There are cities and neighborhoods in Tokyo that specialize in particular Japanese or foreign foods. These areas have a large concentration of certain kinds of foods, and they can be a great place to experience a specific kind of authentic Japanese or International food. There are cities in Tokyo that have a large number of specific countries foods that revolves around the local communities that live in that area. For example, Nishi Kasai city has a large Indian population and many fantastic Indian restaurants. Ikebukuro has many Chinese immigrants and it has a great selection of Chinese foods. Here is a list of Tokyo Food Specialty Areas.
Tokyo Food Specialty Areas
Tsukiji – Seafood
Tsukiji was the home of the largest fish market in the world. This area of Tokyo contains the largest concentration of sushi and fish restaurants. In Tsukiji, there are many kinds of eateries, restaurants and dining establishments that cater to all price ranges. They are open early in the morning and are open throughout the day. Tsukiji is the place to come to enjoy various kinds of seafood prepared in various Japanese styles. Tsukiji has everything the ocean can offer and if seafood is what you’re looking for then Tsukiji is the place for you. Location: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo Train Access: Tsukiji Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Ikebukuro – Gyoza
Inside the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Building, you will find the “Gyoza Stadium”, inside the Namja Town attraction. The Gyoza Stadium features various Gyoza dishes produced by some of the most famous Gyoza restaurants from across Japan. The Gyoza Stadium restaurant theme puts you in a setting that resembles 1950s Tokyo. This is a great place to try many kinds of Gyoza from all over Japan in one place. Location: 3-1-2, Sunshine City Alpa 2F Toshima-ku, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Tokyo Train Access: Higashi-Ikebukuro Station, 7 min walk, Ikebukuro Station, 14 min walk Google Maps
Jiyugaoka – Sweets
Close to the Jiyugaoka train station, you will find the Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest. This area specializes in Japanese and western dessert favorites. The range of sweets offered includes anything from candies, cakes, desserts, to ice creams. If you really want to dive in and get your sugar fix. You can visit an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet restaurant, where you can try many kinds of sweets that can be eaten under a specified time limit. If you’re a fan of sweets, definitely the Jiyugaoka sweets forest is the place to visit. Location: 2-Chome-25-7 Midorigaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo Train Access: Jiyugaoka Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Tsukishima – Monjayaki
Monjayaki is a kind of Japanese style pancake that originates from Tsukishima. Monjayaki can contain many different ingredients, for example, seafood, meat, and vegetables. The ingredients are mixed into a batter like a pancake and cooked in a similar way on a flat grill at the guest’s table and it is usually eaten directly off the grill. There is a large concentration of Monjayaki restaurants located along Nishinaka Street, just outside the Tsukishima Station. Location: 3-Chome-17 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo Train Access: Tsukishima Station Area Google Maps
Asakusa – Traditional Izakaya’s
West of the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa you will find a hundred-meter long street lined with many old-style Izakayas, giving a feeling of old Tokyo. This street is nicknamed “Hoppy Street”. Hoppy is a popular low alcoholic drink, mixed with shochu (A Japanese distilled alcoholic beverage). The Izakaya restaurants that line the road specialize in traditional Japanese Izakaya dishes that go well with drinks. The Izakayas on Hoppy Street can be busy, and during the daytime when many of Tokyo’s other Izakayas are closed. Asakusa izakayas are usually open. Location: 2 Chome-12-4 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo Train Access: Asakusa Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Yurakucho – Yakitori
Yakitori is very popular in Japan and there are restaurants all over the city of Tokyo. Under the train tracks next to Yurakucho train station, there is a large number of small Izakayas serving Yakitori. Yurakucho has a recently opened the “Yakitori Stadium Tokyo” restaurant. This is the home of seven famous Yakitori shops that have originated from all over Japan. If Japanese style charcoal-grilled chicken and vegetables are what you’re looking for, Yurakucho is the place. Location: 2-Chome-3-3 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo Train Access: Yurakucho Station, 1 min walk Google Maps
International Food Specialty Areas
Tokyo has a wide range of authentic international dining options available. There are many international restaurants located all over Tokyo. There are also many restaurants inside of Tokyo that revolve around a specific country’s immigrant communities who live in these areas. The cities below are where you can find a large selection of a particular international cuisine in one place.
