First-Timer's Dining Guide: Where to Eat in Tokyo

There's no better way to immerse yourself in Japan's rich culture than to indulge in Tokyo's world-class culinary scene. From street-side yakitori to decadent multi-course kaiseki feasts, Tokyo, a city with more Michelin stars than any other in the world, is a foodie's paradise. If you're visiting for the first time, here's a first-timer's dining guide, equipped with insider tips on where to eat in Tokyo.

Let's start with the izakaya, a Japanese-style pub that serves up scrumptious small plates alongside beer and sake. A perfect introduction to this trending way of dining is at Izakaya Toyo, featuring cheap, cheerful, and high-quality eats, with the owner and central character, Toyo-san, making the experience even more endearing.

Affordable Sushi and Seafood Centres

A visit to Tokyo is not complete without savouring sushi. At Sushi No Midori, diners can indulge in fresh and affordable seafood delights, without breaking the bank. Another famous spot in Tokyo is Tsukiji Fish Market, which is renowned for its dizzying array of seafood - from the famed tuna auction to casual sushi joints like Sushi Dai. With history stretching back to the 16th century, this market is a vibrant testament to Japan's seafood culture.

There's no denying that Japan is serious about its ramen. One must-try spot is the Tsuta Ramen, the world's first Michelin-starred ramen shop. Expect to stand in line especially around lunch and dinner times, but the intensely flavourful broth and perfectly cooked noodles are worth the wait.

Tonkatsu, Shabu-Shabu and Yakiniku: Delight in Regional Japanese Delicacies

Diversify your culinary experience by trying out different regional delicacies. For the best Tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet), make a beeline for Ginza Bairin. And for the ultimate Shabu-Shabu and Yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ) experience, visit Shabusen and Yakinikudon Don Shinokubo respectively for a lip-smacking feast.

No dining experience would be complete without a taste of Tokyo's dessert scene. From traditional Japanese sweets to innovative modern pastries, the best place to enjoy this sweet journey is Hidemi Sugino. Famed for its mousse cakes and patisserie creations, this gem is a must-visit for dessert lovers.

While these recommendations should get you started on your culinary journey through Tokyo, keep in mind that the city is a treasure trove of culinary hotspots waiting to be discovered. So don't hesitate to venture off the beaten path.

Discover Tokyo with Excursopedia

Exploring Tokyo's vast and diverse dining scene can be overwhelming for first-timers. That's why booking excursions with a reliable company can be a game-changer. Excursopedia offers a broad range of Tokyo tours that plunge you into the heart of the city and its dining scene, bringing you to the best spots while sharing insightful local knowledge. And if you plan to journey beyond Tokyo, remember that Excursopedia covers all of Japan, offering a wide variety of excursions throughout the country.

This guide is your starting point to embark on an exciting and memorable gastronomic adventure in Tokyo. Whether you're in the city for a few days or several weeks, there's always a new flavour to discover - a testament to Tokyo's vibrant and ever-evolving dining scene.