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Tokyo Food Tours: 12 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

Kyoto Food Tours: 9 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

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Food Tours Japan helps you discover the best gourmet experiences in Japan, the world’s number one food destination. Pack your chopsticks, and dive into elegant and harmonious cuisines developed from centuries of artistry, to deliciously addictive soul foods.

Start your journey in Tokyo, the world’s premier city for food-lovers with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. Savour the best of Japan’s cuisine and local delicacies on a Tokyo food tour .

Stroll around Shinjuku’s narrow back streets and taste sizzling yakitori in Memory Lane, or discover where the locals go out at night. Fun-seekers will love the Robot Restaurant’s sensory overload of action and lights, which is more cabaret show, than a place for serious foodies. Or, combine sightseeing with a culinary experience during the day.

Tantalise your taste buds with fresh-off-the-boat sashimi at Tsukiji Market and witness the drama of Tokyo’s famous tuna auction at its new home, Toyosu Market . After all that delicious sushi, wash it down with a sake tasting or brewery tour .

For a more hands-on culinary experience, learn how to cook ramen and gyoza, wagyu beef and more at a Tokyo cooking class .

Ranked number two in the world for the most Michelin star restaurants, Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most refined dishes. On a Kyoto food tour , experience the finest kaiseki multi-course meal and discover restaurants and bars in Kyoto’s geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho.

But don’t leave spotting a geisha to chance! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoy the company of Kyoto’s elegant and legendary entertainers at a geisha and maiko dinner show .

Or, take a break from shrines and temples with a sake brewery and tasting excursion in Kyoto’s quaint and pretty Fushimi district.

Osaka is a foodie paradise, and its people are famous throughout Japan for their love of food. They’re so passionate about cuisine, they have a saying kuidaore which means to ‘bankrupt oneself through extravagance with food.’

Osaka’s friendly and outgoing locals makes it a perfect place to experience delicious local soul foods like takoyaki and Japanese cuisine.

Take a food tour in Osaka and wander around Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets tasting food as you go at one of the many izakaya or standing bars. Or, why not visit Kuromon Market with its seafood-laden food stalls.

Taste the beauty of Japan on a culinary adventure and get a deeper insight into the nation’s culture. A Japan food tour is a must-do travel experience and one you’ll never forget!

Image: Sushi!!! / 鮨 by Toshihiro Gamo , used under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

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50 Japanese Foods to Try While You Are in Japan

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In many countries, Japanese food typically meant sushi, sukiyaki and tempura, but now Japanese gourmet foods are making a name for themselves all around the world! No matter your tastes, you'll love eating your way through Japan. Here, we would like to introduce some of the most delicious Japanese dishes and foods to try during your stay in Japan.

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Sushi is a traditional Japanese food made by combining vinegar rice and seafood (although sometimes other ingredients are also used). There is a type of fermented sushi, known as nare-zushi, but the most typical types of sushi are nigiri-zushi and temaki-zushi.

There are plenty of other ingredients available for those who do not like raw fish, including boiled prawns and grilled conger eel. You can find sushi all around Japan, but the sushi from restaurants in high class areas like Ginza or close to fishing ports is especially delicious. If you are looking to eat cheaply, you can visit a kaitenzushi, or conveyor belt sushi restaurant , where you can enjoy sushi for 100 yen a plate.

Being the land of sushi, all the available options may be overwhelming. If you're looking for a delicious sushi restaurant in Tokyo, why not consider Ginza Saisho , where you can savor delicious, fresh seafood sushi. Meanwhile, Osaka is home to Amano , which is run by a chef with a stellar history when it comes to working with fish.

Don't miss our Ultimate Sushi Guide for important manners and tips you'll need to know when eating sushi in Japan!

Tempura is a Japanese dish made from seafood, fresh vegetables and other ingredients dipped in a flour and egg batter and fried in oil. While you can enjoy tempura at all sorts of restaurants, if you want to try it at its best, we recommend going to a specialist tempura restaurant, where each dish will be brought to your table as soon as it is ready, even if you order a lot!

If trying tempura at a specialty restaurant peaks your fancy, both Tempura Ono in Tokyo and Tenyu  in Kyoto offer scrumptious tempura prepared with fantastically fresh ingredients.

3. Sukiyaki

Sukiyaki is a Japanese dish in which meat and vegetables are stewed in an iron pot. The sauce, known as warishita, is made from soy sauce and sugar. There is a lot of variation in the ingredients and way of eating the dish depending on the region, with some areas mixing beaten egg into the sauce to create a milder flavor. If you are looking to enjoy a lot of great beef, this is the dish for you!

Ramen is a noodle soup dish which has grown to become incredibly popular and is thought of as a byword for Japanese food. Originally, the soup was made from a chicken bones, but in recent years, pork, beef and seafood also being used in the soup, creating a diverse range of tastes. In addition to the typical salt, soy sauce and miso flavors, you can even find curry-flavored ramen now. There is also a type of ramen where the noodles and soup are served separately, known as tsukemen. If you want to visit a ramen restaurant in Japan, first check out  5 Things to Keep in Mind When Trying Ramen in Japan . It's a great primer to get you ordering like a pro! 

As it is a staple in everyday Japanese cuisine, popular and famous shops will usually have lines out the door of people waiting to get a bite of their delicious ramen. Menya Itto is one such shop, attesting to its taste, and has configured a system to make waiting more convenient for its customers. How often can you say you've had a bowl of ramen from one of the most famous establishments in Japan?

5. Curry Rice

While curry has its origins in India, the curry we eat in Japan is a unique, localized dish based on the curry brought over to Japan from the UK. Made with meat and vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.) flavored with curry powder, stewed, and served with rice. Sometimes fried foods, such as pork cutlets, are placed on top of the dish. While there are some specialist curry restaurants, you typically won't have any problems with the curry at a regular restaurant or chain restaurant.

6. Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish based on western pork cutlets, where a thick slice of pork is dipped in a flour and beaten egg batter, coated in breadcrumbs and fried in oil. There are both sirloin and fillet tonkatsu, with the fillet tonlatsu being more expensive. While quite tasty even at a cheap restaurant, we really recommend trying tonkatsu at a specialist restaurant.

This traditional Japanese food is a dish of noodles is made from soba (buckwheat) flour eaten with a soy sauce and sugar sauce, and toppings such as egg, tempura or other ingredients. The noodles you get from a soba noodle shop will be particularly good, but very expensive, so it might be good to try the soba at a standing restaurant. The different dishes and toppings are usually on display in a showcase outside the restaurant, making it easy to decided what to order.

Yamori is a soba restaurant run by a chef so knowledgeable about soba that the menu allows customers to taste soba in a wide variety of ways. It is the perfect place to understand the complexity of soba!

Udon are noodles made from kneaded wheat flour, and eaten with a sauce made from soy sauce and sugar, similar to soba. You can enjoy udon on at the standing soba restaurants, but as the firmness of the noodles, known as koshi, is a key part of the dish, we really recommend eating it at a specialist udon restaurant. In winter, why not try the delicious noodle stew, known as nabe yaki udon?

Karaage is chicken seasoned with soy sauce, salt and a number of different spices, sprinkled with starch and fried in oil. It is like the Japanese version of fried chicken, but the flavor is very different. There are a lot of local variations, with for example chicken nanban in Miyazaki, where the karaage are covered with tartare sauce, and tebasaki in Nagoya, where the karaage are covered in a sweet and spicy sauce. We definitely recommend trying these out!

10. Yakitori

Yakitori is a dish in which skewered chicken seasoned with a sweet salt or soy sauce based sauce and barbecued. You can usually find yakitori at Japanese bar/restaurants, known as izakaya, but we recommend eating it at a specialist yakitori restaurant, where you can enjoy all sorts of different parts of the chicken at quite a reasonable price (unless you go to a high class place, where it will cost quite a lot.).Another popular Japanese food is skewered pork, or yakiton in Japanese, which is delicious as well!

At Taira in Tokyo, guests can enjoy yakitori prepared with free-range chicken and a plethora of sake that perfectly complement the meticulously grilled skewers.

11. Yakiniku

Yakiniku is a dish in which beef dipped in a sauce and grilled directly over a fire. The freshness of the meat is very important to the dish. By lightly grilling the dish, you can enjoy the soft flavor of Japanese beef. The most popular dishes are sirloin (known as rosu in Japanese) and kalbi (Korean-style marinated meat), but at a yakiniku restaurant you can enjoy all sorts of different types of meat. The price of the meat depends on the quality, so if you want to try real yakiniku, we recommend going once to a high-class yakiniku restaurant. If you want to know more, our Ultimate Yakiniku Guide has you covered!

Both  YAKINIKU 37west NY in Tokyo and  Wagyu Kappo Toraichi  in Osaka offer sublime dining experiences, serving delectable yakiniku among a luxurious atmosphere. Here, your mouthwatering beef is sure to be prepared to perfection! 

12. Sashimi

Sashimi is a traditional Japanese food made of raw selfish cut into small pieces and served with soy sauce. By adding condiments like wasabi or ginger, sashimi becomes even more delicious. You can enjoy sashimi in places other than Japan, but the level of freshness is different. If you are looking for somewhere cheap to enjoy sashimi, why not try a set meal at a restaurant near a fishing port, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, you should visit a sushi restaurant or a traditional Japanese restaurant - we guarantee you won’t be disappointed! If you stay at a Japanese inn, you will probably find sashimi on the menu there.

13. Robatayaki

Robatayaki is not quite a type of food, but more of a type of restaurant. At the restaurant, fish and vegetables are cooked over the fireplace and handed to customers with a large wooden spoon, known as a horikaeshi-bera. The ingredients are cooked directly on the charcoal, giving them a unique flavor. Robatayaki restaurants also have a unique code when ordering. For example, if you ask for a potato, or jagaimo in Japanese, the waiter/waitress will call out, Jagaimo ippatsu! for the order rather than the regular ikko counter. If this sounds like a culinary experience you would like to try, you can check out  Robatasho  in Tokyo!

14. Shabushabu

A dish in which meat and vegetables are boiled in water flavored with a stock of konbu and other ingredients. The typical dipping sauce for shabushabu is either a ponzu or sesame based sauce. The key to the dish is lightly submerging the meat in the water before eating. You can order both beef and pork, and additional orders are possible, and we definitely want you to try the pork as well. There are also cases where udon noodles are added to the dish at the end of the meal. Unlike some of the other dishes, you can’t really find shabushabu in non-specialized restaurants, although a few sukiyaki restaurants do offer shabushabu as well.

A dish from Sendai where the beef tongue (gyutan) is prepared in a special way that softens the meat, and because of this, you can only find it in special beef tongue restaurants. In a typical dish, you will usually have rice cooked with barley (mugimeshi) and a beef tale soup along with the beef tongue. With the mugimeshi, you will usually be served tororo, or grated yam, along with various pickles, such as white cabbage or chili peppers peserved in miso. Different to beef tongue in yakiniku restaurants, the beef tongue in special gyutan restaurants is quite thick.

16. Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki ryori is again not a dish itself, but a style of eating most suited to a banquet. The menu for the meal usually consists of ichijusansai (a soup, sashimi, a grilled dish and a cooked dish), in addition to an appetizer (otooshi), fried dishes (agemono), steamed dishes (mushimono), a type of Japanese salad (aemono), and pickled dishes, including others. To close the meal, rice, miso soup, pickles (konomono) and fruit (mizugashi) are served. Naturally, this sort of meal is only available at special kaiseki ryori restaurants, and a reservation is usually required. On top of this, the price can be very high, which makes it difficult to recommend. On the other hand, you won’t be able to find this outside of Japan, so if your wallet or purse permits, why not visit a kaiseki ryori restaurant during your stay in Japan?

Both Fukudaya in Tokyo and Kentan Hirobe in Kyoto are Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurants, ensuring high-quality, delicious dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients. 

A Japanese dish in which a bowl of rice is topped with beef. Gyudon, or beef bowl, has already become a popular dish around the world, but the gyudon you have in Japan may be slightly different to what you find elsewhere. For a start, the quality of the rice is different. While in Japanese gyudon restaurants, the rice they are using is probably not that expensive, but the beef really goes well with Japanese rise. We also recommend pouring beaten egg on top of the beef!

18. Chankonabe

A Japanese food where highly nutritious meat and vegetables are boiled in a large pot. Chankonabe is famous as a dish used by sumo wrestlers to build up their bodies. If you want to try chankonabe, we recommend a restaurant run by a former sumo wrestler.

The long-standing  Chanko Kawasaki is one such restaurant. Here, you can enjoy authentic chankonabe in an establishment located in a Tokyo neighborhood commonly associated with sumo wrestling.

19. Motsunabe

A famous Japanese dish from Fukuoka in which beef and pork offal meat is cooked in a pot with various vegetable, such as cabbage and Chinese leek, known as nira in Japanese. You can add more ingredients as you cook it, meaning you can eat as much as you want. After finishing the main dish, it is common to add Chinese style noodles, chanpon noodles to the soup, or rice to make a rice gruel from the soup. You can find motsunabe restaurants in Tokyo , but as you can imagine, the flavor is different from the original Fukuoka version.

20. Onigiri

An onigiri is a boiled rice ball lightly salted and often filled with ingredients such as umeboshi (dried plum), salmon or cod roe, all wrapped in a sheet of nori (dried seaweed). To start, we recommend trying the tuna mayonnaise-flavored ingot. The21.re are specialist onigiri stores, but you can find them at convenience stores as well, so you can enjoy them whenever and wherever you go. They are surprisingly popular with foreign people.

Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku is one of the oldest onigiri specialty shops in Tokyo, where onigiri are made fresh for the customers. It is a great place to stop by when exploring the popular neighborhood of Asakusa.

Next： No.21-40 Further Japanese foods you must try in Japan

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Food in Japan: 32 Popular Dishes You Need to Try on Your Next Visit

Satisfy your cravings for food in Japan with our list of 32 must-try Japanese dishes. From teppan to ramen to gyoza , we've got you covered.

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, but there are numerous other dishes to sample besides sushi . While many are familiar with sashimi , tempura , and ramen , Japanese culinary culture is much more diverse. If you are planning a trip to Japan, you may wonder what foods are worth trying. To assist you in making a decision, we have assembled a list of 32 delectable Japanese dishes that everyone should experience.

1. Buta-No-Shogayaki (豚の生姜焼き): The 'B-Grade Gourmet' Ginger Pork Classic

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Guide to Japanese Food: 15 Japanese Dishes to Try

The popularity of traditional Japanese food is one of the many aspects that draw millions of visitors to Japan every year. Discovering new flavours, trying authentic dishes, and exploring regional food differences is one of the  highlights of any Japan trip. 

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And it’s no surprise – Japanese food is arguably one of the  most sought-after international cuisines.  Sushi, ramen, tempura, gyoza and many other dishes from Japanese cuisine have become well-known around the world over the last few decades. 

But as we discovered on our recent trip to Japan ,  Japanese food is so much more diverse  than the sushi and ramen shops you might have come across in North America. The list of traditional Japanese dishes is very long, and there’s much more variety across the islands than you might realize.

Japanese cuisine has changed and  evolved over the centuries.  You’ll notice many influences from China and Korea in the cooking methods and ingredients, with varying versions of similar dishes like dumplings and noodles all over Asia. 

From yatai (street food stalls) cooking snacks to traditional ryokans serving kaiseki meals, enjoying the food in Japan is an important part of the culture. And for us, it was definitely the highlight of our trip! 

In this article, we wanted to share some of our favourite Japanese dishes and types of Japanese food that you should remember to try during your time in Japan. 

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

Health Benefits of Japanese Diet

The health benefits of the Japanese diet have been well documented now, particularly with a high life expectancy and the recognition of Okinawa as being one of the world’s Blue Zones (where a large number of people live to 100). 

Heavily focused on fish, fermented soybeans, seasonal vegetables, and small portions of meat, Japanese cuisine is one of the healthiest diets in the world. 

