Set out on a culinary journey through the heart of Tokyo with our Gastronomy Route, designed to offer budget-friendly options for a cozy and satisfying dining experience. The focus of this route is on providing you with a chance to explore the diverse and delicious food scene of Tokyo without breaking the bank. Today, we invite you to embrace the theme of our route: ‘Cozy Comforts for a chilly day'.

If you are in Tokyo on a chilly day or simply want to experience cozy tasty food, we're here to guide you through a day of culinary delights that will warm both your heart and your stomach. Get ready to try warm toasts, comforting noodle soups, and budget-friendly sushi, each dish full of flavor and freshness. Join us as we uncover the best spots in Tokyo to satisfy your cravings for cozy comforts without breaking the bank.

Breakfast: Warm French Toast (Sweet Option) or Avocado Toast (Healthy Option) at No.4 Cafe, Kojimachi

No.4 Cafe

No.4 Cafe is a charming neighborhood spot nestled in the heart of Tokyo, designed with the vision of benefiting the local community. With its warm and inviting ambiance, No.4 prides itself on being a place where people from all walks of life can feel at home, whether they're businessmen or families with children. Aptly named ‘Neighborhood Place' in English, No.4 exudes a sense of familiarity and comfort that sets it apart from traditional cafes.

Pro Tip from zenDine: Start your day right at No.4 with their mouthwatering Brioche French Toast, French Toast Combo, or Avocado Toast topped with a fried egg. Don't miss their signature latte made with creamy Hokkaido milk. Beat the weekend rush by visiting on weekdays around 8-8:30 am. And be sure to grab some of their delectable baked goods for a delightful snack later in the day!

After enjoying breakfast at No.4, may we suggest to take a leisurely stroll through Chidorigafuchi Greenway, renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring. Then wander through Kitanomaru Park, known for its stunning autumn foliage, before continuing along the perimeter moats of the Imperial Palace. Enjoy a serene walk along the palace walls and enter the palace grounds through less crowded side gates. Explore the tranquil palace grounds and emerge on the Marunouchi side, ready to continue your Tokyo adventure.

Relax and Recharge: Coffee Break Recommendations

For a delightful coffee break during your exploration of Marunouchi and Ginza, consider visiting one of two sophisticated specialty coffee shops located on opposite ends of Marunouchi street.

MCR Hibiya Coffee

MCR Hibiya Coffee, situated near Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace Gardens, boasts large windows that flood the space with natural light, creating an inviting ambiance. Try their signature latte, renowned for its exquisite latte art, while lounging on their bright blue sofa seats, perfect for snapping a photo.

DEAN & DELUCA Cafe Marunouchi

Alternatively, DEAN & DELUCA Cafe Marunouchi offers a New York City vibe with its high ceiling and spacious interior. Treat yourself to their double macchiato for a robust coffee experience that's sure to satisfy true coffee enthusiasts.

Lunch: Choose Your Noodle Adventure at Tokyo's Top Spots. Ramen / Pho / Udon / Soba what will it be?

After your Marunouchi / Ginza exploration, conveniently situated near various subway lines, you're spoilt for choice with four fantastic lunch options.

Oreryu Shio Ramen

First up: Oreryu Shio Ramen. Despite being part of a ramen chain, don't underestimate its authenticity. They pride themselves on handcrafting each bowl with care every morning, ensuring even their carefully selected ingredients taste exceptional. Their ‘My Own Style' approach allows diners to customize their ramen with complimentary toppings, adding a personal touch to every bowl. Simply purchase your desired ramen ticket from the machine outside, take your seat, and prepare for a satisfyingly speedy service. Our personal favorite? The Oreryu Yuzu Shio-Ramen, featuring citrus shavings, tender noodles, and flavorful pork.

Pro Tip: Navigate to Omotesando for Oreryu Shio Ramen - With 3 locations in the vibrant Omotesando / Jingumae area, you can easily gauge the crowd and switch spots if needed. Weekdays are generally quieter, making it the perfect time to visit.

