Taste Tokyo: A Foodie's Ultimate Guide

Tokyo is a city where every meal tells a story, and whether you're hunting down the perfect bowl of ramen or indulging in a shaved ice masterpiece, the culinary scene here is nothing short of legendary. Beyond sushi, the city has plenty more treasures, from gyoza that melts in your mouth to cream puffs shaped like Totoro. Yum!

Tip: Don’t worry if you can’t speak Japanese - there are many ways to communicate when dining in Japan without using words!

Top Foodie Spots

Azuki to Kouri - Imagine stepping into a sleek, modern café where the magic of shaved ice—yes, shaved ice—takes center stage. The chef here has some serious pedigree, coming from a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and she's turned kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) into an art form. Think feather-light ice piled high, drizzled with homemade syrups and topped with delights like salted cherry blossoms or rich, tangy blood orange. Sweet tooth, meet your new obsession.

The Bellwood - Picture this: a retro Japanese coffee house vibe meets modern-day Tokyo flair. This bar is where you go for drinks with a twist—literally. Try the Kome Tonic, made with rice-based shochu, or the Okushibu Fashioned, which adds a little Japanese magic to a classic cocktail. And if you're feeling fancy, check out their private room for some wild food and drink pairings.

Koffee Mameya Kakeru - If coffee is your jam, you've hit the jackpot. This place takes coffee seriously—like, omakase-style seriously. They offer a tasting course that will blow your mind with the sheer variety of flavors and brewing methods. Expect the unexpected with creations like milk brew jazzed up with jasmine tea and lemon. Coffee, but make it extraordinary.

Tokyo's Noodle Nirvana: Ramen, Udon, and Soba

Ramen - Tokyo's ramen game is strong. Whether you're after the Michelin-starred shoyu ramen at Tsuta or something a little offbeat like the yuzu shio ramen at Iruca Tokyo, you're in for a treat. Slurp your noodles with gusto—it's part of the experience! Learn more about food etiquette and manners in Japan here.

Udon - Thick, chewy noodles swimming in a savory broth? Yes, please. Kirimugiya Jinroku serves a Michelin-approved bowl topped with tempura that'll make your taste buds dance, while Udon Shin offers a soy sauce butter udon that's well worth the wait.

Soba - Made from buckwheat, these noodles can be enjoyed hot or cold. For a traditional experience, head to Benten in Asakusa, where their signature clam soba has been delighting diners since 1950.

Sushi Time: Tokyo's Freshest Fish

Start your sushi adventure at the Tsukiji Outer Market, where the freshest catch is served for breakfast. If you're up for a splurge, book an omakase at Manten Sushi or go high-end at Sushi Umi. Either way, you're in for a sushi experience that's as Tokyo as it gets.

Beyond Sushi: Other Must-Try Eats in Tokyo

From Michelin-starred gyoza at Anda Gyoza Yoyogi Uehara to mouthwatering onigiri at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku, Tokyo is a treasure trove of delicious discoveries. Fancy a sweet treat? Swing by Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory for a Totoro cream puff that's almost too cute to eat—almost.

In Tokyo, every meal is an adventure, and with this guide, you're all set to dive in and explore the city's incredible food scene like a pro.

But why stop at just reading about it when you can experience Tokyo's food scene like a local? Our Kickstart Tokyo experience offers you an insider's look at the city, with a host by your side to guide you through all the must-try eats. Get ready to eat like a pro and uncover the hidden gems that make Tokyo a food lover's paradise.