Japanese Food Experiences You Can’t Miss

Before we get into the actual dishes, we wanted to share a few very special Japanese food experiences to add to your list. 

Sushi Omakase

Sushi is undoubtedly the most famous Japanese dish for foreigners, but there are several different ways you can enjoy it in Japan. One of the best ways to sample a wide variety of sushi is by  ordering it “omakase” style. 

Omakase literally translates to “I leave it up to you,” which means you leave the selection of the sushi up to the chef. This experience often allows you to taste more regional delicacies as the chef gets to prepare a personalized tasting plate  of their favourite sushi based on the best seasonal ingredients.

Kaiseki Meal

Kaiseki is Japan’s answer to a traditional celebratory feast.  A multi-course meal  designed to highlight the flavour of seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation to make a unique and often  sophisticated dining experience. 

The key to the best kaiseki is subtle seasonings, fresh ingredients from the region, and complementary table settings and garnishes, all working together harmoniously. If you want the full kaiseki experience, order it for dinner at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in regional Japan. Usually served in a communal dining room with tatami (woven mats) floors, it’s a true  Japanese cultural immersion.

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market

Considered one of the best foodie experiences in Japan, the  Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo  is one of the  largest fish markets in the world.  Specializing in freshly caught seafood, the market is a maze of alleyways filled with vendors selling a range of Japanese dishes. 

Try oysters, scallops, unagi (grilled eel), squid tempura, tuna, grilled fish like salmon, and whitefish sashimi served over fried rice and fried fish cakes. Fresh sushi is also abundant and worth a try here. 

READ NEXT: 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

Visit Nishiki Market

Another iconic market experience for traditional Japanese food is the Nishiki Market in Kyoto. A long, narrow street filled with shops and restaurants, it has a history spanning hundreds of years and is often referred to as  ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen.’  Most stalls specialize in a particular type of food, and almost everything sold at the market is locally sourced.

Discover a wide variety of weird and wonderful foods, from tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and traditional Japanese sweets to wasabi salt and fresh sashimi skewers. The crab is a must-try in the right season. It’s certainly a lesson in all aspects of Japanese food. 

Tea Ceremony Experience

Tea is a staple in the Japanese diet, and while other Asian countries focus on black tea, Japan’s specialty is green tea. A Japanese tea ceremony or  “the way of tea”  is steeped in a long history of traditional Japanese culture. There are generally two kinds of green tea served in Japan, ryokucha (steeped with leaves) and matcha (mixing dried and milled leaves with water). Matcha is traditionally the kind of tea served in tea ceremonies. 

Traditionally, a tea ceremony was reserved only for the highest-ranking officials and guests of honour. Hosted by a geisha, this experience dates back to the Edo Period but is one that is still widely practiced today among Japanese. 

For a glimpse into the experience, consider joining a tea ceremony experience in Kyoto or Osaka. Kyoto is the most famous city to host tea ceremonies, usually held in a tatami room. A traditional Japanese sweet is often served with matcha tea to balance out the bitterness of the drink.

READ NEXT: Things to do in Kyoto

Japanese Cuisine Cooking class

If you really want to dive deep into traditional Japanese cuisine and be able to cook your own meals at home, then joining a Japanese cooking class is a fun experience. There are many different cooking classes available everywhere, from Tokyo to Osaka, depending on what dishes you want to learn how to make.

If you want to make some of the most famous traditional Japanese foods, try this  sushi-making class in Tokyo   or this  ramen and gyoza cooking class in Osaka . 

Yakitori Alley Exploration

Yakitori is a Japanese style of grilled meat on bamboo skewers, and the best place to try it is Yakitori Alley. Located just  north of Shinjuku Station in Tokyo,  the street is actually named Omoide Yokocho (memory lane) but is better known as Yakitori Alley for its tiny restaurants serving skewered chicken sticks.

You’ll find various types of skewers with either soy-based sauce or simple salt grilled over charcoal. The restaurants in Yakitori Alley are usually very small and can accommodate just a few patrons per store. Besides yakitori, there are also restaurants that serve gyoza, izakaya food, and udon noodle soup dishes, so everyone can find something to eat.

Okonomiyaki at a Teppanyaki Grill

Okonomiyaki is often referred to in English as a  Japanese pizza but is more of a combination of pizza and savoury pancake. Okonomiyaki starts as a flat pancake made of wheat flour, egg, and chopped cabbage and is then topped with cooked meat, seafood, and other vegetables.

The Japanese word Okonomi  literally means “to one’s liking,”  which reflects the variety of okonomiyaki available across Japan depending on the region and customers’ preferences. 

Osaka and Hiroshima are most famous for this Japanese meal, which you can find served in teppanyaki grill restaurants. Teppanyaki refers to ingredients grilled on an iron griddle and is often equipped at each table so you can cook the meal yourself. The best way to experience this traditional Japanese food is to head to one of these restaurants to cook it up yourself.

Street Food Tour

Sometimes, the best way to experience Japanese cuisine is not necessarily by visiting Japanese restaurants but more about discovering all the unique local delicacies in the markets and streets of the big cities. Join a guided street food tour to try all the best local foods while getting a cultural lesson with a local guide. 

Spend a few hours with a  local guide exploring Tsukiji Market in Tokyo , try up to 13 dishes at five local eateries on a  food tour in Shinsekai  in the back streets of Osaka, or  stroll around Gion and Nishiki Market in Kyoto  in the bustling morning hours with a guide.

Best Japanese Dishes to Try

Ok. Now let’s get into the actual list of dishes to add to your Japan food bucket list. If you’re looking for the top Japanese dishes to try on your first trip to Japan, these are the must-try meals to add to your list.

1. Sushi (すし)

Sushi is definitely the most famous Japanese meal outside of Japan. It was once referred to as pickled fish preserved in vinegar, but nowadays, it can be defined as any dish containing vinegared rice and raw fish. Sushi is often served with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger.

There are various types of sushi, including  sashimi  (raw fish),  norimaki  (sushi rice and seafood wrapped in dried seaweed sheets),  nigiri  (small rice balls with raw fish draped on top), or  gunkan  (little round cups of sushi rice wrapped in dried seaweed and filled with seafood like fish eggs, sashimi, crab or sea urchin). 

Sashimi  is, of course, one of the most common things served in Japanese restaurants, especially sushi restaurants and izakaya and are a standard element of traditional kaiseki course meals. Sashimi consists of thin slices of raw fish or seafood served with soy sauce and wasabi.

The slices of raw fish are usually presented on top of shredded daikon or garnished with shiso leaves. The most common fish used are fresh tuna, salmon, saba or mackerel, and squid.

While it’s common outside of Japan to drench sushi in sauces, in Japan – all you need is a light dip of soy sauce for the perfect taste.

2. Ramen (ラーメン)

Technically originating in Southern China, ramen is a Japanese word which is derived from the Chinese word lamian (拉麵), meaning “pulled noodles”. The noodle soup is an inexpensive and popular Japanese comfort food. You’ll find ramen restaurants on every corner in cities across Japan.

The Chinese-style  hearty noodle dish consists of noodles usually made from wheat flour, along with a meat or fish-based hot broth, along with a variety of toppings such as slices of pork belly, raw or cooked bean sprouts, soft-boiled, marinated or raw egg, bamboo shoots, and seaweed. 

Ramen noodle dishes are typically categorized according to their soup base, with popular options including:

• Miso ramen  which is flavoured with soybean paste (miso) originating in Hokkaido
• Shoyu ramen  flavoured with soy sauce, and 
• Tonkotsu ramen  made from boiled-down pork bones originating from Kyushu.

3. Tempura (天ぷら)

It is said that tempura was brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the 16th century, but it has since become one of the most recognized Japanese dishes around the world. Tempura consists of  lightly battered and deep-fried food , ranging from seafood to vegetables. 

Tempura is commonly served either as a main dish, a side dish with dipping sauces, or as a topping for steamed rice bowls or Japanese noodles. There are specialized tempura restaurants known as  tempura-ya,  but these are often expensive, high-end places. It’s worth visiting one for a unique  “make your own tempura”  experience. 

You can also find tempura at street markets as snacks and side dishes across the country.

4. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き)

A  savoury pancake that is extremely popular amongst foreigners and tourists in Japan. Often referred to as Japanese pizza, okonomiyaki is made from wheat flour and shredded cabbage and is topped with various ingredients like meat or seafood. There are also vegetarian options.

Okonomi means “to one’s liking,” as there is a huge variety of okonomiyaki available, and it can easily be tailored to customer preferences. If you want to try the most traditional version, head to Osaka or Hiroshima, where you can find them served in Teppanyaki Grill restaurants.

5. Udon (うどん)

Udon noodles (not to be confused with Soba Noodles) are  thick wheat flour noodles  served in a variety of ways. The most popular udon dish is  udon noodle soup,  made with a mild broth called  kakejiru  with flavours of dashi, soy sauce and mirin. The soup is topped with scallions or green onions, tempura and grated radish.

The difference between Udon and Soba is that udon is thicker than soba noodles, which are made from buckwheat flour, and are much chewier. Udon is widely available at restaurants across Japan and can be served hot or cold. You can find it at specialty udon or soba restaurants, as well as more fast food-type restaurants at train stations.

6. Tonkatsu (とんかつ)

Tonkatsu is a  deep-fried, breaded pork cutlet.  It is made by coating slices of pork with panko (bread crumbs) and deep frying them in oil. It is considered the  Japanese equivalent to schnitzel  in Europe. 

While pork is by far the most popular katsu dish, there are other variations made of chicken ( chikinkatsu ), beef ( gyukatsu ), and minced meat ( menchikatsu ). Tonkatsu is usually served with shredded cabbage and tangy dipping sauce. It’s served both in restaurants and at cheap, convenience stores and station eateries.

7. Yakitori (焼き鳥)

Yakitori (literally, grilled chicken) is a general term used to refer to grilled skewers. It’s one of the  most popular Japanese meat dishes prevalent in small hole-in-the-wall restaurants nationwide.

While the dish name refers to chicken skewers, yakitori restaurants generally have a wide selection of meat skewers, consisting of different cuts and parts of chicken, pork, beef, etc. The skewers are usually marinated with either soy sauce-based or simple salt grilled over charcoal.

Yakitori is a common street food or quick-eat meal, particularly in markets. One of the best places to try it is at the aptly named Yakitori Alley in Tokyo , where you’ll find lots of small, tightly packed restaurants serving these skewered chicken sticks.

8. Miso Soup (味噌汁)

Miso soup is a staple in the Japanese diet and one of the most commonly eaten dishes in Japan. It’s not a meal in and of itself, but a much welcome accompaniment in meals both simple and extravagant, served at any time of the day. 

This popular healthy meal is made from  miso paste  as well as a traditional Japanese fish stock called  Dashi.  Dashi is an umami-rich base made from dried seaweed and dried fish, which is then flavoured with miso paste made from fermented soybeans, salt and koji rice. It’s garnished with green onions, mushrooms or tofu, so it’s a great vegetarian option.

9. Gyoza (餃子)

Gyoza is Japan’s  dumplings , which consist of a range of fillings wrapped in thin dough. The typical gyoza is filled with ground pork, nira chives, green onion, cabbage, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s not uncommon, however, to find gyoza with other fillings, like shrimp, veggies and others. 

You can find specialty gyoza in places that incorporate local ingredients and unique flavours into this staple Japanese dish. One example is matcha gyoza wrappers made in Kyoto. 

They are typically pan-fried and served with a dipping sauce from a street stall or at a market. Gyoza are some of the most consumed foods in Japan along with sushi, ramen and curry rice, and are especially popular with budget travelers.

10. Takoyaki (たこ焼き)

Takoyaki is the Japanese term for “octopus grilled/fried,” and they are a very popular yatai (or street food) snack that originated as a street food snack in Osaka. Takoyaki are made from a wheat and dashi stock batter, similar to okonomiyaki. The batter is filled with octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onions and cooked in a special cast-iron pan that gives them their perfectly round shape. These  octopus balls  are typically served topped with takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes.

You can find Takoyaki balls in many street markets across Japan, particularly during festivals.

11. Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し)

Chawanmushi literally means “tea cup steam” or “steamed in a tea bowl,” making it an incredibly unique Japanese food. It’s an  egg custard dish  that is savoury rather than sweet and is made with a few simple ingredients: dashi, eggs, soy sauce, and mirin. It’s sometimes garnished with shrimp, mushrooms or ginkgo nuts.

Chawanmushi can be served hot, warm, or cold and is one of the few meals in Japanese cuisine that is traditionally consumed with a spoon.

12. Katsudon (カツ丼)

Katsudon is a popular,  simple rice dish  that is a safe bet when ordering at a restaurant. It consists of a bowl of steamed rice, topped with a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet ( tonkatsu ), along with an egg, vegetables like sauteed onion, and a sweet and savoury sauce. It’s an easy meal that you could replicate at home to remind you of the food in Japan.

13. Oden (おでん)

Oden is a type of nabemono or  hot pot dish. It consists of several ingredients, such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, and fish cakes stewed in a soy-flavored dashi broth. It’s a classic winter hot pot dish and a family favourite for the colder months. It’s usually served in a donabe clay pot and shared with family and friends.

14. Sukiyaki (すき焼き)

Another of the comforting hot pot dishes in Japan is sukiyaki. It consists of thinly sliced beef that is cooked or simmered in a shallow cast-iron pan alongside vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, and tofu.

A sweet soy sauce is used to marinate the meat and vegetables, and noodles are often added at the end to mop up the remaining liquid. A range of noodles are added depending on regional varieties, including vermicelli noodles, udon noodles, and shirataki (konnyaku noodles). The dish is cooked at your table over a small gas burner, with diners taking the food directly from the pot.

15. Mochi 

We’ve kept this list focused on savoury dishes only, but it would be a crime not to add the sweet, squishy dessert called mochi to this list of best Japanese foods.

Mochi is made from glutinous rice pounded into a sticky, chewy consistency. Sweet mochi can be filled with red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit, adding a diverse flavour to this simple treat.

So there you have it – a mouthwatering list of our favourite Japanese dishes. It may seem overwhelming at first, but we guarantee – you’ll be able to try and most likely enjoy them all during your time in Japan. 

In our family, we have a rule – you don’t have to eat it, but you have to try it! 

We hope you give all of these a try! 

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

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Japanese Food Favorites: 37 Must Eat Dishes

By Author Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Wondering what to eat in Japan during your first trip to the land of the rising sun? We’ve visited Japan three times and can’t wait to return for a fourth. The best Japan food options are endless. Discover 37 must eat Japanese food favorites. Can you eat them all???

Japanese food is popular around the world but specifically for two dishes – sushi and ramen. These two famous Japanese dishes have made their way around the globe and back again, leaving their culinary mark along the way.

Most people outside of Japan view sushi as a luxury food that they either adore or abhor based on their affinity toward raw fish. And who doesn’t love ramen, the iconic Japanese noodle soup that’s available in most global cities?

If you want to try sushi and ramen in Japan – you’re in luck. These dishes are easy to find at markets and restaurants throughout the country. But we implore you not to stop there. Otherwise, you’ll be missing out on some of the best foods of Japan as well as exciting aspects of Japanese cuisine.

Discover more of the best noodle dishes in the world including three in Japan.

What Is Japanese Cuisine?

Japanese food, an Asian cuisine that’s developed over centuries, has roots entrenched in the concept of washoku . Literally translating to ‘Japanese food’, washoku is a harmonious way of eating simple, seasonal ingredients like rice, vegetables and seafood.

Evolving over the years, Japanese cuisine incorporates influences from other countries. Portuguese missionaries introduced tempura in the 16th century and, centuries later, the Chinese brought ramen noodles to the Japanese table. Today, both tempura and ramen are two of the most iconic foods of Japan.

Discover our picks for the best Asian dishes .

