Tokyo Street Food Guide: 15 Must Eat Dishes + Where to Find Them! — *The viral 10 Yen pancake filled with mozzarella cheese*

Welcome to the world of Tokyo street food! From smoky Yakitori chicken skewers grilled over charcoal to sweet Dorayaki pancakes stuffed with red bean paste, there is so much to eat! Yatai (mobile food carts) are a big part of festivals, temples, and busy night markets in Tokyo and you’ll this street food culture every from tourist hot spots like Asakusa and the Tsukiji Outer Market to more local market areas like Ameyoko.

While the Tokyo street food culture is not as prevalent as in South East Asia like in Bangkok, Thailand or Penang, Malaysia, there is still a plethora of tasty and delectable street eats on offer. So if you’re lost on what street foods in Tokyo to try, join me in this blog post as I share with you the 15 must eat Tokyo street food dishes and where to find them in the world’s densest metropolis!

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My YouTube Video on Tokyo Street Food

If you prefer, you can watch my YouTube video on eating the best Tokyo Street Food. Also if you enjoy the video you can support me by subscribing to my YouTube Channel, thank you!

Best Tokyo Street Food Areas?

Tokyo Street food Asakusa — *Nakamise dori in Asakusa is a good place to find some delicious Tokyo street food*

Tokyo is the largest city in the world with 23 special wards, 26 cities, 1 district, and 4 sub-prefectures so it is indeed a huge place, a literal concrete jungle if you will. When it comes to places or things to eat, of course you’ve heard tat Tokyo is full of Konbinis (convenience stores) and vending machines, but the experience of street food in Tokyo is epic. Every ward has its own delicious specialties. In this section, I’m breaking down the best areas in Tokyo to explore if you want to eat your way through the city, one bite at a time.

Street Food in Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market

Arguably the most famous name in the world of Tokyo street food is the Tsukiji Fish Market, unfortunately the inner market has been relocated to Toyosu but the Tsukiji Outer Market still exists and has been transformed into a hub for some of Tokyo’s most delicious seafood street foods!

Tsukiji Outer Market spreads across roughly five city blocks between the Tsukiji and Tsukijishijō stations. This open-air market is home to over 400 shops and stalls, including fresh seafood vendors, fruit and vegetable stands, kitchenware sellers, and an abundance of street‑food counters which is the important part for us foodies.

The street foods you’ll find here are diverse but mainly focus on seafood, because it IS a fish market after all. You’ll find plenty of iconic Tokyo street food snacks and dishes like Tamago Yaki (sweet rolled omelettes), proper sit down meals like Kaisendon (a bowl of rice topped with raw fish), and of course various Grilled Seafoods like Scallops, Tuna, Unagi Eel, etc… Oh and don’t forget the plentiful Desserts like Sofuto (soft serve ice cream) and Ichigo Daifuku (custard/red bean mochi with strawberry).

Most vendors at the Tsukiji Outer Market open early morning at 5:00 AM and close around 2:00 PM however a lot of popular shops, especially the sushi shops, have huge lines so come early if you want to sample a fresh slice of Maguro before they run out. Now, of course it’s touristy but that’s the point, it’s touristy BECAUSE it’s great for tourists to try most of the best street food in Tokyo in one spot.

Location: Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome および６丁目一部

Street Food in Tokyo: Ueno and Ameyoko

Just a few steps from Ueno Station is Ameyoko, one of the most lively street food hubs in Tokyo, this one is a little less touristy and more catered to average Jane or Joe (or their equivalent Japanese idoms). Ameyoko is a collection of streets and alleys that stretches around 400 meters and is located right under the Yamanote Line train tracks. Here is home to roughly 400 shops selling clothing, fresh produce, seafood, gachapon shops, and izakayas.

You’ll mostly find sit down restaurants in Ameyoko, and that include the aforementioned Izakayas that sell some of the best street food in Tokyo you’'ll ever have. Things like Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), Takoyaki (Octopus griddle cakes), as well as your classic sashimi rice bowls, ramen, and Tonkastsu (fried pork cutlet).

Ameyoko is often described as a fresh market, while that is true in the morning when it opens at 10:00 AM, it becomes a banger Tokyo street food hub in the late evening when all the salary men are leaving work. With that knowledge in mind, prepare for a night of hearty food and a cold mug of Sapporo beer.

