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Budget Dining: 11 Popular Spots for Japanese Food in Yokohama and Tokyo!

Budget Dining: 11 Popular Spots for Japanese Food in Yokohama and Tokyo!

Date published: 4 December 2019

With an emphasis on bringing out the full flavor of the freshest natural ingredients in an arrangement which brings to mind fine art, not to mention being highly nutritious, Japanese cuisine (washok)) includes a wide range of dishes, from more delicate foods like sushi and tempura, to heavier dishes like unagi, tonkatsu, and okonomiyaki.

While some might find it intimidating to enter washoku restaurants, nowadays department stores and other commercial establishments offer them as well, so anyone can enjoy them in a more laid back setting.

On that note, we shall introduce some of the best department stores and shopping centers in Tokyo and Yokohama which offer Japanese cuisine that is sure to please both Japanese and foreign visitors alike.

Tokyu Department Store - Shibuya Main Branch

Tokyu Department Store - Shibuya Main Branch

A long-time contender in the food business, loved equally by foreign and local celebrities “Japanese Cuisine Shibuya Nadaman Saryō”

A long-time contender in the food business, loved equally by foreign and local celebrities “Japanese Cuisine Shibuya Nadaman Saryō”

Turning 190 years-old in 2020, the Japanese cuisine specialist “Shibuya Nadaman Saryō” is an old favorite in the traditional Japanese kaiseki dish business. With cooking techniques steeped in tradition, this establishment truly exemplifies quality, and is a classic favorite among celebrities due to their diligence. With a calming atmosphere that overflows with class, one can enjoy anything from authentic kaiseki dishes to casual lunch menus, both of which use ample seasonal ingredients in a colorful display. Enjoy your meal in elegance at this traditional Japanese restaurant.

Popular Items:
Lunch: Weekday only “Ladies’ Lunch” 2,970 yen (tax inclusive), Weekend/Holiday exclusive “Nagomizen” 3,327 yen
Served both in lunch and dinnertime, the “Mini Kaiseki” course meal is popular for its colorful assortment and use of seasonal ingredients

  • Tokyu Department Store Hon-ten
    Tokyu Department Store Hon-ten
    東急百貨店本店
    Has Health & Safety Measures
    • Address 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0043
    • Nearest Station Shibuya Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line / Keio Inokashira Line)
      7 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3477-3111

Shibuya Station, Tokyu Toyoko Store - West Building 9th Floor Tokyu Restaurant Street “Dining”

Shibuya Station, Tokyu Toyoko Store - West Building 9th Floor Tokyu Restaurant Street “Dining”

Carefully selected pork deep-fried to perfection, stressing both flavor and texture “Tonkatsu Maiizumi”

Carefully selected pork deep-fried to perfection, stressing both flavor and texture “Tonkatsu Maiizumi”

Ever since it opened business in 1965, the restaurant “Tonkatsu Maiizumi” has persisted in delivering in cooking the softest, juiciest tonkatsu that you can even cut with your chopsticks. Pork picked out by expert artisans is diligently prepared before being battered in their original breading and deep-fried in their special oil, resulting in an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else other than Tonkatsu Maiizumi. Glossy yet crisp, the taste of this piping hot tonkatsu fluffily spreads throughout your mouth. Enjoy the freshly made tonkatsu either on a tray or in a rice bowl.

Popular Items:
Tonkatsu Maiizumi (pork fillet or roast) 3100 yen (comes with tonkatsu, rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables)

Special Promo:
Present a picture of this article by LIVE JAPAN and receive a complimentary sherbet along with your order at Tonkatsu Maiizumi

Unagi that shows the proficiency of the chef at work “Unagi Shibuya Matsukawa”

Unagi that shows the proficiency of the chef at work “Unagi Shibuya Matsukawa”

This authentic unagi restaurant has been around for 50 years, delivering unagi that embodies the seasonal aspect of Japanese cuisine. Their store concept: “Are you eating good unagi?” Even in the center of the city, they are able to serve fresh unagi due to having equipment that allows them to raise live eel nearby. Each batch of eel is prepared only upon receiving an order, so the aroma and flavor really stand out. To be able to enjoy a dish prepared with such devotion yet in a relaxed and casual atmosphere is one of the plus points of the restaurant. Complementing the unagi is their Tokyo-style sauce, which brings out the flavor of the eel even more.

