Hayden Quinn COOK · TV PRESENTER · FOOD ADVENTURER

Japan

Tokyo Guide

Ramen, sushi, yakitori and kitchenware shopping, from trips in 2019 and 2023.

Updated October 2026

  • A piece of uni nigiri on a stone plate at a Tokyo sushi counter

Hayden's must-try

Nakiryu

One of the best ramen I have ever had. Since February 2024, collect a same-day ticket from the tablet at the shop from 8:00am instead of joining the old queue.

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Places

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Skewers cooking over a smoky charcoal grill

Below you will find a selection of our (Hayden Quinn & Jax Quinn) favourite spots, hidden gems, best eats and cool shops in Tokyo.

This page will be updated as new trips take place and more hot tips come in from our friends, plus you guys (if you have anything you think MUST be on the list, send me a DM on Instagram!) so be sure to check back frequently, share with your friends and save the map above before you head to Tokyo…

TOKYO

FOOD

RAMEN

Maze Soba Mitubosi - 2019 - “Dry” Ramen - Our last meal for the 2019 trip to Tokyo and possibly one of the best! Amazing “dry” ramen. We got the classic (one spicy and one non-spicy) plus a beer each for lunch. There was a short line but quick turn around (if you are in a large group you probably won’t be able to sit together so take seats in ones and twos as they come available, the place is that small you will be pretty much next to each other anyhow.) So bloody tasty and filling and warming on a cold day!! AMAZING! (Sort of like Japanese carbonara). So bloody good - Update: the Ebisu shop closed. It reopened on 27 January 2026 for lunch at 6-4-9 Koyama, Shinagawa, near Nishi-Koyama Station.

Rokurinsha (Tsukemen Ramen) - a little bit out of the way but worth the wait!

Nakiryu 鳴龍 - 2019 - Landed in Tokyo today (May) and went hunting for two things; sneakers and ramen! I didn’t find the sneakers I wanted but I did find one of the best ramen I have ever had at 鳴龍 (Nakiryu) in Otsuka. This is a Michelin Star spot with a Michelin sized line (I waited for about 1.5hrs) but, it was worth it! So so good. If you can describe a ramen as both rich and light then this tantanmen was it!. Since 1 February 2024 Nakiryu uses a same-day ticket system: collect a ticket from the tablet at the shop from 8:00am, for a 30-minute slot between 11:00 and 15:30, instead of joining that queue.

Men’an Chitose - 2019 - on this trip to Japan (May) I was really chasing Tantanmen style ramen. I just really love it. It is thick, spicy and always good. This was one of the spots that I found. I arrived at 12 noon on a Friday and there were about 6 people in line (all Japanese, all men having a lunch break from work). The wait wasnt too long, but it was hot. Inside the shop there are seats for 6-8ppl. There is no English at this shop and no English menu, I did some research and knew what I wanted but I also had to ask someone at the counter if they spoke english (see language section below) and then asked them to point to the right button. Only one person working the counter. Loved this ramen, there was a great addition of sansho pepper powder, plus dried shrimp in the bottom of the bowl. 800yen for my bowl and 600yen for a large beer..

Chūka Soba Tagano - I visited this shop with my mate Adam and his wife Miho. Adam is a chef, so it was great to be able to catch him in Japan and hit up this epic spot. Adam picked it and I was stoked with the selection. Only 13 seats so we go there an hour before they opened so we didnt have to wait too long (we were in the second wave of seating). There is no English menu here, and the team working here only had a little English. We were lucky we had Miho with us as she is a native Japanese speaker. I ordered the spicy sesame style (of course) plus a beer, Adam and Miho had the original. When you order a beer you also get a little complimentary beer snack of some salted eggs and pickles. This ramen shop is headed up by a woman, which I had not see before. This was one of the best ramen I have had.

