Food & Dining in Tokyo

Good to Know

• Cash is still king at many ramen shops, soba eateries, and street-food stalls; major credit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) widely accepted in restaurants and department stores.
• Lunch sets (teishoku) at mid-range and even high-end restaurants typically cost 30-50% less than dinner menus and maintain same chef and kitchen quality—smart budget hack.
• Slurping noodles is encouraged in ramen and soba shops to appreciate aroma; chopsticks should never be rubbed together (considered insulting to establishment).
• Arrive early or go during off-hours to avoid long lines at popular ramen, sushi, and monjayaki restaurants; many have no reservation system.
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) stock excellent onigiri, bento boxes, and ready-made meals (¥150–600) for budget-conscious eating on the move.
• Department store basement food halls (depachika) are treasure troves of prepared foods, Japanese sweets, and gift boxes; popular for evening discounts on unsold ready-meals.
• Vegan dining: ask about dashi (seaweed-based broth) in soups and sauces; many Japanese restaurants can accommodate 100% vegan requests if asked in advance with key phrases translated.
• Tokyo's fast-casual boom (early 2026) brought gourmet-quality meals at accessible prices: premium curry, specialty onigiri, artisan sandwiches, and wood-fire cooking trending in Shibuya and Daikanyama.