More recently, Japanese cuisine has been broadened further to include American burgers , Italian pasta and French pastries. Not messing around, Japanese chefs have mastered these western cuisines with a precision bordering on perfectionism. As as a result, Tokyo has more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants including a dozen with three stars.

Fun Fact Some Japanese are so obsessed with French culture (including French food) that they experience a condition called Paris Syndrome when France doesn’t live up to their lofty expectations.

Our History with Japanese Food

After eating typical Japanese food for years in America, we finally made it to Japan in 2013. What a revelation! We ate our way through both Tokyo and Kyoto at multiple izakayas, the Takashimaya department store, two famous markets ( Nishiki and Tsukiji ) and two Michelin starred restaurants ( Florilege and Bird Land ), but it wasn’t enough to quench our thirst for local Japanese food.

We returned to Japan in 2016 for a three-week stay in Osaka , a city aptly nicknamed Tenka no Daidokoro – Japan’s Kitchen. Staying in Japan’s most food-focused city for an extended time allowed us to dive deeply into the city’s street food culture and eat our weight in ramen , sushi and other famous Japanese food favorites.

Returning a third time to Japan during an epic Asia cruise in 2018, we visited the port cities of Naha, Fukuoka and Nagasaki. After eating some of the best Japanese food in these disparate cities, we knew another return to the land of the rising sun was inevitable.

That fourth visit hasn’t happened… yet. Until it does, we can easily satisfy our Japanese food cravings in our home city of Lisbon and all over the world. But mark our words – we will return to Japan sooner than later to eat at the source. It’s inevitable.

What to Eat in Japan

Our guide outlines 37 the Japanese foods and drinks that you can’t miss during your trip. Some are popular Japanese food favorites while others are more niche.

For ease of use, we’ve separated the guide into six categories:

Traditional Japanese Food

Japanese street food.

• Regional Japanese Dishes

Unique Japanese Meal Experiences

Japanese desserts, japanese drinks.

We empathize with the temptation to only eat ramen and sushi when you travel to Japan for the first time. We love both of those dishes from Japan too. But don’t stop at these two popular Japanese foods since you’d miss out on dozens of other amazingly unique Japanese dishes.

There’s no better place to start your Japanese food exploration than by eating traditional Japanese dishes. These are the dishes with popularity that extends beyond Japan.

As you consider foods to try in Japan, we recommend starting with ramen (one of our personal Japanese food favorites). Then you should eat each of the following dishes on your visit:

The Japanese didn’t invent ramen. That credit for this Japanese traditional food goes to the Chinese who originally created wheat lamien noodles, ramen’s inspiration. The Japanese, however, get credit for perfecting ramen before sharing this comforting noodle soup with the world.

For the uninitiated, typical bowls of ramen have savory broth, toothy wheat noodles, chāsū (pork), nori (seaweed), scallions and a softly boiled egg. Broth variations include miso, shoyo (soy sauce), shio (salt) and tonkotsu (pork bone). And this doesn’t contemplate regional variations like Hakata ramen in Fukuoka or Hokaido ramen in (you guessed it) Hokaido.

Discover more of the best soups in the world .

Our initial Japanese ramen experience at Ramen Street in Tokyo hooked us in but our ramen infatuation became a ramen obsession in Osaka. After slurping our first bowl at Ippudo at 2am soon after arriving, we proceeded to eat enough ramen to find our favorites. We became so obsessed that we visited the Instant Ramen Museum on the outskirts of the city during our visit.

We’ve since eaten ramen in cities like Budapest , Lisbon , New York and Paris . But there’s nothing like eating ramen in Japan as we illustrate in our soup-filled YouTube video .

Read about the best ramen in Osaka .

Sushi is simply sliced raw fish served atop a mound of steamed rice that’s been seasoned with vinegar. As we demonstrate in our YouTube video , it’s also proof that simple food is often the best food.

You won’t have to look hard to find this traditional food in Japan. Instead, it’s easy to find sushi at 7-11 convenience stores , markets and restaurants. On the low end, sushi is affordable and accessible to all. On the high end, as shown in the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi , it’s a three-star, life-changing experience.

Watch the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi on Amazon.

Adventurous food travelers will want to try conveyor belt sushi in Japan both for the quirky experience and the variety of raw fish. Popular options include ebi nigiri (shrimp) hamachi (yellowtail), ikura (salmon roe), maguro nigiri (tuna), sake nigiri (salmon), toro (tuna belly) and uni (sea urchin).

Pro Tip Don’t add wasabi, soy sauce or ginger to sushi at any high end sushi counter in Japan. Doing so is considered an insult to chefs who like to remain in control of the flavor experience.

People outside of Japan tend to lump sushi and sashimi together. However, these two famous Japanese food favorites involving raw fish are not the same.

Unlike sushi, sashimi does NOT have any rice. The only ingredient in sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish. Typical garnishes include daikon slivers and shiso leaves.

While it’s possible to find sashimi made with meat or vegetables, the finest Japanese sashimi typically involves raw fish and seafood like ebi (shrimp), hamachi (yellowtail), eka (squid), maguro (tuna) and sake (salmon). More adventurous diners can also try aji (horse mackerel) and uni (sea urchin).

Pro Tip Order a side dish of rice if want some carbs with your sashimi.

Eating unagi (freshwater eel) at a sushi restaurant is a great alternative for people who don’t eat raw fish. Japanese sushi chefs slather grilled eel fillets with a sweet and salty, umami-rich BBQ sauce before placing tasty eel morsels atop clumps of steamed rice.

Sure, there are other ways to eat unagi in Japan. One popular option is to eat unagi over a bowl of rice in a donburi dish called unadon . But for us, there’s no better way to eat unagi in Japan than the way we ate it in Osaka sushi bars – full of flavor and on top of rice.

Pro Tip Although unagi is available throughout the year in Japan, freshwater eel is especially popular during the warm summer months.

Leave your preconceptions about fried food behind when you order tempura during everyday Japanee meals as either a starter or main dish. Although tempura is deep fried, it doesn’t taste greasy and it’s not messy to eat.

Japanese chefs prepare tempura by precisely cutting ingredients like shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, lotus roots and shishito peppers before lightly coating them with batter and frying them in oil.

Most people dip the crispy, savory treats in ten-tsuyu dipping sauce. Another option is to sprinkle on salt before taking the first bite.

Fun Fact The Japanese learned the art of tempura from Portuguese missionaries who traveled to Japan in the 16th century. The original Portuguese dish is called Peixinhos da Horta .

6. Yakitori

Yakitori became part of Japanese cuisine in the 19th century when street stalls starting grilling skewered chicken pieces over charcoal. Fast forward to the present and yakitori is now a a beloved traditional food of Japan and astaple at restaurants throughout the country.

Anthony Bourdain introduced Japanese yakitori to the western masses when he ate chicken skewers at Toriki in his Tokyo No Reservations episode. We later ate yakitori at Michelin-starred Bird Land located in a Ginza metro station across the hall from Sukiyabashi Jiro . Unlike Bourdain, we stuck with yakitori and skipped eating chicken sashimi during our meal. We ate some medium rare chicken during our meal instead.

Not limited to thighs and breasts, Japanese chefs grill skewered chicken hearts and cartilage, among other parts, over white binchotan charcoal to various levels of doneness. They then serve the skewers on simple small plates.

Pro Tip Be like the Japanese and drink beer with your yakitori. It’s a winning combination.

If you confuse udon with ramen, you’re not far off the mark. Both dishes feature wheat noodles originally introduced to Japan by China centuries ago. But make no mistake, ramen and udon are as different as they are similar.

For starters, udon noodles are thicker in size and whiter in appearance. They’re often served in a simple dashi broth, though other various iterations, both hot and cold, feature eggs, stewed meat, curry and even shrimp tempura.

While we ate udon for breakfast at a popular Osaka fish market stall, the Japanese eat udon at all hours of the day and night. It’s a comforting, versatile dish with as many potential ingredients and toppings as the imagination allows.

Pro Tip Use chopsticks and a spoon when you slurp udon in Japan so that you don’t miss any bits or bites.

Soba literally translates to buckwheat and that’s exactly the type of noodle used in this dish. Made with buckwheat flour as advertised, soba noodles are both longer and thinner than ramen and udon noodles.

Japanese restaurants serve soba noodles both hot and chilled, often with tsuyu dipping sauce. Simultaneously earthy and nutty, soba proves that ramen and udon aren’t the only noodles worth eating in Japan.

Fun Fact The Chinese introduced soba noodles to Japan. Are you noticing a trend yet???

9. Agedashi Dōfu

Agedashi dōfu lives up to a name that translates to fried tofu . But this dish is more than its name implies since Japanese chefs add touches like spring onions and dried bonito flakes as well as savory tentsuyu broth.

Both vegetarians and carnivores have been eating creamy, soft agedashi dōfu for centuries in Japan. The dish, usually listed in the appetizer section in Japanese menus, is now a staple across the country.

Fun Fact Tentsuyu sauce is a popular Japanese dipping sauce made with dashi, mirin and soy sauce.

10. Japanese Curry

Most food travelers don’t associate curry with Japan. The dish has roots in India, a country almost 4,000 miles away. However, Japanese Curry is ridiculously popular in Japanese cities like Osaka and Tokyo.

History reveals that British traders introduced curry to the Japanese in the 19th century. The Japanese made the dish their own by creating curries with short-grain rice as well as local meats and vegetables.

After we tried katsu kare at a casual restaurant near our Osaka apartment, we returned multiple times to eat tasty Japanese Curry topped with fried tonkatsu pork. By adding sides of pickled vegetables and miso soup, we turned the cheap eats dish into a satisfying meal.

Pro Tip Avoid spillage by eating Japanese curry with a spoon.

11. Wagyu Beef

Coveted around the world for its fabulously fatty texture and umami-filled flavor, Wagyu beef is the meat to eat in Japan. And though Kobe beef produced in the Hyōgo prefecture, not far from Osaka, is the most famous Wagyu beef produced, there are all kinds and grades of excellent Wagyu throughout the country.

Marbling provides the fatty texture that distinguishes Wagyu beef from beef produced in other Asian countries and throughout Europe. Priced higher than other Japanese food favorites, this beef is a splurge to try and a pleasure to eat on its own or part of a shabu-shabu meal in Japan.

Pro Tip Order Wagyu beef rare.This is NOT a meat meant to be burned to a crisp or cooked to well-done status.

12. Miso Soup

A combination of dashi stock and miso bean paste, miso soup is a popular starter at Japanese restaurants around the world. In Japan, it’s a key element of the daily diet.

While basic miso soup has tofu chunks and green onion slices, better versions add veggies and proteins to the mix. Our favorite miso soup in Tokyo was filled with baby cockles (clams), a briny addition that elevated the basic broth to something truly special.

Pro Tip Don’t assume that miso soup is vegetarian. Ask before ordering if you have an aversion to eating fish products.

13. Chawanmushi

Custard fans won’t want to miss chawanmushi in Japan. Unlike desserts like Spanish flan and Portuguese pasteis de nata , this Japanese egg custard is more of a savory meal starter.

Beyond eggs, chawanmushi ingredients include dashi, mirin and soy sauce, the same three ingredients in tentsuyu sauce. Some Japanese chefs add bonus items like shiitake mushrooms and shrimp.

Pro Tip Check off two items ( chawanmushi and udon) from this list by ordering odamaki udon if you see on a Japanese menu.

Gyoza is yet another Japanese dish with Chinese origins. But, unlike ramen and soba, this dish features dumplings instead of noodles.

Typically filled with a ground pork mixture, gyoza dumplings can be boiled or deep fried. However, pan frying is the most popular preparation with ramen shops and izakayas serving crispy pan fried dumplings across the country.

Fun Fact Japanese gyoza were inspired by Chinese jiaozi dumplings.

Snack food fans will have two problems in Japan. The first will be deciding among a myriad of fast food options at street stalls, convenience stores and markets. The second will be never wanting to leave.

We’ve got you covered with the first problem. The second problem is up to you because once you eat the following Japanese street foods, you’re going to be hooked. It’s inevitable.

15. Takoyaki

Without a doubt, Takoyaki belongs in the Japanese street food hall of fame.

Literally translating to ‘octopus balls’, takoyaki are little treats filled with octopus meat that vendors have been frying in special pans for almost a century. Originally a street food in Osaka, takoyaki are now available throughout Japan and in Asian cities like Hong Kong and Taipei .

We first tasted takoyaki in Hong Kong in 2009 before rediscovering the tasty octopus balls in Kyoto in 2013 and falling for them in Osaka in 2016. After we documented our infatuation in a YouTube video , we ate some more.

Part of the fun of eating takoyaki is to enjoy them piping hot, just off the grill. Pop them in your mouth and see if you’re ‘man (or woman) enough’ to endure the scalding burn.

Discover Kappabashi Street where you can buy special takoyaki pans.

16. Kushikatsu

Why eat ‘meat on a stick’ at home when you can eat kushikatsu in Japan? Kushikatsu takes the street food concept to the next level by deep frying skewered meat cutlets, seafood and veggies like bamboo shoots, lotus roots and asparagus spears.

We first experienced kushikatsu in Osaka’s Shinsekai neighborhood after a languorous session at nearby hot tub heaven Spa World . Later, we learned that this neighborhood was where the concept of eating fried treats coated with panko batter originated.

Pro Tip Don’t double dip your skewers in the dipping sauce when you eat kushikatsu . As in the TV show Seinfeld , this practice is a no-no in Japan.

17. Okonomiyaki

Japan’s Okonomiyaki is a pancake unlike any other we’ve encountered in the world. Made with wheat flour batter, julienned cabbage and bacon, this savory pancake typically has toppings like bonito flakes, seaweed flakes, mayonnaise and pickled ginger. A Worcestershire-like sauce completes the beautiful mess.

Not surprisingly, food historians trace the Okonomiyaki ‘s origin to Osaka, Japan’s kitchen and a haven for junk food junkies. However, this ramped up Japanese omelette is popular throughout the country with each region adding tasty twists.

Pro Tip Unless you want to eat your Okonomiyaki on the go, find a restaurant where you can grill it yourself at your table.

18. Katsu Sando

A katsu sando is a fried cutlet sandwich that’s often but not always made with pork. Other katsu sando varieties like chicken can be equally tasty while variations like fried wagyu elevate the katsu sando to luxury status. With this in mind, we took a special trip to a recommended tamago katsu sando at Kitashin Chisand in Osaka.

Read our Osaka Food Guide .

Eating a sandwich filled with breaded and fried egg salad was a unique experience and one worthy of that special trip. Trust the Japanese to add a twist to an American food staple and make it their own. We wonder when we’ll see a similar version back in the states. We’re sure we’ll eventually find one in a big city like New York or San Francisco . We just have to find it.

Pro Tip Order a katsu sando if you crave a western sandwich that doesn’t involve beef or golden arches.

19. Onigiri

While sandwiches are a relatively new snack food in Japan, rice balls called onigiri have been popular with samurai soldiers and commuting citizens for two millennia. Formed in round, rectangular and triangular shapes, these rice balls are a convenience store staple often filled with tasty bits and occasionally wrapped in nori (seaweed).

We ate enough onigiri to find our favorites which typically involved raw tuna or salmon. Other popular fillings include pickled plums, tempura and bonito flakes.

Pro Tip Try makng onigiri at home if you become addicted to the Japanese fast food favorite during your visit. No special equipment (except a nimble pair of hands) is required though a rice cooker will speed the process.

20. Tonkatsu

Pork fans won’t want to miss tonkatsu in Japan. Not only does this deep-fried pork cutlet represent the Japanese take on European schnitzel , it’s also a popular street food favorite that hits all the Japanese buttons.

The good news is that it’s easy to find tonkatsu at snack stands, ramen bars and curry shops. The better news is that Japanese breaded and fried pork cutlets taste good on their own, in soup or with rice. And by good, we mean great.

