Tokyo Restaurants 2026: 5 Must-Try Eateries in Shibuya, Ueno & Asakusa
Planning your 2026 Tokyo trip? Dive into our guide to 5 must-try restaurants, featuring Shibuya's Koshitantan, Ueno's best tonkatsu, and Asakusa monjayaki!
Loading...
Planning your 2026 Tokyo trip? Dive into our guide to 5 must-try restaurants, featuring Shibuya's Koshitantan, Ueno's best tonkatsu, and Asakusa monjayaki!
Hello everyone, this is Miyalog.
When you're traveling in Tokyo, finding great restaurants is just as important as shopping, right?
Especially in Tokyo, with so many options available,
it can be quite challenging to decide where to go.
For me, when I travel, if even one meal isn't satisfying,
it tends to make the whole day feel a bit regrettable,
so this time, I paid extra attention to choosing my restaurants.
I've personally visited five fantastic Tokyo eateries,
and I'll organize them by area for you.
1. Koshitantan
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 11:30 AM ~ 2:00 PM
6:00 PM ~ 11:00 PM
Sat, Holidays: 5:00 PM ~ 10:00 PM
Closed Sundays / Cash Payment Only
Koshitantan, famous as a Shibuya foodie spot,
is especially known for its Chicken Nanban, so I made sure to visit.
It's perfectly located to drop by after visiting Shibuya PARCO or HUMAN MADE.
Lunch is only served on weekdays,
and during lunchtime, it's packed with office workers, so expect a wait.
Their signature Chicken Nanban set meal (1,300 yen) is
the epitome of crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Even with a generous amount of tartar sauce, it's not greasy at all,
which made me understand why it's such a popular Chicken Nanban spot in Tokyo.
It's on a whole different level compared to the Chicken Nanban you find in Korean izakayas,
I actually caught a "Chicken Nanban level-up syndrome" after trying it!
The Harami set meal (1,400 yen) also had a wonderful charcoal aroma,
and with a touch of wasabi, it finished clean and refreshing,
leaving me completely satisfied.
While the Chicken Nanban set meal is the most famous,
their other dishes also have a strong foundation of quality.
They often close early if they run out of ingredients,
so I recommend visiting with plenty of time.
2. Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku Branch
Opening Hours
Daily: 10:00 AM ~ 10:00 PM
Card and Cash Payments Accepted
This is a famous Tokyo Tonkotsu ramen spot in Harajuku.
After singer Sung Si-kyung featured it on his YouTube channel,
it's become quite popular with Korean visitors.
Even if there's a queue, the turnover is quick,
so the wait wasn't too long.
Their signature Mentaiko Ramen features rich Tonkotsu broth
with mentaiko (pollock roe) added, bringing out a fantastic umami flavor.
The combination of mentaiko and ramen is quite unique,
and for those who love Kyushu-style Tonkotsu ramen,
I highly recommend it.
Since I'm not a big fan of mentaiko myself,
I ordered the basic Tonkotsu Ramen.
If mentaiko isn't your thing,
the basic Tonkotsu is incredibly delicious and highly recommended.
3. Tonkatsu Yamabe
Daily: 11:00 AM ~ 2:45 PM
5:00 PM ~ 9:00 PM
Cash Payment Only
With 3,583 Google reviews
and maintaining a stellar 4.3-star rating,
this Tokyo tonkatsu restaurant is so popular that even locals line up for a taste!
It's just one stop away from Akihabara Station,
and its location makes it a great place to visit
before or after exploring Ueno's Ameyoko shopping street.
Just a 2-minute walk from Ueno Okachimachi Station,
we arrived 30 minutes before opening,
and there was already a queue!
I love cuts with a bit of fat,
so I ordered the Rosu (loin) Katsu Set.
The thick loin was incredibly juicy,
and it was a classic, perfectly executed tonkatsu –
a truly satisfying meal with no regrets.
My boyfriend opted for the Hire (tenderloin) Katsu Set.
Hire is known for being leaner, offering a clean, light flavor
and a wonderfully tender texture.
If you prefer less fat, I definitely recommend the Hire!
TIP
The set meal includes tonkatsu, shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup.
The portions of rice and tonkatsu are quite generous,
so I recommend ordering the standard set.
Just a heads-up: your clothes might pick up a bit of the frying smell after your meal.