Niku Soba Fukurou 肉そば家フクロウ - a 2023 stop which we found when we were on a little wander to do some washing outside of our hotel - looked good from the outside, was quite busy so we thought we should give it a go and it was delicious. They call their noodles soba noodles but seems all very similar to a ramen, I visited twice, the first time getting their classic chicken and then the second time trying the spicy red miso. I preferred the original chicken (which surprised me, as I normally like the thicker spicer soups).

Afuri - 2019 - Yuzu Ramen - Afuri is an ramen joint that has yuzu shoyu ramen. There are a few locations in Tokyo, visit the OG spot in Ebisu. I enjoyed it, but not as good as your regular / traditional ramen. The great thing is it has numerous locations..

Ichiran Ramen - 2019 - numerous locations - this is a bit of a chain joint (with locations all over the world / Asia) but it is still really REALLY good!!! Don’t let that hold you back! I love it. Thick, rich, hot and has a real Japanese vibe.

博多一瑞亭 HAKATA ISSUITEI - Hakata style tonkatsu ramen - I am yet to eat here.

Misoya Hachiro - Miso tonkatsu ramen - I am yet to eat here, on the list for next time.

Hakata Nagahama Rāmen Tanaka Shōten - Tonkatsu ramen - I am yet to eat here.

Kagari - Chicken style - super thick - suggestion from a mate (I am yet to eat here, did not get time)

SUSHI

Sushi ya - 2019 - This is where we did our one big sushi hit. Only seven seats at the counter with the sushi master (he was a young guy and spoke really great english when we went in). It is expensive but it is one of those Japanese experiences you really need to have.

Hakkoku - 2023 - finally got to visit here with Jax and it was unreal, definitely not cheap (like $300+ each) but the experience was amazing and the freshness and the skill with the knife was incredible, plus we both walked out of there stuffed! 25 pieces hits hard!!

2019 - A little more innovative sushi that I have really been getting in to and he just moved from his place sushi Tokami to this new place: Hakkoku. Uses a red vinegar. Great meal and not as pricey as may of the others. Featured in Michelin Guide here, and more here…

Sushi arai - we did not dine here but this is a great suggestion from a mate.

Iwasa Sushi, at Toyosu Market (the inner market moved there from Tsukiji in 2018). A hot tip from a restaurant critic mate.

Sushi Sawada - seems very well written up and loved, again we did not attend but wanted to share some more options with you all. Still on our list.

Sushi Aoki - seems very well written up and loved, again we did not attend but wanted to share some more options with you all. Still on our list.

Kizuna Sushi - “Tuna is ridiculously good, must try the tuna chin! It’s grilled and the fat closest to the bone is mouthwatering! Commercial.” A tip from my mate Adam.

TEMPURA

Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten - 2023 - this is what I wrote for my Google Review: “It’s ok, not the most amazing tempura to be honest but I think were also sat out the back with the other Westerners and the apprentice tempura chef. It was quite expensive and the vibe wasn’t amazing. Tell you what though, the been was bloody cold and creamy and delicious”. The sad thing is that we were suggested this spot by the hotel concierge and tbh it wasnt a great suggestion. Onward and upward haha

Mikawa Zezankyo

Fukamachi

Kondo

YAKITORI

Yakitori Imai - 2023

Fuku Yakitori - 2019 - this was our choice for yakitori in Tokyo and it was well worth it. We were fortunate to sit at the counter (which is rare for parties larger than three in Japan) so we had a perfect view of the grill and the yakitori master. Plus we were served by the owner himself. Our skewers were amazing, with none costing more than 300 yen and with our final bill, including drinks coming to about $60USD per person (and we were full!). Favourites included: chicken heart, chicken skin, leg meat and leek, shitake mushroom, enoki rolled in bacon, the wings and the neck meat. However, it is all pretty amazing! So go nuts. We stayed away from the seafood (only a small selection) and just ate chicken and vegetables. One of our favourite dining experiences in Japan. TIP: Get in early (we arrived around 8:30pm) some of the more popular items were beginning to run out when we arrived.

