We ate a LOT of food while we are in Japan, but there were some meals that were more memorable than others. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth convenience store magic, Instagram-worthy fruit sandwiches, and a coffee shop that sells the best ice cream of your dreams.
Keep reading to incorporate some of these places in your itinerary! Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
1. Egg Sandwich from FamilyMart
Address: Multiple locations all over Japan
Food from Japanese convenience stores are all good, but the egg sandos from FamilyMart specially are the best ones you can buy. We would go to a cafe for an egg sando, but the FamilyMart version could never be beat. Simple magic under ¥200.
2. Cremia from Excelsior Caffe
Address: 1-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005 (multiple locations)
In our opinion, Cremia is arguably the best soft serve ice cream in Japan. This soft serve is different and contains 25% Hokkaido fresh cream, and it’s one of the best things we tasted on our trip. Silky-smooth scoops in unique flavors like “Hokkaido Melon Milk” and “Sakura.” It actually kind of tastes like condensed milk!
This ice cream can be found in multiple places, but we came across it at the Excelsior Caffe in Shibuya.
3. Pizzeria Filonico
Address: Japan, 〒135-0015 Tokyo, Koto City, Sengoku, 2 Chome−11−6 1F
Neapolitan nirvana in Tokyo. At this point in our trip, we were almost 2 weeks in and were craving pizza. This pizza had charred, blistered crust with fresh, local ingredients like burrata and San Marzano tomatoes. Our server spoke English and told us the chef trained in Italy which is why the pizza is so good. Definitely a must-try!
4. Bagel Cafe 88
Address: Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−27−12 林ビル
While we were out thrifting in Shimokitazawa, we stumbled across this bagel shop and decided to give it a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This was like finding New York in the heart of Japan! These bagels were chewy, with dense dough with the perfect crackle. They also had a wide variety of schmear from smoked salmon to rum raisin.
6. FamilyMart Coffee (specifically)
Address: Multiple locations around Japan
This seems a bit crazy, but don’t judge a book by its cover. In the US, I don’t think I’d ever get coffee from 7-11. In Japan, it’s one of the best iced coffees we had on our entire trip. Smooth, surprisingly rich brew for just ¥100. A Tokyo budget’s best friend.
7. Shin Udon
Address: Japan, 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi, 2 Chome−20−16 相馬ビル １F
This was one of the restaurants we saw on TikTok and Instagram and had to try while we were in Japan. While the wait was a little confusing at first, we ended up going at a slow time and walked right in. They’re most famous for their ‘carbonara’ udon, and it did not dissapoint. Slurpable symphony! Thick, springy noodles bathe in umami-packed broth. Comfort food that warms the soul (and belly).
8. Tsukiji Itadori at Tsukiji Fish Market
Address: Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome−10−16 四丁目町会ビル1F
While this place was a bit hard to find, it was worth the frustration. If you want fish the is fresh and melt in your mouth, you have to try Tsukiji Itadori. Hidden in an alley, if there’s a long line then chances are you probably found it. This was by far the best sushi and fish we had during our 2 weeks in Japan.
9. Gyukatsu Motomura
Address: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−32−2 モトビル地下 1階 (multiple locations)
Gyukatsu Motomura’s secret lies in their precise grilling, transforming melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu sirloin into sizzling, bite-sized treasures. They only have a few sets on the menu, so it’s really trying to decide how much meat you want. They partially fry it for you, and then you can cook it to your liking on a hot stone that they provide you. There are usually lines, but there are also a lot of locations to try in case you aren’t able to get into a specific one.
10. Strawberry Tanghulu
Address: Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa
While originating in China, this dessert has been all the craze on social media. When we saw it walking down Nakamise street, we had to try it! The strawberries in Japan are unmatched, and this treat was a sweet strawberry with a hard textured but crunchy, caramel sugar coating.
11. Fruit Sandos from 7/11 or FamilyMart
Address: Multiple locations across Japan
These instagram-worthy sandwiches are a delight! Perfectly ripe fruit layers peek from fluffy bread surrounded by a thick layer of whipped cream. The strawberry was our favorite from 7-11!
12. The Roastery by Nozy Coffee
Address: Reveur Jingumae, 5 Chome-17-13 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
We stumbled across this coffee shop after we did a bit of shopping, and it was so good! While our friends enjoyed one of the best lattes they’ve ever had, I opted to get ice cream (because if there’s soft serve, why wouldn’t I?!) This coffee shop was super modern and stylish inside, and I recommend checking out if you’re in the area.
13. Brunch at Bills
Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 2 Chome−6−12 Okura House 12F
While this technically isn’t a Japanese restaurant, we wanted to check out Bills because of everything we’ve heard about their brunch. Bills is an Australian restaurant, and we recommend making a reservation if you want to visit because there was quite a long queue when we walked in. The eggs were just as fluffy as their pancakes, and it was a nice change of cuisine after all of the seafood we were eating.
Now that you’ve got the food covered, here are some of our other posts that may be helpful while you plan your trip to Japan:
- What to Pack on Your First Trip to Japan
- What you Need to Know Before Traveling to Japan
- Japan in 7 Days: The Ultimate First-Time Itinerary
Happy travels!!
