Mao Goto is a Japanese freelancer who was born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. Since 2016 she lives in the Taito Ward, home to a lot of Japanese culture hotspots such as Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. She has been interested in the field of English education in Japan and got her Master’s degree in March 2020. A lover of photography, travel, sweets, and cross-stitch. Contact her via Facebook.
This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.
One of the things you’ll definitely want to do when you come to Tokyo is savor a delicious meal. Tokyo’s gourmet scene is characterized by diversity and sophistication. While respecting the traditions of Japanese cuisine, it has evolved in its own unique way with international influences. The city is a gourmet treasure trove of ingredients and seasonings from all over the world. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cuisines, from sushi and ramen to street food. 24-hour restaurants offer the opportunity to enjoy a meal at any time of the day to accommodate Tokyo’s busy lifestyle. They are a favorite among business people who work late into the night (locals and tourists are also fans of this feature). In this article, we will introduce some of the best 24-hour restaurants in Tokyo that are open 24 hours a day and are full of attractions.
1. Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza
One of the most popular Japanese foods is gyoza. Its taste is exceptional when eaten with beer. Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza is a gyoza specialty restaurant just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Once you step inside, you will be impressed by the interior design, which is reminiscent of the fire brigade of the Edo period. The outside of the gyoza is crispy, and when you bite into a gyoza, the hot soup spreads out from the inside. The dashi flavor that spreads over your tongue at that moment is truly a taste of surprise and delight.
Official Website: Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza (Only in Japanese)
2. Ichiran
Ichiran is a chain of Hakata tonkotsu ramen restaurants that has garnered significant attention in Japan and abroad. Ichiran’s tonkotsu soup stands out for its unique attention to detail. The soup is slowly extracted from 100% pork bones and is packed with the mellow aroma and deep flavor of natural tonkotsu. The richness of the soup is truly a concentrated flavor. The red sauce that floats on top of the white soup is Ichiran’s secret recipe. Based on chili peppers, more than 30 carefully selected ingredients are exquisitely blended and then laid down to mature, resulting in a deep flavor.
The best part is that there are Ichiran locations dotted across the country, so you’re sure to be able to find one near you! That said, not all Ichiran locations are open 24/7 (though many are) and you can always check their handy store information to see the hours of each store.
Official Website: Ichiran
(This is the popular Shibuya location that is open 24 hours, but there are many more locations all throughout Tokyo and beyond!)
3. Gyoza Sakaba
Looking for a lively, no-fuss gyoza experience? Gyoza Sakaba is where it’s at! This 24-hour izakaya is perfect for a casual bite, especially after a night on the town. With locations throughout Tokyo, it’s tasty, cheap, and convenient. They’re famous for their mega-sized drinks and a gyoza menu that goes way beyond the ordinary with grilled, boiled, fried, and even some adventurous flavors. Plus, their Chinese dishes are generous and full of flavor.
4. Yakiniku Gen-Chan (Shinjuku)
Shinjuku, with its bright neon lights and lively atmosphere, is a symbolic place. Yakiniku Genchan operates in the thick of Shinjuku and is a yakiniku specialty restaurant that serves the finest beef. Here, exceptional meat has been carefully selected, and there is a piece of flavor heaven in every bite. Not only the meat but also the a la carte dishes are part of its charm. The spicy fresh taste of kimchi and the rich Korean-style soup go perfectly with yakiniku.
Official Website: Yakiniku Gen-Chan
5. Sushi Zanmai
Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese dishes overseas. Sushizanmai is a popular sushi chain where you can enjoy delicious handmade sushi at numerous locations throughout Japan, two of which are open 24 hours. Chefs at Sushizanmai offer fresh fish over the counter, and the sushi is prepared with great skill and care. Their reasonable prices make it easy to enjoy sushi with family, friends, or even alone.
Official Website: Sushi Zanmai (24-hour locations: Tsukiji Honten in Tokyo and Ebisu-bashi in Osaka)
6. Chinese Cafe Eight
If you want authentic Chinese cuisine in Tokyo, Chinese Cafe Eight is an outstanding choice. This specialty restaurant has several locations in Japan and, as the name implies, is a sought-after place to enjoy the flavors of China to the fullest. True to their motto, “serving as much authentic Chinese flavor as possible,” they have kept the authentic taste. The authentic cooking methods and ingredients are carefully preserved without altering the flavors to suit Japanese tastes. This restaurant also offers an extensive dim sum and lunch menu, allowing diners to choose according to their dining style and preferences.
Official Website: Chinese Cafe Eight
7. Ramen Nagi (Shinjuku Golden Gai Honkan)
One restaurant that tickles Tokyo’s gourmet fans is Ramen Nagi. The charm of this restaurant lies in its ramen, which is concentrated with the flavor of niboshi (dried sardines) and served with niboshi broth. Ramen Nagi started out with a small space of only 3.5 square meters but has expanded due to its reputation and now caters to a large number of customers. One bite of the ramen will leave you with a deep taste of niboshi and a real sense of satisfaction.
Official Website: Ramen Nagi
8. Osakaya
Osakaya is a long-established okonomiyaki restaurant with a history spanning over 40 years, located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district. Osakaya’s okonomiyaki is made with a recipe that combines kombu dashi and yam to perfection. The flavor of the kelp broth and the texture of the yam combine perfectly to create a fluffy texture that fills the mouth. Each bite has a rich taste and an exceptional experience that can only be found here. Osakaya is loved by many locals as a place where they can stop by for a moment after work or when hungry.
Official Website: Osakaya
9. Hamonishokudou
Located in Shinjuku, Hamonishokudo is a restaurant specializing in Korean cuisine that offers the finest tastes of Korean food. The restaurant’s simple yet sophisticated interior, with black as its base color, accentuates the modern impression of the restaurant. Spending time here is like enjoying the urban atmosphere of Korea. You can fully enjoy the taste of luxurious Korean cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Hamoni-Shokudo is proud of its yakiniku, which is made from meat that has never been frozen to bring out the best flavors. The ingredients and taste of the carefully selected ingredients continue to captivate the palates of food connoisseurs. The variety of homemade, seasoned a la carte dishes will surely surprise you.
Official Website: Hamonishokudou
10. Fast Food Chains (Sukiya, Matsuya, etc.)
Japanese cities are bustling with activity at all hours of the day and night. Some Japanese fast food chains, in particular, offer unique dining experiences to foreign visitors to Japan through their 24-hour and late-night hours. Matsuya and Sukiya are such prime examples.
Want to explore Tokyo’s nightlife with an expert guide and instant friends? Don’t miss the Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour!
In this article, we introduced 10 recommended 24-hour restaurants in Tokyo. Which ones will you add to your list?
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy traveling!
Subscribe to our newsletter!
