Joshua Ng in Tokyo: 4 Spots From the Video

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Tokyo

Must-try foods in Tokyo

• Edomae Sushi
  Edomae SushiThe quintessential Tokyo experience, characterized by vinegared rice paired with seasonal seafood treated with traditional techniques like marinating in soy sauce or simmering. In 2026, the scene is defined by a mix of high-end Ginza counters like 'Sushi Shin' and accessible yet high-quality standing bars in the Toyosu and Tsukiji outer markets.
• Tokyo Shoyu Ramen
  Tokyo Shoyu RamenA classic clear, soy sauce-based broth typically made from chicken and seafood dashi. While traditional spots remain beloved, 2026 trends see 'Jikasei Mensho' and other innovative shops leading the 'New Wave' ramen movement, focusing on premium domestic ingredients and house-made noodles with refined, complex flavor profiles.
• Monjayaki
  MonjayakiTokyo's answer to okonomiyaki, this savory pancake from the Tsukishima district has a much runnier consistency. Diners grill it themselves on a hot teppan, scraping the crispy, caramelized bits (the best part) off the grill with tiny spatulas. It remains a social, iconic street-food-turned-restaurant staple.
• Yakitori
  YakitoriSkewered chicken grilled over binchotan charcoal. From the smoky 'Piss Alley' (Omoide Yokocho) in Shinjuku to Michelin-recognized boutiques like 'Nodaiwa', yakitori represents Tokyo's transition from casual salaryman after-work fuel to a highly refined culinary art form.
• Fruit Sando
  Fruit SandoA visually stunning sandwich made of fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan), whipped cream, and perfectly ripe seasonal fruits like strawberries or Shine Muscat grapes. This 'TikTok-viral' staple has evolved in 2026 into high-end dessert boutiques in areas like Omotesando and Ginza.
• Matcha Mont Blanc
  Matcha Mont BlancA trending 2026 dessert where threads of rich matcha-infused chestnut purée are pressed fresh over a base of sponge cake or meringue. Shops in Asakusa and Shibuya have popularized this 'pressed-to-order' style, making it as much a performance as it is a decadent sweet treat.

Trip guide

• About Tokyo
  About TokyoTokyo, formerly known as Edo, is the capital of Japan and its most populous metropolis. The city's historical heritage is centered on its transition from a small fishing village to the political center of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603, and subsequently to the imperial capital in 1868.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Tokyo are during spring (March to April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October to November) for vibrant foliage and mild, pleasant temperatures. While summer is hot and humid and winter is chilly, these shoulder seasons offer the most comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing. Peak crowds and higher prices occur during late March and the early May "Golden Week.
• Getting around
  Getting around Tokyo

  • International Air Travel (Narita and Haneda) Most visitors arrive via Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), which are connected to central Tokyo by the high-speed Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, or the efficient Tokyo Monorail system.
  • Tokyo Subway and JR Train Network The city is best navigated using the extensive JR Yamanote Loop Line and the interconnected Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines; travelers should use a rechargeable IC card like Suica or Pasmo for seamless tap-and-go.
  • Shinkansen (Bullet Train) For those traveling to Tokyo from other Japanese cities like Osaka or Kyoto, the Shinkansen arrives at Tokyo or Shinagawa stations, offering high-speed, punctual service that is often faster than domestic flying.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase a digital Suica or Pasmo card on your phone for seamless tap-to-pay travel on all trains, buses, and at most convenience stores.
  • Stand on the left side of escalators and keep the right side clear for people walking past, except in the Osaka region where the rule is reversed.
  • Carry a small bag for your trash throughout the day, as public garbage cans are extremely rare outside of convenience stores and train stations.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Tokyo

  • PokéPark Kanto: The world's first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, featuring immersive natural zones and interactive 'Pokémon Forest' exploration.
  • Takanawa Gateway City: A massive new 'smart city' district opening with futuristic landmarks like MoN (Museum of Narratives) and a Kengo Kuma-designed station.
• Koto City Tourism Association↗
  Koto City Tourism AssociationThe official tourism website for Koto City, Tokyo, providing information on local attractions, events, and the unique blend of traditional and modern culture.