Tastes of the World: Tokyo – A Culinary Wonderland for Curious Foodies

Tokyo offers steaming bowls of ramen. It also offers exquisite omakase sushi. Tokyo isn’t just a city—it’s a flavour-packed experience waiting to be devoured.

If you’re a UK traveller with a passion for food, Tokyo will captivate you. The city’s culinary delights will enchant your taste buds like few other places on earth. This city takes dining to a new level. Artistry meets obsession here. Even the humblest bowl of noodles has a story behind it.

At Atlas Holidays, we believe travel is about tasting the world. So here’s your inside scoop on what makes Tokyo one of the most thrilling food destinations on the planet.

1. Sushi Dreams Start at Tsukiji Market

Best for: Early morning indulgence & seafood lovers

The famed Tsukiji inner market has moved. Yet, its outer market is still brimming with vendors. They offer sizzling seafood skewers, delicate sashimi platters, and the freshest tuna you’ll ever taste.

Must try:

Otoro (fatty tuna belly) – creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness
Fresh uni (sea urchin) if you’re feeling brave
Grilled scallops with butter and soy – served street-food style

Atlas tip: Arrive early, around 8 am, and stop at one of the standing sushi bars with no English menu. Just point and smile—you won’t regret it.

An assortment of fresh sushi and sashimi is served on a platter. It features various types of fish. It is accompanied by wasabi and sauce.

2. Slurp Like a Local in Shinjuku’s Ramen Alleys.

Best for: Comfort food with character.

Forget everything you know about instant ramen. In Tokyo, each shop specialises in its own unique broth—pork (tonkotsu), soy (shoyu), miso, or even burnt garlic oil (mayu).

Where to go:

Ichiran for solo ramen booths and rich tonkotsu broth
Tokyo Ramen Street at Tokyo Station—eight legendary shops under one roof
Golden Gai’s hidden gems—tiny spots packed with locals and late-night eats

Atlas tip: Most ramen places use vending machines for ordering. Don’t panic—just insert yen, choose your dish, and hand your ticket to the chef.

A steaming bowl of flavorful ramen with green onion garnish, perfect for a cozy meal.

3. Luxury Bites: Wagyu Steak in Ginza

Best for: Special occasions & indulgent dinners.

If sushi is Tokyo’s crown jewel, Wagyu beef is the velvet throne it sits on. Rich, buttery and marbled to perfection, this delicacy is best enjoyed teppanyaki-style or over charcoal.

Top restaurants:

Ukai-Tei (Michelin-starred, elegant setting)
Ginza Steak (all-you-can-eat Wagyu, no joke)
Yoroniku (celebrity-favourite for Japanese BBQ)

Atlas tip: Book well in advance and dress smart—it’s part of the experience.

Sliced Wagyu served with dipping sauce and a lemon wedge.

4. Tokyo’s Quirky Side: Themed Cafés & Sweet Spots

Best for: Instagrammable moments & fun with friends

Only in Tokyo can you sip matcha lattes in a café filled with hedgehogs. You can dine with dancing robots. Or settle into a 1960s-style coffee shop with jazz playing and a slice of fluffy Japanese cheesecake.

Don’t miss:

Kawaii Monster Café – psychedelic décor and rainbow food
Reissue Café – world-famous 3D latte art
Floresta Nature Donuts – adorable animal-shaped treats

Atlas tip: Not all themed cafés serve amazing food, but the experience is unforgettable.

Alice in Wonderland themed cafe in Tokyo

5. Hidden Treasure: Depachika Food Halls

Best for: High-end snacking and foodie souvenirs

Go to the basement of Tokyo’s major department stores. Visit places like Isetan Shinjuku, Tobu, and Mitsukoshi. You will find a jaw-dropping collection of gourmet treats. Think Harrods Food Hall, but better.

Expect:

Bento boxes that look like artwork
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) in delicate packaging
International cheese counters, fresh fruit, sake tastings

Atlas tip: Buy a few items. Enjoy a picnic in nearby Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Another choice is to picnic along the Sumida River.

Fast Food, Tokyo-Style: Convenience Store Gourmet

Yes, we said it—7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart in Japan are a revelation.

Try:

Onigiri (rice balls wrapped in seaweed, filled with salmon or plum)
Karaage (Japanese fried chicken)
Green tea mochi or matcha desserts
Cold soba noodles and egg sandwiches (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!)

Exterior view of a Yoshinoya restaurant, showcasing its bright signage and takeout options.

A Few Things UK Travellers Should Know:

No tipping – it’s considered rude.
Queues = quality – if locals are lining up, follow them.
Food etiquette matters – slurping noodles is polite, talking with food in your mouth is not.
Cash is king – not all places accept cards, especially smaller spots.