The 5 best places for onigiri (rice balls) in Tokyo

1) Omusubi Café

Here at Omusubi Café, they prepare omusubi (another name for onigiri) from morning till evening with additive-free ingredients only. The side dishes, which are served with a rice ball as a set meal, including marinated fried chicken, are equally delicious. You have a choice of brown or white rice. The menu also includes Japanese sweets if you still have some room for dessert.

Entrance of Omusubi Café

3-7 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku

+81 (0)3-6321-0168

https://omusubi-cafe.jp

2) Onigiri Bongo

Here you can sit at the counter, like in a sushi shop, and order what you like. They then prepare it for you and you can eat fresh onigiri, that is still warm. Choose from over 50 toppings. Pay an additional 50 yen to have two toppings on a piece of onigiri.

a piece of Onigiri on a plate

2-26-3 Kita-Otsuka, Toshima-ku

+81 (0)3-3910-5617

http://onigiribongo.info

More hidden secrets of Tokyo?

Experience this fascinating city off the beaten tracks with hundreds of tips from a local. Find out where to eat, drink, shop and sleep for that true Tokyo vibe.

Buy the book or ebook

3) Onigiri Asakusa Yadoruku

This is the oldest onigiri shop in Tokyo. They source their rice and ingredients from all over Japan. You can eat your onigiri inside the shop with a bowl of tasty miso soup or take out your meal. You can order by the piece, so why not have some onigiri as a snack? Simple but satisfying.

Onigiri with a twist from Asakusa Yadoruku in Tokyo

4) Onigiriya Marutoyo

A reputable shop in Tsukiji Market. They have a great selection – from traditional onigiri, such as salmon and pickled plums, to more unusual options, such as ebi-furai (deep fried prawn). Do try their Oyako (meaning parent and child, in this case, salmon and salmon roe).

4-9-9 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku

+81 (0)3-3541-6010

5) Ohitsuzen Tanbo

Ohitsu is a wooden container for cooked rice, which controls moisture. Here they serve a set menu with rice in such a container as well as selling bento boxes and rice balls. They make rice balls to order so you can always enjoy fresh ones.

a Japanese tuna dish from Ohitsuzen Tanbo

1-41-9 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku

+81 (0)3-3320-0727

http://tanbo.co.jp

Join the community

Sign up for free to gain unlimited access to the website. Plus, you'll receive a 10% discount in our online bookshop.

Sign up