Tokyo

Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(255)$$$$Closed

Master chef Masahiro Yoshitake serves exquisite Edomae-style sushi, renowned for using red vinegar in the rice and a signature abalone liver sauce.

SignatureSteamed abalone served with a rich, velvety liver dipping sauce.

Toyosu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,877)Closed

Located inside the Toyosu Fish Market, this legendary counter offers some of the freshest sushi in the city to those willing to queue from the early morning hours.

SignatureThe Chef's Omakase Course, featuring whatever was caught that morning.

Bunkyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(219)Closed

Operating since the Meiji era, this historic restaurant serves exceptional unagi (freshwater eel) that is steamed and grilled over binchotan charcoal.

SignatureKabayaki, grilled eel glazed with a secret, century-old sweet soy sauce.

Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(940)$$$Closed

Chef Fumio Kondo has spent decades elevating tempura to an art form, using thin, light batter and precise frying times to highlight seasonal vegetables and seafood.

SignatureSweet potato tempura, cooked slowly for over thirty minutes until caramelized.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(5,549)$Closed

A highly popular, casual spot that offers generous portions of high-quality sushi at remarkably accessible prices.

SignatureAnago (sea eel) sushi, served as a single, massive whole fillet over rice.

Nishi-Azabu

★★★★★★★★★★4.7(257)$$$$Closed

An intimate basement counter with only seven seats, offering an extensive omakase of over thirty small, seasonal seafood bites.

SignatureLightly torched sea urchin served directly onto the diner's hand.

Nihonbashi

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(533)$$$$Closed

Chef Manabu Oshima sources exceptional wagyu from Kyoto, grilling it to perfection in a classic steakhouse setting.

SignatureThe take-home wagyu steak sandwich, prepared at the end of your meal.

Hongo

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(669)$$$Closed

A premier destination for yakiniku, famous for its ultra-thin cuts of top-grade wagyu dipped in raw egg yolk.

SignatureNohara-yaki, a thin slice of sirloin quickly seared and dipped in sweet soy and egg.

Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,339)$Closed

Housed in a rustic, traditional basement, this spot offers authentic Kobe beef at prices that are surprisingly reasonable, especially during lunch.

SignatureKobe beef steak cooked on a hot stone plate.

Ningyocho

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,950)$$$Closed

Established in 1895, this historic venue specializes in sukisaki and shabu-shabu, served by kimono-clad staff in private tatami rooms.

SignatureSukiyaki featuring marbled wagyu simmered in a rich, sweet soy broth.

Aoyama

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(161)Closed

A sleek, modern yakiniku restaurant where staff grill rare cuts of beef at your table with absolute precision.

SignatureSilk-roast beef, a melt-in-the-mouth cut served with a small ball of rice.

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,698)$$$$Closed

Perched on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt, this venue pairs premium domestic beef with dramatic, high-altitude city views.

SignatureGrilled Saga beef sirloin with seasonal Japanese accompaniments.

Meguro

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(364)$$$Closed

Widely considered the most exclusive yakitori counter in Japan, where Yoshio Ikegawa grills Date chicken over binchotan charcoal with obsessive care.

SignatureChouchou, an unhatched egg yolk grilled on a skewer with chicken fallopian tube.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(433)$$$Closed

A high-energy, chaotic, and artistic izakaya serving exceptional seasonal sashimi and grilled meats alongside a massive sake list.

SignatureFlame-seared mackerel served with grated ginger and green onions.

Ebisu

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(272)$$Closed

A cozy, counter-only yakitori spot that specializes in serving over thirty different, highly specific cuts of chicken.

SignatureMisaki, the tail end of the chicken, grilled until crispy.

NeighbourhoodShibuya

Shibuya

A standing-only sake bar (tachinomi) offering an incredibly curated selection of craft sakes and elevated small plates.

SignatureSlow-cooked beef tendon stewed in red miso.

Shimokitazawa

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(741)$$Closed

A hidden izakaya accessed through a low wooden door, known for its lively staff and smoky, open-kitchen cooking.

SignatureAburi Shime Saba, mackerel seared tableside with a blowtorch and doused in lemon juice.

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★3.6(371)Closed

A traditional robatayaki restaurant where chefs sit amidst a bounty of fresh produce and seafood, grilling your selections and serving them on long wooden paddles.

SignatureCharcoal-grilled kinki fish (channel rockfish).

Nishi-Azabu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(959)$$$$Closed

Chef Shinobu Namae crafts modern French cuisine using exclusively Japanese ingredients, focusing on sustainability and deep relationships with local farmers.

SignatureFixed-point turnip, a single turnip cooked slowly for four hours, served with parsley oil and ham.

Jingumae

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(327)$$$Closed

Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa offers a playful, highly creative take on traditional kaiseki dining, prioritizing hospitality and humor over stuffy formality.

SignatureDentucky Fried Chicken, a chicken wing stuffed with seasonal glutinous rice and served in a fast-food style box.

Minami-Aoyama

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(706)$$$$Closed

Yoshihiro Narisawa's 'Satoyama' cuisine is an edible tribute to the Japanese forest, focusing on organic, wild-foraged ingredients.

