Welcome to Tokyo

Ekibenya Matsuri

Part of the ritual of riding a shinkansen (bullet train) is enjoying a bento and green tea (or sake if you like), while taking in the view. Located inside of Tokyo Station, Ekibenya Matsuri offers about 170 regional ekiben (“eki” for station and “ben” short for bento box) brought in from throughout Japan, an excellent chance to enjoy a range of regional Japanese flavors. The colorful selection includes rice topped with sashimi, wagyu beef, or yakitori grilled chicken skewers, and there is even a gyutan beef tongue bento that contains a warming device activated by a pull-string, allowing you to enjoy a hot meal on your journey. The shop opens at 5:30 a.m. for anyone catching an early train.

Address:

Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1, JR Tokyo Station, 1階

Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Pelican Cafe

Pelican Bakery has been baking white bread since 1942. The bread is so popular that all orders must be placed in advance for the privilege of purchasing a loaf. Pelican Café, which recently opened down the street from the bakery, is a chance for more people to try the sought-after bread. The menu focuses on toast and sandwiches, including a thick-cut ham katsu and another composed of fresh fruit with whipped cream. There are also toasts topped with cheese, sweet adzuki beans and butter, or simply butter and jam. The cafe is often busy, mostly with young people. Pelican is near the famous Asakusa district, home of the Asakusa Shrine, making it an easy stop for sightseers.

Address:

Japan, 〒111-0042 Tokyo, Taito City, Kotobuki, 3 Chome−9−11 1階

Tofuya Ukai

Built around a beautiful traditional garden, Tofuya Ukai’s low-rise complex of private rooms offers a glimpse of how Tokyo used to look and dine before the modern high-rise city developed. Multicourse meals include elaborate appetizers — like the specialty artisan bean curd served in hot pots in winter or chilled in summer — and culminate in servings of fish or meat grilled at the table.