The Complete Guide to a Kosher Trip to Tokyo

Tokyo's Jewish community, small but active, centers around the Takanawa neighborhood — with Chabad-Lubavitch of Japan and the older Jewish Community of Japan (JCJ), both within walking distance of each other. From there, all of Tokyo's major sights are accessible via the city's efficient public transit network. Here's a short guide to planning your visit.

Chabad and the Jewish Community of Japan

Chabad-Lubavitch of Japan in Takanawa offers prayers, Shabbat meals, a kosher grocery — Kosher: The Shop — and a mikveh. The Jewish Community of Japan (JCJ), in the nearby Hiroo neighborhood, runs a synagogue and an additional mikveh, serving the city's longer-established international community.

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Where to eat

David's Deli in the Mita neighborhood is the city's well-known kosher option, with an American-Jewish deli menu. It's worth calling ahead to confirm availability, especially on busy weekends.

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Tokyo Tower — best after dark

Tokyo Tower, built in 1958 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower, with its iconic orange-and-white paint job, offers a panoramic view over the city from two observation decks. Practical tip: arrive after dark — the tower itself is beautifully lit, and the view over Tokyo's lights stretching to the horizon is worth far more at night than during the day.

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Between the small, warm Jewish community in Takanawa and Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo proves that even a distant, exotic destination like Japan is fully accessible to kosher-observant families, with a bit of advance planning.