Ueno is often the place where I choose to stay during my visits to Tokyo because the easy access to the Tokyo Street Food scene, so if you are on the fence about where to stay in Tokyo, I recommend booking an accommodation at Ueno.

Location: 4 Chome-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan

Street Food in Tokyo: Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Harajuku district’s Takeshita Street is famous for being a hip and trendy hot spot for the ever fashionable youth of Tokyo. This is a 400 meter long pedestrian street full of hip fashion shops as well as being a hub for a lot of delicious Tokyo street foods, mainly sweets and desserts. Yes Harajuku is the birthplace of the iconic Japanese Style Rolled Crepes, those ones shaped like a cone and filled to the brim with cream, toppings, and custard. Be on the lookout for the famous Marion Crepes and Sweet Box stores.

Aside from crepes there are other sweet treats to enjoy at Harajuku like the giant rainbow cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory, or crispy custard cream puffs at Croquant Chou ZakuZaku, oversized tornado potatoes at Long! Longer!! Longest!!! (32 or 52 cm options), Freshly fried potato chips with toppings at Calbee Plus, Korean corndogs at Gamaro GangJung and of course, plenty of bubble tea shops.

Harajuku is undeniably flashy and touristy but it’s a global hotspot for Cosplay and Kawaii culture if you’re into that, so much of the crowds come here for the cute and photogenic shops and cafes. If you’re not really into the whole cutesy aesthetic, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is still a great place to try some of the best sweet treats and street food in Tokyo!

Location: 1 Chome-16-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Street Food in Tokyo: Asakusa (Nakamise Dori)

When in Tokyo, you gotta visit Asakusa and its Senso-ji Temple, but I’m going to talk about the Nakamise Shopping Street, the 250 meter pedestrian shopping street that leads up to the Senso-ji Temple. It’s touristy as hell but it’s the epitome of touristy Tokyo street food culture. There’s around 90 shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and knick knacks.

You’ll find both classic street food in Tokyo and modern innovations like the Ningyo Yaki (castellated cakes), Agemanju (deep fried buns), Kibi Dango (mochi dusted with kinako), Senbei (rice crackers), and that viral 100 yen cheese pancake thing that do not cost 100 yen. In fact a lot of the street food in Asakusa are way over priced and are catered specifically to tourists.

I’ve put Nakamise-dori at the bottom of this section because I feel like it’s too touristy and there are way better places to enjoy some actually good street food in Tokyo. But I do understand that it’s a popular tourist destination so yeah… I actually made a video on YouTube exploring Asakusa so check that out if you want.

Location: 1 Chome-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Hotels Near Tokyo Street Food Areas

If you’re looking for places to stay in Tokyo or you want to find hotels and accommodations that are near the Tokyo street food areas that I mentioned above, you can check out my pinned map above of some good hotels in Tokyo.

As I mentioned before (and maybe a bit biased), Ueno is a solid choice for accommodations. Staying near Ameyoko Market puts you within walking distance of endless food stalls, plenty of shopping, and late night izakayas. Not to mention, Ueno is also a major transportation hub with the Ueno Station connecting you to the JR Yamanote Line, Shinkansen, as well as direct trains to Narita Airport, which makes getting around the city (and beyond) super easy. Hotels in Ueno are also more affordable compared to heavy tourist areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya.

Here are a few recommended hotels in Ueno if you want to stay near the Tokyo street food scene:

APA Hotel Ueno Ekimae - Clean, budget-friendly rooms and just a 5 minute walk from Ueno Station and right by Ameyoko Market.
Hotel Resol Ueno - Stylish and compact with a calm, modern vibe. It’s only a block from Ueno Station and surrounded by ramen shops, izakayas, and snack stalls.
Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East - Apartment-style hotel perfect for families or longer stays. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes, and just a short walk to both the market and Ueno Park.

Top 15 Tokyo Street Foods to Try!

Tokyo Street Foods wagyu beef skewers — *Wagyu beef skewers are widely available at many Tokyo street food markets*

With all that information out of the way, let’s get to actually exploring and eating the delicious street foods in Tokyo. Here are 15 must eat Tokyo street foods!

Takoyaki - Grilled Octopus Ball Pancakes

Let’s start off with one of my absolute favorite street foods in Tokyo, the Takoyaki (たこ焼き), the name comes from Tako (Octopus) and Yaki (Grilled). These are perfect spherical golden balls of joy made from a savory batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, green onions, and sometimes even bits of fried tempura batter for an added crunch. They’re always served fresh and piping hot, straight from the special griddle pan, where the vendors expertly handle the balls to form their signature smooth shape.