Pro Tip Eat tonkatsu with sides of rice, sauce and shredded cabbage for a quintessential tonkatsu dining experience.

21. Tako Tamago

Not your typical lollipop, a tako tamago is a skewer topped with a glazed baby octopus, but not just any glazed baby octopus. These octopuses have boiled quail eggs stuffed inside their heads.

When we first encountered a tako tamago stand at the Nishiki Market in Kyoto, of course we had to taste this unique skewer. We enjoyed the slightly sweet, chewy snack so much we ate a second when we encountered another tako tamago stand at the Kuromon Market in Osaka.

Pro Tip Don’t be deterred by the tako tamago ‘s strange appearance. It’s a tasty snack. Just be sure to take a photo before you eat it.

22. Taiyaki

Despite its shape and name, a typical taiyaki doesn’t taste fishy. The irony is palpable since the word taiyaki literally translates to ‘baked sea bream’ and it’s shaped like a lucky tai fish.

Another irony is that the taiyaki is isn’t savory like the other Japanese street food featured in this guide. Instead, the fish-shaped cake has sweet fillings like red bean paste, sweet potato paste, chocolate and custard.

Consider it a lucky day if you see a taiyaki stand. It’s a fun treat and, who knows, maybe eating one will bring you good fortune.

Fun Fact Unlike most Japanese snack food, the taiyaki hails from Tokyo instead of Osaka.

Unique Japanese Food Experiences

While most Japanese dishes are available across the country, some are best eaten in the region where they were created. Be sure to try the following two dishes if your travels take you to Fukuoka and Okinawa:

23. Hakata Ramen

Although it’s easy to eat Hakata ramen throughout Japan, there’s something special about slurping a bowl in the coastal city of Fukuoka where it was invented. Originally sold to local fishermen, Hakata ramen is now an international dish served all over the world in ramen shops from New York to London to Bangkok.

Starting with flavorful pork bone broth, Hakata ramen has thin noodles that could be quickly prepared for those original fishing customers. Modern day customers can order kaedama (extra noodles) for a nominal charge.

Pro Tip Since toppings give Hakata ramen some extra zip, add beni shog a (pickled ginger) and karashi takana (pickled mustard greens) to your bowl if they’re available .

24. Okinawa Soba

Okinawa soba is an anomaly. Even though soba translates to ‘buckwheat’, this regional soup features wheat noodles.

Okinawa soba is also delicious as we experienced during our visit to Naha. Thick homemade wheat noodles reminded us of udon noodles while the broth reminded us of ramen. Ingredients like pork belly, fish cakes, sliced scallions and pickled ginger made the dish its own colorful, tasty thing.

Pro Tip Order Okinawa soba with extra ribs or stewed pig trotters if you’re feeling adventurous.

Part of the fun of eating in Japan is trying new dining experiences. We recommend that you plan ahead and participate in one or more of the following Japanese meals:

25. Yakiniku

Not surprising based on its name that literally translates to ‘grilled meat’, a yakiniku dinner involves grilling meat on a tableside griddle. If it sounds familiar, that’s no coincidence. This Japanese style of eating was inspired by Korean BBQ restaurants located in Seoul and Busan .

Rolling up our sleeves, we joined two friends at an Osaka restaurant for a yakiniku dinner filled with freshly grilled Wagyu steak and sides like Japanese agedashi dōfu and Korean kimchi . Not only did we eat well, but we also had a lot of fun.

Pro Tip Check the menu before you place your order. Our lettuce was oddly expensive. While we enjoyed making lettuce wraps, the price on the bill wasn’t a pleasant surprise..

26. Izakaya

The word izakaya loosely translates to ‘tavern’, ‘pub’ and ‘bar’… and that’s exactly what you should expect when you visit an izakaya in Japan. This type of restaurant is casual with a friendly vibe. In many ways, izakayas are similar to diners prevalent on the American east coast but with real Japanese food on the menu instead of meatloaf and club sandwiches.

We like to order a range of small plates when we eat at Japanese izakayas. Some of our favorites dishes include yakitori, tamagoyaki (egg omelettes), kara-age (fried chicken) and fried potatoes. If you’re craving Japanese comfort food, a neighborhood izakaya will surely be your happy place.

Pro Tip Plan to drink biiru (beer) with your izakaya meal. Whether you order it in a bottle or from the tap is up to you.

27. Kaiseki

A kaiseki meal is the ultimate way to experience food in Japan. Typically spread over a few hours, this traditional Japanese meal pleases all five senses with each detail choreographed in advance. Although kaiseki meals follow a strict traditional structure, the experience is utterly relaxing for food travelers who have the means to splurge.

We took the culinary plunge in Kyoto, the epicenter for kaiseki dining. Our multi-course kaiseki meal included nine pretty plates topped with seasonal ingredients cooked to perfection. The chef was so attuned to details that he even garnished one of our plates with a freshly plucked sakura (cherry blossom) branch.

Pro Tip Indulge in a kaiseki meal when you stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Japan. Otherwise, make a special dinner reservation at a restaurant like we did.

28. Shabu-Shabu

Evoking the sound of meat cooking in a pot of hot broth, an interactive shabu-shabu dinner is a fun way to spend an evening in Japan. While the shabu-shabu sounds comes from swishing chopsticks in a big pot, the fun comes from cooking and eating food at the same spot.

Buy a nabe pot on Amazon and make shabu-shabu at home.

Typical shabu-shabu food includes thinly sliced meats like chicken, pork, tofu and seafood as well as veggies like cabbage, onions and mushrooms. Cooking these foods in hot broth and dipping them in savory sauces is all part of the process. Eating them is the tasty reward during this traditional Japanese dinner experience.

Fun Fact Like many aspects of Japanese cuisine, shabu-shabu was inspired by China and born in Osaka. In this case, the inspiration came from Chinese hot pot popular in cities like Chengdu and Chongqing.

Desserts are rarely boring in Japan, a country where some sweet treats have histories that span the centuries. While it’s fun to explore wagashi (traditional Japanese desserts), it’s equally fun to sample modern Japanese sweet dishes.

We ate a lot of desserts in a half dozen Japanese cities. These are our favorites and the six you shouldn’t miss:

Candy in Japan is both wonderfully colorful and colorfully wonderful. Options range from simple chocolate bars to gummies that look like sushi. But for many who travel to Japan, Kit-Kats are the Japanese candy holy grail.

Kit-Kat bars in Japan are similar to Kit-Kats sold around the world except that the variety of flavors goes way beyond milk, white and dark chocolate. In fact, Japan has more than 300 flavors! Some like cherry blossom are seasonal while others like matcha are available year round.

Buy a variety pack of Japanese Kit-Kat bars from Amazon to sample at home.

30. Cheesecake

We first realized the popularity of cheesecake in Japan when we saw a line snaking around a Tokyo block near Shibuya Crossing and realized that it was people queuing for cheesecake. Prior to that observation, we thought that cheesecake’s popularity was specific to New York City.

As it turns out, cheesecake has been popular in Japan since it debuted as a dessert in Fukuoka in the 1940’s. We tasted-tested a slice made with four types of cheese for ‘research purposes’ during our Fukuoka visit and found it to be lighter and spongier than its New York cousin

Fun Fact Greek bakers get credit for inventing cheesecake more than 2,000 years ago. Both the Japanese and American versions are 20th century creations.

31. Honey Toast

Honey toast is a dessert that’s meant to be shared. Japanese bakers caramelize a loaf of white bread with honey and butter before decorating it with toppings like ice cream, fruit and whipped cream. This dessert is also called brick toast, probably in reference to its weight and shape.

Originally invented in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood, the fanciful dessert is available throughout the country in cafes and karaoke bars. You can find honey toast in Japan if you look for it. Just don’t try to eat it alone.

Pro Tip Order honey toast if you happen to be in Japan for your birthday. It’s ideal for this type of festive celebration.

32. Dorayaki

The dorayaki is a wagashi pastry that connects two pancakes with red bean paste filling. It’s also a pastry with a past.

Legend attributes the dorayaki’s creation to an ancient Samurai named Benkiai. For many years, the pastry was just one layer until Usagiya , a Tokyo confectionary shop, created a sandwich version in the early 20th century.

Usagiya’s version has become the global standard. We even ate a sandwich-like dorayaki in a Paris ramen shop.

Watch the movie Sweet Bean on Amazon. We were inspired to try a dorayaki after watching this movie at a film festival.

33. Fancy Fruit

Would you spend $100 for a special piece of fruit? How about $1,000? In Japan, both of these prices are realistic when it comes to certain fruits like Yubari King melons and Sekai Ichi apples.

Sure, there are less expensive fruits available in Japan. But it would be tacky to give those as gifts to your hosts. Plus, they might have blemishes.

Pro Tip We don’t actually recommend eating expensive fruit for dessert. Instead, take a photo of the price tag and tell your friends about it later.

Popular all year long but especially at New Year’s celebrations, mochi cakes have been part of Japan’s culinary culture for centuries. And, surprise surprise, mochi is yet another Japanese food inspired by China.

Discover more than 100 of the best desserts around the world .

These tiny treats have a simple list of ingredients that includes rice, water, sugar, and cornstarch. However, mochi flavors run the gamut and include fillings like black sesame, chocolate, matcha, red bean, strawberry and vanilla.

Pro Tip Try mochi filled with ice cream for a refreshing dessert that won’t melt in your hands.

Considering the variety of Japanese food options, it only makes sense that Japan has a myriad of drinks both with and without alcohol.

These are our three favorite beverages to drink in Japan and the ones you shouldn’t miss during your trip:

More than just an ingredient in Kat-Kat bars and mochi cakes, matcha is the powder used to make Japan’s most traditional green tea. Japanese people have been drinking this calming beverage for centuries and its culinary importance can’t be overstated.

Food travelers can drink green tea for breakfast, with sushi or at a Japanese tea ceremony. They also order matcha frappuccinos at the country’s ubiquitous Starbucks locations. In other words, green tea is anywhere and everywhere in Japan.

Pro Tip In addition to its many health benefits, matcha contains caffeine if that’s important to you. (It certainly is to us.)

Known as nihonshu in Japan, sake is Japan’s second most popular alcoholic beverage after beer. Made with just four ingredients (rice, koji mold, water and yeast), sake is a fermented beverage. However, unlike wine and beer, sake is equally enjoyable to drink whether served cold or hot.

Although we imbibed sake at Japanese restaurants in Montreal , Las Vegas and Philadelphia prior to our first trip to Japan, we never truly appreciated the beauty of drinking quality sake until our kaiseki meal in Kyoto . What a revelation! It’s no wonder that the Japanese have been drinking sake since the third century.

Fun Fact Sake is a great edible souvenir that you can drink at home and add to cocktail recipes .

37. Craft Beer

Beer has been popular in Japan since Dutch traders introduced the malty beverage back in the 17th century. A staple at izakayas and sporting events, beer is more popular than every other alcoholic beverage including sake.

While commodity Japanese beers like Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo are available at sushi bars around the world, these aren’t the best beers to drink in Japan. Instead, beer enthusiasts can enjoy a growing selection of Japanese made craft beers like Minoh and Hitachino .

We’re pleased to report that both craft beer breweries and craft beer bars have grown in popularity since Japan deregulated beer production in 1994. Just like food, the Japanese make great craft beer that pairs well with Japanese snacks.

Pro Tip Say kanpai when when you toast in Japan. It’s the Japanese equivalent to saying ‘cheers’.

Useful Japan Facts

• Japan is in Asia.
• Japan’s currency is the Yen.
• Japanese is Japan’s official language.
• Tips are not expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sushi and ramen have both achieved massive global popularity. Other popular Japanese dishes include curry rice, miso soup, okonomiyaki, sashimi, soba, tempura and yakitori.

Yes. The Japanese cuisine offers a balanced food set that features fish, meat, vegetables and rice. Most Japanese ingredients are fresh and natural.

No. Japanese food is not traditionally spicy.

Video Recap

Japan planning checklist.

• Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
• Find a great Japan hotel through Expedia or Hotels.com .
• Find an apartment in Japan with a kitchen .
• Buy a Japan travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sites.
• Buy a universal travel adaptor from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in Asia.
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a fun Japan tour via GetYourGuide or Viator .
• Book a tasty Japan food experience .

Hungry for More in Asia?

About the Authors

Daryl and Mindi Hirsch

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on the 2foodtrippers website. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.

Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Funding We purchased and ate the food featured in this article.

Original Publication Date: December 27, 2020

Thursday 6th of October 2022

Nobody fries tempura or anything in sesame oil. Sesame oil breaks down when heated and it's too thick/heavy. It's used cold as a flavoring, like for oshitashi or added to salad dressing. Japanese uses a light veg oil for frying - as does the rest of the world.

Bad erroneous info.

Friday 7th of October 2022

We totally agree. We don't know how that mistake was made. (We probably didn't see that in the edit.) Thanks for pointing that out and thanks for reading!

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Boutique Japan

Japanese Food: Culinary Travel in Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, chances are that Japanese food is one of the things you’re most excited about (whether or not you refer to yourself as a “foodie”).

Japan is a wonderful destination for so many reasons , including its history, tradition, culture, and arts. But for most of our travelers, Japanese cuisine alone is reason enough to visit.

In the years since our team started Boutique Japan, we’ve watched Japan go from being slightly under the radar — hard to believe now! — to becoming one of the world’s top culinary meccas, as food-loving travelers worldwide have discovered that Japanese cuisine is much more than sushi and ramen (so much so that even foodie honeymoons to Japan have become popular).

If you’ve never visited, chances are you’ve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to the astounding diversity of foods available in Japan. So to help you enjoy a delightful range of Japanese culinary experiences, both “high” and “low,” we’ve compiled the following:

• Japanese Culinary Experiences : A sampling of some of our favorite types of culinary experiences in Japan.
• What to Eat in Japan : A handy list of Japanese foods to eat during your trip to Japan (and a few “infamous” dishes many visitors find challenging).
• The Best Websites on Japanese Food and Drink : A short list of the best websites dedicated to Japanese cuisine, including sites devoted to everything from street food and Michelin-starred restaurants, to Japanese whisky and coffee.

Originally written in 2014, this page was updated and republished in August 2021.

Japanese Culinary Experiences

Below are some of our favorite types of culinary experiences in Japan, though they represent just a sampling of what you’ll discover as you travel around the country!

Private Market Tours in Japan

Visiting a Japanese market with a local expert is one of the best way to immerse yourself in Japan’s culinary culture. Whether you want to visit a famous market, or even a neighborhood grocery store, a private food tour is a great way to get beneath the surface – and of course your guide will have expert insights on where to eat afterwards!

Perhaps Japan’s best-known market is Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market , a must-visit if you are eager to learn about Japanese food. In Kyoto, the best place to immerse yourself in Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine), is at Nishiki Market, a long and narrow shopping arcade packed full of vendors selling a beautiful array of Kyoto’s culinary specialties .

Another unique culinary experience we highly recommend is a visit to a department store food hall, known as depachika . Japan’s department stores are a foodie paradise, offering a mouthwatering selection of sweet and savory, Japanese and foreign, and more food than you could possibly hope to ever sample.

Sushi in Japan

For many travelers, eating sushi in Japan is at the top of the list. Modern-day sushi’s roots are in Tokyo, and for a quintessential sushi experience get counter seats for a special dinner at one of Tokyo’s best sushi-ya . You’ll also find top-quality sushi and sashimi in many other parts of Japan, including Kanazawa , Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Toyama.

Even if your budget doesn’t allow for extravagance, you can find good sushi at neighborhood sushi shops, depachika food halls, and even kaiten-zushi (“conveyor belt”) restaurants.

Kaiseki Cuisine

Kaiseki is Japanese cuisine in what is often considered its most refined form. A kaiseki meal consists of course upon course of masterfully-prepared dishes featuring seasonal and local specialties.

