How to Experience Authentic Japanese Cuisine While Travelling in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is known for setting new records and inspiring new trends. On every corner, you see a sleek new building shooting up into the sky, while temples, museums, and art galleries speak of the country’s rich heritage. Anime lovers find plenty to do here too. What about foodies, though? Can they have a good time here? You bet! Visiting Tokyo is a rare opportunity to savour real Japanese food.

Japanese Cuisine 

Not too spicy, not too tangy, or not too sweet – this is the secret to creating a dish that anyone can enjoy. This seems to be Japan’s mantra because tourists visiting the country always seem to fall in love with the food.

The food of Japan, both regional and traditional, has been shaped for centuries. Rice and noodles are staples, as is seafood, which the Japanese prefer grilled or raw in the form of sushi. 

Until the 1880s, Japan had an aversion to meat dishes due to their religious convictions, but they adapted to the modern world and have become a nation that loves dishes like yakiniku and tonkatsu. You can also clearly see the Chinese influence in Japanese cuisine, with noodle dishes such as ramen being among the favourites. 

Japanese cuisine has also adopted and fine-tuned Western dishes with local ingredients to appeal to local preferences.

Japan’s traditional food is so good that it’s on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, and currently, Tokyo holds the world record for the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants.

So, yeah, as you can imagine by now, you’re going to have a blast!

Market Tours 

If you don’t want to miss a beat, join a private guided market tour. You’ll be taken to some of the most popular street markets to enjoy the best of authentic Japanese food. A tour is an excellent way to really get into it – you can always trust an experienced local tour guide to know what they’re doing.

These are some of the markets most likely to be part of a food tour:

Ameya Yokocho, Ueno: One of the biggest and most popular markets in Tokyo, Ameya Yokocho is perfect for foodies looking for a taste of authentic Japan. Stalls sell a variety of foods, including pickles and fresh fish. The market has a favourable location between Ueno and Okachimachi JR, and it’s about 10 minutes from Oakwood Premier Tokyo – a popular accommodation choice for those looking for one bedroom apartments in Tokyo.

United Nations University Farmers Markets, Shibuya: If you find yourself in the greater Tokyo area on the weekend, United Nations University Farmers Markets should be on your list. It’s one of the oldest markets in Tokyo, with a myriad of stalls selling fresh produce, snacks, and drinks. You can also find quirky, locally made handicrafts.

Earth Day Market, Yoyogi: Taking place in April every year, the Earth Day Market is an event that takes place over two weekends. It’s a must-visit for eco-conscious foodies. Everything sold here is sustainably sourced. Plus, you can find a selection of traditional Japanese food, all made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Washoku Restaurants 

Tokyo is home to some of the best restaurants you’ll find anywhere in the world, and a few of them are among the longest-running businesses in the country. 

Called washoku, the traditional food culture of Japan is proudly upheld by these restaurants. Washoku is all about using seasonal ingredients that grow on land, in the mountains, and in the ocean. Rice and soup are staples of a washoku meal, served with pickles and various side dishes. With its unmistakable umami flavour, the soup is particularly delectable. 

Some of the traditionally used ingredients to create washoku include dried bonito flakes, kelp, dried baby anchovies, sardines, miso, and soy sauce. Sushi and tempura are two of the notable washoku dishes. A variety of foreign favourites, such as ramen, curry, and hot pot stew, have been adapted into washoku too.

Sushi 

When you think of Japanese food, the first thing that comes to mind is sushi, and it's no wonder. With its simple yet delicious flavours, it has conquered the palates of people all over the world. 

You must have tried sushi before, but trying sushi in Tokyo is a completely different experience.

Sake Tasting 

Sake is quintessentially Japanese, and try it you must. 

Tokyo offers several sake brewery tours, so choose one that appeals to you the most. The list of Tokyo’s sake breweries includes Toshimaya Shuzo Sake Brewery, Ozawa Shuzo Sake Brewery, and Yamane Shuzo Sake Brewery.