Josh Slavin in Tokyo: 3 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Tokyo

Must-try foods in Tokyo

• Edomae Sushi
  Edomae SushiThe quintessential Tokyo style, traditionally featuring 'cured' seafood on vinegared rice. For 2026, the trend has shifted toward high-value omakase experiences like Ebisu Gyoten Sushi, which offers premium 20-piece courses using 10-year aged red vinegar at accessible price points.
• Tokyo Shoyu Ramen
  Tokyo Shoyu RamenA clear, soy-sauce-based chicken and dashi broth that defines the city's noodle scene. Modern hotspots like Ramen Break Beats and Ramen Shion are currently trending for their complex 'consommé-style' soups that use multiple varieties of salt and heritage chicken.
• Monjayaki
  MonjayakiTokyo's answer to okonomiyaki, this savory pancake has a much runnier consistency and is eaten directly off the grill with tiny spatulas. It remains a social staple in the Tsukishima district, often customized with modern toppings like mentaiko (pollock roe) and cheese.
• Pressed Matcha Mont Blanc
  Pressed Matcha Mont BlancA viral 2026 dessert trend where strands of rich matcha-infused chestnut purée are pressed over ice cream or cake right before the customer. This 'theatrical' dessert is a staple in Asakusa's sweets scene, combining traditional tea flavors with modern social media appeal.
• Fruit Sando
  Fruit SandoIconic Japanese milk bread sandwiches filled with whipped cream and perfectly ripe, seasonal fruits. Trending in 2026 are 'flower' designs where the fruit is sliced to look like tulips or roses, available at specialty boutiques like Kakuōzan Furūtsu Daifuku Benzaiten.
• Yakitori
  YakitoriSkewered and grilled chicken, a favorite of the after-work izakaya crowd. While traditional stalls in Shimbashi remain iconic, 2026's 'elevated' yakitori scene includes Michelin-recognized spots like Torinotoriko, focusing on rare cuts and specialized breeds of poultry.

Trip guide

• About Tokyo
  About TokyoTokyo is a metropolitan center located on the eastern coast of Honshu, Japan. Historically, the area was a fishing village known as Edo before 1603, when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. In 1868, the city was renamed Tokyo and established as the imperial capital.
• When to go
  When to goThe best months to visit Tokyo are March to May for cherry blossoms and September to November for vibrant autumn foliage and mild temperatures. While summers are uncomfortably hot and humid and winters are chilly but dry, spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for walking. Peak tourist seasons coincide with late March and the "Golden Week" holiday in early May, so consider visiting in late autumn or mid-winter for lower prices and fewer crowds.
• Getting around
  Getting around Tokyo

  • International Air Travel Most visitors arrive via Narita International Airport (NRT) or the more centrally located Haneda Airport (HND). From Narita.
  • Trains and Subways Tokyo features an extensive rail network including JR East lines and various subway systems. The JR Yamanote Line is a primary loop connecting major hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya. For seamless travel.
  • Shinkansen (Bullet Train) If traveling to Tokyo from other Japanese cities like Osaka or Kyoto, the Shinkansen is the most efficient method, arriving at Tokyo or Shinagawa stations. These high-speed trains are frequent, punctual.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase a digital or physical IC card like Suica or Pasmo for seamless, tap-and-go payment on all Tokyo trains, buses, and at many convenience stores.
  • Carry a small bag for your personal trash, as public garbage cans are rare in the city and locals are expected to take their waste home.
  • Always have some physical yen on hand, as many small ramen shops, traditional izakayas, and local shrines do not accept credit cards.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Tokyo

  • PokéPark Kanto: The world's first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, featuring immersive 'Pokémon Forest' and 'Trainers' Market' zones at Yomiuriland.
  • Takanawa Gateway City: A massive new landmark opening in phases throughout 2026, headlined by 'MoN Takanawa' (Museum of Narratives) and a 10,000㎡ cultural oasis.
• Visit Chiyoda↗
  Visit ChiyodaThe official tourism website of Chiyoda City, providing information on the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and local cultural events in central Tokyo.