A stay at a luxury ryokan usually includes a kaiseki dinner – often served in your room, or in a private dining room overlooking a small Japanese garden. Even if you’re not staying in a ryokan during your Japan trip , restaurants specializing in kaiseki cuisine abound, particularly in cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo.

Izakaya , Tachinomiya , and Street Food in Japan

Japan is far from all haute cuisine, and some of your best meals will likely be some of the most casual. While you can experience these without a guide, a local expert can heighten the experience. Not only can your private guide take you to hard-to-find “hidden” establishments, they will also be able to interpret, as most lack English menus or English speakers.

Izakayas in Japan

One of the quintessential Japanese dining experiences, see our full article on the izakaya experience in Japan .

Tachinomi: Stand Bars

At izakaya, the focus is equally on eating and drinking. For an even more casual and drinks-focused experience, head to a tachinomiya . Tachinomiya ( tachi means stand, nomi means drink) are “stand bars,” where you can really rub shoulders with locals. These casual bars can be found throughout Japan, and are a great place to strike up a conversation with locals over reasonably-priced drinks and unpretentious Japanese bar food.

Street Food in Japan

In Japan, street food is generally not as prevalent as in other countries in the region. However, there are some cities — such as Osaka and Fukuoka — with thriving street food cultures. You’ll also always find great street food at Japanese matsuri (festivals) , when colorful food stalls line the streets.

Fine Dining and Michelin in Japan

The Michelin Guide is controversial in Japan. While many in Japan embrace it, some chefs and critics denounce it as a foreign standard being imposed on Japanese cuisine.

No matter your stance, one thing is certain: Japan is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country in the world — and when Japanese critics and Michelin inspectors agree on a restaurant, you can usually be assured of a remarkable culinary experience.

Dinner with a Geisha or Maiko

When done in an authentic, non-touristy manner, the chance to enjoy tea or dinner with a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) is a fascinating cultural experience. Kyoto , with its thriving geisha culture, can be a good place to do this, but it’s also possible in other cities such as Kanazawa, and even Tokyo.

Cooking Lessons in Japan

Taking a private Japanese cooking class is a great way to learn more about Japanese ingredients, while adding some recipes to your repertoire. You can learn highly authentic dishes, or a mix of authentic and slightly-adapted dishes to ensure you can re-create the recipes using ingredients available to you in your home country.

Sake Tasting and Breweries

Most people don’t realize how complex and delicious nihonshu (sake) really is. Going on a private tour with a local sake expert is the best way to learn about different varieties of sake, through tastings and explanations.

In many parts of Japan you can also visit a shuzo (sake brewery). During a brewery tour you’ll have the opportunity to see where and how sake is made, and the chance to ask all the questions you might have.

Other Countries’ Cuisines

Japan is home to some of the world’s best French, Italian, and Chinese restaurants (not to mention excellent Thai, Korean, and Indian restaurants). While most travelers understandably prefer to focus on Japanese food while in Japan, in larger Japanese cities it’s worth seeking out a top-notch non-Japanese meal.

What to Eat in Japan: Foods to Try

As you embark on the culinary experiences described above, you’ll have the chance to sample a huge variety of Japanese foods. Here is a list of foods we recommend trying during your trip Japan, along with a few some travelers choose to avoid!

(If you have special dietary needs, see our article on traveling to Japan with dietary requirements ).

• Bento : Few things are as pleasant as enjoying a gorgeous seasonal ekiben (bento box designed for train travel) while riding the shinkansen (bullet train ).
• Croissant : As those who already know are well aware, the quality of bread and pastries in Japan is simply amazing.
• Curry : While not spicy like the curries of many other countries, there’s nothing more comforting than a made-from-scratch Japanese curry.
• Fruit : Square watermelons aside, it’s seriously worth splurging on some high-end Japanese fruit, and one of the best places to do so is at a depachika .
• Gyoza : Dumpling heaven.
• Karaage : Japan’s mouthwatering take on fried chicken.
• Katsuobushi : Some travelers resist the ubiquitous bonito fish flakes, but those who love them do so with a passion. They’re served on top of a variety of foods, including tofu and takoyaki .
• Kushi-katsu : Deep-fried skewered meats and vegetables.
• Mabo-dofu : The Japanese take on Sichuan’s mapo tofu , this spicy tofu-focused dish is rich and addictive.
• Miso : Whether in miso shiru (miso soup) or on its own, authentic Japanese miso is leaps and bounds better than what most people find in their home countries.
• Nabe : Nabe literally means “pot,” and the food — a family-style hotpot featuring ingredients that can include vegetables, meat, and seafood — is one of our favorite things to eat in winter .
• Niku-man : Chinese-style meat buns often found at convenience stores , but better at depachika and shops specializing in buns and dumplings.
• Niku-jaga : A stew featuring beef and potatoes that is a national home-cooked favorite.
• Oden : Oden features a variety of ingredients (daikon, egg, fish cakes, and more) slow-cooked in a dashi-based broth. Specialty shops are usually best, but in winter oden also appears on izakaya menus and — like niku-man above — is even available at conbini .
• Okonomiyaki : An essential casual specialty of western Japan, okonomiyaki is one of the richer and heavier foods you’ll try in Japan. Read more about this famous dish in our full post on foods to eat in Osaka (it’s also particularly famous in Hiroshima ).
• Onigiri : One of the world’s most perfect snack foods, onigiri are triangle-shaped rice balls that can be prepared simply or filled with goodies (such as fish or umeboshi ).
• Ramen : One of the country’s most famous foods, see our full article on ramen in Japan .
• Rice : Rice is an obsession in Japan, and diners seek out famous varieties from Japan’s best rice regions (but even “average” rice in Japan is fantastic).

• Saba : Grilled mackerel, a simple classic you’ll find on the menus at most izakayas and neighborhood shokudo (cafeterias).
• Shabu Shabu : A famous variety of nabe (see above), meat is the star of shabu shabu (the name of the food refers to the sound of stirring the meat and vegetables in the hotpot).
• Shishamo : A drinking person’s favorite, these almost bite-sized grilled smelt fish are served whole and filled with roe. “Real” shishamo come from Hokkaido, but these days in most places they’re imported.
• Shojin Ryori : Traditional Buddhist cuisine, some of the best vegetarian food you’ll ever have, is one of the highlights of staying at a temple (in places such as Koyasan ), and can also be found in cities such as Kyoto.
• Soba : Made from buckwheat, and generally considered to be the healthiest of Japan’s three major noodles (along with ramen and udon), seek out te-uchi (handmade) soba.
• Sushi : For more on Japan’s most famous food, see the sushi section above under Japanese Culinary Experiences .
• Tamago Sando : One of Japan’s most iconic convenience store foods, the egg ( tamago ) sandwich is considered an essential for many food-loving travelers.
• Takoyaki : Sometimes called “octopus balls,” these bite-sized balls filled with octopus ( tako ) are a street food staple in Osaka, but also found throughout much of Japan.
• Tempura : The quality of this famous dish in Japan, particularly at high-end tempura restaurants, may blow your mind.
• Tofu : Fresh tofu in Japan is shockingly good, particularly compared to what most visitors are used to outside of Japan.
• Tonkatsu : Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with shredded cabbage, tsukemono , rice, and miso soup.
• Tsukemono : Japanese pickles, which pair perfectly with white rice, and are also delicious on their own. An integral part of Japanese cuisine, you’ll find tsukemono throughout the country, but Kyoto’s are perhaps the most revered.
• Umeboshi : Ume is often translated as “plum,” but most people consider apricot to be more accurate. Umeboshi — pickled ume — are incredibly sour, healthy, and to those of us who love them, irresistible.
• Wasabi : Freshly grated wasabi bears almost no resemblance to what you’ve likely tasted at sushi restaurants outside of Japan.
• Yakiniku : The Japanese take on Korean barbecue, featuring a variety of grilled beef.
• Yakitori : Legendary grilled skewers of chicken.

Hopefully this will get you started! There are far more to try as well, and the great news is that you can find almost all of these foods (and many others) in almost any Japanese city.

Japanese Foods To Avoid?

You’ll probably have more fun — not to mention memorable experiences! — if you keep an “open palate,” but just for reference here are some foods that many non-Japanese are often wary of, at least at first:

• Natto : Perhaps Japan’s most “infamous” food, natto is made from fermented soybeans and is notorious for its pungent smell and sticky texture.
• Chicken and horse sashimi : In a country as hygienic as Japan, both of these are considered safe (and, to many, delicious). However, despite their domestic popularity, many non-Japanese people seem to steer clear of them.
• Horumon : This offal-based cuisine is very popular in Japan, and is considered great “drinking” food. While it may be perfect for Anthony Bourdain- esque eaters, it’s not always a hit with less adventurous diners.
• Fugu : Fugu is poisonous pufferfish (sometimes called blowfish), and can be deadly. Even though it’s strictly controlled and generally considered safe “enough” at established fugu restaurants, a handful of people still die every year from consuming it.
• Shirako : Shirako (cod milt, i.e., sperm sacs) is a delicacy in Japan, and a favorite of sake enthusiasts and adventurous diners.

The Best Websites on Japanese Food and Drink

Finally, in case you want to go down the rabbit hole, we’ve compiled what we believe are the best Japanese food and drink websites and pages from around the internet.

Unless you’re a professional eater (we know some of you are), we strongly recommend against trying to plan all your meals in advance. We’re all for obsessive preparation in general (our  trip-planning  depends on it), but we’ve also seen countless ambitious diners craving a simple meal after one too many “special” reservations — and keep in mind that canceling is a major breach of dining etiquette .

As for casual meals, while you can certainly pre-plan some, many informal restaurants don’t take reservations. The good news is that (outside of hyper-touristy areas) it’s hard to find a bad meal in Japan, and the quality of food is extremely high across the board.

So if you’re set on making some reservations, our suggestion would be to use the resources below to plan them, while also letting yourself experience how wonderful Japan can be with a little flexibility.

Best Websites on Japanese Cuisine

• Tabelog Award : Want to know where Japanese people eat? Tabelog is Japan’s preeminent ranking and review site for restaurants, and an incredible resource. It’s safe to say any restaurant on their Gold, Silver, or Bronze list will be worthwhile. You can also use the site to deep dive for other restaurants. When searching, make sure to toggle the sort function to “ranking.” Also, keep in mind that Japanese people are “stricter” in reviews, so a 3.0 out of 5 is actually pretty good, a 3.5 is generally very good, and 4.0 usually means a place is stellar.
• The Hungry Tourist : Our friend The Hungry Tourist is serious about food. While his list of Japan’s best restaurants doesn’t contain much fluff, you can essentially bet that any place included on his list will be worth dining at.
• Michelin Guide Japan : As alluded to above (under Fine Dining and Michelin in Japan ), the Michelin Guide is not necessarily the be-all and end-all it’s sometimes made out to be, but it can still be a fantastic resource, and at the very least a good starting point for diners seeking top-quality dining experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
• TableAll : There are many reservation services that have popped up in recent years to help travelers make dining reservations in Japan, perhaps none better than TableAll. To complement its relatively reasonable and easy-to-use reservation service, the website also features excellent features on the chefs and restaurants it works with throughout Japan. TableAll is a fun place to go down the rabbit hole – and you may find yourself making an impulse reservation at one of Japan’s best restaurants! (Especially for travelers who don’t have access to the concierge at a luxury hotel or ryokan , services like TableAll and its competitor Pocket Concierge can really help.)
• Eater Japan : At times, Eater can feel like a content farm, but they do tend to work with good writers, and their listicles featuring 38 Essential Tokyo Restaurants and 38 Essential Osaka Restaurants are both full of great dining inspiration.
• Ramen Adventures : For ramen lovers, there is perhaps no better resource on ramen throughout Japan. Brian of Ramen Adventures is truly a hardcore ramen enthusiast, riding his motorcycle throughout Japan in search of obscure and amazing bowls. Another great ramen resource is Ramen Beast , which offers a free app (as well as an outstanding and fascinating ramen-obsessed newsletter via Substack ).
• Tokyo Food File : Robbie Swinnerton offers some of the most interesting, informative, and enjoyable English-language writing on Tokyo’s ever-evolving food scene. His articles in The Japan Times feature a wide range of restaurants, from casual izakayas to top-end fine-dining establishments.
• LuxEat : A beautiful website devoted to mostly high-end gastronomic explorations in Japan (and beyond).
• Food Sake Tokyo : Perennially one of our favorite writers on Japanese culinary culture, the insightful Yukari Sakamoto tends to update her Instagram more than her blog these days, but regardless both are a joy to peruse.
• Andrea Fazzari : The blog of James Beard Award-winning photographer Andrea Fazzari gives you a taste of what you can expect from her magnificent books on Japanese chefs and cuisine.
• Takefumi Hamada : The Instagram feed of this extraordinarily well-traveled diner is worth a trip down the rabbit hole for bountiful culinary inspiration in Japan and beyond.
• Roads & Kingdoms Guide to Tokyo : We’re always fans of Roads & Kingdoms work, and this mini-guide to Tokyo is a fun read. For more from the R&K team, make sure to check out Rice, Noodle, Fish (one of our absolute favorite books on Japanese cuisine ).

Along with the great resources above, also make sure to see our articles on Tokyo’s best sushi restaurants , foods to eat in Kyoto , foods to eat in Osaka , and foods to eat in Fukuoka .

Resources for Travelers to Japan with Special Dietary Needs

• Happy Cow : Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Japan.
• Gluten Free Japan : Guide to eating gluten free in Japan.
• Traveling around Japan with Dietary Restrictions : A post from our site for travelers with dietary restrictions.

Best Websites for Bars and Drinking in Japan

• PUNCH : The PUNCH guide to drinking in Tokyo.
• Kanpai Culture : Melinda Joe’s excellent column in The Japan Times on drinking in Tokyo.
• Dekanta : Highly informative blog on Japanese whisky.
• Urban Sake : Comprehensive sake-focused website.
• Sake  / Shochu  / Whisky : Our introductions to these essential Japanese beverages.

Online Resources for Tea and Coffee in Japan

• Japanese Tea : An overview of tea in Japan.
• Tea in Kyoto : A selection of teahouses in Kyoto.
• Good Coffee : Lists of great coffee shops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
• Tokyo Coffee : Guide to specialty coffee in Tokyo.
• Coffee  / Tea : Our introductions to coffee and tea in Japan.

We hope our comprehensive introduction to Japanese food helps you get the most out of your culinary travels through Japan!

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BIG Japanese Food Guide: 25 Japanese Food Culture Facts, 19 Must-Try Foods, and 6 Top Restaurants

Japan’s more than just sushi and ramen. As with everything Japanese, you can expect history, tradition, and a bit of quirkiness in Japanese food . Discover fun facts about Japanese food culture, tips that’ll come in handy when you travel and eat in Japan and understand the etiquette of dining in Japan.

On top of all that, cause I am aiming for the role of your personal Japanese food guru, I’ll impart a list of the country’s most beloved dishes onto you, so you know what to try and what to not try (sake with jasmine tea? A warm, savory dessert?). Plus, I'll share my personal favorite restaurants.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, prepare to have your taste buds tantalized and your culinary horizons broadened.

I’ll start by talking about the top foods and drinks in Japan that you have to give a try, then, I’ll guide you through facts about Japanese food culture, and finally, I’ve added a list of my favorite restaurants in Japan.

19 Japanese foods and drinks that you must try (...or should you?)

The following are Japanese foods and drinks that you should know and expect to try when you travel to Japan.

Tip: Ready to go? Here’s my 2-week Japan itinerary! I know you want to embark on a food tour just about now.

Sushi is delicious to look at! Everyone knows that sushi is, but not everyone knows that it’s not the fancy-looking ingredients that are the star of the show. Step aside tune, eel, yellowfin, and salmon, I’m here for the rice! Once again, the rice makes or breaks the dish . Sushi in Japan is simple and elegant, none of that California roll nonsense.

