Josh Slavin in Tokyo: 3 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Tokyo

Must-try foods in Tokyo

• Halal Wagyu Gyukatsu
  Halal Wagyu GyukatsuDeep-fried breaded beef cutlets that are served rare and finished by the diner on a personal stone grill. This trendy dish has seen a rise in halal availability through 2026, particularly at specialty shops like Shinjuku-tei in major tourist hubs.
• Fish-Broth Ramen (Seafood Ramen)
  Fish-Broth Ramen (Seafood Ramen)A lighter alternative to meat-based broths, focusing on umami from dried fish and shellfish. Menya Kaijin in Shinjuku is a popular 'Muslim-friendly' iconic spot in 2026, famous for its clear, flavorful seafood soup and handmade fish balls.
• Halal Japanese Curry
  Halal Japanese CurryA thick, savory curry served over rice, differing from Indian styles with its sweeter, milder profile. The Halal-certified CoCo Ichibanya branches (notably in Shinjuku and Akihabara) are staples for 2026 travelers looking for this iconic comfort food.
• Halal Cream Daifuku
  Halal Cream DaifukuA modern twist on a traditional sweet, consisting of soft mochi stuffed with red bean paste and halal-certified whipped cream. These have become a viral dessert hit in 2026, frequently found at Ramen Honolu's new Asakusa outlet.
• Halal Chinese-Japanese Fusion
  Halal Chinese-Japanese FusionTokyo has seen a 2026 surge in 'Muslim Hanten'—Chinese-style Japanese diners. These spots, like Tokyo Muslim Hanten (verified June 2026), serve halal-compliant versions of Gyoza (dumplings) and Mapo Tofu that are otherwise hard to find for Muslim diners.

Trip guide

• About Tokyo
  About TokyoTokyo, historically known as Edo, serves as the administrative and cultural center of Japan. The city transitioned from a small castle town to a major metropolis during the Edo period (1603–1867), a time characterized by prolonged stability and the formalization of social hierarchies under the Tokugawa shogunate.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Tokyo is during spring (late March to April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October to November) for vibrant foliage and mild, pleasant temperatures. While summer is peak festival season, it is often oppressively hot and humid, whereas winter offers the best value and clear views of Mount Fuji despite the cold. To avoid the largest crowds and highest prices.
• Getting around
  Getting around Tokyo

  • International Air Travel (Narita and Haneda) Most visitors arrive via Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), which offer extensive rail connections like the Narita Express or Tokyo Monorail directly into the city center.
  • Tokyo Subway and JR Train Network The city is best navigated using the highly efficient JR Yamanote Loop Line and the interconnected Tokyo Metro and Toei subway systems, which cover nearly every major district and tourist attraction.
  • IC Cards (Suica and Pasmo) To travel seamlessly, visitors use rechargeable IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, which allow for tap-and-go entry on almost all trains, buses, and even payments at many convenience stores throughout the city.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase a digital Suica or Pasmo card on your phone for seamless transit payments and convenience store purchases.
  • Stand on the left side of escalators and keep noise levels to a minimum while using public transportation.
  • Carry a small bag for your trash as public waste bins are rare, and always separate recyclables at designated stations.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Tokyo

  • Michelin 'New' Additions: A fresh wave of 10 restaurants recently added to the MICHELIN Guide Tokyo as of September 16, 2026, including Sefino (Mediterranean).
  • Kaifan Tokyo: A viral modern Chinese 'open rice' concept that opened in Hiroo in August 2026.
• Visit Chiyoda↗
  Visit ChiyodaThe official tourism website of Chiyoda City, providing information on the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, and local cultural events in central Tokyo.