Golden crispy on the outside while the batter is slightly gooey and like molten lava on the inside (it’s safe to eat, don’t worry). To finish it off, these piping hot balls are drizzled with a sweet and savory Takoyaki sauce, Japanese Kewpie Mayo, a generous handful of Bonito Flakes (dried fish flakes), and a nice dusting of Aonori (seaweed powder).

Takoyaki originated in Osaka, and if you’ve been to the iconic Dotonbori street you’ll see that almost every 3rd shop on that street sells them. Takoyaki is delicious, they’re like comfort food actually, the taste is mild, salty, sweet, warm, and just overall very tasty. One of my favorite Tokyo street food items for sure.

Looking to try Takoyaki as part of your Tokyo street food adventure? These are a few places I personally recommend:

Gindaco - This is Japan’s most famous Takoyaki chain, known for its extra crispy shell, gooey center, and options for various fillings. You'll find Gindaco stalls all over Tokyo.
Asakusa Takomaru - Located near Senso-ji Temple and a Tokyo street food icon, their Takoyaki is famous for large octopus chunks and overall solid deliciousness. A set of 6 costs around ¥500 (8 pieces for ¥600).

Korokke - Deep Fried Croquettes

Croquettes are a French invention… So what is it doing in a list for must-eat Tokyo street foods? Well the Korokke as it would be known was introduced to Japan during the late 19th century Meiji Era by French and Portuguese traders. The modern Japanese Korokke is made with mashed potato or ground meat, coated in panko breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crispy. The mashed potato part comes from Portuguese influences.

Korokke has become such a beloved street food in Tokyo, so much so in fact that there is a National Croquette Grand Prix for the best Croquettes in Japan, and I got the chance to sample a Gold Medal winner at Yufuin (it was phenomenal).

Japanese Croquettes aren’t limited to mashed potatoes and meat fillings too. While the most common one is Jagaimo (mashed potato), you’ll also find fillings like Kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) and Kani Cream (Crab meat and cream). The Kani cream ones are divine, so incredibly rich and creamy.

For some great Korokke here are a few places I personally recommend you visit for you Tokyo Street Food adventure:

Konbini - Japanese convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart sell freshly fried croquettes. Don’t let the status of “convenience store fool you, Japanese Konbini foods are always the bomb.
Rakuman Croquette - Located in Azabujuban, Rakuman is famous for its crispy, flavorful korokke with options like creamy crab cream and classic potato.

Menchi Katsu - Deep Fried Minced Meat Croquette

In a similar vein, Menchi Katsu is another Croquette adjacent Tokyo street food item, basically it’s a deep fried, breaded ground meat patty that’s juicy and packed with flavor. Unlike korokke, Menchi Katsu does not have mashed potato and the star ingredient is ground beef or pork (or a mix), seasoned simply but deliciously, then coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy golden brown.

These are seriously good, once you bite into the crispy golden brown panko shell it gives way to a juicy, tender interior that almost melts in your mouth. These guys are served piping hot and sometimes with a side of tangy Tonkatsu Sauce to dip.

For Menchi Katsu here are a few places I personally recommend for your Tokyo Street Food adventure:

Konbini - Again, this is such a simple side dish that Japanese convenience stores sell them
Teishoku Restaurants - Menchi Katsu is often served as a side dish or an appetizer at many Teishoku (set lunch meals) restaurants.
Croquette Shops - Since Korokke and Menchi Katsu are similar in preparation, these Tokyo street food stalls often sell Menchi Katsu as well.

Taiyaki - Fish Shaped Pancakes with Filling

What could be more Japanese than a pancake in the shape of a fish? Well a lot of things. Taiyaki is probably one of the most recognizable and beloved Tokyo street food snacks, it’s a fish shaped pancake with a warm, sweet filling inside, don’t worry there is zero real fish involved. The Tai (Red Sea Bream) shape is actually a symbol of good luck in Japan.

Traditionally, Taiyaki is filled with Anko (sweet red bean paste), but modern day iterations of this iconic Tokyo street food include fillings like custard cream, chocolate, cheese (usually a combo of cheddar and mozarella), and heck even matcha. My favorite is still the traditional Anko red bean paste though.