Ramen is served in a variety of ways Ramen is a big bowl of noodle soup full of tender, wheat-based noodles, a unique-flavored savory broth, and varied toppings (mushrooms, bean sprouts, seaweed, bok choy, egg, to name a few classic ones). Each region in Japan offers its unique twist. Japanese ramen is not instant noodles, unless you’re shopping in the US.

Udon noodles Udon is a type of wheat noodle in Japan. When fresh, they are thick and chewy and I’m not the biggest fan, but I’m also not Japanese, so maybe I don’t get it. They have no flavor whatsoever, but they’re great at absorbing the taste of whichever broth they are in. You usually get a choice between udon noodles and soba noodles when ordering a soup or stir fry in Japan.

Soba noodles Soba are noodles made of buckwheat , which gives them a nutty flavor and a light brown color. They can be added to not only soup but also stir fries, and even served chilled as part of a salad or with a dipping sauce.

Fried dish coated in batter —tempura Enough with the noodles—tempura is a Japanese fried food, or rather, foods. Anything you coat in the batter and deep fry is tempura, but usually you’ll be getting vegetable tempura or shrimp tempura. It’s lovely. It often comes with a sauce and different types of salt to dip into, so you can change the taste as you wish. Tempura, despite being a fried food, should taste light and not be dripping with oil.

True Japanese wasabi is not comparable to what we know from Europe and America If the wasabi you eat is very pasty and thick, it’s likely fake , and it sure as heck wasn’t grated on shark skin, as it’s supposed to be. And they’ve added green coloring to it.

Real wasabi, aka Japanese horseradish, is grown in the stream beds of Japan, and notoriously difficult to cultivate, making genuine wasabi a prized (and expensive!) possession. Its spicy, sinus-clearing intensity is balanced by a unique, almost sweet aftertaste. Unlike its often-used substitute (European horseradish), real wasabi offers a complex flavor profile that's as intriguing as it is intense.

You’ve had it with sushi, but it is also used in sauces and dips and can add a punch to almost anything, from chicken to tofu.

Wagyu steak

Wagyu steak The crème de la crème of steaks, Wagyu, with its unparalleled marbling, delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a rich flavor that's truly in a league of its own. It's a luxurious indulgence that spoils you for anything else .

Gyoza are Japanese dumplings Gyoza are traditional and omnipresent Japanese dumplings that can be finished in several different ways, from steaming to frying. Gyoza are filled with a meat base (usually pork) and then everything from garlic and cabbage to mushrooms and, you guessed it, soy sauce! If you’re looking for a staple Japanese fried food, try gyoza. Perfectly pan-fried, they're juicy on the inside, crisp on the outside , and utterly irresistible. There are non-fried versions as well though.

Steamed shabu-shabu

We loved shabu-shabu Picture this – thin slices of wagyu beef or duck, steamed alongside fresh veggies. A pro tip? Season with a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper to elevate the flavors.

Miso soup Miso is thick paste that’s a versatile ingredient in Japanese cuisine with a deep, umami-rich flavor. It's the backbone of many Japanese dishes, giving them a savory warmth. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt and kōji (a fungus) and sometimes rice, barley, or seaweed. Again, lots of probiotics, explaining why Japanese food is so healthy. Miso soup is a popular part of any meal of the day in Japan (you just drink it from a small bowl ).

Kyuri Asazuke aka Cucumber on a stick

I’m not going to say what it looks like... Especially on hot days in the city or at large events you’ll see everyone walking around eating whole cucumbers on sticks. And you won’t think I’m so childish to mention how ridiculously phallic is looks once you see it, because it simply does! The cucumbers are pickled , and are sold at street vendors and in stores, so you’ll probably get your own dick on a stick sooner or later. It is refreshing, not gonna lie.

Kimchi  (ki-mu-chi)

Kimchi actually comes from Korea Though Korean in origin, kimchi has found a firm place in Japanese cuisine. This spicy, fermented cabbage adds a punch of flavor and a boost of health benefits (fermented = probiotics). You can eat it as a side dish or over rice, as a soup topping, and probably other ways that I don’t know of yet. You better be ready for that kick of chili !

Rice in miso soup with soybean paste

Mix of deliciousness! This tastes like a warm popsicle ! Just lovely! Imagine a dessert that combines the savory depth of miso with the creamy texture of soybean paste. I know it sounds weird, but just trust me and try it.

Shinano beef skewers

Shinano beef skewers    Shinano, with its lush landscapes, also offers some stellar beef. And I like me some beef! Skewered and grilled to perfection, this beef is a testament to the quality of Japanese meat, combining tenderness with a smoky flavor that's absolutely unforgettable.

Rice burgers

Rice burgers are more of a snack Rice burgers are the ultimate Japanese snack—think traditional burger vibes but with compressed rice instead of bread patties. Ingenious and delicious. Rice burgers were invented by a Japanese fast food restaurant in the 1980s and has been a hit ever since then.

So unique and so good but not very refreshing... I need to write about ice cream in Japan because we visited smack in the middle of summer and it was hot, ok? The ice cream there is rich and creamy, and while that sounds great, it’s almost to a fault. The intense richness (read: amount of fat) can be overwhelming and instead of cooling me down in the heat of Japanese summer, it made me sweat and feel heavy.

Birru (Beer)

Asahi and Sapporo are my go-to brews in Japan and the perfect companion to just about any meal. They're icons of Japanese brewing, each with a distinct flavor profile. Asahi Super Dry is known for its crisp, light flavor and clean finish, and is incredibly refreshing. Sapporo , on the other hand, has a slightly richer and more robust taste, with a balance of malt and hops that gives it a bit more body.

Sake is served during the appetizer in Japan Sake is a Japanese rice liquor that is mostly enjoyed during the appetizer portion of your meal (but you can keep sipping it with your sushi, and you’ll sometimes also get it as a digestive).

You can have it hot or cold, but remember it’s not a shot, so sip it slowly like you would wine. It’s a social drink, so if you finish your (tiny) cup, there will be somebody that will probably refill it. If you don’t want a refill, keep a bit of sake in your cup. Oh, and hold it with both hands.

Top quality sake is never consumed hot , because the heat would destroy the precisely brewed smells and tastes that they worked so hard to get in there. Then again, you also don’t want your sake super cold, which does nothing for the taste, either.

Sake in jasmine tea

Sake in jasmine tea is a blend I found to be interesting, and by interesting I mean meh. I guess you could call it a combination that showcases Japan's experimental spirit in beverages, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me . I’ll just take the sake, thanks.

25 FAQs about Japanese food and food culture

1. japan's dining standards = a perfectionist's paradise.

During my trip to Japan, I tried a lot of Japanese cuisine and you can be sure—I'm an expert at giving honest reviews! In Japan, their standard for what's "okayish" would probably make a Michelin inspector back home raise an eyebrow . It's like walking into a world where "just fine" is the new "not good enough." Dining out? You're in for a treat, because even the places locals consider average are pretty stellar by my (high) standards. It's a refreshing change of pace where you learn pretty quickly to expect the best.

2. Uniform pricing is a welcome change

Here's a fun fact: whether you're chilling in a Tokyo karaoke bar or scaling the heights of Mount Fuji, a beer will cost you the same: JPY 800. It's like there's an unspoken rule that everything must be fair and square. The honesty in pricing across Japan is kind of admirable... and also a bit of a relief to your wallet. It's not just about the beer; it's the principle. No surprises, just honest-to-goodness consistency.

3. The honesty of Japanese cuisine 

Speaking of honesty, it's not just in their pricing. The Japanese put a serious amount of integrity into their food. It's almost as if cheating on ingredients is a greater sin than skipping your morning bow. And guess what? Eating out in Japan can be way cheaper than in the States—sometimes even a third of the price! Who said you can't have your sushi and eat it too?

4. Tipping in Japan

We were very happy with our server at the Fujia Gohonjin Restaurant. A tip would not be a compliment for her though Tipping in Japan? An absolute no-go. Considering the amazing service you’ll almost always get in Japanese restaurants (and basically everywhere else), it may feel weird not to tip, especially if you’re from the US where tips are like half of what you spend in a restaurant. But don’t do it, it’s offensive , and your tip will be returned to you.

Why? Bringing your cash to a restaurant or other establishment and spending it there is considered enough. The refusal to accept tips is ingrained in the Japanese culture that prizes service and dignity, basically meaning it’s a no-brainer for them to give them you top service . You giving a server extra money means you think they did something out of the ordinary, while for them it’s simply doing their job well.

Tipping in Japan is kind of like clapping on the airplane after landing . That little tradition is annoying to pilots because you’re saying ”Omg, you landed the plane, good job!” If you thought it was a good idea, maybe you also need to read up on some other tips for first-time flyers .

Also, paying at the cash register , instead of the table, underscores this ritual of mutual respect. It felt strange at first, leaving without the usual tip-and-thank-you exchange, but it quickly became a refreshing norm.

5. Service with a bow: Beyond world-class

Japanese are good at customer service! Speaking of service, everywhere I went, the level of service was nothing short of mind-blowing. It's not just being polite; it's a whole other level of hospitality. You're treated with such care and respect that you find yourself wanting to leave a massive tip, only to remember—oh right, that's not how things are done here. It feels odd at first, stepping away without that customary gesture of appreciation.

Japanese hospitality is rooted in the concept of 'omotenashi ,' which translates to selfless service. Obviously, your server at the restaurant isn’t working for smiles and is actually getting paid, but I’ll bet they’d be just as nice if they were there for free. From the moment you step into a restaurant, you're treated with a level of care that makes you feel both honored and humbled.

6. What not to do with chopsticks

If you’re going to Japan, it’s a good idea to practice holding those chopsticks! While you’re at it, make sure to understand some basic rules about how to (and how not to) use chopsticks:

• It’s impolite to point to people with chopsticks , so even if you put your chopsticks down, put them at an angle so they aren’t pointing to the person sitting across from you.
• Don’t rub your chopsticks together . It implies that you think the restaurant gave you shite quality chopsticks.
• Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your food . This is similar to a tradition that’s done at funerals. Similarly, don’t pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks (unless you want to look like you’re passing around a dead person’s bones following cremation). And don’t cross your chopsticks when you put them down (also something about death).
• Don’t stick chopsticks in your mouth , pick your teeth with them or lick them. 
• Once you are done eating , put disposable chopsticks back into their bag; non-disposable chopsticks are laid to the left of your plate or bowl.

7. Is food in Japan expensive?

Eating out in Japan is much cheaper than I imagined, and my food budget stretched to unexpected lengths! Japan is known to be an expensive country to visit, but you know what surprised me? The cheap food! I like a high-quality meal, and we ate to our hearts content during our trip to Japan this past summer. w

To give you a comparison, most of our dinners would have cost 3x as much in the US . And we’re talking epic, mouth-watering meals. I’m hungry just thinking about it.

8. Soy sauce for everyone!

Soy sauce, oh boy, it's everywhere, and not just as a sidekick to sushi. It's in everything—even dessert!—, adding depth and character to dishes in ways I hadn't imagined. It made me see soy sauce in a whole new light—not just as a condiment, but as a cultural staple, an essential thread in the fabric of Japanese dining.

9. You’ve been eating sushi all wrong

Not many people know how to eat sushi correctly Put down your chopsticks and pay attention to some quick tips on how to eat sushi in Japan:

• Eat sushi with your hands. Make sure to wipe them with the hot towel your given first. But some people will use chopsticks as a matter of personal preference.
• Sashimi isn’t sushi (sushi is something with rice, while sashimi is just fish), so eat that with chopsticks
• When eating nigiri, the one where there’s a slice of fish lying on top of a blob of rice, place it in your mouth with the fish on the bottom so that it touches your tongue
• Sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite
• Sushi with white meat is eaten before sushi with red meat
• Use the pickled ginger in between bites as a palette cleanser only
• Dip the rice side in soy sauce (sparingly), not the rice side

10. Rice is the most important food in Japan

Rice is almost always served plain, without any spices, not even soy sauce! It’s so good that adding anything to it would be offensive. It’s Japan’s no. 1 food: 94% of the Japanese population eats rice at least once a day for a whopping total of 50 kg (110 lb) of rice eaten per capita every year. Compare that to around 10 kg (22 lb) of rice per capita in Europe and the USA (but also the 130 kg or 285 lb of rice they eat in China!).

You’ll also notice that every spot that isn’t forest is a rice field. Rice is everywhere .

11. The most important part of your meal is on the left side

Always notice what is served on the left side of your plate—that’s the most important part of the meal you ordered. Not surprisingly, rice usually takes that spot.

12. Only order as much as you can eat

No leftovers in Japan! Leftovers are the equivalent of putting ginger on your sushi, pointing at everyone with your chopsticks, drinking sake as a shot, and then tipping the waiter. It’s just despicable . You might as well spit in the chef’s face. That’s to say: don’t have “big eyeballs”, as the Czech saying goes. Imagine all the thanking and respect-showing when you get your food served to you and following that up with them having to throw that same, respected food into the garbage because you didn’t have the decency to eat it.

A little Czech fun fact: The Czech saying "mít velké oči" translates to "to have big eyes," which means taking or wanting more than one can consume or needs. It's often used to describe situations where someone's eyes are bigger than their stomach , especially in the context of food, but it can apply to other situations involving greed or overestimation of one's capacities.

13. Coffee in Japan is a surprising delight

So, you think Japan is all about tea ceremonies and matcha? Think again. Their coffee game is surprisingly strong—and I'm not just talking caffeine levels. I'm a bit of a coffee snob, and Japan left me pleasantly surprised despite expecting absolutely nothing good coffee-wise. I found the best cup in the winding alleys of Kyoto's old merchant quarter. Japan, you've got a secret weapon in your coffee, and I'm here for it. I found the coffee bad even in most countries I had high hopes for, so for Japan to score high on my coffee radar was a true (and tasty) surprise.

14. Fish are never fried

Ok, maybe not never ever, but rarely. Most often, you’ll get your fish straight off the grill. It’s because of the smell and taste that’s rather fishy off a pan, but never when you grill it. Japan knows its fish, so I’d trust them!

15. You can drink your soup

Some cultures might find it bad manners, but in Japan you can drink soup straight from the bowl Drinking your soup straight from the bowl is A-ok in Japan! Extra points if you slurp loudly while doing it , which signifies how tasty you think it is. You’ll mainly see people drinking their soup when it is an appetizer, served in a small bowl and not full of a million ingredients. It would be very hard to drink a huge bowl of ramen, for example. If unsure, do what the locals are doing.

16. Vegetarians will have a semi-hard time in Japan

Trying to be a vegetarian in Japan is like playing a culinary game of hide and seek—challenging but not impossible. You’ll do way better if you’re a pescatarian . With a diet historically rich in fish and seafood, vegetarians might find navigating Japanese menus a bit like decoding a complex puzzle. Things that sound meat-less, even meals with tofu as the main protein, are often made with a meat broth, so you’ll need to brush up on your language skills to make sure what you’re eating is ok for you.

Only a small fraction of restaurants specifically cater to vegetarians . But armed with a bit of knowledge and some key phrases, vegetarians can enjoy Japanese food, too. If all else fails, rice, tofu veggies, vegetable tempura, and vegetarian sushi it is!

17. Good sake is served cold

Sake=rice liquor Sake is a Japanese rice liquor that is mostly enjoyed during the appetizer portion of your meal (but you can keep sipping it with your sushi, and you’ll sometimes also get it as a digestive).

You can have it hot or cold, but remember it’s not a shot, so sip it slowly like you would wine. It’s a social drink, so if you finish your (tiny) cup, there will be somebody who will probably refill it. If you don’t want a refill, keep a bit of sake in your cup. Oh, and hold it with both hands.

Top quality sake is never consumed hot, because the heat would destroy the precisely brewed smells and tastes that they worked so hard to get in there. Then again, you also don’t want your sake super cold, which does nothing for the taste, either.

