Kanda, located within walking distance from Tokyo Station in central Tokyo, is a culinary treasure trove with one of the highest concentrations of long-established restaurants in the city.
The area blends over 400 years of tradition with the vibrant energy of a student district, offering a wide range of gourmet experiences. Visitors can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine from traditional establishments that have been loved by local residents for generations, as well as affordable popular dishes.
Understanding Kanda's food culture connects you to the culinary journey of both Tokyo and Japan. Please enjoy a unique food experience in Kanda, where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.
Hello, I'm Yasu.
I founded MagicalTrip, Japan's largest local tour company. Our food tours and bar hopping experiences that showcase Tokyo's food culture are particularly popular, running daily in areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza, attracting many tourists.
However, there's one area where I've always dreamed of hosting food tours - "Kanda." This local district contains the entirety of Tokyo's food culture. From casual eateries to high-end restaurants, from traditional Japanese cuisine to westernized Japanese fusion, Kanda is home to many renowned food establishments.
Despite being in central Tokyo, Kanda doesn't attract as many tourists, so MagicalTrip hasn't been able to launch tours there yet. But if you want to experience Tokyo's authentic local food culture, Kanda is an area you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Kanda has developed as one of Tokyo's oldest downtown areas and has a rich history supporting publishing culture. Major publishing houses like Shueisha Inc. and Shogakukan Inc. are concentrated here, and numerous literary masters and cultural figures have worked in this area. During breaks, they would dine at Kanda's restaurants, sometimes enjoying drinks while engaging in discussions that inspired their creative work.
Many of the long-established restaurants and cafes they frequented still remain in Kanda today. Enjoying traditional flavors in these historically significant establishments offers a unique food experience that combines Tokyo's downtown atmosphere with the intellectual culture that is distinctly Kanda.
Kanda has flourished as a student district since ancient times. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, many international students and intellectuals gathered here, giving birth to Western-influenced cuisine that incorporated European culinary traditions.
Furthermore, during the period of rapid economic growth, Kanda quickly developed into an office district, with an abundance of local food establishments where busy office workers could eat "quickly, cheaply, and deliciously" even during short breaks.
Against this background, Kanda is home to not only traditional Japanese cuisine but also numerous renowned restaurants serving Western food and curry dishes that have been uniquely adapted to Japanese tastes. Many establishments boast long histories while maintaining reasonable prices, making the ability to enjoy authentic flavors rooted in the local community one of Kanda's most attractive points.
We too were captivated by Kanda's historic food culture and opened "REONA Sushi Tokyo" in this area. This restaurant, which specializes in serving international tourists, offers a new style of dining where guests can enjoy their meal while learning about sushi preparation processes, ingredient backgrounds, and artisanal techniques.
Not only can visitors enjoy exquisite sushi while understanding its culture and history, but they can also experience the essence of Japanese food culture beyond language barriers.
A new attempt to provide international tourists with a fresh sushi experience is beginning in Kanda, respecting tradition while taking an innovative approach.
Kanda is home to many long-established cafes and restaurants that were frequented by literary giants who represent Japanese literature, such as Natsume Soseki, who wrote "I Am a Cat," and Akutagawa Ryunosuke, author of "Rashomon," which continue to operate today.
There are also many famous local restaurants that have been settings for novels and films, and some of them display autographs and personal items of celebrities. The historic buildings and retro interiors that remain unchanged today convey the atmosphere where literary giants were immersed in literary discussions.
In Kanda, you can enjoy not only traditional Japanese cuisine but also popular dishes that have evolved uniquely in Japan, such as Japanese Curry Rice and Western-style Japanese cuisine. Here, we introduce long-established restaurants that have been loved by local people for many years, categorized by genre.
Source：Tabelog（https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1310/A131003/13000419/）
"Tsuruhachi" in Jinbocho is a long-established sushi restaurant that combines formality and tranquility.
The founder, Yukio Morioka, was known as a master craftsman of Edo-style sushi. At this restaurant, where his beliefs and dedication to sushi have been passed down, you can taste sushi where everything—"preparation of sushi toppings," "innovations in sushi rice preparation," and "artisan techniques"—has been meticulously calculated.
Photography inside the restaurant is prohibited as per store policy, but this creates an environment where you can concentrate on the craftsmanship and food right in front of you.
While maintaining a traditional space, the atmosphere allows you to enjoy your meal without feeling too formal, making it recommended for those who want to quietly savor authentic sushi in this food-centric area of Kanda.