Ton Ton - a tip from a restaurant critic mate. “Under the train tracks is a walkway, have Yakitori at Ton Ton, it is the one with a big carved wooden pig outside under the tracks.” We didn’t eat here, but the location is on the map. Seems pretty sweet and would love to check out the whole alley when we are back next!

Birdland - a spot a mate found but we didn’t get a chance to make it to check it out. Next time. Looks good.

Cockle Doodle Doo - small, humble and friendly. A tip from my mate Adam.

Masakichi - 15 pax, does ramen, really well known for chicken, it’s all from the head chefs hometown and so is the bin cho tan that they use, hands down the best yakitori I’ve ever eaten! You’ll need to book this one pal!! A tip from my mate Adam.

Kamiya - Strap your self on for this one, it’s wild! It’s small, smoke filled from the robata or the customers smoking, its fast paced, quality not amazing but the environment I’m worth it, even if it’s only for 5 skewers and a high ball! A tip from my mate Adam.

Toritama - no notes, havent visited, just one on the list.

tonkatsu

Tonsui - “tiny tonkatsu place. About an 8 seater by a couple that have served a menu of about 10 things for 40 years. His cheese (and pork) tonkatsu is bloody ace and about $10…. and they’re so sweet - plus you can go shopping as it’s right were all the second hand places are….” A tip from a restaurant critic mate.

Butagumi

WAGYU / KOBE

Mon cher ton ton - 2023 - What a dinner celebrating the classic teppanyaki. Amazing service, great staff that were always on hand and ready to make sure the night was perfect. The tepan chefs were entertaining and skillful and the food and most importantly the beef was amazing (aside from the beef the highlight was the lobster miso!). Wines were great, we went by the glass as we thought this more cost effective and also better variety.

It’s definitely an old school setting and set up but that is overpassed by the food and the service. A great experience.

One note, we thought we had prepaid for our meal but I think it was just a hold and then we had to pay the full total at the end of the meal, so just a heads up there..

Yoroniku - 2019 - Dinner her was great. We were hoping to do the chef’s omekase menu but there were none left available for the night we went. This is a great opportunity to try a range of different Wagyu dishes and cuts all grilled right in front of you by your server. The “silky loin” was the best cut. Not cheap but a great experience.

OKINOMIYAKI

Daikonman - a tip from a restaurant critic mate. We didn’t find this spot so I don’t have a location for you but you should try and find it. This is what he said: “…sit in front of chef if you can… drink beer and get the buttered oysters and the cheese and prawn okinomiyaki. He’s been doing it for 37 years. It’s a hole in the wall.”

KAISEKI / omakase

L’effervescene - 2023 - wow wow, what an experience, we came her on suggestion from Jax parents as they had visited here on a recent trip and said it was out of this world, any that summed it up. Amazing service, incredible showcase of local produce and artisan makers, plus I had the standard wine pairing to go with the meal (which included some local, international and Australian wine and sake). Defintely a highlight moment, but one that certainly was not cheap, will need to also book ahead.

Yakumo Saryō - 2019 - this was our fine dining experience in Tokyo. An incredible, memorable moment with Jax and her parents, this is an experience we could not have had without Seth and Angela. Thank you. This was hospitality and Japanese experience to a tee. From greeting at the door, to our entrance, table setting, the produce used (each month the restaurant highlights a seasonal item, the month we attended, Feb, it was Fugu, or the puffer fish! Quite the experience.). Check the website for the seasonal produce during the month of your visit. However, to get to the dinner experience you have to be “introduced” to the restaurant, either through contacts or by attending a breakfast or lunch dining experience first. We were fortunate in that Jax parents received a recommendation and approval for us to attend the dinner service first up. This is not a cheap experience, but a once in a lifetime moment to savour.

