Everything Food!
Although I don’t speak fluent Japanese, Japan feels like a home away from home. I’ve been to Japan now more than any other destination and it’s the people and the culture that encourages me to continue to return. Lately a lot of people have been asking me what my top 10 things to eat in Japan are, so here you go! A list of my top ten favourite places to eat in Tokyo.
Firstly, here’s a short list of some Japanese food to make sure you try while in Japan
- Shabu Shabu
- Tempura
- Sushi
- Yakitori
- Fluffy pancakes
- Ramen
- Udon
- Okonomiyaki
Below is a list of what I’ve tried and where I tried it. I hope this will help for your next Tokyo journey! I would also love to know, what are your Tokyo food favourites are! There’s a whole range of others I’m dying to check out! Perhaps I’ll do a part two in future!
STARBUCKS (SHIBUYA)
Starbucks? What? So why is it on the list? Starbucks in Japan is a little different to Starbucks in the rest of the of the world. Firstly, if you enjoy people watching, you need to get a seat at the Starbucks on the corner of Shibuya crossing. It’s weirdly mesmerising and worth a photo/time-lapse video. Secondly, if you enjoy a themed drink, check out the seasonal specials that they have to offer. While I was in Japan it was cherry blossom season so they had an offering of Sakura Strawberry Pink Mochi Frappuccino!
SANTA MONICA CREPES (HARAJUKU)
All throughout Takeshita Street you will find a range of delicious crepe stores. I’ve been to several along this street, not only Santa Monica crepes however I’m simply recommending Santa Monica Crepes for the Instagram element. The shop front is really cute and colourful and is perfect if you’re there just before it opens/a line develops. The neon lights at night also make for a good photo opportunity.
TOTTI CANDY FACTORY (HARAJUKU)
Probably one of the most Instagramed spots I’ve seen on Takeshita street. Totti Candy Factory serves up giant fairy floss in the colors of the rainbow! It looks like a giant rainbow fluffy cloud. It’s perfect for winter because it won’t melt, but if you get in in summer you better eat it really quick! Also, beware of the sugar high after affects.
NABEZO SHINJUKU 3 CHOME (SHINJUKU)
This isn’t only my favorite restaurant in Japan but probably the whole world! Whenever I eat at Nabezo I order the all you can eat and drink menu and trust me – it’s well worth the price. This Shabu Shabu restaurant has the best array of meats and vegetables, the kind that melts in your mouth. The staff at this restaurant are so attentive throughout the whole dining experience, from teaching you the traditional way to cook Shabu Shabu to frequently changing the hot plate. Most staff at this restaurant speak Japanese however there are some who speak English as well.
ICHIRAN RAMEN (SHIBUYA)
This would have to be one of the most touristy Ramen locations however I couldn’t write this list and not include this Ramen hot spot. There are so many places to get Ramen in Tokyo however I love going to Ichiran because it has a traditional vibe and you can choose from lots of variations such as the amount of spice, garlic, broth etc. Make sure you request an add on egg – I don’t know how the Japanese cook their boiled eggs but they’re always cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious!
GOLDEN GAI (SHINJUKU)
This is another one of those not-so-secret spots however it’s still a must. The Golden Gai is a collection of mismatched, tumbledown bars lining alleyways in a darkened corner of Shinjuku. If you aren’t sure what to look for, it’s easy to miss. This small corner of Shinjuku retains the post-war charm which seems to be often lost in the populated metropolis which most of us know Tokyo to be. Most bars in Golden Gai accommodate no more than 10 people, giving you the opportunity to get to know the locals who work in the bar and get a true experience of one-on-one Japanese hospitality. I’ve always found the cocktails in the Golden Gai to be great, my favorite food to eat at Golden Gai is Yakitori. If you seek an elusive unpolished side of Tokyo life, make sure you get to the Golden Gai.
NISSAN CROSSING (GINZA)
If you want to switch up your morning coffee/breakfast routine this is the place to go! I wouldn’t rave about the coffee but it’s a unique experience where you can get your photo printed onto your coffee and if you like cars, there’s some impressive models to check out while you’re there as well as a VR race car experience!
TSURUTONTAN UDON (SHINJUKU)
You will notice the massive bowls when dining at TsuruTonTan. With the hopes to amaze and impress the customer, the founder decided to use a large bowl to leave a lasting impression. The moment you receive your bowl, you will be enticed by the smell of the Dashi broth. The bowls are specially designed so the Udon won’t get cold to fast. That way, you can enjoy your Udon at its best flavor and temperature for longer! The modern Japanese ambiance, great menu, and variety of sake to choose from make this a perfect date spot. There might be a line due to its popularity but it’s definitely worth the wait.
GENKI SUSHI (SHIBUYA)
Genki Sushi is affordable and delicious!
The ingredients used are imported directly from Japan and if you don’t speak Japanese and you’re struggling to find a place to eat for lunch, Genki sushi has an English menu and touch screens which make ordering quick and easy! This fun and quirky restaurant provides great entertainment and variety.
ROKUMONYA OKONOMIYAKI (SHINJUKU)
Unlike Sushi and Ramen, this is a food I had never tried until going to Japan. Okonomiyaki are savory Japanese pancakes made from cabbage, vegetables and meat held together by batter and eggs and browned on a griddle. Okonomiyaki is topped with pickled ginger, bonito flakes, a savory-sweet okonomiyaki sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. The name “okonomiyaki” translates to “as you like it, grilled.” Rokumonya can be slightly hard to find. Don’t hesitate walking down the narrow stairs at the entrance (little bit off putting if you aren’t used to basement dinning) however the ambience and service is great! There’s also a large variety of Okonomiyaki options as well as an optional English menu. If I had more time in Tokyo I would have gone back time and time again!
