In the Land Of The Rising Sun lies countless hidden gems — especially when it comes to food. Here are some of our tried and tested places that are definitely worth a visit the next time you’re in the bustling city of Tokyo.

Most of us foodies have been waiting for the one and only Japan to open up — and our wishes have finally been granted! Come June 10, international visitors will once again be able to set foot on Nippon soil (albeit in tour packages). With such a strong sense of culture that finds its roots in almost every facet of the Japanese lifestyle, you can be sure that Japan does not disappoint when it comes to food. From beautiful cafes to traditional izakayas, and even a 130-year-old soba shop, here’s our Tokyo food guide with oishii recommendations not to be missed.

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🇯🇵 Tokyo Food Guide: Entry Requirements To Japan

Entering Japan From Singapore

Entry Requirements

✅ Be part of a packaged tour ✅ Take PCR test 72 hours before departure (ARTs are not permitted), to include: 👉🏻 Testing date and time 👉🏻 Name of the clinic that conducted the test 👉🏻 Negative result 👉🏻 Name of the lab that reported results 👉🏻 Date of when the result was notified 👉🏻 Name of doctor who conducted the test 👉🏻 MCR no. of said doctor 👉🏻 QR codes for verification 🚨 Bring a printed copy of the digital PDT certificate, provided by clinics approved by MOH ✅ Be fully vaccinated with one booster dose. Your COVID-19 vaccination cert must include: 👉🏻 Name of traveller 👉🏻 Passport document number 👉🏻 Nationality/ Citizenship 👉🏻 Date of Birth 👉🏻 Clear indication that you have received your third dose 🎉 Since 1 June, Singaporean arrivals have not been required to take an on-arrival test or isolate at their place of residence!

🇯🇵 YouTrip’s Tokyo Food Guide: What To Eat In Tokyo Japan 2022

Now that we’ve got the nitty-gritty travel requirements out of the way, it’s time to get down to the meat of it — our Tokyo food guide to the best eats in town.

1. Buy Me Stand

Image Credits: hanako.tokyo

At the edge of Shibuya lies a cosy sandwich eatery. With a standard seating of only eight people at a time, Buy Me Stand is an exclusive hideout that takes you away from the hustle — especially with an interior that is reminiscent of an 80s New York City diner. You’re here for their sandwiches that pack a punch, especially with their unexpected filling combinations that play with sweet and salty flavours.

Do not miss out: Blue Monday Sandwich

Address: Japan, 〒150-0011 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Higashi, 1 Chome−31−19 マンション並木橋２０２

Price: ￥1200 (~S$12.30)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

2. Matsuya Kanda

Image Credits: gltjp

Ironically located in Akihabara, the tech-forward Electric Town of Japan, is this 130-year old soba house that looks like it was taken right out of an ancient Japanese film. Both the exterior and interior of the restaurant scream heritage. As you enter the shop, you will be greeted enthusiastically by elderly servers who are more than happy to share their knowledge about soba as a delicacy and their shop’s history with you. 

Do not miss out: Mori Soba

Address: Japan, 〒101-0041 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kanda Sudacho, 1 Chome−１−13

Price: ￥1000 (~S$10.30)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

3. Kosoan

Image Credits: Living + Nomads

If you’re looking for a place to get away from the city and forget the world over a cup of matcha latte — Kosoan is your best bet. Located in Jiyugaoka, aka the “Little Italy” of Tokyo, the tea house sits in a perfectly primmed Japanese garden that looks like it belongs on the set of a Ghibli film. Here, customers can sit on tatami mats and enjoy quiet cups of tea with small sweet pairings.

Do not miss out: Matcha Shiratama Zenzai

Address: 1 Chome-24-23 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0035, Japan

Price: ￥1000 (~S$10.30)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

4. Asakusa Imahan

Only a stone’s throw away from the famous Asakusa shrine is Imahan, a Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu restaurant that has been running since 1895. With its long heritage, it is undoubtedly one of the best in Tokyo, Japan. Their special sukiyaki features a top-notch selection of meats and vegetables, simmered in their house sauce — made by the servers donned in beautiful kimonos.

