Tsukishima Monja Street
Tokyo's culinary heartland, famous for the interactive DIY monjayaki pancake experience and the charming tortoise, Bon-chan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Local vibe, less crowded
Tsukishima Monja Street
Best Time
Local vibe, less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tokyo's culinary heartland, famous for the interactive DIY monjayaki pancake experience and the charming tortoise, Bon-chan.
"It's still an experience one way or the other and I'm not sure how to rate this. It is not Gourmet dining but as an experience, high four star seems appropriate."
🤝 Ask for cooking help!
First-timers, don't hesitate to ask staff to show you how to cook monjayaki. It's part of the fun!
🐢 See Bon-chan!
Catch Bon-chan the tortoise on his daily walk around 3 PM. A unique and adorable street sight!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monjayaki Cooking
Tsukishima Monja Street
The star attraction! Griddle your own savory, gooey pancake with endless topping options. A truly interactive culinary adventure.
+1
Bon-chan the Tortoise
Tsukishima Monja Street
Meet Tokyo's most famous tortoise! Bon-chan strolls the street with his owner, often in cute outfits. A heartwarming local celebrity.
+2
The Lively Monja Street Atmosphere
Tsukishima Monja Street
Experience a vibrant street packed with nearly 80 monjayaki restaurants, each offering their own take on this unique dish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the DIY Dining Experience
Bon-chan's Daily Stroll
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Ask for cooking help!
First-timers, don't hesitate to ask staff to show you how to cook monjayaki. It's part of the fun!
🐢 See Bon-chan!
Catch Bon-chan the tortoise on his daily walk around 3 PM. A unique and adorable street sight!
🗺️ Grab a map
The info center has maps listing all ~80 restaurants. Great for choosing your spot!
💨 Be aware of smoking
Some restaurants may permit smoking, so check if this is a concern for you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Ask for cooking help!
First-timers, don't hesitate to ask staff to show you how to cook monjayaki. It's part of the fun!
🐢 See Bon-chan!
Catch Bon-chan the tortoise on his daily walk around 3 PM. A unique and adorable street sight!
🗺️ Grab a map
The info center has maps listing all ~80 restaurants. Great for choosing your spot!
💨 Be aware of smoking
Some restaurants may permit smoking, so check if this is a concern for you.
😋 Try the thicker dish
If monjayaki's texture isn't for you, try the similar, slightly thicker dish.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tsukishima Monja Street is celebrated for its unique, interactive dining experience centered around the savory monjayaki pancake. Visitors enjoy the fun of cooking their own meal and the lively atmosphere of the street, with many also charmed by Bon-chan the tortoise. While some find the monjayaki texture unusual, the overall experience is highly recommended as a distinctive Tokyo culinary adventure.
"Monja, fukurou and melon pan experience were superb.
Will return soon"
TereAlicia
"Now, if you are stating in Ginza and have a craving for Monja - head here on the bus!
Charming street filled with about 80 places to eat - the smells will lead you to the one that is right for you! Yes, you have to make your own dinner - but that's the fun of it, right?
Careful - some shops have smoking permitted."
Jim Reaugh
"It’s a unique and cool sight to see so many restaurants in close proximity, all competing with the exact same food. No guarantee you can get into any single one, but walk around and you’re sure to find a shop without too much of a wait where you can get some authentic monjayaki."
Jacob Newcomb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tsukishima Monja Street is easily accessible via the Tokyo Metro. Take the Toei Oedo Line or Yurakucho Line to Tsukishima Station. The street is a short walk from the station.
While it's not a short walk, you can take a bus from Ginza to Tsukishima. It's a convenient option if you prefer not to use the subway.
The most direct route is via the Tokyo Metro. The Toei Oedo Line and Yurakucho Line both stop at Tsukishima Station, putting you right at the doorstep of the monja district.
Parking can be challenging in this area. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, you can take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line from Tokyo Station to Ginza, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukishima Station. Alternatively, take the Toei Oedo Line directly from Shinjuku (accessible from Tokyo Station) to Tsukishima.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tsukishima Monja Street is a public street lined with restaurants. You do not need tickets to enter the street itself. You only pay for the food you order at the restaurants.
Most restaurants on Tsukishima Monja Street are open for lunch and dinner, typically from around 11 AM to 10 PM or 11 PM. However, hours can vary by establishment, so it's best to check individual restaurant times.
There is no entrance fee for Tsukishima Monja Street. It's a vibrant culinary district where you pay for your dining experience at the restaurants.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially for popular restaurants or during peak hours. Some restaurants offer online booking.
While most restaurants maintain consistent hours, some may close for a few hours between lunch and dinner service, or have specific closing days. It's always a good idea to confirm with the restaurant beforehand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Monjayaki is a savory, liquid-like pancake cooked on a griddle. You use a small spatula to scrape it off the griddle and eat it directly. It's a fun, DIY dining experience!
Popular toppings include seafood (shrimp, squid), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), cheese, mochi (rice cake), and various vegetables. You can often customize your own.
Many restaurants offer vegetable-based monjayaki. For vegan options, you may need to specifically inquire about omitting dashi broth or using plant-based ingredients.
Monjayaki is more liquid and gooey, while Okonomiyaki is a thicker, more solid pancake. Monjayaki is a Tokyo specialty, while Okonomiyaki is more associated with Osaka.
A single serving of monjayaki usually ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000, depending on the toppings. It's a reasonably priced meal, especially for the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lively street scene with its many restaurants, the unique cooking process of monjayaki, and the charming sight of Bon-chan the tortoise.
Yes, absolutely! The interactive cooking process is a key part of the experience and makes for great photos and videos.
Evenings offer a vibrant, illuminated streetscape, while daytime allows for clearer shots of the restaurants and potentially spotting Bon-chan.
Generally, photography is welcomed, especially for personal use. However, always be respectful of other diners and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the street scenes and the food. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also excellent for quick snaps.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for restaurants that are spacious enough to accommodate families. While the street itself is lively, it's generally safe, and you might even spot Bon-chan the tortoise, which is sure to be a hit with younger visitors. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the busiest evening crowds.
+1🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Don't be afraid to try different restaurants to compare their versions of monjayaki. Some Redditors suggest trying the slightly thicker, okonomiyaki-like dish if the gooey texture of monjayaki isn't to your liking. It's all about exploring the local flavors.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+3Evenings offer dramatic lighting with neon signs, while daytime provides clearer shots. The interactive nature of the food preparation makes for dynamic and engaging photos and videos. Remember to be respectful of diners and staff while capturing your content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Monjayaki
+1Many restaurants on Tsukishima Monja Street offer a vast array of toppings, from fresh seafood like shrimp and squid to popular additions like mentaiko (spicy cod roe), cheese, and mochi. The process involves mixing the ingredients on the griddle, forming a ring with the batter, and then pouring the liquid center into the ring. Watching it cook and then carefully scraping it off is part of the fun.
While the texture might be unusual for first-timers, many find themselves won over by its unique charm and deliciousness. Don't hesitate to ask the restaurant staff for guidance on cooking techniques; they are usually very happy to help newcomers master the art of monjayaki.
Bon-chan: The Street's Beloved Tortoise
+2This heartwarming duo has become a beloved fixture, often seen with Bon-chan sporting adorable hats or outfits, adding a touch of slow-paced magic to the bustling street. Seeing Bon-chan ambling along is a delightful surprise and a unique photo opportunity that many visitors cherish.
+2Their daily walk is a testament to the unique community spirit of Tsukishima. It's a reminder that sometimes the most memorable travel experiences are the unexpected encounters with local characters and their charming routines.
Navigating Tsukishima Monja Street
Many of the restaurants are quite similar in their offerings, so don't stress too much about finding the 'perfect' one. The experience of cooking and eating monjayaki is largely consistent across the street. If one place looks too crowded, simply walk a bit further to find another.
Be aware that some establishments may permit smoking, which could be a consideration for some visitors. It's also worth noting that while the street is lively, it maintains a friendly, neighborhood feel, with many young families and couples residing in the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit