Japan

Tokyo

A city of contrasts—where neon-lit streets pulse with energy and quiet shrines offer a moment of stillness. Sip matcha in a hidden chaya, uncover tucked-away ramen joints with cult followings, and browse curated vintage in back-alley boutiques. Tokyo unfolds for those who embrace the unexpected—wander, explore, and let the city surprise you.
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15 Travel Journalists and Savvy Locals
  • Image of undefined, a brunch in Tokyo with intimate and earthy vibes
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    brunch

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    Jessica Nicolet

    The Avocado Toast is the best I've ever had, despite growing up in California! The banana pancakes are also incredible- be sure to reserve so you can sit at the counter and chat with Chef Katy as she prepares your meal.

  • Image of undefined, a izakaya in Tokyo with lively and traditional vibes
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    izakaya, yakitori

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    • lively
    • traditional
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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    Perfectly grilled skewers over binchotan charcoal. Do yourself a favor—order everything, and probably double up on the shiitake mushrooms and potato. The flow is a dance—keep ordering, keep eating. No reservations, avg 25-min wait, but worth it.

  • Image of undefined, a ramen in Tokyo with laid-back and simple vibes
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    ramen

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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    Famous for its rich yet delicate tori paitan (creamy chicken broth) with deep, satisfying chicken flavor. Tip: Get there before 11:45 AM to beat the huge line, and don’t forget to wear the apron—trust me, you’ll need it!

  • Image of undefined, a bistro in Tokyo with simple and earthy vibes
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    bistro

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    • earthy
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    Jessica Nicolet

    Take a break from vintage shopping in the neighborhood for a light and comforting lunch here. Their lunch set menu is a great deal and allows you to try some of everything- my favorite is the Steamed Seasonal Vegetables set.

  • Image of undefined, a pizzeria in Tokyo with cozy and classic vibes
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    pizzeria

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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    A hidden gem for Neapolitan pizza lovers! Light, airy wood-fired crust with top ingredients. Try the Margherita with rucola for a true classic or the Salsiccia Bianca for something richly satisfying. Book the counter for the best experience!

  • Image of undefined, a ramen in Tokyo with intimate and edgy vibes
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    ramen

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    • edgy
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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    Their tantanmen is a masterpiece—silky broth, perfect spice, and handmade noodles with just the right bite. Pro Tip: Arrive two hours before opening—on busy days, the line can stretch for 3–4 hours.

  • Image of undefined, a ramen in Tokyo with lively and casual vibes
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    ramen

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    • lively
    • casual
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    Pedro Dias

    Amazing udon in Shibuya! No reservations—just walk up, put your name down, and wait. The cacio e pepe udon is a must-try—absolutely mind-blowing!

  • Image of undefined, a soba in Tokyo with intimate and classic vibes
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    soba

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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    The Shoyu Soba is rich and perfectly balanced, blending porcini mushrooms with three types of soup. Homemade noodles feature six kinds of domestic flour for the ideal bite. Pro tip: Arrive at 8:45 AM, grab a number, get coffee, and return 15 minutes before your slot.

  • Image of undefined, a izakaya in Tokyo with edgy and lively vibes
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    izakaya

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    • lively
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    Pedro Dias

    As the name suggests, this izakaya is all about wine—probably the best selection in Japan. Located in busy Shibuya, so expect a wait, but it’s worth it if you love fine wine!

  • Image of undefined, a bistro in Tokyo with laid-back and warm vibes
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    bistro

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    Kirsti Salonen

    If you are vegan in Tokyo, this is a must place to visit - no fear of finding fish from your meal! Tasty and protein rich vegan food sourced from Japanese farmers in a cozy environment.

  • Image of undefined, a udon in Tokyo with intimate and casual vibes
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    udon

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    Beatrice Tomasini

    These will be the best Udon (typical Japanese noodles) you eat in Japan! Neat but informal, and not a tourist in sight.

  • Image of undefined, a ramen in Tokyo with intimate and rustic vibes
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    ramen

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    Pedro Dias

    Tokyo has endless great ramen, but this spot stands out—cozy, husband-and-wife-run, and perfectly executed bowls. Plus, a small fridge stocked with craft beers. A hidden gem!

