Tokyo is a great place to enjoy washoku (traditional Japanese food). If you’re looking for a Tokyo restaurant washoku experience, you can try soba, kaiseki, tonkatsu, and more. Here are five top restaurants to visit!
1. Muromachi Sunaba – A Historic Soba Restaurant
🍽 Why go?
- One of the oldest soba restaurants in Tokyo (founded in 1869)
- Handmade soba with a rich flavor
- Quiet and traditional atmosphere
🌟 Must-try: Tenzaru Soba
This dish comes with crispy tempura and chilled soba noodles. You dip the noodles in a rich soy sauce-based broth. The shrimp tempura is especially delicious! This is a quintessential Tokyo restaurant experience to enjoy washoku.
📍 Location: 3 min walk from Mitsukoshimae Station
💰 Price: From ¥1,500～(10USD～)
📅 Reservation: Not needed (but it can be busy)
▶ Visit Official Site: Muromachi Sunaba
2. Ginza Kojyu – A Luxury Kaiseki Experience
🍽 Why go?
- A Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant
- Uses the best seasonal ingredients
- A perfect place for a special occasion
🌟 Must-try: Omakase Kaiseki
The chef prepares beautiful seasonal dishes that highlight natural flavors. The restaurant has a calm and elegant atmosphere, perfect for a special dinner. This highlights how a Tokyo restaurant can provide an exceptional washoku experience.
📍 Location: 5 min walk from Ginza Station
💰 Price: From ¥33,000 JPY (Approx. $220 USD)～
📅 Reservation: Required (book 1 month in advance!)
▶ Visit Official Site: Ginza Kojyu
3. Hiroan – A Calm Washoku Spot in Roppongi
🍽 Why go?
- A quiet and elegant restaurant
- High-quality washoku dishes
- Great for a relaxing lunch
🌟 Must-try: Gyū Sagari Teishoku (Beef Skirt Steak Set)
Hiroan serves two lunch sets: Beef Skirt Steak Set and Grilled Fish Set. The Beef Skirt Steak is lightly grilled and comes with wasabi soy sauce and a soft-boiled egg. The fish set is also a great choice. For a Tokyo restaurant washoku experience, Hiroan is a serene choice.
📍 Location: Roppongi, Tokyo
💰 Price: From ¥10,000 JPY～( 67USD)
📅 Reservation: Recommended
▶ Visit Official Site: Hiroan
4. Soujyu – A Hidden Washoku Restaurant in Ginza
🍽 Why go?
- A small but elegant washoku restaurant
- Uses fresh seasonal ingredients
- Affordable lunch set meals
🌟 Must-try: Lunch Set Meal
Soujyu offers delicious Japanese meals at reasonable prices. The seasonal set meals include a mix of fresh fish, rice, and soup. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great place for both locals and visitors. For an authentic Tokyo restaurant experience with washoku, Soujyu is ideal.
📍 Location: Ginza, Tokyo
💰 Price: From ¥12,000JPY (80 USD)～
📅 Reservation: Required
▶ Visit Official Site: Soujyu
5. Shinjuku Suzuya – The Best Tonkatsu in Town
🍽 Why go?
- Famous for crispy tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet)
- A unique dish that combines tonkatsu and broth
- Loved by both locals and tourists
🌟 Must-try: Tonkatsu Ochazuke
Shinjuku Suzuya’s tonkatsu ochazuke is a special dish. Instead of eating tonkatsu with rice, you pour warm broth over it. The crispy cutlet and the rich soup create a delicious mix of textures and flavors, a highlight of washoku in this part of Tokyo.
📍 Location: 3 min walk from Shinjuku Station
💰 Price: From ¥1,800(12 USD)～
📅 Reservation: Not needed (but long lines at lunch)
▶ Visit Official Site: Shinjuku Suzuya
FAQ
Washoku is Japanese food. It includes sushi, tempura, soba, and kaiseki. In 2013, UNESCO said washoku is special culture.
Prices are different. Soba or tonkatsu costs ¥1,500–¥3,000. But kaiseki is ¥10,000–¥30,000 or more. Check the menu before going to a washoku restaurant in Tokyo.
Yes! Many washoku restaurants in Tokyo have English menus. Some staff speak English. But some old restaurants do not have English menus. Checking online before you go is helpful.