Address: 2-4-1 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3265-6533
Business hours: 17:00-21:30, 12:00-13:30 / 17:00-21:30 (Saturday)
Closed: Wednesday, Sunday, and holidays
Official website: None
Source：Official site（https://hisihitani-jinboucho.com/index.html）
Hishitani is a renowned restaurant that local people praise, saying "If you want to eat fish in Jinbocho, go to Hishitani." Located in the Kanda area, this food establishment is famous among locals for its exceptional seafood offerings.
While the sushi is certainly outstanding, what distinguishes this restaurant is its extensive Japanese menu featuring items such as Kaisendon (various seafood arranged on rice) and Simmered Fish in Sweetened Soy Sauce.
The interior has both table and counter seating, creating an atmosphere where even solo diners can comfortably drop by. The menu changes daily, filled with seasonal elements that allow you to experience Japan's four seasons through the cuisine.
This is a restaurant that tourists should definitely visit if they want to experience authentic Japanese food that is both reasonably priced and genuine.
Address: 1-54-16 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-5577-4191 Business Hours: 11:30-13:30 (until sold out) / 17:00-21:30・16:00-20:00 (Saturday) Closed: Sundays and Holidays Official Website: https://hisihitani-jinboucho.com/index.html
Souce：Official Instagram（https://www.instagram.com/edokko_nishi_/）
"Kanda Edokkozushi Nishiguchi" is a long-established sushi restaurant that has been loved by local residents for over 35 years, conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Kanda Station.
The restaurant features counter seating only, maintaining the traditional style where skilled chefs prepare carefully selected fresh ingredients according to customers' preferences. The sushi, made with thick slices of fish sourced from Toyosu Market, is exceptionally satisfying and offers authentic sushi at reasonable prices.
One of its charms is its approachability, as no reservation is required for casual visits. It's a place where you can enjoy Edo-style sushi while conversing with the Itamae (sushi chef) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 3-13-10 Uchi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3258-1253 Business Hours: 11:00-22:30 (Weekdays)・11:00-21:30 (Sat/Sun) Closed: None Official Website: https://edokko.co.jp/b/mise/nishi/nishiguchi.htm
Souce：Official site（https://www.yabusoba.net/）
Kanda Yabu Soba is a traditional soba restaurant that has carefully preserved its traditions since its establishment in 1880.
The quiet space created by the wooden architecture maintained since its founding and the beautiful garden provides a special atmosphere where you can forget the hustle and bustle while in the center of Tokyo. This restaurant, long cherished by cultural figures and local regulars in downtown Kanda, is characterized by its "fragrant soba" and "strong-flavored broth."
The signature menu item "Seiro Soba" features a strong-flavored broth made with kelp and bonito flakes. The Japanese way of eating is to dip just the edge of the soba slightly into the broth before slurping. Foreigners might feel hesitant about making noise, but in Japan, the sound of slurping soba is considered "proof of deliciousness."
Please fully enjoy the essence of downtown atmosphere and Edo-style soba at Kanda Yabu Soba, which boasts a history of over 140 years.
Address: 2-10 Kanda Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3251-0287 Business Hours: 11:30-(Last Order) 20:00 Closed: Wednesday Official Website: https://www.yabusoba.net/
Source:SAVOR JAPAN（https://savorjapan.com/0006032112/）
"Kanda Matsuya" is a long-established restaurant founded in 1884, distinguished by its atmospheric building that has been designated as a historical structure in Tokyo. Inside the wooden restaurant, which retains the appearance from its founding period, you can experience a traditional atmosphere that transcends time.
"Kanda Matsuya" was also beloved by Shotaro Ikenami, a Japanese historical novelist. He praised the taste of "Kanda Matsuya" in his works.
The signature dish "Mori Soba" is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that pursues elasticity and smoothness. The noodles are carefully fine-tuned with the amount of egg water depending on the climate and preparation time, ensuring the best texture when served.
This is a must-visit spot for those who want to experience traditional Japanese taste and culture in the local Kanda area, a food destination beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
Address: 1-13 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3251-1556 Business Hours: 11:00-20:30 (Tue-Fri), 11:00-19:30 (Sat, Holidays) Closed: Sundays and Mondays Official Website: http://www.kanda-matsuya.jp/
Source：Official site（https://bondy.co.jp/web/contents/home.html）
Bondy is the birthplace of European-style curry, established in 1978. Founder Koichi Murata, who trained in France, incorporated authentic brown sauce techniques to create a uniquely Japanese curry. It features a perfect balance of sweet onions, richness, umami, and a pleasant spiciness that comes at the end.
When ordering curry, you'll receive boiled potatoes with butter as an appetizer, and their rice cooked in bouillon is topped with Gouda cheese, showcasing their distinctive style.
