Tokyo Gourmet Itinerary for 4 Days: OMAKASE’s Top Picks for Food and Drink Lovers
Visiting Japan or just looking to dive deeper into Tokyo’s vibrant food scene? Whether you're a tourist or a local, the OMAKASE editorial team has crafted the perfect four-day itinerary to help you experience the very best of Tokyo’s gourmet cuisine and drinks. Get ready to make the most of your evenings in Tokyo.
Ginza – Day 1
On the first day, explore Ginza—not only one of Japan’s top districts but also one of the world’s premier neighborhoods. It’s home to countless restaurants that food lovers from around the globe dream of visiting. Among the many options, trying some of the more niche culinary experiences can be especially rewarding.While bars are often thought of as nighttime spots, Ginza has several that open during the day. One notable example is:
Sukiyabashi Sanboar
This bar opens at 3 PM. There are no seats at the counter, so it’s a standing bar, but it serves expertly crafted cocktails. Their signature drink is the “no-ice highball,” made with whiskey chilled to perfection in the freezer. It’s the perfect thirst-quencher for your first drink in Ginza. The whiskey and soda water blend is perfectly balanced because there’s no ice to dilute the flavor. Plus, the glass is pre-chilled, so the drink stays cold even if you sip slowly. You can have just one drink and move on, or order another cocktail before stepping out into Ginza’s evening bustle— whatever you prefer.
Now、for dinner.
“Sushi in Ginza” is considered a status symbol—even among locals. This style, known as Edomae sushi (with “Edo” being the old name for Tokyo from 200 years ago), originated right here in the city. Just a short walk from the renowned Sukiyabashi Sanboar, you'll find a sushi restaurant well worth a visit:
Hakkoku
If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in a premium sushi experience, Hakkoku is the place to go. Founded by a Michelin-starred chef, it’s been named one of the Top 100 Restaurants on Japan’s leading gourmet website.
Unlike many sushi spots that serve a mix of small dishes and sushi, Hakkoku offers just one course: a 25-piece omakase (chef’s choice) sushi experience. Most sushi courses include around a dozen pieces, so this generous offering lets you explore a wide variety of seasonal toppings, each paired with expertly seasoned rice.
To complement the sushi, Hakkoku features a refined selection of sake and an impressive wine list—including Champagne—for perfectly matched pairings.
After indulging in this exceptional sushi experience, it’s time for an after-dinner drink. Just a short walk away, you’ll find:
Bar Landscape.
Run by a husband-and-wife duo—both former bartending champions of Japan—Bar Landscape. is an absolute gem. Watching them craft cocktails is a performance in itself, with each drink reflecting their unique training backgrounds and personal styles. Despite their accolades, the atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and welcoming.
Their menu features a variety of cocktails made with fresh, seasonal fruit—perfect as a light, refreshing post-dinner treat. On weekends, in limited quantities, they also offer exquisite shortcakes (delicate sponge cakes with fruit and cream) from a renowned Ginza patisserie, making for a delightful dessert pairing.
Bar Landscape. also boasts an impressive selection of spirits, including fine whiskey and brandy. Whether you know exactly what you like or want to try something new, just share your preferences and let the bartenders create a personalized drink just for you.
Ningyocho – Day Two
For your second day, consider heading to Ningyocho, a neighborhood known for its abundance of great eateries. This downtown area of Tokyo still retains the charm of the Edo period, when the city was known as "Edo."
Start your culinary journey in Ningyocho with a refreshing beer.
Stand Crazy Craft Beer
Located right near Ningyocho Station, at the Ningyocho intersection, this stand-up craft beer bar opens at 3 PM on weekdays and from 2 PM on weekends and holidays. During the first few hours after opening, they offer a happy hour, letting you enjoy a great beer at a discount.
Japanese beer pouring techniques are exceptionally refined, and here, fresh beer is poured into glasses with skill and care. The bar offers a selection of craft beers from across Japan—take a look at the “Today’s Beers” menu and find one that suits your taste.
Next, for dinner in Ningyocho, consider a Michelin-starred tempura (lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables) restaurant.
