TORONTO, March 5 (Reuters) - Randy Garutti knows streetfood: He been Shake Shack's ( SHAK ) chief executive officer since itsinception as a hot dog cart in New York's Madison Square Park.

But when Garutti visits Tokyo, which boasts seven of thecountry's 13 Shake Shack ( SHAK ) locations, he makes sure to sample allaspects of traditional Japanese cuisine.

The following interview with Garutti, who plans to retire in2024, is edited and condensed.

WHERE I GO FIRST

My favorite place to start my trip is going immediately toTonki (1 Chome-1-2 Shimomeguro) in Meguro - a multi-generationalrestaurant specializing in tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets).

It's kind of like going to Katz's Deli (for pastrami) whenyou're in New York: the simple dedication to one amazing productis a hallmark of Japanese food, and Tonki is such a pleasure.

WHERE I STAY

Tokyo hotels are notoriously expensive and small, so nomatter where you want to stay, it's always a struggle. TheMarriott ( MAR ) in Shinagawa (4 Chome-7-36 Kitashinagawa) provides thebest value for a large hotel and business setting.

It's not the most convenient location for central Tokyo, butit's close enough and a quick Tokyo Metro ride gets you whereyou need to go.

BEST PLACE FOR TEAM MEETINGS

Most people would say the large hotels. But I prefer to finda small coffee shop or, in good weather, a great park like Gaien(1-1 Kasumigaokamachi) or near the Emperor's Palace. Do itoutside.

WORTHWHILE TOURIST TRAP

Bill's for pancakes. Crazy lines, but years of hype make ita fun experience (2-6-12 Okura House 12F, Ginza).

GETTING AROUND

Metro is the only answer. It's so easy, cheap, clean,respectful and fun. But don't walk the wrong direction - Tokyois about respect. Following the rules on the Metro and in thestations is essential.

The same is true, of course, for the bullet trains when youtravel outside of Tokyo. It's almost never worth driving ortaking a taxi if you can avoid it.

COFFEE SPOTS

Find a back alley, small, independent coffee shop and youcan't go wrong. I like to head to Cat Street in Omotesando andsee who's brewing.

But I also must admit that Blue Bottle (4 Chome−1−6 NEWoManShinjuku 1F) does an incredible job in Tokyo.

INSIDERS ONLY

Many of the best restaurants are not open to the public andcan be found on upper floors of random buildings. Some of thegreatest yakitori (skewered chicken), teppanyaki (food cooked ona metal plate) and other favorites can be found in hidden places- you've got to have Japanese friends to help.

DINNER SPLURGE

Going all-in on sushi. The best places have eight seats atthe sushi bar, and that's it.

If you're not into sushi, my favorite yakiniku (Japanesebarbecue) is Kirakutei (Minato City).

For yakitori, go to Hachibei (Roppongi 7-4-5 B1F,Minato-ku).

BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION

Tokyo can be wildly expensive, but it doesn't have to be.Some of my favorite meals and experiences are neighborhood ramenrestaurants where you can eat for a few bucks.

BEST MEMORY

I finally got to bring my family for a recent trip. Touringwith my wife and children around Tokyo and then spending time inthe mountains in Hakone, the temples of Kyoto and so much moreare my favorite memories.

FAVORITE SOUVENIR

Unfortunately, the Tsukiji fish market moved to a newlocation years ago, but the old market neighborhood is stillrobust for great meals and for shopping. I always find amazingJapanese pottery, plates, bowls, tea sets and knives to bringhome in the side streets.

CAN'T-MISS TREATS

For cheap and fun snacks, Don Quijote (various locations).It is kind of like a dollar store, but so much more. They haveevery snack available, including every flavor of Kit Katimaginable. You might even find the really hard-to-get Japanesewhiskeys on the upper floors.

Another fun excursion is Harajuku. Get whatever crazy crepe,cotton candy or other trend is hitting Takeshita street.

SHOPPING

My go-to store is Akomeya (various locations) for incrediblefood, housewares and other options.

After that, go to the basement of any of the largedepartment stores in Ginza and other neighborhoods. There arehundreds of incredible food options, souvenirs and, of course,fashion on the upper floors. But first be prepared to indulgedownstairs.(Editing by Lauren Young and Chizu Nomiyama)