Korea Town – Shin-Okubo
Shin-Okubo is one stop north of Shinjuku, and it is the home of the largest number of Koreans living in Tokyo. Just walk right outside the Shin-Okubo JR Station and you will find a street filled with many different kinds of Korean food restaurants. In Shin-Okubo, you can experience the most authentic Korean foods like bibimbap, bulgogi, and yakiniku that you’ll find outside of Seoul, Korea. Location: Shin-Okubo Area Train Access: Shin-Okubo Station Google Maps
France Town – Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka is known as the “Little France” area of Tokyo. Kagurazaka has a European cafe atmosphere and some of the best French food in Tokyo. It features the largest concentration of French cafes, coffee houses, bakeries, bistros, restaurants and dessert shops in Tokyo. The combination of the Japanese and French cultures in Kagurazaka makes for an interesting experience. Location: Kagurazaka Area Train Access: Kagurazaka Station, 1 min walk Google Maps
China Town – Kita-Ikebukuro
The north side of Ikebukuro Station, in recent years, has developed into the unofficial Chinatown of Tokyo. In this area, you can find hundreds of Chinese restaurants and cafes that offer various kinds of foods from all over China. Ikebukuro is the place to explore if you want some of the most authentic Chinese foods in Tokyo. Location: Kita-Ikebukuro Train Access: Ikebukuro Station, 3 min walk Google Maps
Arab Town – Ueno
The city of Ueno has long been a major trading area in Tokyo, and the center for this activity is the Ameyoko area. This area has undergone many changes in recent years, and Ueno has seen the arrival of a large number of restaurants that serve a variety of kebabs, Halal foods, and Middle Eastern favorites. For those who enjoy Middle Eastern foods, this is the place to visit. Location: 4-Chome-9-1 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo Train Access: Ueno Station, 3 min walk Google Maps
Little Bangkok – Kinshicho
Kinshicho has emerged in recent years as the home to many Thailand nationals and businesses. There is a Thai community center that promotes the Thai community, culture, and language. The Kinshicho “Little Bangkok” area has a good collection of Thai import stores, massage parlors, and Thai restaurants. Location: Kinshicho Area Train Access: Kinshicho Station Google Maps
India Town – Nishi-Kasai
Over the last decade, the Nishi-Kasai neighborhood and the Edogawa area has become home to the largest Indian population in Japan. Nishi-Kasai has become the home for all things Indian, and it has a big concentration of Indian restaurants in Tokyo. When hungry for real Indian food, head straight to Nishi-Kasai. Location: Nishi Kasai Area Train Access: Nishi Kasai Station Google Maps
Nepal Town – Asagaya
Asagaya area is known as “Little Nepal” in Tokyo. Around the station, there is a large community of Nepalese families. Asagaya has Nepalese grocery stores, spice shops, and schools. Nepalese people operate a wide variety of curry restaurants. If you are in the mood for Nepalese curry, Asagaya is the place. Location: Asagaya Area Train Access: Asagaya Station Google Maps
Little Yangon – Takadanobaba
Takadanobaba has around a dozen Myanmarese restaurants and is often referred to as “Little Yangon” by the locals. During the 1990s, many Myanmarese people fled to Tokyo to escape political persecution. Many of these immigrants ended up in Takadanobaba and they brought their food and culture with them. Location: Takadanobaba Area Train Access: Takadanobaba Station, 5 min walk Google Maps
Vietnam Town – Kamata
Kamata has become the Vietnam town of Tokyo in recent years with the influx of many Vietnamese immigrants. Here you will find a large number of authentic Vietnamese restaurants and import stores. This is the place to visit to get your Vietnamese food fix. Location: Kamata Area Train Station: Kamata Station Google Maps
Little Manila – Takenotsuka
Takenotsuka has a long history of being the home to a large number of Filipino nationals and is known as “Little Manila”. There are many Filipino owned food stores, restaurants, and other businesses in Takenotsuka and its surrounding areas. Location: Takenotsuka Area Train Access: Takenotsuka Station Google Maps
International Town – Roppongi
Roppongi is the original international city inside Tokyo and this is the place where you will find the most foreigners in Tokyo. Around here you will find the largest concentration of international cuisine, fast foods, and chain restaurants. Roppongi has the largest variety of international restaurants, that offer foods from countries all around the world. Location: Roppongi Area Train Access: Roppongi Station Google Maps
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