1. Shibuya – The Heart of Tokyo’s Food Scene
Shibuya is
one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, not only known for its
fashion-forward stores and bustling streets but also for its incredible dining
options. From upscale sushi spots to quirky izakayas, Shibuya is the perfect
area to explore the diversity of Tokyo’s food scene.
Start your culinary journey at one of the district’s famous conveyor belt sushi restaurants, like Genki Sushi, where fresh, high-quality sushi glides by on a conveyor belt, offering you a fun and interactive dining experience. If you’re craving something hearty, head to a traditional ramen shop like Ichiryu where you can savor a steaming bowl of rich tonkotsu ramen, perfect for a cold day.
For those who want to venture beyond Japanese food, Shibuya has plenty of international options as well. Whether you’re in the mood for French, Italian, or Korean, you’ll find something that excites your taste buds. If you’re looking for dessert, don’t miss a visit to Shibuya Parco’s rooftop garden, where you can enjoy artisanal ice cream and exquisite sweets while overlooking the district’s iconic neon lights.
The streets of Shibuya are always buzzing with energy, and you’ll find everything from upscale dining to street food stalls offering everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to kebabs. This blend of tradition and innovation makes Shibuya an essential stop for any food lover.
2. Tsukiji – Tokyo’s Seafood Paradise
While Tsukiji’s
famous fish market officially relocated to Toyosu, the Tsukiji area still
remains a must-visit for anyone interested in fresh seafood. Tokyo’s oldest and
most renowned fish market is a culinary paradise, where the vibrant sights and
smells of fresh fish, seafood, and street snacks await.
Begin your food tour with a sushi breakfast at one of the many sushi restaurants surrounding the outer market. Sushizanmai is a popular choice, offering some of the freshest sushi in the area, with delicate slices of tuna, salmon, and other seafood served with precision. If you’re looking to try something unique, don’t miss uni (sea urchin) or ikura (salmon roe), often served atop a bed of vinegared rice in bite-sized portions.
After indulging in sushi, take a stroll through Tsukiji’s outer market, where you’ll find vendors selling an array of delicacies including tamago (Japanese omelet), grilled shellfish, and crispy fried squid. For a quick snack, try taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste.
For a more traditional seafood meal, head to one of the small restaurants serving kaisendon, a bowl of rice topped with an assortment of fresh, raw seafood. These dishes showcase the sheer quality and variety of seafood available in Tsukiji, making it a food lover’s paradise. While the area may have changed over the years, Tsukiji remains one of the most iconic food destinations in Tokyo, drawing both locals and tourists alike.