Takashimaya Times Square depachika in Tokyo's Shinjuku is the south-side department-store basement. 70 counters of bento, wagashi and French patisserie.
Tip: Less crowded than Isetan, equally well shortlisted. The fruit counter and the kaiseki bento stalls are the picks.
Daimaru Tokyo Station depachika is the food hall attached to Tokyo Station's Yaesu exit. 50 counters of pre-train bento, gourmet retail and seasonal wagashi.
Tip: Best ekiben for Shinkansen rides. Buy the bento at the station entrance and eat on the train.
Kichijoji Sun Road in Tokyo's Kichijoji is the covered shopping arcade north of the JR station. 100 family-run shops; bakeries, wagashi and bento counters.
Tip: Combine with Harmonica Yokocho. The Iseya yakitori take-away counter is the alley's signature stop.
Tokyu Food Show in Tokyo's Shibuya is the depachika under Shibuya Mark City. 80 counters of bento, French patisserie and wagashi; Shibuya's biggest food hall.
Tip: The 19:30 half-price markdown on bento is the local move. Easy from JR Shibuya, take the south Mark City exit.
Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo's Chuo ward is the food-stall labyrinth that survived after the wholesale auctions moved to Toyosu in 2018. Peak 07:00-11:00.
Tip: Arrive by 07:30 for stalls before the tour groups; the tamagoyaki sticks at Yamacho are the canonical first bite.