Condé Nast Traveler in Tokyo: 10 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Tokyo

Must-try foods in Tokyo

• Edomae Sushi
  Edomae SushiThe quintessential Tokyo experience, characterized by vinegared rice and fresh seafood from Toyosu Market. While high-end omakase at places like Sushi Saito remains a pinnacle, 2026 trends see a rise in 'modern Edomae' like Sushi Sublime in Shibuya, which pairs traditional techniques with immersive digital art.
• Monjayaki
  MonjayakiTokyo's answer to okonomiyaki, originating from the Tsukishima district. This savory, runny pancake is cooked on a flat grill (teppan) and eaten with a tiny spatula. It is a communal, messy, and deeply local soul food often customized with mentaiko (pollock roe) and cheese.
• Yakitori
  YakitoriSkewered chicken grilled over binchotan charcoal. From the smoky 'Memory Lane' (Omoide Yokocho) in Shinjuku to Michelin-starred spots like Torioka, it is a staple of Tokyo nightlife. Locals look for 'rare' cuts like hatsu (heart) or nankotsu (cartilage) for authentic texture.
• Tempura
  TempuraA refined art in Tokyo, where seafood and seasonal vegetables are encased in a gossamer-thin, golden batter. Traditional shops in Asakusa like Sansada have served it for over a century, focusing on the natural sweetness of the ingredients and a light, non-greasy finish.
• Gyukatsu
  GyukatsuA relatively modern Tokyo obsession, this deep-fried beef cutlet (typically wagyu) is served rare with a breaded crust. Diners at hotspots like Gyukatsu Motomura use small individual stone grills at their table to sear each slice to their preferred doneness.
• Mitarashi Dango
  Mitarashi DangoA beloved street food snack found near temples like Senso-ji in Asakusa. These chewy rice flour dumplings are skewered, lightly charred, and glazed in a sweet and salty soy sauce syrup, representing the perfect balance of traditional Japanese confectionery.

Trip guide

• About Tokyo
  About TokyoTokyo, located on the eastern coast of Honshu, transitioned from a fishing village named Edo to the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the city was renamed Tokyo, meaning "Eastern Capital," and became the official residence of the Imperial Family.
• 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 spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather, they are peak tourist seasons with higher prices and significant crowds, especially during late March and the "Golden Week" holidays in early May. For lower costs and fewer crowds, consider the off-peak winter months (January to February) or the hot, humid summer.
• Getting around
  Getting around Tokyo

  • International Air Travel Most travelers arrive via Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Haneda is closer to the city center.
  • Trains and Subways Tokyo features an extensive rail network including the JR Yamanote loop line and 13 subway lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei. These run with extreme punctuality and are the most efficient way to navigate the.
  • Prepaid IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo) Essential for seamless travel, these rechargeable cards allow you to tap-and-go on virtually all trains, subways.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Carry a small bag for your trash as public bins are rare and littering is strictly discouraged.
  • Maintain silence on public transport by keeping conversations low and avoiding phone calls.
  • Do not leave a tip at restaurants or for services, as it is not part of the culture and may be politely refused.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Tokyo

  • PokéPark Kanto: The world's first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park opening at Yomiuriland, featuring immersive zones like 'Pokémon Forest'.
  • Tokyo Dream Park: A massive new entertainment hub in Ariake hosting major concerts, pop-culture events, and a permanent Doraemon exhibition.
• 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.