Tokyo Station is an enormous hub, so vast you’ll need a map to find your way around! It’s a major transit point, serving not only subways but also high-speed shinkansen trains. The station has undergone major renovations in recent years, making it even bigger and better.
Foodie Paradise: Ramen Street & Beyond
We decided to explore the station leisurely on a quiet day. First things first, food! Ramen Street is a haven for ramen lovers, with a variety of stalls offering different styles of this iconic Japanese dish.
We chose Rokurinsha, a popular spot with a line snaking out the door during lunchtime. We waited about 30 minutes for a table, eager to try their famous tsukemen.
Tsukumen is a type of ramen with cold noodles and a hot, thick dipping sauce. I’m a huge fan of tsukemen, so I was excited to dig in! The noodles were springy and the broth was incredibly flavorful.
After finishing the noodles, we followed the lead of other diners and asked for water and yuzu juice to add to the leftover broth. This transformed the thick sauce into a tangy soup. It was an interesting twist, though not my favorite part of the meal. Still, I highly recommend trying it!
Rokurinsha was definitely worth the wait! I would definitely go back when I’m in the area. However, with so many other ramen places I want to try, I might opt for variety over familiarity next time. Whatever your preference, Rokurinsha is a must-try for ramen fans!
Sweet Tooth Heaven: Kit Kats, Pretz, and Pocky Galore!
Across from the ramen shop was a convenience store bursting with Kit Kat varieties. I was thrilled, as it was my first sighting of them on this trip! We had other stops planned, so unfortunately, we didn’t buy any. Those citrus golden blend Kit Kats were looking good though!
If you’re not aware, Japan has a mind-blowing variety of Kit Kats that you won’t find anywhere else. Some are even prefecture-specific, meaning you can only get them in places like Tokyo Station and other tourist hotspots. So, stock up!
We then made our way to First Avenue, a part of Tokyo Station dedicated to confectionary and sweets. They also have Character Street, which we’ll explore later.
Japan seems to have every flavor of Pretz and Pocky imaginable! I saw some pretty unusual ones, like unagi (eel) flavored Pretz. Next time, I’m definitely giving those a try!
Character Street: A Fan’s Paradise
Character Street is a wonderland for anime and manga fans. Stores like Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, Shonen Jump, Ghibli, and more line the street. It was a visual feast! If you’re a fan of these characters and love to shop, you could easily spend a lot of money here.
We could have spent even more time in Tokyo Station, but we were already having a relaxing day. So, we left to find a special dessert.
A French-Inspired Journey: Hidemi Sugino Patisserie
There are so many fantastic French-inspired Japanese patisseries (or is it Japanese-inspired French patisseries?) in Tokyo. They are well worth visiting!
Hidemi Sugino is a renowned name for anyone who loves French patisserie. I’m not a connoisseur, so I had to do some online research to learn more about him. He trained in France and won the prestigious Coupe de Monde de la Pâtisserie in 1991 before returning to Japan to open his first cake shop.
The shop is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, about a 10-15 minute walk from Tokyo Station. We got lost and took a bit longer, but it was worth the extra time. I’ve heard that you might have to wait in line for some of the more popular cakes, which have to be eaten in-store because they’re too delicate to transport.
We chose two pieces and brought them back to our hotel. The one pictured above is the Tartelette au Caramel (caramel tart). It was absolutely divine!
I want to do this the Japanese way next time. I’ll queue up, order to eat in, and fully appreciate the artistry of these delicious cakes. While I’m not a cake expert, I can say that Hidemi Sugino’s cakes are truly exceptional.
If you have other favorite cake or patisserie shops in Tokyo or elsewhere, please leave a comment below! I’m always looking for new places to try.