This acclaimed restaurant won the first Kanda Curry Grand Prix championship in 2003. Be sure to enjoy the profound taste of Japanese-style European curry, which differs from Indian or Sri Lankan curries, at this local food establishment in the Kanda district.
Jinbocho Main Store Address: 2F Kanda Kosho Center Building, 2-3-3 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3234-2080 Business Hours: 11:00-21:30 (Mon-Fri), 10:00-22:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays) Closed: None Official Website: https://bondy.co.jp/web/
Kanda Ogawacho Store Address: 2F AS ONE Kanda Ogawacho, 3-9 Kanda Ogawacho, Chiyoda-ku Phone: 03-3295-5709 Business Hours: 11:00-15:00 / 17:00-21:00 (Mon-Fri, day before/after holidays), 11:00-21:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays) Closed: None Official X: https://x.com/bondyogawamachi
Source：Official site（https://www.topca.co.jp/）
Topca Kanda is a unique restaurant that transforms from a curry specialty shop during the day to a seafood izakaya at night, presenting completely different faces within a single day.
At Topca Kanda, you can enjoy both rich, thick European-style curry and spicy, thin Indian-style curry, which is their distinctive feature.
The European curry has a deep, rich flavor with a perfect balance of sweet onions and spices. Meanwhile, the Indian curry, though soup-like in consistency, offers an authentic taste with a definite spiciness.
At night, it operates as an izakaya specializing in seafood, but you can also experience the uniquely Japanese culture of eating curry after enjoying alcohol—making this local food restaurant in Kanda a truly special place that showcases different aspects of Japanese food culture depending on the time of day.
Address: Takeuchi Building, 1-11 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3255-0707 Business Hours: 11:00-15:30, 17:30-22:30 (Weekdays), 11:30-18:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays) Closed: None Official Website: https://www.topca.co.jp/
Source：Official Instagram（https://www.instagram.com/shoueitei.1907/）
Shoeitei has been leading the Western-style food culture in Kanda since its establishment in 1907. This historic local restaurant is a cornerstone of the neighborhood's culinary heritage.
Their signature dish, "Western-style Kakiage," was created when famous Japanese novelist Natsume Soseki requested "something different to eat." This specialty features a batter of eggs and flour filled with onions and diced pork, deep-fried slowly in homemade lard. You can enjoy the crispy exterior and fluffy interior texture of this unique food item.
The menu also includes other Western-influenced Japanese dishes such as Hamburger Steak with Demi-Glace Sauce and Pork Sauté. Visit this historic Kanda restaurant to casually experience the Western-style food culture that has been passed down through generations in Japan.
Address: 2-8 Kanda-Awajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3251-5511 Hours: 11:00-14:30 / 17:00-close Closed: Sundays and holidays Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoueitei.1907/
Source：Official site（https://www.luncheon.jp/）
Founded in 1909, Beer Hall Luncheon is a historic beer hall that has pursued the perfect matching of beer and Western food for over 110 years. Beer hall culture blossomed in Kanda from the early 20th century, as this area welcomed foreign culture early on and attracted students and intellectuals. Beer Hall Luncheon continues this tradition today.
Their signature dishes—omurice (omelet rice), fried shrimp, and beef stew—maintain traditional recipes, offering simple yet deeply flavorful tastes. The restaurant is particular about their beer pouring technique and foam management, ensuring the best flavor experience.
This establishment is a must-visit for those who want to enjoy the retro atmosphere unique to Kanda and the classic combination of "beer + Western food."
Address: 1-6 Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3233-0866 Hours: 11:30-21:30 (Mon-Fri) • 11:30-20:30 (Sat) Closed: Sundays and holidays Official website: https://www.luncheon.jp/
Souce：VISIT CHIYODA（https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/838）
GLITCH COFFEE & ROASTERS is an up-and-coming specialty coffee shop that opened in 2015. In Jinbocho, an area known for its historic establishments, this local coffee shop boldly offers only light-roast single-origin coffees.
They don't create any blends, focusing instead on bringing out the unique characteristics of each bean's origin. The staff provides careful explanations, making it easy for even coffee beginners to find something to their taste.
The interior features a logo reminiscent of Japanese family crests and cobblestone-like designs, creating a unique space where Kanda's traditional atmosphere merges with new coffee culture. This is an ideal destination for coffee enthusiasts.
Kanda is an area that respects tradition while embracing new challenges. REONA Sushi also provides a new sushi experience based on traditional sushi culture, transcending language and cultural barriers.
They value the sincere attitude toward food and the spirit of innovation that have been passed down in Kanda, providing unique services that thoroughly satisfy foreign visitors.