When served fresh from the griddle, Taiyakis are crispy and crunchy with a soft fluffy pancake interior, and in the case of the Anko filling, the dense and sightly sweet earthy bean-ness complements the cake-y batter quite nicely. If you’re exploring Tokyo street food for the first time, Taiyaki is one of those classic, touristy snacks that you have to try.

For Taiyaki here are a few places I personally recommend for your Tokyo Street Food adventure:

Tourist Hot Spots - Honestly Taiyaki is more of a tourist thing so you’ll find plenty of them sold at various tourist destinations like Asakusa or the Tsukiji Outer Market, not to say that it’s bad though, just readily available.
Harajuku - A district known for fashion, desserts, and all things Kawaii, you’re bound to find a handful of stalls selling Taikyaki, often with more modern fillings like chocolate or cheese.

Senbei - Traditional Rice Crackers

Traveling back in time to a more traditional Tokyo street food snack is the Senbei, now I’ll be honest, I don’t really enjoy Senbei but a lot of people do! Senbei are traditional Japanese rice crackers that you’ll often come across while exploring Tokyo street food markets, shopping streets, department stores, and of course Konbinis (convenience stores). They’re made from glutinous rice and are typically grilled over charcoal or baked, senbei are known for their extra crispy texture and deep, toasty flavor.

There are two main types: Sweet Senbei and Savory Senbei. The savory ones are more common in street stalls and are brushed with soy sauce or mirin glaze and wrapped in a sheet of Nori seaweed, giving them a savory and salty taste. Sweet versions might include sugar glazed or even matcha flavored ones.

You might notice HUGE almost A4 paper sized sheets of rice crackers often with a whole flattened shrimp, crab, octopus, or squid in the center. These are modern (and frankly quite gimmicky) iterations of Senbei. Unlike traditional Senbei where the sauce is baked into the cracker, the modern version of this Tokyo street food sees the sauce painted onto the cracker like a glaze.

If you are looking to try Senbei on your Tokyo Street Food adventure here are few places I recommend to find some:

Nakamise-Dori - The shopping street leading up to Senso-ji Temple has dozens of stalls selling both the modern gigantic sheet style Senbei and the traditional Senbei.
Sugamo Jizo-Dori - This shopping street is home to a few tasty traditional Senbei stalls, also a good slightly less touristy alternative to Nakamise Dori

Dango - Skewered Mochi Rice Dumplings

Another one of my favorite Tokyo street food snacks or desserts is the Dango, a traditional Japanese sweet snack that you’ll often find during festivals or around temples. These sometimes colorful balls are made from rice flour or Mochi which are rolled into small dumplings, then skewered. My fellow Monster Hunter: Rise fans will know just how irresistible the Dangos are ;)

It’s soft, it’s chewy, it’s a bit more firm than your typical mochi but also still gooey and stretchy if that makes any sense. Dango is can be grilled over charcoal for a more crisped and crunchy shell, or often it is served pure where the texture is softer.

But the most important part of Dango is the glaze, you have the classic Mitarashi Dango, which is glazed with a sweet, sticky, and salty soy sauce. There is Anko Dango, which is topped with red bean paste, and there is Hanami Dango which is the colorful pink, green, and white one sold during Cherry Blossom season. Dango is a classic traditional Tokyo street food and it’s one that is a definite must try.

Want to try Dango on your Tokyo Street Food adventure? Here are few shops I recommend:

Kaede - A popular shop in Asakusa selling Mitarashi Dango, some claimed it’s the best Dango in the area.
Depachika - In Japan, basement floors in any major department stores are a haven for foodies a great place to find not just dango but any high quality Japanese sweets, desserts, and ready made meals. The Ginza area has great Depachikas
Tsudumi Dango Togoshi Ginza - Charming local shop that serves soft and chewy Dango with classic flavors like Mitarashi and Anko, plus seasonal specialties.

Imagawayaki & Dorayaki - Pancakes with Filling

Have you ever watched Doraemon? You know the snack that he always ate? That’s the Dorayaki and millions of children (including me) have grown fond of this humble Japanese snack thanks to that titular blue cat(?). Dorayaki and its distant neighbour the Imagawayaki are two classic Japanese sweets you’ll often find while exploring Tokyo street food stalls, especially in traditional shopping streets and temple areas. Both are made with a soft, pancake-like batter, but the difference is in their shape, texture, and fillings.

Dorayaki is a sandwich made with 2 flat and fluffy sweet pancakes around a filling usually Anko (red bean paste). It’s a simple sweet snack but it hits the spot, and it’s also my dad’s favorite Japanese snack! Imagawayaki on the other hand is a thick, tube-like pancake that’s filled and cooked on a griddle so it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. Its fillings are more daring with things like custard, chocolate, matcha cream, sweet potato, and of course Anko bean paste.

They’re great little snacks that are filling and isn’’t too sweet, a prefect little Tokyo street food snack.

Here are a few places that I recommend you try Imagawayaki or Dorayaki in Tokyo:

Konbini - You can’t go wrong with a Dorayaki or Imagawayaki from any of Japan’s convenience stores.
Temple and Shrine Areas - Tokyo Street food stalls around popular temples often serve Imagawayaki fresh off the griddle. Though hese spots usually stick to the traditional Anko red bean paste filling.
Depachika - Basement food halls of department stores often have high-quality, beautifully packaged artisanal desserts and snacks, with Dorayaki being among the offerings. Great for gifts and souvenirs as well.

Rolled Dessert Crepes (Harajuku-style)

Fast forward a few decades to modern day Tokyo, and you’ll notice that the Rolled dessert crepes are one of the most iconic Tokyo street food snacks, especially in the more trendy areas like Harajuku. These are soft and thin crepes with a slightly chewy texture and then filled with a bunch of fillings, then they’re rolled into a cone to be eaten while on the go.

There are an endless variety of fillings that you can choose from like strawberries and whipped cream, bananas with Nutella, or matcha cream with mochi. Some shops even go wild with things like cheesecake chunks, chocolate brownie bites, ice cream, or even a crème brûlée topping. There are savory options as well, with fillings like ham and cheese or tuna mayo, but the sweet versions are definitely the more preferred options.

These guys are you’re Kawaii and photogenic representation of street food in Toyko and are perfect for any of you with a sweet tooth.

Here are a few places that I recommend you try crepes in Tokyo:

Marion Crepes - One of the original shops that kicked off the crepe craze in Tokyo. They've been serving up colorful, fully-loaded dessert crepes since 1976.
Santa Monica Crepes - This colorful, retro-inspired crepe shop is one of the most famous in Tokyo. With over 100 flavor options from whipped cream & fruit combinations to rich crème brûlée

Ika Yaki - Grilled Squid

Something a bit more outlandish (or at least to some western tourists) in the world of Tokyo street food is the Ika Yaki which are grilled skewered squid or octopus. Yep, whole squid or baby octopus skewered and grilled over open flames until slightly charred, then brushed with a soy-based glaze that’s smoky, salty, and just a little sweet. The texture is slightly chewy but tender enough to bite through easily, especially when it’s freshly grilled right in front of you. You’ll usually find it served whole on a stick.

Honestly, I’ve never had these myself as squid or octopus can be a hit or miss in terms of texture, most of the time it’s a miss. But it is an interesting piece of Tokyo street food, and the bright red baby octopus sure does catch your attention

Here are a few places that I recommend you try Ika Yaki for your Tokyo street food adventure:

Tourist Hot Spots - I think Ika Yaki is more of a flashy tourist thing, so that’s why you definitely see a lot of them being sold at tourist attractions.
Tsukiji Outer Market - I mean, it’s a seafood market and the center for seafood street food in Toyko, pretty self explanatory.

Tamago Yaki - Japanese Rolled Omelette

Another personal favorite Tokyo street food item (or Japanese food in general) is the Tamago Yaki a sweet and savory Japanese rolled omelet, made by layering thin sheets of egg in a rectangular pan until it forms a soft, fluffy block of egg. Yeah it sounds simple and bland but that’s what makes it good in my opinion.

The eggs are usually whisked in with a sweet sugar and Mirin sauce, while some vendors go more savory with Dashi (Japanese soup stock) for added umami. Either way, it’s served warm or cold and often cut into thick slices. I like the cold ones as they are pretty refreshing to snack on especially during a hot summer’s day in Tokyo.

