For the second time in two years, I found myself on a Tokyo Japan Food Tour. Last time I was nearly overwhelmed by it all, almost panicked that I wouldn’t do the iconic food city justice. Two years later I found myself wiser, more confident, willing to make some repeat visits and willing to go off the reservation a bit.
Here is everywhere I ate and drank in Tokyo Japan 2025.
The Vitals:
the spot: Sakura Tei 3 Chome-20-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
the eats: DIY Okonomiyaki
the bucks: $
the full nelson: a make it yourself savory Japanese pancake joint
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake with enough egg to give it crepe meets omelette vibes. As fun as it is to eat, it’s more fun to make at the table, especially with a beer in hand. And that’s exactly what you do at Sakura Tei where you make the Okonomiyaki at the table.
With no blueprint, we found ourselves “learning as we went” even though it was our second rodeo(we went back in 2023). I’m sure a local would have more to say on where else to go, but Sakura Tei is too fun for us not to go back again and again.
The Vitals:
the spot: Andy’s Shin Hinomoto Izakaya 2 Chome-4-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan
the eats: Izakaya
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: one of my most favorite restaurant ever
An Izakaya is a type of casual Japanese bar or gastropub where people go to drink and enjoy a wide variety of small, shareable dishes. Think of it as Japan’s version of a neighborhood pub or tapas bar. It’s basically one of my favorite types of restaurant ever.
And Andy’s Shin Hinomoto might be my fav of them all.
That being said, while the sashimi and stuffed chicken wings(oh those wings are to die for) the noodle soup is far from flawless. And as we would come to realize later, it’s not the best place for kids.
The vibe leans more boisterous bar if I’m being honest. Still, Andy’s was the first restaurant I ever went to in Japan and will always hold a special place in my heart. Major Bourdain vibes here.
The Vitals:
the spot: Sushi Mon Ginza 7-2-16 The City Ginza, Ginza, Chuo 104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture
the eats: Edomae style Omakase sushi
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: why you really don’t need to spend a lot for an elite sushi experience
Sushi Mon calls itself an “edomae style” sushi experience. What does that mean? It’s considered the gold standard in traditional sushi craftsmanship where the focus is on seasonality, minimalism and tradition. You aren’t going to get overly sauced gaudy rolls. You’re gonna get the classics and damn good rice too.
Yes, rice matters as much as the fish. And the more you pay, the better the rice gets. Generally speaking, the fish is amazeballs in Japan. It’s the rice, the menu selection and decor that escalate price IMO. Places like Sushi Mon are our sweet spot. And it costs $50 a person with sake.
God will I forever miss being in Japan.
The Vitals:
the spot: Pizza Marumo 1-11-13 Ebisuminami Ebisu Velso Bldg. 1F, Shibuya 150-0022 Tokyo Prefecture
the eats: pizza
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: Yes, Japan makes the best pizza I’ve ever had
This might surprise you to know that Tokyo has a built a sterling reputation on their pizza scene. A chef visiting from Philadelphia declared on Instagram that of all the amazing meals he had, including Michelin three star sushi restaurants, the pizza was the best food he had. So for our first non Japanese meal in Tokyo, we went for some ‘za.
Our first choice was a pizza place called Savoy but they were closed. Marumo happened to be started by an alum of Savoy and we really lucked out. The gently sauteed tripe, the lamb pizza, even the classic Margherita were all truly exceptional. Maybe we were jonesing for something different but weeks later, we would have pizza stateside. Yeah, no comparison.
Pizza in Tokyo is elite. Full stop. And a must stop on your next Tokyo Japan Food Tour.
The Vitals:
the spot: Andaz Hotel 1 Chome-23-4 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan, Four Seasons Hotel 1 Chome-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan, The Bar Itsuki Japan, 〒105-0003 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishishinbashi, 2 Chome−15−17 レインボービル 1階
the eats: drinks
the bucks: $$
the full nelson: Yes, Tokyo is king of the cocktail scene
First a shout out to the Andaz which is probably the nicest hotel I will ever stay at. The views from that bar and the Four Seasons along with the service are truly exceptional. That being said, Bar Itsuki was a fantastic bar across the street from Andaz and right up my alley. Great bar service is something I really enjoyed in Japan and you don’t need to stay at a fancy hotel to experience it.
Two visits deep and I still feel like I have barely scratched the surface of Tokyo. But just being there is part of the magic. While the rest of the world beckons, one thing this is certain: This is a city like no other and I can’t wait to go back for my next Tokyo Japan Food Tour.
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