Popular Items:
Unajū (Sakura) 4,320 yen (comes with unajū 170g, eel soup, pickled vegetables and dessert)

Special Promo:
Present this article by LIVE JAPAN and receive a complimentary glass of wine (red or white) or ice cream

  • TOKYU DEPARTMENT STORE
    TOKYU DEPARTMENT STORE
    東急百貨店東横店
    • Address 2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8319
    • Nearest Station Shibuya Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line / Keio Inokashira Line)
      1 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3477-3111

Yokohama Sogo

Yokohama Sogo

Serving both Tokyo-style and Osaka-style sushi “Kodaisuzumezushi Sushiman”

Serving both Tokyo-style and Osaka-style sushi “Kodaisuzumezushi Sushiman”

Established in 1653, “Kodaizusumezushi Sushiman” serves not only the usual Tokyo-style nigirizushi, but also Osaka-style oshizushi. The restaurant representative of Osaka has been serving authentic sushi without compromising standards ever since the Edo period, with a thoroughness and strictness that can only be found in handmade sushi. With a deeply moving taste, their sushi was even presented to Emperor Meiji before. Who wouldn’t want to try sushi made by purveyors of the Imperial Household Agency?

Popular Items:
Lunch: Raku Set. Includes 6 pieces of nigiri, 2 pieces of oshisushi, half-size makimono, chawanmushi, soup and dessert. 3,024 yen (tax inclusive)
Dinner: Choice Nigiri Sushi. Includes appetizer, 11 pieces of nigiri and soup. 5400 yen (tax inclusive)

The highest grade of all-natural Yamagata beef, down to the bone! “Gyubei Souan”

The highest grade of all-natural Yamagata beef, down to the bone! “Gyubei Souan”

Yamagata wagyu beef is one variation of the famous Japanese wagyu beef, and this yakiniku establishment is famous for having a contract with a beef farm in Yamagata and using every part of the cow. Raising cows in an environment blessed with natural resources is the secret to high quality Yamagata beef, and every part of the cow is a precious ingredient, from the ribs and sirloin to the more uncommon parts. The fleshiness of the meat, a result of careful consideration, is chock full of lard, producing the famous savories that wagyu is renowned for. Enjoy high quality yakiniku in a refined and calm atmosphere.

Popular Items:
Whole Cow Combo Platter: recommended platter which includes 6 types of cuts of Yamagata beef, including sirloin, brisket, aitchbone, rib finger meat, shoulder and thigh depending on the day.

*Also depends on daily availability

Special Promo:
Let the staff know you heard about them through LIVE JAPAN to enjoy a complimentary portion of roasted beef sushi
*Does not stack with other promotions or offers

  • Sogo Yokohama
    Has Health & Safety Measures
    • Address 2-18-1, Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 220-8510
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Yokohama Station (JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Yokosuka Line / JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Negishi Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Line 3 (Yokohama Blue Line) / Tokyu Toyoko Line / Minatomirai Line / Keikyu Main Line / Sagami Railway Main Line)
    • Phone Number 045-465-2111

Asakusa Ekimise

Asakusa Ekimise

Tokyo-style sushi made from ingredients directly from the Tsukiji Fish Market: The veteran shop “Tsukiji Tama Sushi”

Tokyo-style sushi made from ingredients directly from the Tsukiji Fish Market: The veteran shop “Tsukiji Tama Sushi”

Ever since 1924, or the year 13 of the Taisho era, “Tsukiji Tama Sushi” has the honor of being the longest standing sushi place of the Tsukiji Fish Market. Here, you can enjoy premium catches straight from the market whose freshness is fully exhibited by the chef`s skill, and at affordable prices to boot. The sushi rice delicately crumbling in the mouth down to the grains is a memorable experience. Additionally, the place is also the inventor of temaki sushi, something that all of Japan is familiar with. All of the above result in refined sushi that shows how fastidious the chefs are with their creations.

Special Information:
Suehiro Temaki for 100 yen per piece on the 8th of every month!
*Does not apply to weekends or public holidays

A pleasant space where one can enjoy gentle food made of carefully selected seasonal ingredients “Rice and Tororo Toromugi”

A pleasant space where one can enjoy gentle food made of carefully selected seasonal ingredients “Rice and Tororo Toromugi”

Using seasonal vegetables, barley and rice grains, “Rice and Tororo Toromugi” serves a luxurious combination of the most delicious rice made according to the seasons and grated yam filled with nutritional value. Both the rice and tororo are available in 3 different variations, so you can experiment and find out which combination suits you the best. Other foodstuffs that go well with tororo like fried foods, deep-fried foods, and basket cuisine are also available. Be embraced by the warmth of the wood in this establishment as you leisurely enjoy a healthy Japanese meal.