4. Ramen Tatsunoya Shinjuku Otakibashidōri
Operating Hours
Daily: 11:00 ~ 22:00
Card and cash payments accepted
This is a famous Tokyo tsukemen restaurant near Shinjuku Station.
True to its reputation as a ramen battleground,
this spot is on a street lined with famous ramen joints
like Ebisoba Ichigen and Menya Musashi.
It's also conveniently located just a 5-minute walk
from Shinjuku Station's West Exit.
What I ordered was the Offal Tsukemen Special Set,
which is only available here.
It's served by dipping chewy noodles
into a rich tonkotsu-based broth.
While the idea of black tsukemen broth with offal
might seem a little unusual at first,
it's a place I make sure to visit every time I'm in Tokyo!
5. Tsukishima Monja Daruma Asakusa Branch
Operating Hours
Daily: 10:30 ~ 22:30
Card and cash payments accepted
While Tsukishima Monja Kuuya is famous among tourists,
this time, I visited Monja Daruma Asakusa Branch
with my Japanese friend.
My foodie friend, who often comes here, highly recommended it,
so I trusted their taste and followed along!
It's near Sensoji Temple and Skytree,
making it a great stop after sightseeing in Asakusa.
Most of the customers were locals,
and a line even started forming while we were eating.
The staff were incredibly friendly too, which made the experience even better.
The visual might be a bit surprising at first glance,
but the portions were generous enough for three of us to share.
If you're looking for a Monjayaki spot in Asakusa that's popular with locals,
I highly recommend checking this place out.
On this Tokyo independent trip,
I explored a variety of local delights, from Shibuya Chicken Nanban and Harajuku Ramen,
to Ueno Tonkatsu, Shinjuku Tsukemen,
and even Asakusa Monjayaki.
If you're on a Tokyo free and easy trip
and looking for great restaurants in different areas,
save this post and visit them according to your itinerary!
The Chicken Nanban set meal at Koshitantan is 1,300 yen, and the Harami set meal is 1,400 yen. This restaurant only accepts cash payments. During weekday lunch hours, there can be long waits due to office workers, and they may close early if ingredients run out.
The large Rosukatsu set meal at Tonkatsu Yamabe is 1,150 yen, and the large Hirekatsu set meal is 1,400 yen. Rosukatsu is characterized by its thick, juicy pork loin, while Hirekatsu is known for being lean, light, and having a tender texture.
The Mentaiko Ramen at Kyushu Jangara Ramen is 1,340 yen. It is characterized by its rich tonkotsu broth enhanced with mentaiko, bringing out a savory umami flavor.
Tsukishima Monja Daruma Asakusa branch is conveniently located near Sensoji Temple and Skytree, making it a great stop after sightseeing in Asakusa. Most of its customers are locals, and it's so popular that there are often waits even during meal times.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Looking for the easiest way to get from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku? Read our 2026 Haneda Limousine Bus review for booking tips, prices, and boarding guides.
Planning a trip to Mount Fuji? This Tokyo day tour review covers the best photo spots, itinerary, and budget tips for an unforgettable 2026 adventure.
Maximize your Tokyo adventure in 2026! Learn how to book, exchange, and use the Tokyo Metro Pass to save money and time on unlimited subway rides across the city.
Experience the magic of Tokyo with breathtaking Tokyo Tower views from your room at Remm Roppongi. Our honest review reveals why this hotel is a top pick for value.
Planning a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo? Learn how to book cheap Harry Potter Tokyo tickets, compare deals, and claim exclusive promo codes!
Discover Meat Man in Roppongi, Tokyo's trendiest yakitori spot. Get insider reservation tips, English menu details, and our honest review of this local gem.
Jidoriya Koshitantan · Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 10−2 新東京ビル 1F
Kyushu Jangara Ramen Harajuku · Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 Chome−13−21 １Ｆ
Tonkatsu Yamabe Okachimachi · 6 Chome-2-6 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Ramen Tatsunoya Shinjuku Otakibashidōri · Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7 Chome−4−5 冨士野ビル 1F
月島もんじゃ だるま 浅草店 · Japan, 〒1100032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 1 Chome−20−12 もんじゃ お好み焼き
Tokyo Harry Potter Studio Admission Ticket Booking, Opening Hours, and Review
Tokyo Station Restaurant Hibiya Matsumoto-Ro: Review of a 100-Year-Old Western-Style Restaurant for Lunch