO
      Tempura
      The kind of restaurant that is known only to true gourmets, serving as a sort of "Hidden gem". In a chic space with black walls and a ceiling adorned in gold, you can enjoy tempura with a light and elegant texture, delicately fried using refined techniques to achieve a thin, white batter that minimizes the aroma of oil. Savor tempura that maximizes the flavors of the ingredients, paired with Champagne and Burgundy wines carefully selected by the sommelier.
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    • Hikarimono
      Sushi
      With a prime location and quality that rivals high-end sushi restaurants, this restaurant maintains the goal of being a place for everyday dining. It offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere, free from stiffness or formality. The signature "Hikari-maki," featuring ingredients such as sardines, pickled plum, and bettarazuke (sweet pickled radish), boasts unique flavors that are especially popular among international visitors.
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    • Daikanyama Issai Kassai
      Izakaya
      The owner, Shinji Odahara, boasts a 30-year career in Japanese cuisine and has the remarkable achievement of opening a Japanese restaurant in New York that earned a star. Guests can enjoy exquisite charcoal-grilled meat dishes and rice cooked in a clay pot, all within a modern interior with dim lighting that sparks adult curiosity.
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    • Sudachi
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      You can enjoy dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, transcending the traditional boundaries of Japanese cuisine. While rooted in the traditions of Japanese cooking, the menu features unique offerings such as dishes incorporating shark fin—rarely seen in Japanese cuisine—and sushi that reflects the chef's background in sushi restaurants. At the open kitchen counter, where the lively atmosphere comes alive, you can savor the culinary creations with all five senses.
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    • Torinao
      Yakitori
      In a relaxed and serene atmosphere, you can enjoy exquisite yakitori made with "Koshu Kenmidori" chicken, grilled to perfection over Kishu Binchotan charcoal for a delightful aroma. The tender and fluffy tsukune (chicken meatball) is particularly popular for its juicy flavor. Additionally, the carefully selected Japanese sake, chosen by the owner, pairs wonderfully with the yakitori.
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    • Ichiu
      Sushi
      Chef Hamano is renowned for his experience training at three different two-star restaurants. In addition to sushi, he has honed his skills in Japanese cuisine at the esteemed Akasaka Kikunoi, giving him a strong foundation in traditional Japanese culinary techniques.When it comes to nigiri, he is meticulous not only about the toppings but also the rice. He uses a premium rice variety from Akita, enhanced with two types of red vinegar and plum vinegar to create a refreshing flavor.
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    • Yakiniku Onuki
      Yakiniku
      The restaurant is proud of its "Tare Yakiniku" (grilled meat with sauce), which is made from Japanese black beef that has inherited the "excellent sauce" from the main restaurant, and is so tender that it melts in your mouth. The beef tongue is also superb. The thickly cut beef tongue is very difficult to grill, so the waiter grills it and serves it to you. Enjoy a blissful moment with wine that pairs well with the meat.
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Experiences around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo