24 Pictures That Prove Tokyo Is The Ultimate Place For Food Lovers

For a food trip that's both delicious and quirky, look no further than the electric city of Tokyo!

So other than it being one of the most beautiful places on this dang planet...

Feast your eyes on the wondrous tree-lined streets of Ueno Park.

...Tokyo also offers one of the world's most deliciously exciting dining experiences.

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Roaming the bustling streets of Tokyo, you'll find so much more than just sushi.

1. Here you'll find a diverse variety of cuisines that cater to the most adventurous of foodies to the foodies who are on the more modest end of the spectrum.

It's a whirlwind for your eyes and taste buds with food stalls, bakeries, restaurants, and little cafés serving up mysterious dishes you've definitely never seen before.

2. Since Tokyo started out as a small fishing village over 560 years ago, you can expect there to be a wide array of options for those who crave seafood.

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For an ~extra fancy~ seafood experience you can try beautifully handcrafted sashimi.

For the adventurous foodie:

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For must-see markets, you can visit a variety that specialize in fresh fish, like the Toyosu Market — here you can spectate the famous tuna auctions from a viewing platform. But if you're looking to get more up close and personal, you can visit the Adachi and Ota markets, where you can purchase assorted seafood right on the street.

For the modest foodie:

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If street seafood isn't quite your style, nigiri-zushi, the most popular type of sushi in Japan, consists of a piece of seafood placed onto a bite-size block of rice. You can find it at budget-friendly sushi joints or splurge for it at fancy Michelin-starred restaurants.

3. For fried food that rivals that of the States, the variety of delicious options in Tokyo are basically endless.

If you're a fan of fried comfort food, get ready to die and go straight to heaven...

For the adventurous foodie:

For a tasty street food favorite: Takoyaki contains diced octopus fried in circular molds of batter, topped with a special mayo and Worcestershire-like sauce with other seasonings. Yep, don't say we didn't warn you!

For the modest foodie:

Now, if a chicken schnitzel is your jam, you're sure to enjoy tonkatsu (left), aka pork cutlets. They're breaded to perfection, and the meat is tender and cut into crispy, thin slices.

For a vegetarian-friendly option, try some tempura (right), in which colorful vegetables are coated in a light and crispy batter.

4. Known for their exquisite presentation, food spots in Tokyo create super-'grammable treats that almost look too cute to eat.

Bento in the form of adorable bears? Check.

For the adventurous foodie:

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If you're feeling ~fruity~, opt for the appropriately named chocobanana (left) for a banana dipped in chocolate that's as delicious as it is colorful.

For a dish that's snappable and snackable, taiyaki (right) has a tasty red bean filling and is served in a super-cute fish-shaped wafer.

For the modest foodie:

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If you don't fancy something quite as zany in color and taste, you can opt for an animal-themed ice cream parfait that's adorably delicious.

5. We can't talk about Tokyo without mentioning the mouthwatering noodles that are delectable served hot and cold.

Colorfully served, a soothing bowl of noodles always hits the spot.

For the adventurous foodie:

If you prefer a chilled noodle, you can go for the soba variety, more commonly known as buckwheat noodles, without a broth. The dipping sauce used in Tokyo traditionally is relatively thick, and diners are encouraged to lightly dip their noodles in it.

For the modest foodie:

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A dish that should definitely not have the same name as the stuff you made in your college dorm room, authentic Japanese ramen consists of perfectly cooked noodles soaked in a rich flavorful broth and is typically paired with a meat like butter-soft pork belly.

6. Magically sweet, Tokyo has dessert offerings that are unique and basically what dreams are made of.

Vibrant colors, sweet drizzles, and flavorful toppings... We're not drooling; you are!

For the adventurous foodie:

If you like for your sweet treats to match your surroundings, hanami dango will be right up your alley! A Japanese dumpling made from mochiko (rice flour), it comes in three colors that correspond with the cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring.

For the modest foodie:

Since Tokyo is pretty hot on international dining, you'll find a variety of cuisines inspired from overseas. Crêpe delicacies may be familiar to you, but Japanese-style crêpes are unique and popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

7. And why not explore the various themed dining attractions, where the food is no longer the main event.

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Here you'll find restaurants that have features from the future, which may or may not involve machines as your servers.

For the adventurous foodie:

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In Shibuya, you can dine in with robots that run a restaurant. Yep, you heard us correctly: There's a restaurant that is run by robots. You pick your sushi of choice on a tablet, and they'll deliver it right to your seat. The food is great, and the unique experience is definitely one to write home about.

For the modest foodie:

For a change in pace, enjoy a moment of quiet with cha-no-yu, where matcha tea is prepared during a tranquil tea ceremony that's a cultural highlight. The ceremony has a set of practices, etiquette, and characteristics that set it apart from other experiences you'll have in Tokyo.

Images sourced from Getty, unless otherwise stated.

No matter what kind of foodie you are, don't just take our word for it — discover how you can experience the taste of Tokyo for yourself!