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Tokyo is one of the world's most exciting dining destinations. The city features a wide range of both local and regional Japanese cuisine in addition to all types of international fare. Its top restaurants have accrued more Michelin stars than both Paris and New York combined. But good food can be found at every price range from cheap hole-in-the-wall joints to expensive high-class restaurants with every budget in between.

Tokyo specialties

As Japan's political center for over four centuries, Tokyo has naturally exerted great influence on Japanese cuisine. Consequently, some Tokyo specialties have become so popular that they are now known as the standard version of the dish rather than a local specialty. Local creations from Tokyo (formerly called Edo) are often referred to as "Edo-mae", literally meaning "in front of Edo", in reference to Edo Bay (now Tokyo Bay) which provided the city with its local seafood. The following are some popular Tokyo specialties:

Nigiri-zushi

Tempura

Soba

Chankonabe

Monjayaki

Tsukudani

Tokyo Sweets

Regional specialties from across Japan

Tokyo is also a good place to enjoy regional Japanese foods from across the country, which have been available in Tokyo since the Edo Period when the regional lords (daimyo) from across Japan were forced to maintain large villas in the capital and spend alternate years there. A by-product of this policy to keep the regional lords under the shogun's control was the influx of various regional cooking styles into the capital.

These days, foods from across the country can be found at many restaurants specialized in regional cuisines. Some of the most popular regional foods that can be sampled around Tokyo come from Okinawa, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, Kyoto and Hokkaido. In addition, successful restaurants from across Japan often open outlets in Tokyo in an effort to branch out and make a name for themselves.

International dining

International food is enjoying great popularity in Tokyo, and many Japanese chefs have achieved recognition for their skills in foreign cooking, often acquired by practical training overseas. Furthermore, Tokyo is home to various international communities, which have brought a variety of different cuisines with them.

While popular foods such as Chinese, Indian, Italian, French and Korean can be found virtually anywhere in the city, there are also a few districts serving less prominent international cuisines especially around the embassies located in the Azabu, Hiroo and Roppongi districts. Below are a few of the more concentrated international districts:

Shin Okubo - Koreatown

Kagurazaka - France Town

Ikebukuro - Chinatown

Casual dining

There are lots and lots of casual dining restaurants of all types found across Tokyo. While restaurants are easy to find just about anywhere in the city, good places to go for a large variety of them are around train stations, entertainment districts and the restaurant floors of most department stores, where there is usually a good selection of restaurants ranging from Japanese cuisine to international dining.

Izakaya are the most common type of casual dining establishments and are good places to try a variety of dishes. They can be found in droves around train stations and entertainment districts and serve popular food items such as yakitori, sashimi and of course beer. The following are a few casual dining areas around Tokyo that are well known for their atmosphere:

Shinjuku

Yurakucho

Asakusa

Fine dining

Tokyo is well known for its fine dining and has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants of any city in the world. Fine dining restaurants are often found on the top floors of skyscrapers and major hotels, and the cuisine served at these restaurants ranges from traditional Japanese to international and fusion fare. Of course, they tend to be priced accordingly, and some restaurants may require advance reservations. The following are a few districts that are known for their fine dining establishments.

Shiodome

Shinjuku

Ginza

Azabu

Themed dining

Themed cafes such as maid and butler cafes, as well as pet cafes are popular attractions where you can converse or play games with a maid or butler, or spend time with animals such as cats, rabbits or birds while eating light meals or enjoying a coffee or tea. Maid cafes can easily be found in Akihabara whereas butler cafes are more concentrated around Ikebukuro. Pet cafes can be found in small numbers around the city. All these types of cafes usually charge a small cover charge in addition to food and drinks.

Another type of themed dining are food theme parks which typically feature different variations of a specific food such as ramen or gyoza. Despite the name, food theme parks are usually indoors and work similarly to a food court except that all the vendors are selling variations and regional types of the same dish. Some food theme parks around Tokyo include the Namja Gyoza Stadium in Ikebukuro and a ramen theme park in Aquacity on Odaiba.

Finally, for those looking for a quirky and entertaining meal, themed restaurants like the Ninja Restaurant and The Lock Up in Tokyo can be a fun and appealing attraction. Themed restaurants are decorated similarly to an amusement park, have themed menus and staff who dress in costume. The food usually follows the overall theme of the restaurant, and there may be some type of show during the meal.

Japanese-style breakfast

The easiest place to try a Japanese-style breakfast are hotels, many of which offer Japanese breakfast set meals or buffets with both Japanese and Western dishes. Otherwise a Japanese-style breakfast is difficult to find as most restaurants and coffee shops tend to serve Western-style breakfasts or coffee and toast sets only. One option may be gyudon restaurants which often offer basic Japanese breakfast sets at cheap prices.

