Who doesn’t love a good rice bowl, or for that matter, a good teishoku set lunch? These are the heart and soul of casual Japanese midday eating. Come lunchtimes, Tokyoites set out in droves to their favourite local restaurants for a quick donburi or teishoku set, depending on their mood du jour.
角煮丼 Kakuni-don - braised pork belly rice bowl with an egg, and a smear of Japanese mustard. - image © Florentyna Leow
Teishoku consists of a main dish – meat or fish, usually – that’s served alongside rice, pickles, and miso soup. A donburi, on the other hand, usually has the main protein served on top of the rice in a single bowl. There’s usually miso soup on the side too. Not only are they fast and convenient meals, they’re also super affordable, making it a great option if you’re eating on a budget.
Tokyo Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Tokyo: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Tokyo.
- Things To Do In Tokyo: Check this overview of Tokyo activities with links to all the key information.
- Flights To Tokyo: Find the cheapest flights to Tokyo and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Tokyo Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
There are literally thousands of restaurants that serve teishoku and donburi lunches, all well-loved by local Tokyoites. These are just some of our favourites in Tokyo. Go on and check them out when you’re in the area!
- Buta Daigaku (Shinbashi; budget)
Travelling on a budget? You’ll love the wallet-friendly Buta Daigaku – delicious pork rice bowls can be had here for as little as JPY500. To go the whole hog, shell out JPY1080 for a donburi topped with 1kg of pork slices. - Ippei (Tokyo Station; budget to moderate)
Even with hundreds of lunch options around Tokyo Station, Ippei is a clear favorite with many office workers in the area. Hearty, solid, inexpensive set lunches of Japanese favourites that arrive within 5 minutes - what’s not to like? - Nakajima (Shinjuku; budget)
At JPY800, Nakajima is one of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in town that’s a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Head to Shinjuku for this delicious bargain of a sardine lunch. - Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten (Shinjuku; budget to moderate)
Tsujihan serves one of the most iconic and beloved bowls of kaisendon or sashimi rice bowl in Tokyo. Their shop in Kagurazaka replicates the winning formula of the original shop in Nihonbashi - go on weekdays for a relatively fast turnover. - Echigoya Sandayu (Shibuya; budget)
Echigoya Sandayu is a tasty, inexpensive teishoku lunch spot that’s open all afternoon in Shibuya. You can’t argue with that! - Ohitsuzen Tanbo Omotesando (Harajuku; budget)
Wander down Omotesando’s backstreets for solid set meals at this hole-in-the-wall teishoku restaurant. - Sake no Ana (Ginza; budget to moderate)
It’s not easy to find a sake bar open during the day. Luckily, at Sake no Ana in Ginza, you can have a full sake tasting along with lunch. - Kaisentango Ami no Shokudo (Ueno; budget to moderate)
Kaisentango Ami no Shokudo in Ueno serves up a hearty sashimi and egg rice bowl fit for a fisherman. Venture further afield from the station for this quiet cozy neighbourhood restaurant.
Best Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations
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- Best Ramen in Tokyo
- Best Soba in Tokyo
- Best Udon in Tokyo
- Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo
- Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo
- Best Tempura in Tokyo
- Best Wagyu in Tokyo
- Best Unagi in Tokyo
- Best Yakitori in Tokyo
- Best Pizza in Tokyo
- Best Curry Rice in Tokyo
- Best Soup Curry in Tokyo
- Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo
- Best Vegan/Vegetarian in Tokyo
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
