Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s biggest food hubs!A guide to the Japanese cuisine you can find in Ikebukuro.
Contents
1.Typical Japanese cuisine in Ikebukuro（王道の和食）
1-1.Sushi (寿司) & Kaiten-sushi (回転寿司)
Experience Japan’s most iconic dish. While traditional sushi is an art, Kaiten-sushi (conveyor belt sushi) adds a fun, high-tech twist to your meal. It’s perfect for trying various fresh toppings at an affordable price!
▼Sushi (寿司) in Ikebukuro
▼Kaiten-sushi (回転寿司) in Ikebukuro
1-2.Onigiri (おにぎり)
The ultimate Japanese soul food. These rice balls are filled with savory ingredients like salmon or plum11(Umeboshi) and wrapped in crispy seaweed （Nori）. They are the perfect quick snack or light meal while exploring the city.
▼Onigiri in Ikebukuro
1-3.Tempura & Tendon (天ぷら・天丼)
Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. When served over a bowl of fluffy rice with a sweet-savory glaze, it’s called Tendon. The delicate crunch is unforgettable.
▼Tempura & Tendon in Ikebukuro
1-4.Tonkatsu (豚カツ)
A thick, juicy pork cutlet coated in flaky panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection. Usually served with shredded cabbage and a rich brown sauce.
▼Tonkatsu in Ikebukuro
1-5.Gyukatsu (牛カツ)
A unique twist on the cutlet—beef instead of pork! It’s quickly fried so the inside remains rare and tender. You often get to sear it yourself on a small stone grill at your table.
Try the melt-in-your-mouth Gyukatsu
▼Gyukatsu in Gyukatsu
1-6.Ramen (ラーメン)
Ikebukuro is a world-famous “Ramen Battleground.” Whether you prefer rich Tonkotsu (pork bone) broth or dipping-style Tsukemen, you’ll find the best bowl of your life here.
▼Ramen in Ikebukuro
2.Noodles（麺類）in Ikebukuro
Sharing the variety of noodles you can find in Japan—and where to eat them in Ikebukuro!
2-1.Soba (蕎麦)
Healthy and refreshing buckwheat noodles. Enjoy them cold with a dipping sauce (Zaru Soba) or in a hot, savory broth. It’s a true taste of Japanese tradition.
▼Soba in Ikebukuro
2-2.Udon (うどん)
Thick, chewy wheat noodles served in a mild dashi broth. The texture is incredibly satisfying and comforting.
▼Udon in Ikebukuro
2-3.Curry Udon (カレーうどん)
The best of both worlds: thick udon noodles swimming in a rich, flavorful Japanese curry sauce. It’s warm, hearty, and deeply delicious.
▼Curry Udon in Ikebukuro
3.Yoshoku（和風洋食） in Ikebukuro
Japanese-style Western cuisine—familiar ingredients with a unique Japanese touch.
3-1.Spaghetti Napolitan (スパゲッティナポリタン)
A nostalgic Japanese pasta dish made with ketchup, onions, green peppers, and sausage. It’s a unique “comfort food” you won’t find in Italy!
▼Spaghetti Napolitan in Ikwbukuro
3-2.Omurice (オムライス)
A fluffy omelet draped over savory fried rice, usually topped with ketchup or demi-glace sauce. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
▼Omurice in Ikebukuro
3-3.Curry Rice (カレーライス)
Japanese curry is thicker and sweeter than Indian curry. It’s the ultimate “comfort meal” for locals and a must-try for any visitor.
▼Curry Rice (カレーライス)
3-4.Roast Beef Don/Bowl (ローストビーフ丼)
A modern favorite! A generous mountain of tender roast beef slices piled high on top of a bowl of rice, often drizzled with a savory yogurt or garlic sauce.
▼Roast Beef Don/Bowl in Ikebukuro