PIZZA

Seirinkan - David Chang said this place does the best pizza he’s ever had, they only do a pomodoro pizza or a margarita, they have salads etc but just hit the margarita pizza, it’s damn good! A tip from my mate Adam.

OTHER

Kaoriya Soba (Ebisu) - small, traditional, locals only.

Deli fu cious - fishburger joint. A suggestion from a mate.

Oumigenji - Shabushabu - Oumi Wagyu Beef - incredible experience. Lots of fun and the beef was amazing!

BARS, BOOZE & NIGHTLIFE

Shubiduba - Tsukiji (Outer Market) - Natural Wine and Sake Shop - This is more of a hole in the wall wine shop that you can also have a glass of wine. It features natural wines and sake and also has a great selection of local Japanese wines.

Bar High Five - Ginza - 2023 - visited again on this trip prior to our sushi meal in Ginza, it was good but not the same as the first visit I dont think, felt very western and not as cool as the last time, drinks were great but sometimes you just want a classic cocktail not something made up from your suggestions. Go if you are a boose or whisky lover, if not, wouldnt worry… (This time round I didnt notice anyone or any sign of smoking?)

2019 - For those serious cocktail lovers! There isn’t a cocktail list, but your server will ask you what you like out of a cocktail (sweet / savoury / fresh / ice / fruit etc) and what sort of spirit you like, then ask you your preferred glass along with any special requests and aversions. We all had two cocktails each and they were pretty amazing. An incredible space with a HUGE selection of spirits and an array of whisky. Please note, there is smoking inside.

Shimokita Komorebi - Natural Wine Bar - “…next to the station (south exit) turn left and it’s about 25 metres on the right. Downstairs - standing bar - for about 7 people.” A tip from a restaurant critic mate.

Golden Gai - an area of twisting, winding alleys packed full of tiny little bars and taverns.

Gen Yamamoto - cocktail tasting menu.

Jeremiah Tokyo - super cool little bar. A suggestion from a mate.

Bees Bar by Narisawa - looks really amazing, we didn’t make it her however…

SHOPPING

Itoya - if you love arts, crafts, paper, pens, paints and all the things that come with those items you will love this spot. It is really really cool with nearly 10 levels of different art supplies. Lots of fun things to grab here, from cheap fun gifts to take home all the way through to a $500 pen haha

Tokyu Hands - there are locations across Tokyo, this place is a fun stop for homewares and little bits and bobs, its got everything, last time I was there I bought a tiny little mini bbq and some charcoal haha.

Akomeya - this is a cool spot for foods, condiments, rice, cookware, homeware and clothing from different small makers around Japan. I always find something fun here to pick up and take home.

Shibuya Hikarie large shopping complex (so many options!)

D&Department - Described as: “Classic midcentury furniture, plus modern tableware & home goods on offer in this hip shop.” This place was amazing, artisanal wares, including condiments, clothing, homewares etc etc. Bought a heap of stuff here, plus there were some gems that were reasonably priced, great place for a gift for yourself or others. (Authentic stuff not tourist crap!)

D47 Museum - This is a gallery / area of the department store (Level 8) that has design items from each of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Some amazing items. You can then buy these from the D&Department store adjacent. Not sure if this is a permanent gallery but was in place Feb, 2019.

The Conran Shop - I think of this place as (sort of) the Ikea of Japan (but probably a bit better quality???) heaps of homewares, tough with some of the bigger items if you are travelling but lots of cool stuff to look at and plenty of smaller items and inspiration.

Nude Trump - hectic second hand vintage

Muji - Shibuya / Seibu Store - A Japanese classic - these days a worldwide brand - basically everything you could ever need.

POSTALCO - Document holders, leather bags / wallets.

Kapital - some wild has handmade shirts, jackets, and pants - male & female, one of a kind and only available in Japan! Denim, shirts, and wonderful accessories - many hand died.

Shibuya Publishing and Booksellers - Find some epic new discoveries in the publishing world, sharing new and used books and magazines. Only a few english items however the Japanese stuff is really cool!