18. You can drink and drive in Japan (a little bit)

The legal blood alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03% , which for most people will mean one drink during dinner. Of course, it’s all relative and has to do with your weight and what you drink and how fast you drink it, so don’t quote me on that. For reference, in the US, it’s 0.08%.  

19. Getting wasted is ok

I can’t speak for every Japanese person in Japan, but for such a reserved and well-behaved nation, they sure do know how to get shit-faced! I was surprised how ok it seemed to drink way past “I’m feeling less shy” and take it to “I don’t know who you are but I love you!” really fast.  Like, I ran into totally wasted people way more often than in Scotland and Denmark, which is kind of a red flag, right?

It seems that whiskey, beer, and sake are the Japanese alcohols of choice.

20. Good food is easy to find… in cities

For good food, stay in the city You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—if you want great food in Japan, choose either fine dining or izakaya , basically a Japanese pub. Izakaya translates to ‘stay-drink-place’ and typically serves cheap comfort food that’s delicious and makes sitting and nursing your beers that much more pleasant.

One thing I noticed though is that the further you are from a bigger city, the harder it is to find a place where you can eat well. Maybe it’s just the westerner in me, but the selection in villages wasn’t exactly great.

21. Be ready for cash payments in Japan

For a place that the entire world accepts as the country of the future , they sure are stuck on using cash for everything! I’d expect cashless payments to be standardized in Japan, but the opposite is true. It is partly due to the preference to get the transaction done then and there, partly because of their worry about data security, and partly because it’s tradition and that’s apparently hard to change. So, always have cash on hand in Japan.

22. Get a lunch box for the train!

You’ll certainly spend time on Japanese trains, because how could you not, and how best to enjoy the trip than with a nice snack? Enter ekiben , a Japanese lunch box specifically for train travel . The name combines the words bento , which means lunch box, and eki , meaning train station.

Buy your ekiben at the train station or sometimes directly on the train . You’ll get an assortment of goodies in bitesize portions, complete with chopsticks or a spoon. While most of ekibens can be eaten cold, there are even hot varieties . Sometimes, train stations come equipped with mirowaves, but the better (and more fun) option is a self-heating ekiben ! Pull the string and wait for the chemical reaction to work its magic. It really feels like magic, and you can tell tourists get such a kick out of this (unlike locals).

23. Japanese food can be spicy!

Of course, when you say spicy in an article about Japan, everyone thinks of wasabi! Japanese food isn't all subtle flavors and zen-like simplicity. There's heat in there too! Wasabi (the real kind) and karashi (that's Japanese mustard for the uninitiated) will kick your taste buds into high gear. You could try spicy tantanmen for a change of pace—a bowl of fiery ramen that’s savory and sweet at the same time.  But amid all this, the real MVP is umami, that savory flavor that makes you go, "Hmm, what's this?" And you never really find out how it’s done anyway, but you like it anyway.

24. Learn the Japanese food lingo

In Japan, meals begin with " itadakimasu " and end with " gochisosama deshita " (or “ gochiso ” in a more casual setting) expressions of gratitude that connect us to the food, its origins, and those who prepared it.

At the start of the meal, you’ re saying "to humbly receive" as a sign of respect for the food, your host, probably even the pot the food was cooked in. And at the end it’s a very big thanks, praising your meal as “a feast”, however simple it might’ve been. You can also say it in a restaurant as a sign that you are done with your meal . Unless you’re not actually done. Then, you may need to use “ okawari kudasai ” (“More please!”).

More vocabulary : The Japanese word for food is " Tabemono ", use " nomimono " for drinks, " mizu " for water, “birru” for beer, and of course, " shoyu " for soy sauce. “ Kudasai ” means please and “ Arigato gozaimasu ” is the polite way of saying thank you (drop the gozaimasu in very casual environments), which is helpful at all times.

25. Teppaniyaki - Iron plate  

Teppanyaki is a food preparation by way of an entertaining show Teppaniyaki restaurants are those where your food is cooked right in front of you on a large iron griddle , so you basically get a live cooking show. It's part drama, part comedy, and 100% skill. Seriously impressive. It’s an exciting way to eat, because the food is as fresh as it can be, plus you get sizzling delicious ingredients right in front of your hungry face . A lot of teppaniyaki restaurants are higher-end establishments where they only use top-notch ingredients like fancy beef and seafood. But even just rice with garlic on top sent me to foodie heaven! It’s that good.

You either sit at the bar right at the kitchen where the griddle lines the entire bar , or there can be a griddle as part of each table at the restaurant.

My 6 favorite restaurants in Japan

On my quest for the best places to eat in Japan, I leaned about Tabelog, the go-to restaurant app for locals . On par with Japan perfectionism, anything rated 3.5 or higher is a culinary jackpot, even though it seems like it’ll be just ok. Remember, “just ok” is Japanese for “fantastic”. From hole-in-the-wall ramen shops to upscale sushi, this app has it all.

If you don’t want to deal with apps, go for Google Maps reviews over Tripadvisor.

These are the top restaurants we tried during my 3-week trip to Japan:

The Fujija Gohonjin (Nagano) 

THE FUJIYA GOHONJIN Right next to Zenkōji Honbō Daikanjin in Nagano, there's Fujiya Gohonjin, a place from 1641—yeah, you heard that right, it’s ancient! It's not your usual joint; it's got online booking and a website in English (a rare find in these parts). The serviceis top-notch, like, seriously impressive . We spent about USD 100 for the two of us, but we got our hands on some divine wagyu steak, drizzled with this mind-blowing bagna cauda fish and veggie sauce. You can choose from à la carte or tasting menu. Easily one of the best restaurants of our entire trip.

Further reading : The best places to visit in Nagano

Monta (Hakone)

Mont a ... sure, let’s order some more! The tablet made it easy to overeat (severely!) Monta is the place to go if you want to enjoy something wonderfully quirky and Japanese but still want to get a great meal. Think sitting on the floor, a cat obsession, a library and games (board and video). You order your food on a tablet, which makes it easy to go overboard and order 10 “tapas” like us idiots, thinking it’ll be just a little bite each. It wasn’t. We almost bursted at the seems eating the mountain of food that kept coming to our table from the kitchen!

Further reading : Hakone Guide

Tokyo Sushi (Hakone)

Tokyo Sushi Tokyo Sushi is a mini restaurant in Hakone, serving—obviously—sushi. But it’s the best quality sushi I’ve ever seen and tasted. It felt authentically Japanese, made by a chef with 40+ years of experience, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Make reservations and make it a point in Hakone (near Mt. Fuji) to go to this restaurant.  

Further reading : Hakone guide

Smoked grill and lotus (Kyoto)

Smoked & Grill Lotus It’s a very strange feeling to be taking an elevator into a restaurant, so don’t be surprised, because that’s exactly what you have to do to get into Kyoto’s Smoked & Grill Lotus . But the food!

First off, the guests are a mix of tourists and locals, and the locals are way more rowdy than the westerners . That always makes me grin, considering how uptight conservative the Japanese seem most of the time. Maybe it’s the JPY 700 drinks they serve? Show me another big city where you get a cocktail for less than 5 bucks!

We had to order the ajillo twice, it was that good— a pan full of garlicky shrimp served with a baguette that reminded me of the pil pil I had in Chile and it was to die for. Or at least to order twice for. The bbq ribs we had after that made it to the very top of my bbq ribs list (you don’t have one yet?). So, so good!

Further reading: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka itinerary

Dragon burger (Kyoto)

DRAGON BURGER / TOFUKUJI,FUSHIMI-INARI KYOTO JAPAN I know, I know, you’re in Japan, why are you having burgers? Well, because this may just be the best burger I’ve had, EVER . I don’t even think it was because I was missing western food, it was just really, really good. Dragon Burger is a small bistro-type establishment in Kyoto, so you just eat and run, making it a perfect stop on any Kyoto itinerary. We visited it before heading to the 1,000 torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and it was great energy boost!

Teppan Tavern Tenamonya (Kyoto)

Teppan Tavern Tenamonya Now, let me tell you about my visit to Teppan Tavern Tenamonya in Kyoto . This place had the quirkiest reservation system I've ever seen, hands-down. Their email communication was a riot—it was like receiving an invite to a secret club , where punctuality is your ticket in, and the door locks behind you like some spy movie.

The email sounded like a mix between a warm invitation and a warning: "We lock the door because people without reservations try to storm our culinary castle, and sometimes cry when we try to make them leave."

Despite the odd reservation antics, the staff was super friendly (though—dare I say it—slightly fake?), and the food was superb . But a word to the wise: maybe skip their local specialty, Okonomiyaki . A weird cabbage pancake? No thanks.

The reservation email ended with a plea not to be a no-show, reminding me that by securing my seat, I had triumphed over a hundred other hungry contenders. It felt like winning a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory , but for grilled food.

Further reading: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka itinerary  

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you make bookings through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!  

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Hakone is a town that you visit mainly to see Mt. Fuji, but did you know that Hakone itself is sitting on a volcano?! In this article are the best things to do in Hakone and around Mt. Fuji, based on my experience:

This article is meant for first-time visitors because I promise you nobody visits a second time! In this article, I’ll give you a step-by-step Tokyo itinerary for 3 days. Then, I’ll answer FAQs about visiting Tokyo. 

Is Tokyo overrated? In my opinion - yes! But we all know you’re still going anyway out of fear of dying of FOMO. If Tokyo calls your name, choose from my list of Tokyo sights based on your personal taste. 

Thoughts? Give us a shout!

Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

I was first inspired to start this blog by my own experience of researching for upcoming trips—I often struggle with a lack of good information, accuracy, and authenticity of resources. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” don’t even visit the destinations they write about! 

My goal with this blog is to provide you with complex and practical information so that you can plan your own vacation, complete with insights you’d only get if you visited the place. I also put together itineraries that are fully planned out trip guides.

Another aspect that drives this platform is my curiosity about the history, geography, politics, and economy of each country I visit, so I try to include this information in my articles, too. It’s always great to get the bigger picture, right? 

And just to be clear, I am not trying to compete with backpacking blogs or provide hacks for an economical and affordable experience. My vacations follow the standard pattern of traveling by plane, staying in good hotels, and renting a car on the spot to get around. I’m also always up for a fantastic meal, though I don’t shy away from local delicacies and street food, either.  

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Traditional Japanese Food: 20 Dishes You Can Try in Japan or At Home

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Whether you’re  visiting Japan  or trying to mix things up in your own kitchen, you should get familiar with Japanese cooking.  Traditional Japanese food uses many staple ingredients that are unusual in Western cuisine. If you’re looking to try some rich new flavors, Japan is the perfect place to start! 

Table of Contents

20 Traditional Japanese Foods

When visiting Japan, we found that dining out was not just about filling our bellies, it was an experience. Our meals could last for hours spanning 16 courses of delicious cuisine. The Japanese take eating seriously. Dining out almost feels like a ceremony where you are brought incredible displays of food that are meticulously arranged. When traveling to Japan, ordering food can be a bit intimidating so we are here to help you know what foods to keep an eye out for so you can try them in their most authentic forms. 

Keep reading, and we’ll tell you all about 20 Japanese dishes that you should try at home or abroad. 

Sushi is now one of the most iconic Japanese dishes, but it actually  originated in China in the 1st or second century BC and was known as narezushi. Contrary to popular belief, Sushi does not mean raw fish, it actually means sour rice. Sushi refers to any dish made with sushi rice (sour rice) accompanied with egg, vegetables, or fish.

There are a few common types of sushi that you’ve probably had if you’ve ever gone to a Japanese restaurant. These types include fillings inside rice wrapped in nori, bite-size lumps of rice with a single piece of raw fish on top, and sushi rice inside a pocket of fried tofu. When eating sushi, you’ll be surprised to find out that it is not the fish that is the most important ingredient, it is actually the sushi rice that makes the meal.

We find making Sushi at home really easy. Get yourself a bamboo mat, seaweed sheets, and sushi rice – all readily available at the grocery store and then fill it with anything from cucumber to avocado and salmon to tuna. Here are some great recipes to follow when making sushi at home.

Sashimi is also a common menu item at American sushi restaurants. Sashimi is delicately sliced, fresh, raw fish served with pickled ginger, radish, wasabi, and soy sauce. Although some sushi contains raw fish, sashimi is different from sushi because it is not served with rice. Sashimi is actually the raw fish dish many think of as sushi.

3. Gyoza (Fried Dumplings)

If you’re looking for a taste of Japanese cuisine at home, look no further than Gyoza! These fried dumplings are easy to prepare at home and make a great appetizer. They can also serve as a main course alongside fried rice or noodles. Gyoza are dumplings (usually filled with pork and vegetables), fried in a pan until crisp and then steamed to finish cooking. Serve them with soy sauce for dipping! You can make your own Gyoza at home with this recipe.

Onigiri is portable Japanese snack food. Onigiri is made of rice with a filling inside, shaped into a triangular shape, and placed in a piece of nori for convenient carrying.  Common onigiri fillings include teriyaki chicken, seaweed, and tuna mayonnaise. In Japan, onigiri is usually sold in convenience stores as a cheap and tasty snack; but, it is one of the easiest Japanese foods to make at home! We seriously picked up Onigiri in a 7-Eleven!

5. Natto Rice Bowl

In Japan, the same kinds of foods are often eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The main difference between breakfast and other meals is light preparation and smaller portions. One of the most common breakfasts in Japan is the natto rice bowl. Natto is made of fermented soybeans, and it has a savory and salty flavor that tastes great over rice. 

6. Fluffy Japanese Pancakes

If soybeans aren’t your style and you’re looking for a traditional breakfast fix, you can whip up these  ultra-fluffy Japanese pancakes  at home.  You can make fluffy Japanese pancakes at home by using a hand mixer to beat your egg whites until they’re stiff.  The result will be a stack of the tallest, most jiggly pancakes you’ve ever had! Serve them with butter and syrup or honey. 

7. Yakitori (Chicken Skewers)

Yakitori means “barbecue chicken” in Japanese. Yakitori is a popular street food that you can find on any corner in Japanese cities. Before they’re grilled, these chicken skewers are brushed with a sauce made of mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sugar. You can pick one up as a quick snack or serve them with rice and vegetables as your main course.

8. Miso Soup

The Japanese eat miso soup alongside almost every meal. Miso broth is made from fermented soybeans and dashi broth. Miso soup often contains tofu, seaweed, and green onions. It’s common for Japanese people to heat up miso soup from the night before and eat it alongside their breakfast. Give that a try next time you’re craving a warm start to your day! We use this Miso soup Recipe all the time.

Ramen is one of the most well-known Japanese recipes. On a cold winter day, nothing is more comforting than a bowl of warm broth, thick noodles, and vegetables. If you’re a fan of instant ramen, you can always update your next bowl with soy sauce, chili paste, green onions, a soft-boiled egg, and any other toppings you want. If you are looking for a good Ramen recipe this one is delicious!

10. Kashipan (Sweet Bread)

Bakeries are everywhere in Japan, and Kashipan is one of their most popular snacks. Kashipan is a sweet bun, sometimes baked with cookie dough on top or sweet bean paste inside. 

Enjoy Japanese Food Safely with Celiac Cards

Are you Celiac or have a gluten intolerance? Our friend Jodi at Legal Nomads has created detailed gluten-free cards that have been translated into Japanese by native speakers. These cards were created to help people with celiac disease travel in Japan safely. Carry them with you and show them to restaurants and staff to ensure they understand your food requirements. Get more details and Purchase your gluten free Japan card here for just $8.99

11. Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles)

You can find yakisoba at any street festival in Japan. This fried noodle dish is made with barbecued noodles, pork, cabbage, and other vegetables. You can make your own version of yakisoba at home in a large frying pan or wok. This dish is full of rich flavor and is easy to make; just throw everything in one pan and let it sizzle!

12. Japanese Curry

Japanese curry is quite different from the Indian curries that you might be familiar with. Japanese curry has a sweet flavor and is prepared like a stew; meat and vegetables are cooked together with a curry paste that acts as a thickening agent. 