SignatureBread of the Forest, which rises and bakes directly at your dining table.

Jingumae

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(710)$$$Closed

Chef Hiroyasu Kawate presents modern French-Japanese dishes around a dramatic, open-counter kitchen where guests watch the preparation of every course.

SignatureBeef carpaccio made from mature Miyazaki cows, paired with potato puree.

Minami-Azabu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(320)$$$$Closed

Chef Tomoya Kawada masterfully fuses Chinese culinary techniques with the delicate, ingredient-focused sensibilities of Japanese kaiseki.

SignatureYoung pigeon roasted over oak charcoal, served two ways.

Hibiya

★★★★★★★★★★4.0(544)$$$$Closed

Chef Seiji Yamamoto utilizes cutting-edge culinary science to deconstruct and elevate traditional Japanese kaiseki dishes to their absolute peak.

SignatureMatsuba crab served warm with its own rich tomalley sauce.

Tokyo Station

★★★★★★★★★★4.1(5,224)$$Closed

Located in Tokyo Character Street, this spot popularized tsukemen (dipping noodles) with its incredibly thick, rich pork and fish broth.

SignatureTokusei Tsukemen, cold, chewy noodles served with a hot, concentrated dipping broth.

Meguro

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(2,811)$$Closed

Operating since 1939, this two-story restaurant serves pork cutlets fried in a unique, thick, and crispy batter, prepared by a highly synchronized kitchen team.

SignatureRosu-katsu (pork loin cutlet) set meal, served with shredded cabbage and pork soup.

Harajuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.0(4,336)$Closed

A no-frills, highly efficient spot serving only two styles of gyoza (pan-fried or steamed) at incredibly low prices.

SignaturePan-fried pork and chive gyoza.

Ebisu

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(4,105)$$Open now

Famous for its lighter, refreshing alternative to heavy pork broths, utilizing local chicken and dashi infused with fresh yuzu citrus.

SignatureYuzu Shio Ramen, featuring thin noodles, charcoal-grilled pork, and a citrus-infused broth.

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★3.9(5,163)$$Closed

A tiny shop where udon noodles are rolled, cut, and boiled to order, resulting in an incredibly fresh, chewy texture.

SignatureHot udon with butter, pepper, a raw egg, and a massive piece of tempura bacon.

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(5,558)$$Closed

A legendary basement noodle shop where the master chef orchestrates a fast-moving line of diners craving rich, smoky dipping noodles.

SignatureSpecial Tsukemen, topped with a generous spoonful of finely ground fish powder.

Tokyo Station

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(2,847)$Closed

Located inside the ticket gates of Tokyo Station, this beloved spot serves rich, satisfying vegan ramen made entirely without animal products.

SignatureGolden Sesame TanTan Ramen, featuring a creamy, nutty broth with spiced soy meat.

Taito

★★★★★★★★★★4.7(274)$$$Closed

Serves authentic Fucha Ryori, a style of Chinese-influenced Buddhist vegetarian cuisine dating back to the 17th century, served in private tatami rooms.

SignatureSeasonal multi-course menu featuring beautifully sculpted mock meats and seasonal vegetables.

Meguro

★★★★★★★★★★4.8(268)Closed

An inventive vegan restaurant that recreates classic Japanese comfort foods like yakitori, unagi, and ramen using entirely plant-based ingredients.

SignatureVegan 'eel' made from tofu and root vegetables, glazed in sweet soy sauce.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★3.9(1,147)$$Closed

Famous for its massive main room, giant mirror ball, and state-of-the-art sound system, hosting top-tier international techno and house DJs.

Omotesando

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(292)Closed

An underground club designed with acoustic precision, featuring a custom-built sound system and a minimalist, concrete aesthetic.

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.1(2,072)$$Open now

A massive, multi-room club in the heart of Kabukicho featuring futuristic lighting, dancers, and a mix of EDM and hip-hop.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★4.1(246)$$

An intimate, underground basement venue that champions experimental electronic music, bass, and left-field house.

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★3.9(849)$$$$Open now

The Tokyo outpost of the famous New York brand, offering high-end VIP service and hosting international hip-hop artists.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(3,359)$$$Open now

A multi-level rooftop club and lounge perched atop the Fukuras building, offering views of Shibuya Crossing.

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(930)$$$Closed

Hiroyasu Kayama operates without a menu, crafting bespoke cocktails using herbs, roots, and elixirs grown on his family farm.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(1,497)$$$Closed

A multi-level bar by Shingo Gokan, blending American saloon culture with Japanese bartending techniques across different themed floors.

Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(795)Closed

Run by master bartender Hidetsugu Ueno, this bar is famous for its flawless execution of classic cocktails tailored to your personal taste.

Ebisu

★★★★★★★★★★4.7(895)$$$Closed

A vintage-styled cocktail den specializing in herbal liqueurs, absinthe, and complex bitters.

Toranomon

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(243)Closed

A sleek, dark-wood lounge offering creative reinterpretations of classic golden-era cocktails.

Toranomon

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(475)$$$Closed

Perched on the 52nd floor, this bar offers semi-open-air seating with views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline.

