Top 5s in Tokyo with Khaled Iwamura 2024: Sushi, Desserts, and Drink Culture

Discover the “2024 Top 5s in Tokyo” series with Khaled Iwamura—a journey where sushi, desserts, and drink culture are at the forefront.

Tokyo’s culinary scene is an unparalleled adventure where ancient traditions meet modern innovations. From exquisite sushi to indulgent desserts and a vibrant drinking culture, Tokyo’s gastronomic delights are as diverse as they are delightful.

Join me, Khaled Iwamura, as I unveil the top five must-try experiences in each category, showcasing the very best that Tokyo has to offer.

Sushi in Tokyo

Tokyo’s sushi heritage, rooted in the Edo period, is a testament to its rich history and evolution. Known as Edomae sushi, this style originated from the abundant seafood of Edo Bay. Once considered fast food, Edomae sushi has transformed into a globally revered cuisine. Here are five distinct styles of sushi you must try in Tokyo.

Everyday Sushi at Sushi Ebisu

Located near the Ebisu subway station, Sushi Ebisu offers affordable yet exceptional sushi. A standout dish is the crème brûlée-like egg sushi with caramelized sugar, showcasing the restaurant’s unique take on classic sushi.

Robot Sushi at Sushiroku

In Roppongi, robots deliver your sushi at Sushiroku. This futuristic dining experience features special designer rolls and sushi, with robots even asking you to clear the table!

Conveyor Belt Sushi at Edowan Chokuso Sushi Train Tokyo Sushi Kaido Road

For a fun and interactive dining experience, visit Tokyo Sushi Kaido. Grab your sushi off a conveyor belt and order more as you go, making it an entertaining meal.

Omakase Experience at Ginza Sushi Aoki

Embark on a culinary journey with the high-end omakase at Ginza Sushi Aoki, a Michelin-starred restaurant. In an omakase meal, the chef selects each dish, ensuring a bespoke dining experience. Master sushi chef Aoki presents sushi so exquisite that it feels like a revelation. The shrimp sushi, with its tail removed and the top delicately sliced open and stuffed with the tail, left me utterly stunned by its remarkable flavour.

Omakase Excellence at Sushi Karaku

Owner and chef Togawa, who guided Anthony Bourdain during his inaugural Tokyo TV episode, meticulously crafted the same exquisite dishes he once prepared for Bourdain. As he prepared each dish, he shared the intricate stories and history behind them, transforming the meal into a profound cultural and educational journey. It was not only the best meal I’ve ever had but also an extraordinary experience that transcended mere dining.

Desserts in Tokyo

Tokyo elevates desserts to an art form, blending traditional flavors with innovative twists. The city’s dessert scene is a playground of delightful surprises, offering everything from classic treats reimagined to entirely new confections. Join me as I explore five unique dessert spots that define Tokyo’s sweet indulgence.

Special Fruit Parfait at Nihombashi Sembikiya

Established in 1834, Nihombashi Sembikiya offers a Special Fruit Parfait made with seven kinds of fruit, two types of sauce, and three types of ice cream, layered to resemble a rainbow.

Vegan Muffins at 8ablish

This renowned vegan café offers over 100 flavours of gluten-free muffins. The green tea muffin, paired with their incredible drinks, is a must-try.

Gifting Japanese sweets at Ginza Kikunoya

Since 1890, Ginza Kikunoya has specialized in beautifully packaged gift items. Whether for a partner, boss, or friend, their assortment of cookies, candies, and nuts makes for a perfect gift.

Dessert Buffet at Hilton Tokyo

Hilton Tokyo’s dessert buffet features over 25 options, with a seasonal focus on berries. A personal favourite is the shaved ice with vanilla ice cream and a macaron topping.

Luxury Patisserie at Patisserie Satsuki

Located at the Hotel New Otani Tokyo, Patisserie Satsuki offers luxurious desserts like the Extra Super Melon Shortcake and Gâteau au Chocolat. The yogurt-based dessert from Shohei Ohtani’s hometown is particularly delicious.

Drink Culture in Tokyo

Tokyo’s drinking culture is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. From historic sake shops to cutting-edge gin bars and the city’s first mocktail bar, Tokyo offers a diverse array of drinking experiences. Each establishment tells a unique story through its offerings, reflecting the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Let’s embark on a tour of Tokyo’s most remarkable drinking spots, where every sip reveals a new facet of this vibrant city.

Toshimaya Sake Shop – Oldest Sake stand in Tokyo

Established in 1596, Toshimaya Sake Shop is the oldest sake store in Edo Tokyo. This standing bar offers Edo Tokyo local sake paired with delightful snacks. Meeting the 16th-generation owner was a highlight.

Kuwabara Shoten – Kaku-uchi style

Housed in a 1915 liquor store warehouse. This “Kaku-uchi” style bar, which is a traditional Japanese practice where customers enjoy sake inside a liquor store.

Kuukan – Friendly neighbourhood Sake bar

Kuukan is known for its superb sake selection and remarkable snacks. The ever-changing menu ensures a fresh experience each visit, with simple yet delicious sandwiches paired with excellent sake.

Low-Non-Bar – First low/non alcoholic bar

Situated near Akihabara, Low-Non-Bar is Japan’s first authentic non-alcoholic bar. The bartender crafts visually stunning and flavorful mocktails, making it a must-visit for non-drinkers.

Stage by The Ethical Spirits – Gin Bar

This sleek gin bar crafts its own gin, using herbs grown on-site for their cocktails. The innovative creations, paired with unique dishes like poutine, are a sensory delight.

Produced by YourCityWithIN.com and INsauga.com
Directed and hosted by Khaled Iwamura
Shingo Natori: Media Coordinator/Filming Assistant 

Please note that this information is at the time of the interview in June 2024.
This is a paid content produced on behalf of Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau.