Josh Slavin in Chuo City, Tokyo: 1 Spot

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Tokyo

Must-try foods in Tokyo

• Halal Japanese Curry
  Halal Japanese CurryA thick, savory stew served over rice, differing from Indian varieties with its sweeter, milder profile. Leading chains like Curry House CoCo Ichibanya have opened dedicated halal branches in Akihabara and Shinjuku, offering toppings like chicken katsu and cheese.
• Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Vegan Cuisine)
  Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Vegan Cuisine)The original 'clean' Japanese meal, this traditional multi-course cuisine is naturally halal as it excludes meat, seafood, and pungent aromatics. High-end Michelin-starred spots like Daigo offer a refined, seasonal experience that is inherently inclusive.
• Halal Karaage
  Halal KaraageJapanese-style fried chicken known for its ultra-crispy exterior and juicy interior. Often served as a side dish or in a set meal (teishoku), it is marinated in ginger, garlic, and halal-certified soy sauce before being dusted in potato starch and fried.

Trip guide

• About Tokyo
  About TokyoTokyo, historically known as Edo, serves as the capital of Japan and is situated on the Kanto Plain on Honshu island. The location transitioned from a fishing village to the seat of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603, eventually becoming the world's largest city by the mid-18th century with over one million residents.
• When to go
  When to goThe best months to visit Tokyo are March to May for cherry blossoms and October to November for vibrant autumn foliage and mild, pleasant temperatures. While spring and fall offer the most comfortable sightseeing weather, they are also the peak tourist seasons with the highest prices and largest crowds. For fewer crowds and lower costs, consider the off-peak winter months (January to February), which are cold but often clear and sunny.
• Getting around
  Getting around Tokyo

  • International Flights Most travelers arrive via Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Haneda is closer to the city center.
  • Trains and Subways Tokyo features a massive rail network including the JR Yamanote loop line and 13 subway lines. Using a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo is the most efficient way to pay.
  • Shinkansen (Bullet Train) If arriving from other Japanese cities like Osaka or Kyoto, the Shinkansen is the primary method.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Load a digital IC card like Suica or Pasmo onto your smartphone for seamless tap-and-go travel on all trains, subways, and buses.
  • Maintain a quiet environment on public transport by switching your phone to silent mode and avoiding phone calls or loud conversations.
  • Carry a small bag for your trash throughout the day, as public garbage cans are rare and locals are expected to take their litter home.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Tokyo

  • PokéPark Kanto: The world's first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park opening in February 2026 at Yomiuriland.
  • Takanawa Gateway City: A massive new 'smart city' district featuring MoN Takanawa (Museum of Narratives) and 53 Playable Park.
• Tokyo Chuo City Tourist Information Center↗
  Tokyo Chuo City Tourist Information CenterThe official tourism portal for Chuo City, Tokyo, providing information on Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Tsukiji, managed by the Chuo City Tourism Association.