Aoyama

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(3,908)$$$Closed

The premier venue for jazz in Japan, hosting world-class international artists in an elegant, dinner-theater setting.

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(667)$$Closed

A legendary, no-frills basement jazz club that has been at the center of Japan's avant-garde and free jazz scenes since the 1960s.

Shimokitazawa

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(1,020)Closed

An iconic, sweaty basement venue that has championed Tokyo's indie rock, punk, and alternative scenes for decades.

Ebisu

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(2,505)Closed

One of Tokyo's most respected mid-sized concert halls, hosting a diverse lineup of indie bands, electronic acts, and hip-hop artists.

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(2,126)Closed

A sleek, modern venue inside Tokyo Midtown featuring a dramatic glass backdrop behind the stage that looks out onto the city.

Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(344)Open now

An intimate, slightly gritty second-floor venue known for hosting local indie bands, open mic nights, and late-night electronic DJs.

Ueno

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(30,512)Closed

Houses the world's largest collection of Japanese art and antiquities, including ancient pottery, samurai swords, and exquisite kimonos.

NoteLocated in Ueno Park. Allow at least half a day to explore the multiple gallery buildings. €

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(7,168)Closed

Located on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills, this museum showcases contemporary art from across Asia and the world, staying open late into the night.

NoteTicket includes access to the indoor Tokyo City View observation deck. €

Aoyama

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(6,401)Closed

Preserves a stunning private collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art, housed in a building designed by Kengo Kuma that opens onto a lush, traditional stroll garden.

NoteThe garden cafe is highly recommended for a quiet matcha. €

Toyosu

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(52,914)Closed

An immersive, digital-only museum where visitors walk barefoot through massive, interactive light and water installations.

NoteTickets must be booked weeks in advance. Wear shorts or pants that can be rolled up to the knee. €€

Shinjuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.0(2,659)Closed

A five-story museum dedicated entirely to the works of Tokyo's iconic avant-garde artist, featuring her famous infinity mirror rooms and polka-dot sculptures.

NoteTickets are highly limited and must be purchased online months in advance. €

Mitaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.5(19,345)Closed

Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, this whimsical, labyrinthine museum explores the art and science of animation through the lens of Studio Ghibli.

NoteTickets go on sale on the 10th of every month for the following month and sell out instantly. €

Asakusa

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(95,968)

Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 645 AD, featuring the iconic red Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and a five-story pagoda.

NoteFree admission. Visit early in the morning or late at night when the crowds are gone and the structures are beautifully illuminated.

Harajuku

★★★★★★★★★★4.6(50,986)

A grand Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, located inside a dense, 170-acre forest of over 100,000 trees.

NoteFree admission. The walk from the massive wooden torii gate to the main shrine offers a peaceful escape from the surrounding city.

Sumida

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(115,776)Closed

The tallest structure in Japan and the third-tallest in the world, offering unparalleled, 360-degree views of the entire Kanto region.

NoteOn clear winter mornings, Mount Fuji is clearly visible from the observation decks. €€

Aoyama

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(440)Closed

A striking, six-story building designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, featuring a diamond-shaped glass facade that curves and bulges.

NoteFree to view from the street; a masterpiece of modern retail architecture.

Yurakucho

★★★★★★★★★★4.0(22,067)Closed

An exhibition and convention center designed by Rafael Viñoly, featuring a breathtaking, 60-meter-high glass atrium shaped like an elongated boat hull.

NoteFree to enter and walk along the sweeping ramps that line the interior of the glass structure.

Yoyogi

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(3,350)Open now

Designed by Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Summer Olympics, this masterpiece of modernist architecture is famous for its suspended roof design.

NoteBest viewed from the outside while walking between Shibuya and Harajuku.

Yanaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.2(300)Closed

A prestigious contemporary art gallery housed inside a beautifully renovated, 200-year-old public bathhouse, showcasing leading Japanese and international artists.

NoteFree admission. Located in a historic neighborhood, making it perfect to pair with a walking tour.

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(28)Closed

A modern, purpose-built art building housing three of Tokyo's most influential contemporary galleries: ShugoArts, Taka Ishii Gallery, and Tomio Koyama Gallery.

NoteFree admission. Located just a short walk from the Mori Art Museum.

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★4.1(19)Closed

A pioneering gallery that has represented Yayoi Kusama for decades, alongside other influential contemporary artists from East and Southeast Asia.

NoteFree admission. Shows change regularly, often featuring new paintings or sculptures.

Ginza

★★★★★★★★★★4.3(24)Closed

Established in 1950 as Tokyo's first contemporary art gallery, it was instrumental in introducing the Mono-ha and Gutai art movements to the world.

NoteFree admission. Focuses on influential post-war and contemporary Asian art.

Roppongi

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(29)Closed

A specialized gallery focusing on contemporary Asian photography, showcasing raw, provocative, and documentary-style works.

NoteFree admission. Excellent selection of independent photography books for sale.

Ichigaya

★★★★★★★★★★4.4(120)Closed

Showcases highly unique, often provocative contemporary Japanese and Asian artists who blend traditional techniques with modern themes.

NoteFree admission. Located in a quiet canal-side neighborhood.