Forget the tourist food floors everyone talks about. The depachika (basement food courts) under department stores are where tokyoites actually shop for incredible food. Mitsukoshi in ginza has this tiny corner stall selling handmade gyoza for ¥180 each - sounds expensive but they're massive and perfect 🥟

My personal favorite is the basement of isetan in shinjuku. The bento section has these gorgeous chirashi bowls around ¥800-1200 that put restaurant versions to shame. Plus you can sample everything - the staff literally hand you pieces of fish and pickles to try.

Pro tip: go around 7pm when they start discounting everything. I've gotten ¥2000 wagyu bento for ¥1200. The quality doesn't drop, they just need to clear inventory. These places close around 8-9pm so timing matters.