Food and drink in Tokyo

Tokyo Dining & Nightlife

Tokyo's culinary landscape ranges from Edo-period traditions to modern high-tech dining. This list features Japan's oldest tempura house, Sansada, and the historic Kamiya Bar, established in 1880. Modern innovations are represented by Ichiran's solo ramen booths and the high-speed delivery tracks at Genki Sushi. Nightlife exploration includes the dense bar alleys of Shinjuku Golden Gai and Shibuya’s Nonbei Yokocho, alongside eccentric theme venues like the Robot Restaurant and the Snake Center Café.

Tokyo Dining & Nightlife — Map

Cory Doctorow / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Robot Restaurant

This unique restaurant in the capital city of Japan is the embodiment of Japanese way of having fun.

Shiny Things / CC BY 2.0

B

Kabukichō

Large entertainment and red-light district characterized by a high density of bars, clubs, and specialized performance venues. It is a major nightlife hub known for its vibrant atmosphere and various entertainment facilities.

titanium22 from Shinjuku Goldengai in… / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Shinjuku Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai is a district of Kabukicho within Shinjuku, a special ward of Tokyo, Japan.

Aimaimyi / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Center Gai

Filled with shops, this rather narrow street radiates Shibuya's atmosphere.

Carolina Talavera / CC-BY-SA

E

Namiki Yabusoba

Soba - popular Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour, that can served both hot and cold, with every side dish imaginable - are one of…

Joi Ito / CC BY 2.0

F

Nonbei yokocho alley

Known as "Drunkard's Alley," this narrow Shibuya passageway is lined with nearly 40 small bars, many retaining a post-war atmosphere.

Wpcpey / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Ichiran (Shibuya Store)

Specialized tonkotsu ramen shop featuring individual "flavor concentration booths" and a customizable ordering system for broth and noodle preferences.

Carmen Fletcher / CC-BY-SA

H

Cha Cha Hana

A very traditional restaurant serving classic Japanese meals. Worth the visit for its atmosphere.

江戸村のとくぞう / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Kamiya Bar

Japan's first Western-style bar, founded in 1880. It is famous for its signature Meiji-era brandy cocktail known as "Denki Bran."

Wei-Te Wong / CC BY-SA 2.0

J

Sansada

Established in 1837 during the Edo period, this is Japan's oldest tempura restaurant, located adjacent to the Kaminarimon Gate.

Marielys Le / CC-BY-SA

K

Genki Sushi

High-tech conveyor belt sushi restaurant where diners use tablets to order dishes delivered via high-speed miniature trains.

Melissa / CC-BY-SA

L

Harajuku Gyoza-ro

A specialized dumpling house in Harajuku serving pan-fried or boiled gyoza, available with or without garlic and chives.

Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Yottekoya

A smaller restaurant that serves several kinds of ramen. Great lunch choice after exploring Shibuya.

Eric Yeh / CC-BY-SA

N

Asakusa Gyuukatsu

Restaurant specializing in breaded beef cutlets served rare, allowing diners to finish cooking the meat on individual stone grills.

O

Ten Ichi

A famous tempura restaurant with several other branches scattered through Tokyo. Visit if you want to try the traditional meal.

P

Snake Center Café

A theme cafe in Harajuku where visitors can observe and interact with various species of pet snakes while dining.

Tripomatic User / CC-BY-SA

Q

Bills

This warm open space is a perfect place for casual dining. Visit the rooftop terrace and try their tempting dishes - simple yet ingenious.

Masumi Tsuhako / CC-BY-SA

R

Hard Rock Cafe Ueno-Eki

Visit this famous rock'n'roll chain restaurant and enjoy its delicious American classics as well as its popular interior design.

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Tokyo Essentials Iconic Shinto Shrines of Tokyo Temples & Shrines of Tokyo Tokyo Viewpoints & Monuments Top Museums in Tokyo Parks & Gardens Castles and Palaces of Tokyo Tokyo Art & Culture Tokyo Shopping & Fashion