- Unagi Akimoto
It’s easy to miss Unagi Akimoto in Kojimachi if you aren’t looking for it. But behind the unassuming wooden doors is some of the best broiled eel in Tokyo. - Ginza Sushi Aoki
Ginza has no shortage of amazing sushi restaurants. Sushi Aoki, a 1-star Michelin restaurant is a tiny restaurant down a quiet lane in Ginza that’s a great place to begin your sushi journey. - Bird Land
Renowned Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant Bird Land in Ginza might be intimidating for some - but the Marunouchi branch is far more accessible and relaxed, and you’ll get the same amazing ingredients and service, too. - Ginza Sushiko Honten
Ginza Sushiko Honten has 1 Michelin star and the honor of being one of the oldest sushi places in Tokyo. Naturally, it has the sushi chops to match these accolades. - Ginza Sushi Aoki
Ginza has no shortage of amazing sushi restaurants. Sushi Aoki, a 1-star Michelin restaurant is a tiny restaurant down a quiet lane in Ginza that’s a great place to begin your sushi journey. - Ginza Kyubey
Sushi empire Kyubey is one of Tokyo’s most famous high-end sushi restaurants. At the Ginza branch, you’ll get quality sushi without the rigid atmosphere of tiny counter seaters. - Tenichi Ginza Honten
Tenichi in Ginza is a fantastic if slightly expensive restaurant for tempura. Given that people like Frank Sinatra and Gorbachev have eaten here, however, the price tag is probably worth it. - Takazawa
Takazawa, an exclusive 10-seater restaurant in Akasaka, serves artistic, impeccably-cooked Japanese-French cuisine with a price tag to match. Worth going at least once if you have deep pockets. - Narisawa
With two Michelin stars under its belt, Yoshihiro Narisawa’s eponymous restaurant in Aoyama is a favorite with gourmands all over the world. If you like several-hour intellectual exercises in gastronomy, this may be the right place for you. - Akasaka Kikunoi
At Akasaka Kikunoi, you won’t need to head out west for a taste of Kyoto. Enjoy the ancient capital’s finest kaiseki right in the heart of Tokyo. - Agaru Sagaru Nishi-Iru Higashi-Iru
Kaiseki doesn’t always have to be expensive. Agaru Sagaru Nishi-Iru Higashi-Iru in Harajuku serves affordable modern kaiseki dinners - great for initiates to Japanese fine dining. - atelier Morimoto XEX
Like many restaurants in Roppongi, eating at atelier Morimoto XEX doesn’t come cheap. But some truly excellent teppanyaki can be had here if you’re willing to splurge. - Hitsumabushi Bincho Ginza
If you’d like a refined meal of unagi while exploring Ginza, then this Nagoya-style restaurant is sure to please. - Jomon Roppongi
The slightly upscale Jomon Roppongi is a firm favorite with locals, and it’s easy to see why. Everyone’s sure to love their delicious, unpretentious Hakata-style grilled skewers. - Nakajima
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. - Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi – Sushi Lunch
If you’re set on eating at Sukiyabashi Jiro but can’t snag seats there, try your luck with Jiro's son's restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi instead. Read our guide to securing reservations here and decide for yourself whether it’s worth eating here or not. - Ukai-tei
Michelin-starred teppanyaki dining is not for those on a budget. But for those with spare change, eating at Ukai-tei in Omotesando is an incredible and memorable gustatory experience.
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 – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can 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.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
