6 Fabulous 24-Hour Restaurants in Tokyo to Satisfy Those Late-Night Cravings

Late Night Food in Ginza

Gyoza Sakaba Shinbashi Branch – Late Night Dumplings in Ginza

To get a feel of Tokyo's cosmopolitan vibes, a trip to Ginza is not to be missed, as it is arguably one of Tokyo's most upmarket districts, where high-end brands and fancy cafes vie for your attention. If you find yourself in this area after many of the shops have closed for the day, you may want to head over to the Gyoza Sakaba Shimbashi Branch in the neighboring Shinbashi, which is just a stone's throw away from Ginza. In fact, it is only a two-minute walk from Shimbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

As its name suggests, Gyoza Sakaba Shimbashi Branch serves delicious dumplings that can be prepared in a variety of ways, whose toppings can range from cheese to chili sauce, coriander, and more. The restaurant’s extensive menu features an impressive array of food items from Japanese and Chinese cuisines, including various stir-fried vegetable dishes, salads, ramen, fried rice, “karaage” (Japanese fried chicken), seafood dishes, and even dim sum! Eat to your heart’s content in this lively restaurant.

Late Night Food in Shinjuku

Chinese Cafe Eight Shinjuku – Late Night Chinese Food in Shinjuku

When you are in Tokyo, you simply must pay Shinjuku a visit at night. Prepare yourself to be greeted by the neon-lit entertainment and shopping outlets and the buzzing pubs and clubs. In one word: electrifying. Having supper in Shinjuku will give you more time to immerse yourself in this busy area, and since Chinese Cafe Eight Shinjuku is located right over Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, you can fill your stomach there - and then continue to paint the town red.

You can feel the energy of the restaurant the moment you step inside this restaurant. Although there are semi-private compartments, most diners are congregated together in an open space, where boisterous laughter often punctuates the air. It is the perfect place to embark on a fascinating journey of nostalgic Chinese cuisine, as all the chefs are experienced cooks from China, so you can rest assured that you will get to savor authentic fare. Besides the wide selection of more than 300 local dishes, the restaurant boasts Peking duck that is made up of crispy succulent skin and thick slices of meat. It's a dish that excites your tastebuds like no other!

Ramen Nagi Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan – Late Night Ramen in Shinjuku

There's nothing better than a piping hot bowl of sinfully rich ramen to perk yourself up in the middle of the night! Give your palate a wholesome lift as you slurp “niboshi” (dried fish) ramen at Ramen Nagi Shinjuku Golden-gai Honkan. Niboshi ramen is a specialty from Aomori Prefecture, but it has been gaining popularity nationwide. Ramen Nagi’s juicy broth brims with the essence of the sea as the chefs use more than 20 different types of dried fish to make the savory and comforting soup!

Toppings of spring onions, “chashu” (braised pork belly) slices, and dried sardines complement the chewy, homemade noodles. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant only offers limited seating, making you feel like you have gained a unique experience, getting to slurp ramen in the middle of the night in Tokyo!

Coffee Aristocrat Edinburgh - Late Night Coffee in Shinjuku

For travelers who feel a tad weary from all the night gallivanting and yearn for something to stimulate their senses, they cannot go wrong with a cup of coffee at Coffee Aristocrat Edinburgh. A minute's walk from Tokyo Metro Shinjuku-sanchome Station, this specialty coffee store sells delectable coffee painstakingly extracted via the siphon method - in which hot water is moved by air pressure - thus preserving the fragrance of the coffee beans.

The retro, Western décor encapsulates all the charming characteristics of Japanese “kissaten” cafes, and a menu highlight is the café au lait – skilled wait staff will make your coffee before you, adroitly pouring coffee and milk from two pots concurrently. Your jaw will drop in awe at their display of composure and confidence. There is a wide selection of coffees available, as well as desserts and other light fare.

Late Night Food in Tokyo

Sushizanmai Takumi Roppongi Rapiros-ten - 24-Hour Sushi in Tokyo

Roppongi is another adrenaline-pumping district with its awesome array of trendy nightclubs and bars. It is also creating a reputation for itself as a hub of the arts – The National Arts Center and Mori Art Museum are found here, offering a visual feast and much food for thought. As such, it is not uncommon for travelers to spend a whole day here, so after a long day of exploring Sushizanmai Takumi Roppongi Rapiros-ten hence serves as a convenient place for you to check out since it is readily accessible from Roppongi Station.

It also helps that Sushizanmai Takumi Roppongi Rapiros-ten is spacious, providing diners with counter seats, table seats, and even individual rooms. So, you will feel that your needs are catered to, regardless of the level of coziness and intimacy you seek with your travel companions. Obviously, its staples like nigiri sushi, sashimi, and rolls will delight your tastebuds, but don't forget to check out the daily recommendations and seasonal dishes where you can try unique menu items.

Akasaka Ichiryu Bekkan: Late Night Korean Food in Tokyo

Those of you who hanker after a lip-smackingly savory bowl of soup will do well to visit Akasaka Ichiryu Bekkan, located in the chic and sophisticated Akasaka area near Roppongi. The restaurant is easily reached from Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda line and is perfect for travelers who want to unwind with quality Korean food.

Its specialty is “seolleongtang” (ox tail soup), which contains succulent beef paired with a thick milky broth. This broth is obtained by simmering ox bones for hours so that the soup absorbs the unbridled essence of the bones. Topped with spring onions and seasoned with salt and pepper, this dish's umami boost will bring the excitement of your night out to greater heights! Fervent fans of Korean food will also be delighted to know that Akasaka Ichiryu Bekkan offers 11 types of “banchan” (small Korean side dishes), including radish kimchi, potatoes, and marinated vegetables.

Andaz Tokyo: Accommodation With Late-Night Dining in Tokyo

What's a trip to Tokyo without experiencing a spectacular panoramic view of its landscape? Be sure to include a visit to a stylish rooftop bar into your itinerary so that you can soak up Tokyo's energy and vitality, and Andaz Tokyo's 52nd-floor Rooftop Bar is a fantastic option. The dedicated mixologists serve innovative cocktails that employ local seasonal ingredients to titillate your tastebuds with exquisite flavors.

Andaz Tokyo provides as much of a feast for your palate as they do for your eyes. Imagine yourself kicking back, sipping a cocktail, and admiring the night view of Tokyo Bay, Odaiba, and Tokyo Tower, feeling your worries melt away as you lose yourself in the splendor of gorgeous Tokyo. If you do not feel like venturing too far after your drinking rendezvous, why not spend the night over at Andaz Tokyo? Exuding a classy feel, its rooms make you feel at ease with their refined, modern designs. Time to allow yourself a silver of luxury to recuperate from your hectic traveling!

24 Hour Family Restaurants and Fast Food Chains

As Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, there needs to be food options that can satiate appetites at all hours of the day. Other than the establishments mentioned above, there are several chains in Tokyo that often stay open 24 hours. These include beloved “gyudon” (rice bowl with beef and onions) chains such as Yoshinoya, Matsuya, and Sukiya. Alternatively, worldwide fast food staples such as McDonald's are also often open into the wee hours of the night and offer intriguing food and drink items unique to Japan. Even fast food meals can turn out to be rather memorable experiences!

Make Late-night Food Adventures Your Fond Memories

Tokyo is not one of the world’s most idolized cities for nothing, and it would be a pity to not live life to the fullest and tuck into delectable late-night suppers at some of its established eateries. The restaurants covered here encompass a wide range of locations, cuisines, and price points, so you can find the ones that fit your itinerary best. Happy exploring!

Title image: loreanto / Shutterstock.com

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