  • Asakusa EKIMISE
    Asakusa EKIMISE
    浅草EKIMISE
    • Address 1-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0033
    • Nearest Station Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line) / Tsukuba Express)
      1 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 03-6802-8633

Shinjuku Mylord

Shinjuku Mylord

Enjoy both sweets and savory meals in this therapeutic cafe for the heart and body, “COTO-COTO Saryō

Enjoy both sweets and savory meals in this therapeutic cafe for the heart and body, “COTO-COTO Saryō

From the popular town of Kagurazaka known for its sophistication and style, the healing cafe “COTO-COTO Saryō” is a developed by the hidden cafeKagurazaka Saryō” whose establishment brims with Japanese feels. “Gentle on the mind and soul” is the motto of this cafe, who is famous for their cute personal-sized nabe “Coto coto” which is filled with boiled goodies, as well as their “original udon”, whose springy udon texture and generous helping of vegetables brings forth a plethora of flavors. Their drink menu which features their “wa-sweets” and Japanese tea is also done well. Feel free to relax and chill in this comfortable space.

Popular Items:
Clear Udon with Chicken Breast Meat, Plums, and Tororo
Beef Nabe with Hanjuku Eggs and Boiled Foodstuffs

A stylish okonomiyaki shop “Teppan Steak Okonomiyaki Pasutakan”

A stylish okonomiyaki shop “Teppan Steak Okonomiyaki Pasutakan”

This trendy place serves creatively original okonomiyaki and monjayaki, as well as teppanyaki. Fresh cabbage, yam and wheat flour are used to create plump, fluffy, yet healthy okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is usually enjoyed by making it oneself, and while this place provides hourglasses for the customer's convenience, first-timers can ask the staff to help too. To be able to enjoy piping hot okonomiyaki and teppanyaki in a casual setting makes this place popular with families and couples alike.

Popular Items:
Roast Beef Okonomiyaki
Hokkaido Shihoro Black Beef Rib Roast
Lobster Steak

  • Odakyu Shinjuku MYLORD
    Odakyu Shinjuku MYLORD
    小田急新宿ミロード
    • Address 1-1-3 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023
    • Nearest Station Shinjuku Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line)
      1 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3346-5611

Metro Shokudo-gai

Metro Shokudo-gai

Enjoy the smooth sensation of soba sliding down your throat with a wide variety of noodles at this long-standing restaurant “Nagasaka-Sarashina Nunoya Taihei”

Enjoy the smooth sensation of soba sliding down your throat with a wide variety of noodles at this long-standing restaurant “Nagasaka-Sarashina Nunoya Taihei”

In the business for 220 years, “Nagasaka-Sarashina Nunoya Taihei” uses choice buckwheat flour to make a large plethora of soba noodles from their pure-white “gozen soba” to the more rustic “kikouchi soba”. Their “gozen soba” in particular has the prestige of having earned the favor of the shogunate before. Once the evening sets in, the place starts to offer their “horoyoi set”, which comes with alcohol and snacks to go with it, ending off the soba meal with a flourish (pun not intended). The establishment also has a standing corner which offers different food from their regular menu, and is popular with many.

Popular Items:
Regular Menu: Twin-colored Tenzaru 1,921 yen (tax inclusive), Tenjū-set 1,830 yen (tax inclusive)
Standing Meal Corner: Nikuten Soba 800 yen (tax inclusive)

Special Information
The standing corner offers both hot and cold variations of their popular Nikuten Soba and Shungikuten Soba, so pick whichever suits your fancy.

  • Shinjuku Metro Shokudo-gai
    Shinjuku Metro Shokudo-gai
    新宿メトロ食堂街
    • Address Shinjuku Subway Building B1F / B2F, 1-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023
    • Nearest Station Shinjuku Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Chuo Main Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Shinjuku Line / Toei Oedo Line / Keio Line / Keio New Line / Odakyu Odawara Line)
    • Phone Number 03-3343-0674

Seibu Shinjuku PePe/Brick St.

Seibu Shinjuku PePe/Brick St.

Enjoying sushi in a Japanese Izakaya-inspired restaurant without feeling uptight “Sushi Ginzo”

Enjoying sushi in a Japanese Izakaya-inspired restaurant without feeling uptight “Sushi Ginzo”

While sushi restaurants are infamous for being hard to approach, the popular “Sushi Ginzo” welcomes customers looking for a helping of sushi without the stress. Despite using fresh catch from Toyosu Market, all of their nigiri sushi is 140 yen each (tax inclusive), a shockingly good deal. Other than their authentic sushi, the place also serves sashimi, fried food, deep-fried food and a collection of a la carte dishes that you can enjoy in a Japanese Izakaya-like setting. Another perk of the place is that both people who love and dislike raw foods can come together to enjoy a meal.

Popular Items:
Year-end course with nabe of your choice (comes with 2.5 hours of all you can drink service) 5,300 yen
This year-end meal plan comes with a nabe and sushi of your choice, and can be enjoyed by anyone of all ages.

*You can choose between gyu suki nabe (beef) and agodashi kaisen nabe (seafood)
*A booking is required one day in advance. Contact number: 03-6457-6460
*Seats are available for groups of 2 to 34 people

  • SEIBU SHINJUKU PePe
    西武新宿ペペ
    • Address 1-30-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0021
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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