Soho has the highest concentration of Japanese restaurants in London. Within 500 metres you can go from world-class ramen to conveyor belt sushi to matcha soft serve. This crawl takes you through five stops, each one offering something completely different, in a logical walking order.

Total time: 2–3 hours, depending on pace. Budget: £30–50 per person if you share and graze. Best time: Saturday afternoon from 12pm.

1

TSUJIRI — Matcha Warm-Up

Wardour Street, Soho

Start with a matcha soft serve or latte from this 160-year-old Kyoto tea institution. Light, energising, and sets the Japanese tone for the crawl. Founded in 1860 by tea master Riemon Tsuji.

Order Matcha soft serve (£5) or iced matcha latte (£4.50)
2 min walk south on Wardour Street
2

Kulu Kulu — Conveyor Belt Sushi

Brewer Street, Soho

Grab 3–4 plates from the belt. This is one of the cheapest proper Japanese meals in central London. Quick, fun, and surprisingly authentic for the price.

Order Salmon nigiri, tamago, edamame — keep it light (around £8–10)
3 min walk north to Denman Street
3

Shoryu Ramen — The Main Event

Denman Street, Soho

Hakata tonkotsu specialists. The Ganso Tonkotsu is creamy, rich perfection. This is the protein hit of the crawl. Share a bowl if you want to save room for more.

Order Half portion of Ganso Tonkotsu if available, or share a full bowl (£13–15)
2 min walk to Heddon Street
4

Heddon Yokocho — Sake & Snacks

Heddon Street, off Regent Street

Retro 70s Tokyo alleyway vibes right off Regent Street. Order a sake flight and some gyoza. The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in London — a genuine taste of Tokyo's yokocho culture.

Order Sake flight + gyoza (£12–15)
4 min walk back through Soho
5

Kova Patisserie — Sweet Finish

Frith Street, Soho

End with a slice of matcha mille crepe and bubble tea. Beautiful cakes that are as photogenic as they are delicious. The perfect sweet note to end the crawl.

Order Matcha mille crepe + hojicha latte (£8–10)
Total estimated cost: £35–50 per person for five stops. That is five completely different Japanese food experiences in one afternoon, all within walking distance.
Crawl tip Go at lunchtime on a weekday to avoid queues. Saturday works too but expect 10–15 minute waits at Shoryu and Kanada-Ya. The crawl works best when you graze rather than feast at each stop.