The busy, on-the-go lifestyle of the people living in the metropolis of Tokyo is made possible by the simple fact that all areas of Tokyo are easily accessible by train or bus. The Japan railway system is efficient. but at times can be a bit overwhelming to tourists. Despite this, there are many grub hubs where people can grab food while they're on the go in Tokyo. Tokyo Station is the epitome of convenience, with a mix of commerce, shopping, and food for people who either need a quick bite or those who have extra time to spend and behold the architecture, sights, and tastes of the station.
Where to Eat in Tokyo Station
Here are three great places to grab a bite in Tokyo Station!
- Tokyo Ramen Street
- Japan Gourmet Street (Nippon, Gourmet Highway)
- Tokyo Station's Kitchen Street
1. Tokyo Ramen Street
Ramen is booming in Japan, and Tokyo Station houses several of the best ramen shops at the Tokyo Ramen Street, located by Tokyo Station's Yaesu South Exit. Whether you're craving the traditional shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) ramen, or prefer a more contemporary twist to this classic Japanese dish, one can never go wrong with the options available at Tokyo Ramen Street. We've thoroughly covered all of the Tokyo Ramen Street shops in Tokyo Ramen Street: 8 of the Best Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo. These ramen restaurants are usually open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and they're so popular that queues can get quite long.
Here's a quick overview of a few options on Tokyo Ramen Street. For those with intense tsukemen craving in Tokyo Station, head to Rokurinsha, though the wait time can be a bit long. At Ikaruga, you can enjoy a contemporary take on ramen, like their three-cheese maze soba, while Oreshiki Jun is best known for its tonkotsu ramen broth. Chuka soba, anyone? Soranoiro Nippon is the place to be. And Senmon Hirugao combines the taste of chicken and seafood broth and Hokkaido noodles.
2. Japan Gourmet Street (Nippon, Gourmet Highway)
Wondering what to eat in Tokyo Station and not in the mood for ramen? Aside from Tokyo Ramen Street, Japan Gourmet Street (also known as "Nippon, Gourmet Highway") is another place to grab a bite to eat near Tokyo Station, lined with specialty stores selling regional foods. Without even setting foot on a train or plane, you can immerse yourself in the cuisines and flavors of a variety of areas in Japan. Japan Gourmet Street has stores representing Hakodate, Sendai, Yokohama, Toyama, Hiroshima, Hakata, Kagoshima, and Shikoku.
Located in First Avenue Tokyo Station, Tokyo's underground shopping strip, Japan Gourmet Street is neighbored by little boutiques, gift shops, and a huge collection of character shops known as Tokyo Character Street. Those looking for the "Jewel of Toyama Bay" need not look further, for this white shrimp delicacy is the premier dish of Toyama Shiroebitei. Meanwhile, Tachigui Sushi Kantaro, a famous sushi bar from Hokkaido which serves superb sushi, has found its home in the labyrinthine Tokyo Station.
3. Tokyo Station's Kitchen Street
Then, there is also Kitchen Street, a smorgasbord of izakayas, sushi houses, and dessert places that will leave your cravings satisfied. Highly recommended for some real fruity-licious goodness is Kajitsuen, which serves fruit parfaits and sweets for those looking for healthier options. To stock up on candies and snacks to cure your sweet tooth, rush to Okashi Land and get your dose of sugar from top confectioners: Morinaga, Calbee, and Glico. Tokyo Station's Kitchen Street also offers rich and fragrant Hakata ramen at Hakata Umauma, delicious Halal-friendly curry at Dompierre Express Curry, and warm and comforting ochazuke (rice porridge steeped in tea) with plenty of toppings and side options at Ochazuke Dainingu Saraku.
Home to the Tokyo Ramen Street, Japan Gourmet Street, and Kitchen Street, the sprawling Tokyo Station offers an immense variety of options for foodies. With an enormous variety of options concerning what to eat in Tokyo Station, you'll be spoiled for choice. Tokyo Station's grandeur is noticeable not only in its architecture but also in its intricate web of shops, boutiques, and restaurants housed under its roof. It mirrors the busy, go-getter nature of Tokyoites, who may opt to work hard yet know how to take a break and enjoy a hearty meal and a drink at the end of the day.
Watch as Sonny and Shizuka try rare Sendai specialties like chicken sashimi or tag along as Shizuka bar hops through Harmonica Yokocho!