Tempura Yaguchi
Although this restaurant opened relatively recently in 2020, it quickly earned a Michelin star and was ranked among Japan’s Best 100 restaurants on a major gourmet site in 2025. The chef trained for 22 years at the renowned tempura establishment Mikawa before opening his place.
Both his culinary skills and warm personality have earned him a loyal following—even among the top chefs in Japan. Seasonal ingredients are fried to perfection, with expert control over heat and timing.
Reservations are taken by phone only, but they are happy to accommodate international guests. Asking your hotel concierge to make a reservation in advance is a good idea.
After savoring tempura, round off the evening with a visit to a classy bar.
Bar Naito
Selected as one of the top 100 bars in Japan by a major review site, Bar Naito is located underground. As you descend the stairs and open the door, a spacious interior with a high ceiling welcomes you, offering an unexpected sense of openness for a basement bar.
The bartender, trained at a prestigious establishment, crafts cocktails using a unique shaking technique. Sitting at the counter and admiring the towering back bar, you may forget you’re underground. It’s the perfect spot to end your night in Ningyocho.
Kagurazaka – Day 3
On your third day in Tokyo, treat yourself to a refined evening in Kagurazaka. Known as a discreet hotspot for celebrities, this area offers some of the city's best-kept culinary secrets.
Start with a sophisticated aperitif.
Sanlucar Bar
Begin your evening at Sanlucar Bar, one of Japan’s top-rated bars, consistently featured in the Top 10 Bars on the country’s premier gourmet review platform. Open from 2:00 PM, it’s an ideal spot for a quiet, mid-afternoon cocktail.
The owner-bartender, trained at a prestigious Ginza bar, is known for his signature "hard shake" technique—a vigorous shake that enhances flavor without diluting the drink. It creates a cocktail that is both smooth and vibrant.
We recommend starting with a Gin Fizz, a classic long cocktail that showcases the bar’s signature shaking method. Watching the shake in action is part of the experience—don’t miss it.
Dine at a Michelin three-star masterpiece.
Kagurazaka Ishikawa
Tucked away on a quiet side street, Kagurazaka Ishikawa offers one of Tokyo’s most celebrated dining experiences. This Michelin three-star restaurant serves a seasonal omakase course that highlights the best of Japan’s four seasons.
Chef Hideki Ishikawa is renowned for his deep knowledge of seasonal ingredients and his exquisite technique for bringing out their natural flavors. His reputation extends beyond this flagship location—his apprentices have gone on to earn Michelin stars at their own establishments.
Reservations can be made through OMAKASE (our online booking service).
End the night with one more world-class bar.
Haguruma
After dinner, return to Kagurazaka’s nightlife with a visit to Haguruma, another bar ranked in Japan’s Top 100. Alongside Sanlucar, it makes Kagurazaka a rare spot where you can visit two of Japan’s best bars in one night.
Haguruma offers a relaxed, candlelit setting that invites you to unwind and escape the city's hustle. For a sweet finish, try one of their seasonal fresh fruit cocktails, perfect as a dessert drink.
The back bar is intentionally bare, so if you're in the mood for whiskey or something specific, simply tell the bartender your preferences—they’ll craft something just for you.
Akasaka – Day 4
On Day 4, head to Akasaka, a sophisticated district near Japan’s political and business core. Known for its refined atmosphere and historic establishments, Akasaka offers an ideal backdrop for a relaxed and elegant evening.Begin with an aperitif in a classic Tokyo hotel.
Bar Capri
Start the evening with a drink at Bar Capri, the main bar of the historic Hotel New Otani, one of Japan’s premier luxury hotels. Open from 4:00 PM, it has earned a spot among the Top 100 Bars in Japan on a major gourmet review site.Step past the grand hotel entrance and into a quiet, dimly lit space that feels like a peaceful retreat—even while the sun still lingers outside. One striking feature is the enormous mural of the island of Capri, adding a touch of Mediterranean elegance to the room.The bar features a range of award-winning original cocktails, many of which have won honors in national competitions. Be sure to try one of these creations as a unique start to your evening.
You've had quite a bit to eat the past few days — how about soba (backwheat noodles) for dinner?
