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One of the biggest draws of traveling to Japan is, without a doubt, experiencing its incredible food. More and more people are falling in love with Japanese cuisine and discovering dishes beyond just sushi or ramen.
Today, social media and YouTube are flooded with titles like “The best sushi in Japan”, “A restaurant you can’t miss”, and so on. But let’s be honest—many of these are sponsored posts or collaborations, and in some cases, videos designed to grab attention. So, the real question is: is it as good as they say, or are they exaggerating?
If you’re a fan of Japanese food or planning to visit Tokyo, FoodTravelTokyo (フードトラベル東京) is a YouTube channel you don’t want to miss. It’s all about showing the best places to eat in Tokyo, from hidden gems to famous spots, and giving you a real taste of the city’s food scene.
What is FoodTravelTokyo?
FoodTravelTokyo is a YouTube channel that offers an in-depth look into Tokyo’s vibrant food culture! One of the standout features of the channel is that rather than focusing on locals discussing restaurants, they bring people from different countries who are living or visiting Tokyo and capture their genuine reactions as they try Japanese food for the first time, providing an authentic perspective on Japan’s cuisine.
Tokyo is one of the most exciting food cities in the world: from sushi and ramen to street food and sweets, the city offers many dishes to try. The channel aims to introduce viewers to the city’s best dishes, restaurants, and culinary traditions. By exploring food, the channel gives viewers a taste of the atmosphere and culture of Tokyo, making it an ideal resource for anyone planning a trip to Japan or simply curious about Japanese cuisine.
Another sets FoodTravelTokyo apart is its focus on local favorites and hidden culinary gems. While many food channels showcase popular tourist spots, this channel takes viewers off the beaten path. It highlights small, family-run eateries and street food stalls that locals love, but which may be hard to find for those just visiting the well-known areas. These lesser-known spots offer a more authentic and intimate experience of Tokyo’s food scene.
Why Should You Watch FoodTravelTokyo?
FoodTravelTokyo is a great channel for anyone who wants to learn about Tokyo’s food scene. Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan or just love Japanese food, the channel gives you a chance to explore Tokyo’s diverse dining options from home. It’s fun, informative, and visually nice, making it easy to see it. The videos are easy to follow, and they always show you exactly what to expect when you visit a restaurant or street food.
Japanese Food Recommendation
As I mentioned, Japanese cuisine offers so much more than just sushi or ramen. After living in Tokyo for 8 years, here are some of my favorite dishes. I’ve also included a FoodTravelTokyo videos where you can see what each dish is all about, along with the reactions of foreigners trying it for the first time!
Unagi: Grilled Eel Delicacy
Unagi, or grilled freshwater eel, is a beloved dish in Japanese cuisine. The eel is carefully grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce, creating a rich, smoky flavor. Often served over a bowl of steamed rice (unadon) or in a lacquered box (unajyu), unagi offers a tender texture and umami-packed taste. It’s particularly popular in summer and considered a nourishing, energy-boosting food. A true Japanese delicacy, unagi is a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional flavors.
Maekawa UNAGI & Japanese cuisine Marunouchi
 Access |
6 min walk from Tokyo Station or Otemachi Station |
|---|---|
 Address |
The address you provided in English is: 5th Floor, Shin-Marunouchi Building, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-6505 |
 Business Hours |
11:00–15:00; 17:00–23:00 |
 Official Website |
https://www.unagi-maekawa.com/shop/shinmaru/ |
 Nearest station |
Tokyo Station and Otemachi Station |
Yakiniku: Japanese Barbecue
Yakiniku, meaning “grilled meat,” is a popular Japanese dining experience where diners grill various cuts of beef, pork, or chicken at the table. The meats are often served with dipping sauces and accompanied by vegetables, rice, and pickles. Whether enjoyed in a casual restaurant or as part of a social gathering, yakiniku offers a fun, interactive meal, with flavors that range from savory to sweet. It’s perfect for meat lovers and anyone seeking a flavorful, hands-on dining experience.
Shinjuku Masuo Main Store
| Access |
7 min walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station or 11 min walk from Shin-Okubo Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
The address you provided in English is: B1F, Residential Stage Higashi Shinjuku, 2-19-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021 |
| Business Hours |
11:30–15:00; 17:00–23:30 |
| Official Website |
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13200771/party/ |
| Nearest station |
Higashi-Shinjuku Station |
Monjayaki: Savory Japanese Pancake
Monjayaki is a savory Japanese pancake similar to okonomiyaki, but with a thinner, more liquid batter. Originating from Tokyo, this dish features a mix of ingredients like cabbage, seafood, and meats, all stir-fried on a hot griddle and topped with a tangy sauce. The batter is often eaten directly from the griddle using small spatulas, giving it a fun, interactive feel. Known for its crispy edges and gooey center, monjayaki is a beloved comfort food, perfect for those seeking a casual, flavorful dish.
Tsukishima Monja Koboreya Bettei
| Access |
8 min walk from Tsukishima Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
1F, The City Tsukishima, 3-7-12 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0052 |
| Business Hours |
Weekdays 11:00–15:00; 17:00–23:00/ Weekends: Sunday, 11:00 –22:00 |
 Closed |
Monday |
| Official Website |
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1313/A131302/13273147/ |
| Nearest station |
Tsukishima Station |
Tempura: Crispy Fried Delights
Tempura is a popular Japanese dish consisting of seafood, vegetables, or even mushrooms, coated in a light batter and deep-fried until crispy. Known for its delicate crunch and subtle flavor, tempura is often served with a dipping sauce and enjoyed alongside rice or noodles. It’s a perfect example of the Japanese technique of frying, where the focus is on preserving the freshness and natural taste of the ingredients. Ideal for those who love crispy textures with a refined taste, tempura is a must-try in Japanese cuisine.
Udon Kanekohannosuke Coredo Muromachi Store
| Access |
4 min walk from Mitsukoshimae Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
The address you provided in English is: B1F, COREDO Muromachi 2, 2-3-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022, Japan. |
| Business Hours |
11:00–21:00 |
| Official Website |
https://kaneko-hannosuke.com/shop/?id=0020007 |
| Nearest station |
Mitsukoshimae Station |
Shabu Shabu: Japanese Hot Pot
Shabu shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat (often beef) and vegetables are briefly swirled in a pot of hot broth, then dipped in flavorful sauces like ponzu or sesame. The name “shabu shabu” comes from the sound made when the ingredients are stirred in the pot. A light and interactive meal, shabu shabu is typically served with rice and a variety of dipping sauces. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a communal dining experience with fresh, delicate flavors and healthy ingredients.
Okaka
| Access |
6 min walk from Shinjuku Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
8th Floor, Shinjuku Square Building, 1-16-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021 |
| Business Hours |
Weekdays 17:00–23:00; Weekends 12:00–23:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.syabusyabu-okaka.jp/stores/shinjuku/ |
| Nearest station |
Shinjuku Station |
Hope you liked it! For more useful information about restaurants in Tokyo, you can check these articles too!
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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