The Tsukiji Outer Market is the most famous area for Tamago Yaki here are the shops I recommend for your Tokyo street food adventure:

Marutake - One of the most iconic Tamago Yaki shops in Tokyo, Marutake serves thick, sweet, and fluffy slices fresh off the pan.
Shouro - If you want an egg sandwich, Shouro serves a savory Dashi Tamago Yaki between two slices of soft Japanese white bread
Tsukiji Yamacho - A long established shop specializing in artisan-style Tamago Yaki. Their version is smooth, savory, and delicious

Unagi Skewers - Grilled Eel with Salt or Sauce

You’ll notice that street food in Tokyo has a very seafood heavy theme, and the Unagi Eel is the pinnacle of that. Unagi (freshwater eel) is typically filleted, skewered, then grilled over charcoal, giving it a slightly crispy edge with a soft, rich and slightly mushy (in a good way) interior.

The standout here is the sauce or the glaze that vendors will brush onto the Unagi skewers. Either a sweet and savory Tare glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. As the Unagi cooks the glaze caramelizes, locking in flavor and adding a glossy finish that’s insanely satisfying. Another option is having the Unagi eel just seasoned with a little bit of salt for a more pure flavor. Some stalls might offer you Sansho pepper for sprinkling on top to add a citrusy kick.

Unagi is one of my favorite things to eat whenever I am in Japan and these little grilled pieces of tender joy is a definitely a must-try Tokyo street food item in my book.

Realistically there is only one place where you can find a damn good grilled Unagi Skewer in Tokyo:

Tsukiji Outer Market - It’s a seafood market and the epicenter for seafood street food in Tokyo, of course you’re gonna find some good grilled unagi skewers here.

Melon Pan - Sweet Bread with Sugar Coating

Coming back to the sweet side of things, Melon Pan is a pastry baked with pure magic, not really but it is something that I enjoy immensely, if I managed to find a freshly baked one. It’s one of the those Tokyo street food items that looks so simple but once you take a bite you can’t get enough of it.

Melon pan is a round, sweet bun with a soft, pillowy inside and a crispy and sugary cookie-like crust baked on the outside. Despite the name, there is no melon. The name actually comes from the crisscross pattern of the cookie crust that resembles a melon rind. And it is this sugary cookie shell that makes melon pan so incredibly good.

And what I love is that some stores go the extra mile by slicing the bun through the middle and putting Sofuto (soft serve ice cream) in there creating a Melon Pan ice cream sandwich! Hot and freshly baked, warm and crunchy, combined with the cool sweetness and creaminess from the ice cream. Melon Pan is a must try Tokyo street food item.

If you’re looking for a good Melon Pan to add to your list of dishes to eat on your Tokyo street food tour, here are places where you can find some good ones:

Asakusa Kagetsudō - This iconic shop in Asakusa is famous for its jumbo-sized melon pan with an ultra-crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior. It’s a must-try when visiting Senso-ji Temple, and they often serve it hot and fresh.
KYUEI MELON PAN - Located in Kaminarimon Street, this shop is another local favorite near Asakusa. Their melon pan has a delicate crunch and just the right amount of sweetness.
World's Second Best Freshly Baked Melonpan Ice Cream - Found in Harajuku and with many branches throughout Japan. Delicious melon pan with creamy ice cream. I wonder who’s the first best?

Sofuto - Japanese Soft Serve Ice Cream

A Tokyo street food item that you will never miss is the Sofuto or Japan’s version of Soft serve ice cream, these guys are literally everywhere. Unlike regular Western-style ice cream, sofuto is lighter in texture, less sweet, and often milkier in flavor. It’s dispensed at a slightly warmer temperature than traditional ice cream, which gives it that velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and they’re often served in waffle cones.

You got you usual flavors of Sofuto like Hokkaido Milk, Vanilla, Chocolate, Matcha, and so on. But occasionally you’ll also find some more interesting flavors like Charcoal, Black Sesame, and Hojicha (roasted green tea).

Though I do think that there is a single company providing the machines and ice cream for the vendors as the ice cream are stored in these plastic capsules to be extruded sort of like a Nespresso Machine. So in that sense, having a sofuto at one vendor is the same as having it at another vendor.

Since Sofuto is a readily available street food in Tokyo, you’ll often find them at these places:

Tourist Hot Spots - Go to any tourist attraction (or just any attraction in general) and you’ll be guaranteed to find a vendor selling soft serve ice cream.

Ichigo Daifuku - Mochi with Filling and a Juicy Strawberry

Daifuku is a mochi snack filled with typically Anko red bean paste. Ichigo Daifuku on the other hand, is Tokyo street food’s greatest creation since the mass adoption of vending machines. A sweet dessert item that is made by wrapping a fresh, juicy strawberry in soft, chewy mochi (glutinous rice cake). What makes it extra special is the hidden layer of sweetened custard or Anko red bean paste (sometimes both) inside. The contrast between the tender mochi, the rich creamy filling, and the tart bite of the strawberry is what makes Ichigo Daifuku so so good.