Muromachi Sunaba Akasaka
Muromachi Sunaba is part of one of Japan’s three major soba traditions — Yabu, Sunaba, and Sarashina — and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 soba restaurants on a leading Japanese gourmet review site.
In Japan, soba restaurants are typically enjoyed in two ways:
Some people stop by for a quick bowl of soba, while others prefer a more leisurely experience known as sobamae — where you sip sake and enjoy small seasonal dishes before finishing the meal with soba.This sobamae style is seen as elegant and refined and is especially favored by true soba enthusiasts.
Established in 1868, Muromachi Sunaba serves authentic, traditional soba with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
We recommend pairing your soba with yakitori (grilled chicken), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and a glass of sake or soba yuwari — soba shochu gently mixed with warm soba water. For a unique treat, try the soba zenzai — a sweet dish that works beautifully as a dessert or a light meal.
To wrap up the night in Akasaka, let’s head to a bar run by a female bartender who’s been crowned a contest champion.
Algernon Sinfonia
Owner-bartender Erika Oguri was crowned champion of the 2017 Nadeshiko Cup, Japan’s top competition for female bartenders. She is known for her delicate sensibility and creates original cocktails with creativity and finesse. Each day’s original creations are listed on the chalkboard above the bar.
If the ingredients are available, you can also enjoy her award-winning cocktail Mother’s Blossom, which won first place at the Nadeshiko Cup. She is also a certified Tequila Maestro and offers a curated selection of premium tequilas for those interested in refined, high-quality spirits.
Asakusa: Four-Day Plus Itinerary
While we’ve introduced a great four-day itinerary in Tokyo, why not stay one more night and enjoy an evening in Asakusa?
Asakusa has flourished since the Edo period as the temple town of Sensō-ji, one of Tokyo’s most iconic temples. It’s long been a beloved center of entertainment for locals, rich in culture and tradition. Here, we’ll introduce a few recommended spots for dinner and drinks in this charming area.
Kamiya Bar
Kamiya Bar is more like a restaurant than a typical bar, offering a wide variety of dishes. If you’re visiting Asakusa, this is a great first stop. It opens at 11 a.m.
The house specialty is a cocktail called Denki Bran, which originated here. It’s known to be brandy-based, but the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret. Since it has a high alcohol content, we recommend starting with the lighter version — Denki Bran Sour, diluted with soda water — as your first drink.
For dinner, why not try sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot), a traditional Japanese way of enjoying beef that originated in Japan?
Yonekyu Honten
This renowned sukiyaki restaurant is listed among the Top 100 Sukiyaki and Shabu-shabu restaurants on a major Japanese gourmet review site. It also served as the inspiration for the family home in a classic Japanese film.You’ll take off your shoes at the entrance, where a dedicated staff member watches over them. When you step up into the restaurant, a drumbeat announces your party’s arrival — two beats for two people, three for three, and so on. It’s a nostalgic and atmospheric touch that adds to the charm.There’s no set course menu. Simply choose your preferred grade of beef and order additional meat or vegetables as you go. You cook the sukiyaki at your table, managing the pot yourself. It’s a wonderful way to experience the flavors and ambiance of old Japan.Do note that this restaurant accepts cash only, so plan ahead.
For the final stop of our night in Asakusa, let’s leave the busy area around Sensō-ji behind and head to a cozy spot in the charming Kannon-ura district.
FOS
FOS, set in a traditional Japanese-style building, fits right in with the charm of Asakusa. You'll take off your shoes at the entrance, just like in a local home.Beloved by both neighborhood regulars and travelers from around the world, FOS offers a warm, welcoming vibe. Behind the bar is a third-generation bartender, trained under a master from Ginza’s elite bar scene, who crafts cocktails that are delicate, balanced, and deeply satisfying.Kannon-ura is full of refined, hidden gems like this — a favorite destination for those in the know.
Summary
This itinerary offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, where tradition meets modern charm. Of course, the city is home to countless bars and restaurants, many serving uniquely Japanese flavors. For seasoned visitors and returning travelers, we look forward to sharing another special experience — the “Japanese Gourmet Maniac Course” — in the future.
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