For the more adventurous, the sushi restaurants in the Tsukiji Outer Market and at Toyosu Market are open from early morning, offering fresh sushi for breakfast. Note that many of these restaurants close by mid-afternoon.

Hotels around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo
Budget:
    • TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa
      Mid-range
      Located in Tokyo, near Honryuin Matsuchiyama Shoden, Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument and Honryuji Temple, TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa features free WiFi. Every unit features a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a TV and a fridge. Some units include a terrace and/or a balcony. Popular points of interest near the apartment include Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine, Sanyabori Park and Imado Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 23 km from TOE LIBRARY Tokyo Asakusa.
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    • HISAYO'S INN
      Budget-friendly
      Set in the Ota Ward district in Tokyo, 5 km from Tokyo International Airport Terminal No2 Observation Deck, HISAYO'S INN features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has air conditioning and a safety deposit box. A shared kitchen comes with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Bathrooms are shared and include free toiletries, towels, hairdryer, mouthwash and toothpaste. You will find a washing machine, tumble dryer and electrical adapter. Guests can try Japanese traditional haori jacket and have their photos taken free of charge. Rental bikes are available, and the staff can assist guests try on a yukata robe for female at a fee. Free luggage storage service is offered. Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is 8 km from HISAYO'S INN, while Fuji TV Odaiba is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 3 km from HISAYO'S INN.
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    • 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring 2-star accommodation, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated in Tokyo, 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park and 1.5 km from Gyosen Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast is available daily at 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe. Ukita Park is 1.6 km from the accommodation, while Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe.
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    • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
      Luxury
      Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
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    • ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 300 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
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    • Sato-san's Rest
      Budget-friendly
      Open from October 2015, Sato-san's Rest offers accommodation in a shopping arcade in Tokyo's traditional downtown area. It features free WiFi and bicycle rental at an additional charge. Ueno can be reached with a 5-minute train ride while Akihabara is a 10-minute train ride away The property is a 8-minute walk from Hibiya Line Minowa Station exit 3, and a 30-second walk away from Toden Arakawa Line Arakawa-itchumae Station. Minowa Station provides better access to the city centre. . Yokohama is 35 km from Sato-san's Rest, while Chiba is 33 km from the property. Haneda Airport is 20 km away. All rooms come with free tea bags. Bathroom facilities are shared. There is luggage storage space at the property. The shower booths are available 24 hours and comes with free toiletries. Guests can enjoy local Japanese dishes at the nearby restaurants or buy some groceries at the shops in the arcade.
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    • Kaminarimon Ryokan
      Luxury
      Kaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee. Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away. There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
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    • Palace Hotel Tokyo
      Luxury
      Situated right in the heart of Marunouchi business district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is 5-star luxury accommodation boasting 7 restaurants, a spa and a free-access fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. It is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and an 8-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is provided in the entire area. Offering elegant and chic ambience, each spacious room comes with a large LCD TV, a blu-ray/DVD player and a safety box. A fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a small TV, a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at Tokyo Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness gym, or receive rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Evian Spa Tokyo. The concierge desk can arrange various services for guests including mobile phone rentals. Tablet rentals, copy and fax services are available for an extra charge upon request at the front desk or club lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Wadakura restaurant, Tatsumi tempura restaurant and Kanesaka sushi restaurant. Esterre offers exquisite French cuisine and the city views, while Grand Kitchen serves international dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute train ride from Akihabara electric town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market can be reached within a 10-minute taxi ride. Airport limousine buses are available to/from Narita and Haneda airports at an extra charge.
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    • cyashitsu ryokan asakusa
      Mid-range
      Attractively located in Tokyo, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features an Asian breakfast and free WiFithroughout the property. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The property is non-smoking and is situated 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine. At the ryokan, rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. The rooms at cyashitsu ryokan asakusa have air conditioning and a safety deposit box. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub and open-air bath. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the ryokan.
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    • Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly
      The cosy Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse offers private rooms and dorm beds, only a 1-minute walk from Kuramae Subway Station. It also features a shared lounge with WiFi/wired internet, tea and cooking facilities, all for free. A washing machine with detergent can be used free of charge. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with extra-long beds. Linens are changed every 3 nights. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, a shared hairdryer is provided free of charge and bath towels are available with an extra charge. Open from October 2014, Tokyo Hikari has a small, sunny garden. Luggage storage is available. Guesthouse Tokyo Hikari is a 15-minute walk from Asakusa.
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