  • Image of undefined, a ramen in Tokyo with intimate and classic vibes
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    ramen

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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    The quintessential ramen experience, known for its rich yet delicate shoyu broth and perfectly tender chashu. Tip: Reservations are essential and open at 8:00am the day prior via TableCheck. Be prompt; slots fill swiftly.

  • Image of undefined, a pizzeria in Tokyo with laid-back and warm vibes
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    pizzeria

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    Enrico Matzeu

    Tokyo’s best Neapolitan pizza awaits you at the counter, where you can watch a pizzaiolo trained in Caserta perfect his craft. The classic Margherita never disappoints, and the Nutella pizza for dessert is simply divine.

  • Image of undefined, a yakitori in Tokyo with cozy and simple vibes
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    yakitori

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    Yihan Chen

    Very low-key, simple design with a sense of Japanese art. All seats are by the counter with chef preparing everything in front of you. Yakitori is absolutely delicious; food portion is small. I will choose 16 courses over 11 courses for next visit.

  • Image of undefined, a ramen in Tokyo with cozy and charming vibes
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    Wendy

    A rich broth made from chicken, Kagoshima pork, Ise shrimp & Miyajima clams. Deep umami flavor—perfect for black truffle lovers!

  • Image of undefined, a izakaya in Tokyo with retro and classic vibes
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    izakaya

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    MOMOKO OYABU

    A unique spot at Jiyugaoka Station, run by an owner-chef. Enjoy 20+ small dishes, perfect with drinks, for a ¥2,000 table charge. But don’t forget—it’s a Yakitori spot, so save room for skewers! Counter seating. Reservations by phone (Japanese only) are highly recommended.

  • Image of undefined, a diner in Tokyo with retro and casual vibes
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    diner

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    MOMOKO OYABU

    "Machi Chuka" is a term for slightly Japanized Chinese cuisine. Go for their specialization of Gyoza dumplings!

  • Image of undefined, a bistro in Tokyo with laid-back and minimalist vibes
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    bistro

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    • minimalist
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    Enrico Matzeu

    A crispy, delicious pork katsu served with rice, salad, and the indispensable miso soup. The dish is light, and the bistro is super affordable.

  • Image of undefined, a izakaya in Tokyo with eccentric and artsy vibes
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    izakaya

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    Leonardo Zizzamia

    Start with the Drunken Grandma’s Apple Pie, then walk to their sister bar for the cocktail it inspired—the perfect nightcap.

  • Image of undefined, a izakaya in Tokyo with retro and classic vibes
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    izakaya

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    • retro
    • classic
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    MOMOKO OYABU

    Try a plate featuring three unique eggplant dishes or opt for grilled zucchini with gorgonzola sauce. Their sashimi plate also sports a creative twist, perfectly complementing the retro Japanese vibe of the menu—ideal with a glass of Japanese sake.

  • Image of undefined, a izakaya in Tokyo with classic and casual vibes
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    izakaya

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    MOMOKO OYABU

    Open from 5pm-midnight, making it perfect for before-or-after-drinking casual dining. Fresh sushi for an affordable price. Shrimp miso soup is also highly recommended.

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    ramen

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    Sharon Alper

    A plant-based paradise. Pro tip: order the soy based " tonkotsu" ramen for the the most rich, umami flavours! Go for lunch to avoid the evening crowds.

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    izakaya

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    • elegant
    • eclectic
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    Mo Kudeki

    Nicer okonomiyaki spot that you do NOT have to cook yourself. Incorporating multiple regional styles of okonomiyaki (Tokyo vs. Kansai)

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    izakaya

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    • charming
    • casual
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    MOMOKO OYABU

    Serves a wide selection of Japanese sake. The food menu is designed to go well with sake, so ask about the pairing.

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    soba

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    • traditional
    • casual

    Yihan Chen

    This is a cozy spot for soba noodles, tucked away from the main tourist areas. You can tell it's a favorite among local regulars, as they order without needing the menu. The Tensero, tempura with cold soba noodles, is a must-try!

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