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Japanese SushiTsukiji
Sushizanmai Honten in Tokyo's Tsukiji is the 24-hour sushi flagship Kiyoshi Kimura built after winning the auction tuna in 2013. Counter, tables, sashimi.
OrderThe maguro-zukushi tuna selection plate; otoro lunchtime is the value play.
TipOpen 24 hours daily. Late-night counter seating is the easiest. The Tsukiji Outer Market is on the corner.
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Japanese TonkatsuShinjuku
Katsukura Shinjuku in Tokyo Takashimaya is the Kyoto tonkatsu chain's department-store branch. Tableside sesame-grinding ritual, sauces blended to taste.
OrderKurobuta rosu set with cabbage refills and the grind-your-own sesame sauce.
TipInside Takashimaya Times Square dining floor. Open 11:00-22:00; weekend dinners queue 30 minutes.
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Japanese IzakayaNishi Azabu
Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu in Tokyo is the wood-beamed izakaya famous as the Kill Bill restaurant inspiration. Yakitori, soba and a dramatic two-floor room.
OrderMixed yakitori platter, soba and an Asahi pilsner.
TipReservations recommended. Open daily 11:30-03:30. Lunch sets are calmer and cheaper than dinner.
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Japanese RamenHarajuku
Afuri Harajuku in Tokyo is the Yamagata-Kochi yuzu-ramen chain's brightest branch, with a vegan yuzu-shio bowl on the same menu. Open 11:00-23:00 daily.
OrderYuzu shio ramen with chashu and ajitama egg; the vegan version is the equal pick.
TipCashless vending-machine ordering. Tucked behind Tokyu Plaza Omotesando.
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JapaneseTsukishima
Kondo Monjayaki Tsukishima in Tokyo is the canonical Monja Street counter, on the alley that built the Tokyo style. Mentai-mochi monja is the local order.
OrderMentai-mochi (cod-roe and mochi) monjayaki, cooked tableside.
TipClosed Mondays. Cash and major cards. Tsukishima station exit 7 lands on Monja Street.
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JapaneseToyosu
Yoshinoya Branch No. 1 followed the fish merchants from Tsukiji to Toyosu Market in 2018: 5am beef bowls under 500 yen, same noren, same counter ritual.
OrderGyudon beef bowl with extra red pickled ginger and a raw egg.
TipOpen 5am-1pm to match the fish market shifts; counter seating turns fast.