Ibuki Udon Tokyo Midtown Roppongi

Second Option: Ibuki Udon Tokyo Midtown Roppongi. Experience Authenticity and Flavor at Ibuki Udon - Located within Tokyo Midtown, this unassuming yet inviting udon eatery offers a taste of tradition with its authentic Sanuki udon noodles made from Ibuki sardines. While not fancy, the shop boasts cleanliness and unbeatable flavor, making it a great spot for udon enthusiasts seeking a delicious and satisfying meal. Watch as their staff makes fresh udon noodles right before your eyes. We recommend trying their mushroom tempura topping.

PHOTHIN

Third Option: PHOTHIN in Shinjuku. Authentic Vietnamese Pho at Phothin - Led by manager Kamiyan, who trained under Mr. Tinh in Hanoi, Phothin offers a truly immersive pho experience. Savor the exquisite balance of flavors in each bowl, crafted with secret soups and meticulously selected ingredients. For a vibrant touch, don't miss the extra ramekin of coriander and an additional egg. Beef lovers can opt for double portions for an added treat. While weekends may see a line, weekdays offer a quicker dining experience. Prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey with Phothin's exceptional pho. This is the greenest and tastiest pho we have tasted so far.

Handmade Soba Shiki Kioicho

Fourth Option: Experience Handmade Soba Shiki Kioicho at Near Nagatacho Station. Each batch of their soba noodles is made from freshly ground buckwheat flour, prepared in their stone mill every morning. Their soba noodles boast a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture. Complementing signature noodles are a selection of seasonal a la carte dishes, thoughtfully curated to highlight the best of each season's ingredients. From delicate tempura to savory grilled meats, dishes are expertly crafted to pair perfectly with soba and your choice of beverages. Explore the diverse and enticing offerings of their seasonal menu, featuring a selection of limited but delicious dishes crafted to complement the flavors of the season. We highly recommend sampling one of these exquisite creations during your visit.

Pro Tip: While bustling on weekdays, weekends provide a more relaxed dining atmosphere, with minimum to no wait time.

Depending on the lunch spot you choose from the four options, explore the surrounding areas, each offering unique attractions for foreign tourists.

Dinner: Riding the sushi train

Nemuro Hanamaru

For dinner, the star of the show is Nemuro Hanamaru, a sushi belt restaurant near Tokyo Station located in the KITTE building. Renowned as the best sushi belt spot in Tokyo, it offers a wide variety of sushi with generously sized, super fresh fish cuts. The atmosphere is authentically lively, and the sushi quality is consistently high. We recommend trying eel, salmon, torched salmon, yellowtail, scallops, mackerel, tuna sushi. One of their signature dishes is crab miso soup, boasting plenty of fresh crab meat. Due to its immense popularity among both locals and tourists, proper planning is essential for a chance to experience it. While they don't take reservations, we've got a strategy for you. Weekdays are best; arrive around 5 PM, grab a QR code from the ticket machine at the entrance, and scan it with your phone to check your queue position. Typically, expect 60+ parties ahead. Hold onto your ticket, explore Tokyo, and return when there are about 5 parties in line. With 20 to 30 parties served per hour, you'll likely be seated by 7:30 to 8 PM. The hassle is worth it, and the bonus? You don't have to stand in line the whole time; enjoy other activities while you wait. Also, you can see current number of groups waiting here.

Consider checking out the KITTE Building's rooftop and enjoy bird's eye view of Tokyo Station, as well as visiting Intermedioteque Museum located in the building (Free Admission).

Places Mentioned In This Route

Places of Interest:

Chidorigafuchi Greenway

Breakfast:

Coffee Break:

Lunch:

Handmade Soba Shiki Kioicho

Ibuki Udon

Dinner:

Nemuro Hanamaru Sushi KITTE

Conclusion

Explore Tokyo's tasty side with our Cozy Comforts Gastronomy Route. Enjoy yummy dishes that warm you up without costing a lot. From steaming bowls of noodles to comforting cups of coffee, each spot has something special and memorable. Join us for a food adventure that's both fun and friendly on a chilly day in Tokyo. We hope you take the opportunity to follow our Gastronomy Routes and savor Tokyo's food scene just like we do every day.

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Cozy Comforts: A Budget-Friendly Gastronomy Route through Tokyo's Chilly Day

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Cozy Comforts: A Budget-Friendly Gastronomy Route through Tokyo's Chilly Day