Studious - Japanese Menswear.

Aritsugu - Knife Shop - One of the oldest knife makers in Japan, founded 1560.

Tsukiji Masamoto - Knife Shop - super helpful and happy to chat through the exact knife you are looking for!

SITES & ATTRACTIONS

teamLab Planets - this is a pretty fun and wild experience. Fully immersive, very trippy and a lot of fun. It was BUSY when we went with lots of kids running around, so maybe choose a time later in the evening or the first opening of the day? Also, you have to take your shoes off and you get your feet wet up to knees in some parts, so wear shorts or skirts or have pants you can comfortably roll up. Would pay more to go when there is no kids haha.

Tsukiji Outer Market - The “outer market” of the old fish markets - bustling with people, vendors, store holder; here you can get it all, from fresh fish, to grilled food, to plastic display sushi! A great spot if you are into crockery and cutlery as there are some unreal spots selling cheap japanese bowls / sake cups / tea cups / match bowls etc. Plus a number of knife stores (see map).

Toyosu (Fish) Market - the new relocated Tokyo Fish Market. We did not make it here.

Shimokitazawa - A tip from a restaurant critic mate. “We stayed in Shimokitazawa - which is like the Newtown of Tokyo (has also been described as “the east village of Tokyo”. Very grungy with bars, restaurants and second hand shops - lots of cool shit - for fuck all money (stores include chicago, flamingo, New York Joe exchange, there’s loads if you walk around). It’s fucking awesome. Just two stops (or one for fast train ) from Shobyua.”

Omotesando - Shopping area with cafe’s between..

Kappabashi Street - heaps of kitchenware and ceramics in this area!

Sunamachi Ginza Shotengai - street full of street food.

Imperial Palace - check out the history and digs of the Emperor. Great to walk around, I’ve done it once, don’t need to go back.

FITNESS

Run the 5km loop around The Imperial Palace

From my Instagram

Tips

Getting there and around

  • Fly into Haneda or Narita.
  • Tokyo Station is the shinkansen hub when you are heading on to Kyoto or anywhere else on the bullet train.
  • None of these are places to 'do'.
  • They are how you arrive and how you leave.
  • Subway.
  • It is less daunting than it looks.
  • Use the larger ticket machines with a screen and an English option.
  • Plan the trip in Google Maps first so you know the time, the entrance and the best exit.
  • Stations and trains usually have free wifi.
  • Taxi.
  • Have the address in Japanese.
  • We screenshot Google Maps, Japanese address and all, and showed the driver.
  • That worked.
  • Look for English-speaking or foreigner-friendly signs.
  • There are also women-only taxis.
  • I only saw one.

Money and tipping

  • Have cash.
  • A lot of smaller shops and ramen ticket machines still want yen, even where cards are catching on.

Tipping isn't part of eating out in Japan. Don't leave money on the table.

Etiquette

Tokyo and Kyoto share this Japan etiquette. The same notes apply in both cities.

Some key Japanese etiquette tips, particularly around dining, that are worth sticking to when you eat out in Japan, and especially at the more high-end places.

