3 days in Tokyo

Tsukiji Outer Market · Tsukiji

The inner market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market still has the knives, the tamagoyaki, and the standing sushi. Go hungry and early.

• Most stalls wind down by early afternoon.

Uoshin Nogizaka · Roppongi

Casual izakaya known for live seafood and creative sake pairings. Better and more interesting than any famous Shibuya izakaya on a list.

• Order: Bonito tataki, seared tableside; three small sake pours over one bottle.
• Walk-in at 7pm usually works for two. Cash preferred.

Koffee Mameya · Omotesando

A coffee counter run like a tasting room — you talk through beans with the staff and they brew to match. Standing, deliberate, excellent.

Bar High Five · Ginza

A classic Tokyo cocktail bar. No menu — the bartender asks what you feel like and builds it. Quiet, jacket-helpful, takes its time.

• Skip if jet lag is winning.

AFURI Ebisu · Ebisu

Yuzu-shio ramen — citrus-bright and light, a counter to the heavy tonkotsu everywhere else. Order on the machine at the door.

• Order: Yuzu shio ramen, half-boiled egg.

Nonbei Yokocho · Shibuya

A lane of postage-stamp bars under the train tracks, each seating six to eight. Go to feel the city at human scale, not for a full dinner.

• Peek into a couple, save the real session for later.