Skip Asakusa in 2026? Guide to Togoshi-Ginza — Tokyo’s Longest Street for Local Eats

🟢 Great in Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.

Skip the crowds of Asakusa in 2026. Discover Togoshi-Ginza, Tokyo's longest shopping street, where you can taste authentic regional flavors from across Japan—all in one relaxed walk.

Last updated: 2025-12-29

Togoshi-Ginza shopping street scenery with a low-saturation, grainy film look

Introduction

Asakusa is wonderful, but let’s be honest—in 2026, it is going to be incredibly crowded.

If you are looking for a more relaxed, authentic Tokyo experience, head to Togoshi-Ginza. It is the longest shopping street in Tokyo (about 1.3km!), beloved by locals for its friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices.

But here is the real secret: Togoshi-Ginza isn't just about "Tokyo food." It is a culinary crossroads where regional specialties from all over Japan—from Kyushu to Hokkaido—gather in one place. Come here to escape the tourist crowds and experience the true diversity of Japanese food culture.

Street Food: Walk & Eat

Start your walk with these casual bites beloved by locals.

Togoshi-Ginza Croquette

This is the soul food of this street. Handmade by a local butcher, these potato croquettes are simple, crispy, and nostalgic.

👉 Read more: Korokke in Togoshi-Ginza 🥔

Oden (Tokyo Style)

Forget convenience store Oden. Here, you can taste the authentic, handcrafted fish cakes simmered in a gentle dashi broth. It is the taste of old Tokyo.

👉 Read more: Oden at Goto Kamabokoten 🍢

Grilled Mackerel Sushi (Fukui Style)

A rare find in Tokyo! This is an antenna shop for Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture. Try the grilled mackerel sushi (*Yaki-Saba Zushi*)—it’s savory, fatty, and perfect for walking.

👉 Read more: Grilled Saba Sushi 🐟

Lunch: Sit Down & Relax

Avoid the long queues of downtown Tokyo and enjoy a quality meal here.

Hakata Tempura (Fukuoka Style)

Unlike the Asakusa style (battered and sauced), this is the Hakata style: crispy, light tempura served one by one as they are fried. Experience the luxury of freshly fried food at a local price.

Onigiri (Rice Balls)

If you want to taste the true quality of Japanese rice, come here. Large, fluffy rice balls with generous fillings like fried chicken or salmon.

👉 Read more: Onigiri Togoshiya 🍙

Oyster Salt Ramen

Japanese ramen is constantly evolving. This shop serves a soup made from oysters (*Kaki*), offering a deep, briny umami that represents the modern Tokyo ramen scene.

👉 Read more: Kaki-Shio Ramen Mukan 🍜

Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl)

At Isomaru Suisan, you can choose from a huge variety of seafood bowls. Everyone in your group can find something they like, from tuna to salmon.

Sweets: Cafe Time

Take a break with some unique Japanese desserts.

Unagi-Imo (Shizuoka Style)

Sweet potatoes grown using eel fertilizer from Shizuoka! The "Sweet Potato Mont Blanc Soft Serve" is not only photogenic but incredibly rich in flavor.

👉 Read more: Unagi-Imo Mont Blanc 🍠

Taiyaki (Gluten-Free!)

A classic fish-shaped cake, but with a twist. This shop uses rice flour (*Komeko*), making the skin crispy and chewy. Plus, it’s gluten-free!

👉 Read more: Rice Flour Taiyaki Kouga 🐟

Coffee Jelly

Experience Japan’s retro coffee shop (*Kissaten*) culture. The bitter coffee jelly paired with sweet cream is a symphony of flavors.

Amazake at the Shrine

Visit Togoshi Hachiman Shrine to pay your respects, then enjoy a warm cup of Amazake (sweet fermented rice drink). A perfect mix of history and relaxation.

Izakaya: Dinner & Drinks

As the sun sets, experience the lively Izakaya culture.

Chicken Nanban (Kyushu Style)

"Ebisu" brings the authentic tastes of Kyushu to Tokyo. Their Chicken Nanban with plenty of tartar sauce is a must-try.

👉 Read more: Chicken Nanban Ebisu 🍗

Hamayaki (Seafood BBQ)

Create your own BBQ right at your table! Grilling shellfish (*Hotate*) and crab miso (*Kani-miso*) on a portable stove is a fun, quintessential Japanese entertainment.

Yakitori & Oyakodon (Brand Chicken)

This shop specializes in "Nichinan Dori," a premium chicken brand. Enjoy authentic Yakitori (grilled skewers) with a drink, and don't forget to finish your meal with their rich and savory Oyakodon.

Slightly Further Out

If you have a little more time, explore these neighboring areas.

Wagyu Hamburg Steak (Gotanda)

Just one station away in Gotanda. "Meat Yazawa" serves what might be the highest quality Wagyu Hamburg Steak in Tokyo. Be prepared to line up, but it is worth it.

Hokkaido Gourmet (Jiyugaoka)

A short train ride takes you to Jiyugaoka. Visit this Hokkaido Izakaya to enjoy Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ) and Sapporo Beer without flying north!

About "Taste of Japan"

Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.

Why Togoshi-Ginza?

This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

My Wish as a Local

I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.

Our Rating System:

🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.