  • Arrive early.
  • Get there 5–10 minutes before your reservation, but not too early.
  • Punctuality matters.
  • Allergies and aversions.
  • Tell the restaurant when you book, so there is time to plan.
  • You should do this wherever you are dining.
  • Dress.
  • Smart casual.
  • No shorts, no singlets, no thongs.
  • Same idea as the sign at an RSL back home.
  • Keep it sharp.
  • No perfume.
  • This matters at a sushi counter.
  • The meal is a sensory thing, the rooms are small, and you don't want to fill the room with it.
  • Voices.
  • This one is hard for me, because I am loud.
  • In Japan people are respectful of everyone else's space.
  • Keep it down.
  • There are moments when it is expected to be lively, like a few too many sakes with the locals at a small izakaya.
  • Don't be the westerner who is kuuki yomenai (can't read the air).
  • Photos and phones.
  • Ask before the camera comes out.
  • A lot of places would rather you eat the food at its best than five minutes later, after the photos.
  • Many rooms are phone-free.
  • Don't take calls at the table or the counter.
  • No flash, and no photos or video that include other guests.
  • Keep the phone on silent.
  • Eat it when it lands.
  • Sushi and tempura need to be eaten straight away.
  • Don't wait for the rest of the table.
  • If yours arrives first, eat it.
  • Countertops.
  • If you are at the counter, don't rest a phone, camera or bag on it.
  • A lot of them are serious wood or stone, and that space is for the food.
  • Chopsticks.
  • Use the rest when you are not eating.
  • Don't stand them upright in the rice.
  • That is a funeral rite, and it is incredibly disrespectful.
  • Sushi.
  • Chopsticks for the tsumami (the appetiser).
  • Hands or chopsticks for nigiri, whichever you are less likely to drop.
  • I use my hands.
  • Eat a piece of nigiri in one bite.
  • The sushi is already seasoned, so don't add soy unless you are told to, and then only dip the fish.
  • Ginger (gari) is a palate cleanser between courses, not a topping.
  • The wet towel stays with you so you can wipe your fingers between bites.
  • Tempura.
  • Salt, tentsuyu (the dipping sauce) and lemon will be on the table, or a selection of them.
  • Ask which one goes with which piece if it isn't clear.
  • The grated radish is a palate cleanser, and you can add it to the tentsuyu.
  • The shime, the last dish, tells you the meal is ending.
  • At a tempura counter that is often tendon, tencha or kakiage.
  • When I have had yakitori, the shime has been a small bowl of light chicken soup.
  • Ramen ticket machines.
  • A lot of ramen shops take payment at a machine before you sit down.
  • Insert your yen or you won't be able to order.
  • Markets.
  • Don't eat and walk.
  • Most stalls have a spot to stand and eat, and walking off with the food offends the vendors.
  • Same with a drink in your hand.
  • Don't eat one stall's food in front of another stall.
  • Queues.
  • People wait in an orderly line for a train, a bus, a bowl of ramen or the till.
  • On the escalator, follow the locals: stand on the left, pass on the right.
  • Groups.
  • More than three of you and you probably won't be at the counter.
  • You'll be at a table if there is one.
  • Smoking.
  • You can still smoke inside at a lot of bars.
  • I don't love it, but the ventilation is usually decent, and some places are non-smoking or have a smoking section.
  • A few phrases I actually use.
  • People warm up if you have a go, and most will switch to English if they can.
  • Good morning: ohayo (gozaimas).
  • Good evening: konbanwa.
  • Thank you: arigato.
  • Please: kudasai.
  • Yes: hai.
  • No: iie.
  • Sorry: gomen nasai.
  • Excuse me: sumimasen.
  • Do you speak English: eigo o hanasemasu ka.
  • I'd like a beer please: biru o onegai shimasu.
  • Same again: okawari.
  • What's that: sore wa nan desu ka.
  • Where is the toilet: toire wa doko desu ka.
  • The bill please: okanjo o kudasai.
  • Let's go: iko.
  • I don't understand: wakarimasen.
  • Please take me here, shown with a map screenshot: made onegai shimasu.

Download Google Translate and the Japanese pack for offline use before you go. iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/google-translate/id414706506 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate

References I still use: https://savorjapan.com/ https://www.tableall.com/ https://www.omakase-japan.jp/en https://jw-webmagazine.com/ https://www.eater.com/maps/best-tokyo-restaurants https://www.japan-guide.com/

Safety

  • The cities feel very safe.
  • The things that actually get you into trouble are the small ones: standing chopsticks in rice, eating while you walk through a market, and not watching your bag on a packed train.
  • Take your shoes off where you see other people doing it, and carry your rubbish with you until you find a bin.
  • There aren't many on the street.