Protip: A reservation is recommended as it gets very crowded during peak hours

Do not miss out: Selected Brand Beef Sukiyaki or Shabu Shabu Gozen

Address: 3 Chome-1-12 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0035, Japan

Price: ￥15,000 (~S$154.50)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

5. LIKE LIKE (On The Third Floor Of Biotop)

Image Credits: shannonteoh.club

This quiet and fashionable cafe is located in Shirokanedai, a street which literally translates to ‘platinum’ because of the high cost of living. Lust over accessories, apparel, and small miscellaneous must-haves on the first two floors of Biotop. After which, make your way upwards to the third floor where they serve up unique remixes of dishes in their version of a treehouse cafe.

Do not miss out: Katsu Curry

Address: 4 Chome-6-44 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan

Price: ￥1,500 (~S$15.40)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

6. Ippoippo Honten

Image Credits: inshokuten

What’s a trip to Japan without izakayas? It’s mainly counter-seating here, so expect a local salaryman-type experience with nothing less than a great selection of food and sake. At Ippoippo Honten, the owner himself is said to hand-select the ingredients that represent the best of Japan. All of these fresh ingredients are then cooked by robata for your pleasure.

Do not miss out: Their “Specialty Of The Day” — and pay attention to their tongue-in-cheek dish names

Address: 3 Chome-53 Senju, Adachi City, Tokyo 120-0034, Japan

Price: ￥5,000 (~S$51.50)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

7. Lion

Image Credits: The Gate

Tired after a day of thrift shopping? Take a breather at Lion, a cafe that has been around since 1926 — straight out of the Showa era. Enjoy some coffee while you take in its vintage single-facing seating and wide selection of classical vinyl records. As no photography is allowed here, try not to blink!

Do not miss out: Nel-Drip Coffee

Address: 2 Chome-19-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Price: ￥1,000 (~S$10.30)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

8. Curry Up

Image Credits: Hypebeast

This eatery is what you get when dang good curry is served with a huge helping of style. Opened by Bathing Ape Founder Nigo, Curry Up offers a no-frills menu that centres on the wide selection of curries originating from North India. It is a must-visit when in Tokyo!

Do not miss out: Butter Chicken Curry

Address: 3-22-1 Nakameguro Meguro-ku, Tokyo 1530061, Japan

Price: ￥1,300 (~S$13.40)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

9. Higuma Doughnuts + Coffee Wrights

Image Credits: Higuma Doughnuts + Coffee Wrights

If you are on the market for a midday snack when in Shibuya, we recommend walking over to Omotesando for fried doughnuts and a good cup of coffee at Higuma Doughnuts + Coffee Wrights. Birthed out of a delightful collaboration featuring beautiful architecture and delicious grub, the cafe is the perfect spot to take a break when shopping around the district. 

Do not miss out: Americano and Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut

Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−9−13 

Price: ￥800 (~S$8.20)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

10. Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku Minamiguchi

Image Credits: Tripadvisor

Served with rice and side dishes, this famous beef cutlet set comes with a personal stone grill and a variety of seasoning for your choosing — think wasabi, soy sauce, horseradish sauce and rock salt. Season it however you’d like and grill it to the doneness of your preference. Just make sure you come early to avoid the long queues!

Do not miss out: Beef Cutlet Set

Address: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−32−2 モトビル地下 1階

Price: ￥1,600 (~S$16.40)

Find out more about the best eats in the Tokyo food guide here.

Tadaima! You’re Now Home With Tokyo’s Best Eats

Now that you’re up to date with the best places to eat thanks to this Tokyo food guide, it’s time to pack your bags and return to the capital of Japan! While you’re at it, don’t forget to bring along your YouTrip card to enjoy Wholesale Exchange Rates with zero bank fees!

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_{*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 8 June 2022 SGT 5.30 PM. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.}