It’s a little messy to eat, especially with the flour that’s dusted on the outside of the mochi, but if I see one of these guys being sold, i always get myself one or two. Also strawberries in Japan are just on another level. Ichigo my beloved.

For the best Ichigo Daifuku to add to your Tokyo Street Food tour here are my recommended places:

Tsukiji Outer Market - There are a few stalls here selling Ichigo Daifuku, often with a plump and juicy bright red strawberry plopped on top.
Konbini - For a more classic red bean daifuku, Japanese convenience stores are great places to grab a few.

Onigiri - Traditional Japanese Jelly Donuts

Okay these aren’t actually Jelly Donuts (just referencing a Pokemon meme), Onigiri are of course a classic icon of Japanese street food. But I’m not talking about the quick grab and go Onigiri you’ll find in Konbinis across Japan, I’m talking about proper handmade Onigiri served by Tokyo street food vendors.

There are so many flavors to choose from like: salty grilled salmon, creamy tuna mayo, the classic Umeboshi (pickled plum), Mentaiko (spicy cod row), Kombu (seaweed ), grilled with a crispy soy glaze. Each vendor has their own recipe and filling options. And even something as simple as the rice could be jazzed up with more flavor.

Onigiri is the quintessential Tokyo street food item, it may look simple but once you’ve had a handmade one from a proper specialty shop, your mind will be blown as to how good Onigiri can be.

Here are a few places that I recommend:

Onigiri Bongo - This legendary spot near Otsuka Station has been serving freshly made onigiri since the 1960s. They offer over 50 types of fillings, from classic salted salmon to unique combos like tempura shrimp with mayo. The rice is warm, soft, and perfectly seasoned.
Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku - One of the oldest onigiri shops in Tokyo, located near Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. The shop is run by a sweet older couple that uses premium rice and seasonal ingredients.
Yamataro Onigiri - A more modern shop, Yamataro uses high-end ingredients and creative fillings with things like grilled miso pork or yuzu kosho chicken wrapped in crisp nori.

Tips for Eating Street Food in Tokyo

Tokyo street food okonomiyaki — *Street food okonomiyaki, often served on a skewer and drizzled with sauce*

Some of you may know, Japan has so many nuanced rules and etiquettes you have to consider, so here are some practical tips for eating street food in Tokyo that’ll help you eat like a local without accidentally offending one:

Walking while eating is a big no-no - In Japan, it’s considered bad manners to walk while eating. Find a nearby spot (even if it’s just next to the stall) to stand or sit and finish your food before moving on.
Bring cash - Most street food vendors and yatai don’t take cards, so carry small change or ¥1,000 notes with you. Vendors will also get annoyed if you pay in large amounts of coins.
Look for trash bins… but don’t expect many - Japan is oddly short on public trash cans. Many stalls will have their own bins, use those. Don’t walk around with trash in hand expecting to find one quickly.
Long queues are normal - Popular spots will have long lines, and Japanese people are always happy to wait a couple of hours in line. That’s normal. Wait your turn, don’t push ahead..
Watch for seasonal items: Japanese street food often changes with the seasons, so don’t be afraid to try something you’ve never seen before. It might be a limited-time local favorite.

Looking for Things to Do in Toyko?

tokyo street food area Asakusa — *Shopping is one of my favorite past times in Tokyo, Japan*

Mt Fuji Day Tour - Explore Japan’s iconic volcano with scenic views plus a visit to the beautiful landscapes of the town of Hakone.
Go-Kart in Shibuya - Live out your karting dreams by dressing up in costumes and racing through Tokyo’s busiest streets in a real-life Mario Kart-style adventure.
Shinjuku Food Tour - Taste 13 dishes across 4 local eateries in guided food crawl through Shinjuku’s back alleys.
Tokyo 6hr Private Tour - Explore all of Tokyo’s major attractions with an English speaking guide.
Discounts on Tours and Activities - View great deals on tours and activities in Tokyo, Japan.

Useful Resources for Traveling in Japan

Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi - Important for staying connected on the go
JR Rail Pass (Whole of Japan) - Easy , cheap, and unlimited access to JR transports