Address: 1F Komura Building, 3-16 Kanda-Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-5244-5458 Hours: 8:00-19:00 (Weekdays) • 9:00-19:00 (Weekends) Closed: None Official website: https://glitchcoffee.com/
Source：Official Facebook（https://www.facebook.com/people/Kanda-Coffee/100064048772830/#）
Kanda Coffee is a specialty coffee shop dedicated to in-house roasting. The red roasting machine serves as its symbol, and the aromatic scent of freshly roasted beans wafts from the storefront.
The menu is extremely simple with only "Coffee" and "Milk Coffee" options. However, with their commitment to changing beans between morning and afternoon sessions, and offering choices between medium and dark roasts, their depth of quality keeps regulars coming back. Located in the historic Kanda district, the relaxed interior with jazz playing in the background blends perfectly with the local retro atmosphere. Many regular customers enjoy conversations with the master and staff while savoring their own special cup.
This is a recommended hidden spot for those who want to take a moment to relax in the busy downtown area, particularly after exploring the local food scene in the Kanda neighborhood.
Address: 2-38-10 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-5213-4337 Business Hours: 7:00-18:00 (Mon-Tue) • 7:00-16:00 (Wed-Fri) • 12:00-16:00 (Sat-Sun) • 12:00-18:00 (Holidays) Closed: None Official Website: https://kanda-coffee.stores.jp/
Souce：VISIT CHIYODA（https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/app/spot/detail/338）
Established in 1702, Sasamaki Kenuki Sushi is the oldest existing sushi restaurant in Tokyo.
The sushi here is not hand-pressed but characterized by being carefully wrapped in bamboo leaves. Following a unique preservation method that has continued since the time before refrigeration technology, they maintain a labor-intensive process of marinating the fish in salt and strong vinegar for one day, then soaking it in mild vinegar for several days.
The exquisite match between the fragrance of bamboo leaves and the tangy vinegared rice, along with the beautiful presentation of colorful seven-variety toppings, is truly a traditional taste that can only be experienced in the Kanda area. This restaurant is recommended for those who want to experience the origins of Edo-style sushi that has been passed down for hundreds of years.
Address: Udagawa Building, 2-12 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3291-2570 Business Hours: 9:00-19:00 Closed: Sundays and Holidays Official Website: None
Source：Official site（https://kikanbo.co.jp/）
Founded in 2009, Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbo is a ramen restaurant that focuses on the themes of spiciness and numbing sensation. Kanda is a local area famous for its high concentration of diverse ramen restaurants, but Kikanbo has established its unique position with miso ramen richly flavored with Japanese prickly ash, a traditional Japanese spice.
You can experience an unforgettable spicy food adventure with their rich soup blended with chili peppers and Japanese prickly ash that you won't forget after one taste.
The levels of spiciness and numbing sensation can be selected according to your preference. If you enjoy spicy food or want to challenge yourself with a new ramen experience, this local restaurant is definitely worth visiting.
Address: 2-10-9 Kajicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-6206-0239 Hours: 11:00-21:30 (Monday-Saturday, including holidays) • 11:00-16:00 (Sunday) Closed: Never Official website: https://kikanbo.co.jp/
Source：Official site（https://www.sukiyaki-botan.jp/）
Founded in 1897, Botan is a long-established restaurant that has preserved its Chicken Sukiyaki tradition for over 100 years.
Typically, sukiyaki is made with beef. However, at this Kanda local food establishment, they maintain a simple style using chicken with just three ingredients: green onions, shirataki noodles, and grilled tofu. This tradition of bringing out maximum flavor from simple ingredients has been cultivated within Kanda's downtown culture.
Since its founding, they have preserved the traditional cooking method using binchotan charcoal and iron pots, with their rich sweet and savory sauce enhancing the umami of the chicken.
The restaurant itself is a historic building constructed in 1929, and the wooden architecture transforms your dining into an even more special experience. This is the perfect spot for those who want to enjoy the taste and atmosphere of a long-established restaurant that can only be experienced in Kanda.
Address: 1-15 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-3251-0577 Hours: 11:30-14:30, 17:00-22:00 (Monday-Friday) • 11:30-22:00 (Saturday) Closed: Sundays and holidays Official website: https://www.sukiyaki-botan.jp/
In Kanda, you can experience a wide range of Japanese food culture, from traditional Japanese cuisine passed down through generations to innovative food experiences that are just emerging.
With the coexistence of traditional established restaurants and new establishments like REONA Sushi that promote food culture with a modern approach, Kanda will continue to develop as a center of Tokyo's food culture.
When visiting Kanda, please enjoy an authentic Japanese food experience at REONA.
