All About Tokyo Food and Drinks: A Two-Day Guide for Foodies

Without a doubt, Tokyo Japan is one of the best cities in the world for dining  and drinking - from hotpot to endless sushi, saki, and plum wine, the endless choices are any foodies paradise. It can also feel a little overwhelming trying to pick and choose where to eat every day in a city this vast and beautiful. In this  two-day Tokyo food and drink guide, we’ll share all the must-try delicacies and must-visit spots for you to have the ultimate foodie experience in the city. 

First, check out 10 famous Tokyo food you can’t miss:

Bread was only introduced in Japan in the 1850s and skyrocketed in popularity after World War II. Tokyo is rife with artisanal bakeries with buns of various flavours and textures that you’ll love!

You’ve never had eggs and rice as delicious and fluffy-smooth as omurice. You can get it either as fried rice wrapped in an omelette or rice topped with an omelette. Either way, you absolutely have to try for yourself what makes omurice special!

What do you get when you combine tempura and donburi? You get yummy tendon! No, we are not talking about the tendons on your body, we’re talking about a bowl of rice with deep-fried seafood and veggies!

Abura soba literally translates to oil noodles, but it’s a misnomer sincethere’s little to no oil in the dish. The noodles have toppings, vinegar, and a light coat of oil instead of soup. We love it as a summer dish!

We typically consume soupy noodle dishes with the noodles already in the soup, but there’s a charm about the ones you have to dip. The dish is called tsukemen, and it’s served in two bowls, one for the noodles and one for the soup. Its broth is more concentrated and flavorful than other noodle dishes, as you only need a dip for a tasty slurp!

While Osaka and Hiroshima have the iconic okonomiyaki, Tokyo has monjayaki. This pan-fried batter has a similar texture to melted cheese, and the gooiness is just irresistible! Luckily, you’ll find numerous restaurants in Tokyo that serve monjayaki. 

Fukagawa-meshi (the rice dish of Fukagawa) originated in a fishing town in Tokyo back in the day. This hearty seafood consists of a bowl of rice topped with short-neck clams. The clams can also be served in miso soup or cooked in soy sauce. 

Chanko nabe is closely tied to sumo culture, as wrestlers often consume this protein-rich hotpot dish. In fact, chicken is used for the broth since it symbolizes victory. Even if you’re not a sumo wrestler, it’s perfect for warming you up on a hot day!

What’s an exploration of Japanese cuisine without some sushi? This versatile dish is a global phenomenon, but it’s also well worth trying in its home country. There’s a slew of sushi restaurants in Tokyo, and without a doubt, they are authentic. 

Anago is a saltwater eel native to Tokyo Bay, which is a more abundant alternative to the endangered unagi or freshwater eel. It can either be plainly grilled or served in kabayaki sauce, a sweet soy sauce glaze that gives Japanese fish dishes its sweet and savoury appeal. 

Now that you know the food in Tokyo you must try, this two-day foodie itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Tokyo’s food and drink scene. Day one

Start your time in Tokyo with a little culture and tradition as you make your way to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Tea isn’t just tea in Japan, it is an art form and a symbol of their culture. It is believed that tea ceremonies maintain a peaceful mind and wash away stress or fatigue, making it the perfect way to start your day. During this time, you’ll enjoy a delicious tea accompanied by some sweet treats, as well as learn the history and importance of this tradition.

Next, it’s time to escape the bustle and head over to a hidden gem with a rich history and culture waiting to be explored. Sunamachi Ginza is a popular shopping street in Tokyo known for its array of family-owned restaurants with scrumptious recipes dating back over 60 years. From an old oden hotpot shop to a yakitori shop, travellers can book this half-day tour and explore this nostalgic place, trialling dishes passed on from generation to generation.

Now your tummy’s probably in need of a quick break from your foodie adventure. After your stroll through Sunamachi, head to a concept cafe called the Tokyo Owl Cafeto relax and recuperate. Now I know It sounds a little strange, but I guarantee this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not to be missed! This unusual cafe allows patrons to enjoy the company of a beautiful variety of owls as they sip a sweet, hot beverage. You can take pictures, interact and learn everything you need to know about these avian creatures - it’s the perfect way to destress and relax after a long day of eating and sightseeing. 

For dinner, book your spot at the famous Guenpin Fugu restaurant for a unique taste of Japanese fugu. If you love food and thrills, this experience should be on your list. You’ll be able to brave the poisonous pufferfish for which chefs require years of training and a fugu license in the number one fugu restaurant in Japan. Savour the taste of this unique delicacy within a traditional Japanese interior that features wooden panelling on the walls, cosy lighting, and traditional ceramic tableware. 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, ,Salon de Sweets in Sky Tree will not disappoint. Located in the famous Tokyo Sky Tree, Salon de Sweets offers dinners an incredible 90-minute dessert buffet (a.k.a ALL YOU CAN EAT DESSERT!) full of every kind of sweet dessert or pastry you can think of. From creamy french macarons to the famous Japanese fruit tarts, this place will satisfy every sweet craving inside of you.

End your evening the way the Japanese do, with an endless amount of drinks and fun! Book an all-you-can-drink sake or plum wine tour, providing you with the perfect night experience in this buzzing city. Both tours will allow you to try as many varieties of your favourite Japanese drink, ensuring that you find the perfect one for you.

Start early on day two of your Tokyo food adventure with a trip to the local Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market. This one-hour guided tour will teach you about the historical and cultural background of Japanese food as you sample some of the best sushi and fresh crabs you’ve ever had. This experience is any culinary connoisseur’s dream.

A trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without a Sushi cooking class. The Nihonbashi Gourmet Tour and Sushi Roll Cooking Class is perfect for anyone looking to discover Japan through taste. This experience will teach you how to make the world-famous Japanese delicacy, and at the end, you’ll be able to sample your hard work! This tour also includes a look around the famous Coredo Muromachi, a shopping complex in Nihonbashi, home to many restaurants, tea shops, and confectioneries.

Next, if you didn't have enough Sake from the night before, hop on the Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting. This tour takes you to a Sake Brewery in a nearby town called Sawai, where you will learn the intricate process of how to make Japan’s national drink. You’ll also be able to sample more of your favourite beverage. 

If a Sake tour isn’t for you and you want to trail more local food, why not take the Nighttime Local Food and Drink Tour in Asakusa? The best time to explore this part of Tokyo is definitely in the evening, as this is when the locals come out to play. This tour will give you a first-hand experience of Japanese izakaya culture and enables you to taste amazing Japanese craft beer and enjoy delicious meals at a monjayaki pancake restaurant.

End your time in Tokyo with a trip to one of the many Michelin star restaurants. One of our favourite places to visit is the Kaiseki Restaurant, where you can enjoy an authentic Japanese kaiseki meal. Japan is filled with amazing cuisine, and this little gem will be one of the most incredible experiences on your trip - not only is the food phenomenal and made from quality local ingredients, but it is also beautiful plated (which is perfect for a great Instagram shot!).