Japanese curry is quite easy to make at home, especially if you can get your hands on some premade curry paste.

13. Nikujaga (Meat and Potatoes)

Roasted meat and potatoes are the backbones of many types of western cuisine. However, did you know that the Japanese have their own version of this dish?

Nikujaga is a meat and potato stew made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Nikujaga is a common household meal, and the best way to try it in Japan is to score an invite to a local’s home for dinner. 

14. Takoyaki (Fried Octopus)

You  don’t have to speak Japanese  fluently to order Japanese food; but, when you ask for takoyaki, make sure you know you’re getting octopus. 

Even though octopus isn’t a common snack in the U.S., don’t be afraid to try this delicious street food. The perfect way to try new food is smothered in batter, fried, and topped with seaweed and mayo.  

15. Sukiyaki Hot Pot

Hot pot is the ultimate comfort food for a cold day. Sukiyaki uses a broth made of mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sugar. Pour this rich broth over seared beef and vegetables. 

Sukiyaki means, “cook what you like.” You can make your own version of a Japanese hot pot at home with whatever vegetables and proteins you want!

16. Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlets)

Europeans have introduced the Japanese to a number of western foods. Over time, Japanese cooks have made these dishes entirely their own, giving birth to new staple foods. 

Tonkatsu pork cutlets are an example of this. These crispy-fried tenders look a lot like chicken strips; only they’re made with juicy, flavorful pork and served with crisp cabbage. 

Fun fact: the Japanese word for European-introduced foods, such as tonkatsu, is “yoshoku.”

17. Tempura

Speaking of fried snacks, everyone should try tempura at least once in their lives. You can find all kinds of tempura on the menu at most Japanese restaurants; shrimp, chicken, vegetables, tofu, and more. 

You can also make tempura batter relatively easily at home! Always serve tempura-fried foods with soy sauce for a crisp, balanced flavor.

18. Udon Noodle Soup

Udon noodles are a Japanese staple. These noodles are made from wheat flour and have a slightly chewy texture (perfect for slurping up from chopsticks). 

The most common way to eat udon noodles is in udon noodle soup. You can top your soup with fried tofu, tempura-fried veggies, or anything else your heart desires.

19. Soba (Buckwheat Noodles)

Another staple noodle in Japan is the soba noodle. Soba noodles are always made with buckwheat flour, which gives them a unique, subtly nutty flavor. 

Soba noodles pair well with strong flavors like garlic, sesame oil, or chili.

20. Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancake)

Have you ever been to a dim sum restaurant and had a scallion pancake? Okonomiyaki is the Japanese version of the savory pancake.  Okonomiyaki is made with cabbage, batter, and any other ingredients you wish. 

In Japan, it is easy to find restaurants that specialize in okonomiyaki. You can also make this pan-fried dish easily in your own kitchen!

Try Traditional Japanese Food at Home or Abroad

Learning how to cook traditional Japanese food at home is easier than you might think! Give one of these dishes a try next time you’re out of dinner ideas.

Check out our Japan Travel Guide if you’re interested in trying these dishes (and much more) in Japan! Traveling across the world is a breeze with our expert tips and travel guides.

Plan your Trip to Japan with these Resources

• 50 Awesome Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

9 Amazing Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan

• Mind-Blowing Facts about Japan
• Japanese Ryokan – Our Stay in a Traditional Inn
• 7 Unique Japanese New Year Traditions
• Places to Visit in Kyoto – My Favorite City in Japan
• Complete Nikko Japan Travel Guide – 18 Things to do and Places to See
• 22 Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan

The 20 Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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2 thoughts on “Traditional Japanese Food: 20 Dishes You Can Try in Japan or At Home”

Thanks for sharing this worth reading blog. No doubt Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese cuisines. Although, there many wonderful recipes that you can find in various Japanese restaurants and also can make in your home.

I had taste of sushi in one of the Japanese restaurants in cantonment and it was really great. I really personally recommend it to others as well to try it.

30 Japanese Dishes You Need To Try At Least Once

While Japanese cuisine is often condensed into a few dishes (such as sushi and ramen) outside of the country, the wide range of options and the culinary precision at play on the island produce impeccable foods that satisfy all elements of dining. Not only are they flavorful and fresh, but the local diet is also very healthy, BBC Good Food reports. Low rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity, paired with long life expectancy, suggest Japanese food has benefits. The dietary lifestyle and traditional dishes are highly respected within the country and they have officially been acknowledged worldwide. Washoku, the customs involved with the preparation and enjoyment of locally sourced food, was recognized by UNESCO in 2013 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

History and tradition aside, Japan has a bustling culinary scene and it is regularly listed as one of the best food countries in the world (via CNN Travel ). Chefs are known to have a special love affair with the country's cuisine, and Today's World Kitchen breaks it down to the skilled artistry, minimalism, high-quality ingredients, and density of Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo. Nevertheless, there's no need for fine dining to have an exceptional Japanese meal. The following list highlights 20 Japanese dishes that are worth a taste.

Sushi & Sashimi

This first item actually combines two categories, each with an abundance of options. While they both could be described at length, sushi and sashimi are often served together as two of the more common Japanese dishes available in the U.S. It's easy to forget that Japan is an island — that is until you notice the importance of seafood in the cuisine. Live Japan explains that sashimi consists of thin slices of raw fish served with soy sauce, wasabi, and daikon radish. Tuna, salmon, flounder, shrimp, and squid are all possible protein choices. Note the significant absence of seaweed, rice, and other ingredients — sashimi keeps it simple.

Sushi on the other hand actually translates as vinegared rice, according to Sushi FAQ , but the term now encompasses far more. At its most basic, the rice is paired with raw seafood and rolled up in seaweed for easy handling. However, anyone who's been to a sushi restaurant can attest to the fact that the possible add-ins are almost limitless. While many of the rolls popular outside of Japan can hardly be considered authentic, extras such as fish roe, egg, and vegetables are all possible accompaniments for the raw fish. For the full experience, pair your sushi with pickled ginger, wasabi, and soy sauce.

The joys of fried food are shared worldwide, and Japan does it exceptionally well with tempura. According to the Michelin Guide , the origins of the dish actually come from the Portuguese in the 16th century, who made a habit of lightly flouring and frying food. In Japan, fish, vegetables, and meat are all up for grabs — popular favorites include sweet potatoes, shrimp, and mushrooms (via Japan-Guide ).

Tempura continued to evolve in the centuries following its introduction, with variations made to the batter content and fat used for frying. Presently, each part of the country prepares the dish with slight differences, and whereas flour, eggs, and water make up the batter in the east, eggs aren't used in the west. The eastern part opts for frying the tempura at high heat in sesame oil and meanwhile, low heat and vegetable oil are the preferred method in the west (via Michelin Guide). Dipping sauces, daikon radish, or just salt are used to season the fried snack. If you've got an appetite, larger meal-sized portions known as tendon are served on top of rice with a sweet and salty sauce, pickles, and miso soup, and the fried delicacy can even accompany noodle soups (via Japan-Guide).

If you can read Japanese, then you'll know that yakitori means grilled bird, according to Food in Japan . Nowadays, the term can be used to describe different skewered meats and vegetables cooked on a grill, although chicken is the most common version of the dish. In fact, yakitori made from chicken offal have traditionally been predominant, though thanks to the sweet soy and mirin glaze commonly used, you probably wouldn't even notice. Other styles of yakitori are simply seasoned with salt, and plenty of regional variations exist. Aside from all things chicken, other typical ingredients include pork, mushrooms, leek, and even seafood.

The skewers are a staple street food snack, which the Michelin Guide indicates has been the case since the late 19th century. As well, Yakitori-ya restaurants that specialize in the grilled snacks are popular with the after-work crowd looking for a quick bite over a pint of beer (via Japan-Guide ). Yakitori is also easy to find in izakayas , pub-style restaurants serving small plates. Whether you order a couple of skewers or a dozen, yakitori always makes for a satisfying bite.

Commonly referred to as octopus balls, takoyaki is a tasty street food you have to try. Octopus meat usually seasoned with pickled ginger and green onions is coated in a wheat flour batter shaped into a ball, Food in Japan explains. Next, the spheres are grilled in a special pan that consists of rounded indents to hold the balls. The cooked balls are topped with takoyaki sauce (a sweet and salty condiment akin to Worcestershire), Japanese mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes (fish flakes).

It might sound like a lot, but the doughy balls combine the perfect balance of juicy filling with a creamy sweet and salty coating that makes it hard to eat just one. Thankfully they are always sold in multiples so you won't have to settle for less. Live Japan notes that takoyaki is especially popular at festivals so keep an eye out for yatai stands which specialize in the savory treats. Although the snack is said to have originated in Osaka, you can confidently enjoy it across the country and overseas.

While you might not associate curry with Japan, food writer Morieda Takashi notes that most Japanese people eat the dish weekly, regularly listing it among their favorite foods (via Japan Quarterly ). Anthropology professor Dr. Merry White tells Vice that curry ended up in Japan via the British Navy, who brought their own version of the Indian dish in late 1800s. Curry gained popularity as it was easy to prepare for large groups, and eventually pre-made curry mixes were sold for quick home cooking (via Vice). Often labeled as golden curry, they are available in supermarkets in the U.S. Compared with typical Indian curries, the Japanese style is thicker, sweeter, and rarely spicy (via Japan-Guide ).

Metropolis indicates that stylistic variations are found across the country, as each region perfects its own rendition of the comforting meal. Among the most popular is a curry topped with a breaded pork cutlet that accompanies the sauce and rice. Though the grain is regularly served along with curry, during a time of rice shortage in the late 1800s, a U.S. agriculturist William S. Clark instated the addition of potatoes, forever changing the components of the dish. Apart from potatoes, common ingredients include carrots and meat, often pork or beef (via Japan-Guide). To contrast the rich curry, it is commonly served with sweet pickles or scallions.

If you're looking for a snack that's easy to grab on the go, onigiri could be it. The rice balls (more triangular than round in shape) are incredibly versatile and customizable, and can even be a nourishing meal. In fact,  Onigiri Shuttle Korogin indicates that they show up at breakfast, in bento boxes at lunch, and are regularly enjoyed late into the night. There's nothing new about onigiri, and according to The Japan Times , the dish dates back over 2000 years. Kikkoman reports that the convenient format made them popular with troops in the 16th century, and of course, they're ideal for picnics.

Aside from a triangle-shaped mound of rice, there's also a filling hiding inside or displayed more obviously on the surface. Kikkoman lists pickled apricot, plum, grilled fish, roe, meat, or vegetables as popular options, although local and seasonal variations are abundant. The rice is often wrapped with nori leaves (seaweed) to prevent it from drying out, but other types are sprinkled with sesame seeds. The rice balls continue to be tweaked to include Western-influenced fillings, and an onigiri sandwich cross named onigirazu inspired by a manga from the 1980s was even created (via Food Republic ).

Though many people's introduction to ramen might have been in a cheap instant format, the noodle dish has plenty more to offer. Japan-Guide points out that the soup actually originates from China, though ramen-ya (ramen restaurants) have exploded in popularity in Japan since its introduction. The Guardian even refers to certain cities, such as Fukuoka, as ramen towns, thanks to its 2,000 ramen-ya locations. Although there are countless versions, in essence, ramen consists of a seasoning ( tare ), broth, noodles, and toppings.

The broth can be made from different bases such as soy sauce (shoyu), soybean (miso), pork bone (tonkotsu), or salt (shio), as per Japan-Guide. In traditional establishments, the broth continues to be regenerated and is never allowed to be entirely used up. In fact, The Guardian indicates the broth at one ramen-ya in Kurume had been simmering for 60 years!

The noodles are usually wheat-based, though variations in stretchiness and thickness are common. Mental Floss explains that ramen noodles are unique for their alkaline pH level, which prevents them from dissolving or getting too soft in the hot broth. Meat lovers will enjoy the fatty hunks of braised pork that top the noodle soup, and corn, seaweed, bamboo, eggs, tofu, and bean sprouts are common extras. It's hard to think of a dish as physically and spiritually nourishing as a piping bowl of ramen brimming with hearty ingredients. Be sure to let your inner child have some fun — slurping is encouraged.

The most direct translation of donburi is a bowl, and that's exactly what you'll get. Thankfully, the bowl isn't empty, and Japan-Guide explains that it generally contains a base of rice with popular toppings such as chicken, beef, breaded pork cutlets, raw seafood, grilled eel, eggs, and tempura. For example, katsudon refers to a pork cutlet bowl, and gyudon, one of the more typical options, is a beef bowl. Extra add-ons can vary widely depending on the style of don and whether or not the chef is exploring creative options, but contrasting flavors such as pickled ginger or daikon radishes are common. A sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and dashi-based sauce is often used to season the contents of the bowl (via Live Japan ).

The dish is simple, straightforward, and one of Japan's takes on fast food. According to Tokyo Spark, donburi has been around since sometime between the 14th and 16th centuries, and it shows no sign of disappearing thanks to its practical format. The source remarks that chopsticks or a large spoon are both acceptable utensils to consume this dish, so start here if your chopstick technique is a bit rusty.

You're probably familiar with omelets, but how about tamagoyaki? The Japanese version of the egg dish is not only as delicious as you'd expect but it's also aesthetically pleasing. Instead of frying up a flat round omelet in a pan, eggs are whipped with mirin, sugar, and soy sauce and folded over themselves as they cook, Taste Atlas explains. A special rectangular tamagoyaki pan is favored for the preparation, ultimately producing a tubular omelet that is tender and light. The roll is sliced and often served in a bento box, or you might find it with rice as sushi.

Although basic tamagoyaki is kept simple, variations with extra ingredients are also common. For example, the omelet can be stuffed with fried rice and vegetables for a filling dish which Japan Experience notes displays a combination of Japanese and Western influences. According to The Japan Times , the dish gained popularity in the middle of the 20th century when the government pointed out the importance of protein consumption for children, simultaneously inviting farmers to own more chickens and quickly introducing eggs as a cheap source of nourishment.

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour, though wheat flour is regularly added to improve the consistency, according to Japan-Guide . The noodles are similar in width to spaghetti and just like with pasta, fresh and dried versions are available. This is Japan reports that soba noodles as we know them have been around since the 16th to 17th century, leaving plenty of time for the technique to be perfected as a craft.

The dish is served with many variations both hot and cold, with the most basic presentation being cold noodles with a dipping sauce on the side (via Japan-Guide). Soba is commonly paired with broth to make soup, and add-ins such as tofu, eggs, vegetables, and meat provide heft. There are many regional variations as well as a New Year's Eve specialty — toshikoshi soba — eaten to guarantee prosperity as the year changes (via Tokyo Weekender ). As per Japan Centre , toshikoshi consists of soba noodles in a dashi, mirin, and soy sauce broth and can certainly be eaten year-round.

If you're looking for more than just a dining experience, you'll want to find a place that serves wanko soba. According to Taste Atlas , the noodles are doled out in a small bowl by the waiter who continues adding bowls until the customer tells them to stop — basically an all-you-can-eat scenario. Some condiments and dipping sauce accompany the endless bowls of noodles to prevent palate fatigue.

If you're firmly rooted on the noodle path, you'll definitely want to try a bowl of udon. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization , the noodles are made entirely with wheat flour, and much like soba are believed to have been introduced by the Chinese in the 700s. It took almost one thousand years for udon to become popular, though various styles have caught on since. Udon noodles are slightly thicker, softer, and chewier than other types, and buying them fresh maintains their consistency the best (via The Kitchn ).

As with soba, udon can be eaten cold dipped in sauce or in a soup. However, the typical preparation is to serve the chewy noodles in a flavorful hot broth, along with toppings such as vegetables, meat, or tempura (via Asia Highlights ). Extra seasonings like scallions, seaweed, ginger, and chili peppers can be sprinkled on top to enhance the dish. If you end up in Japan, be sure to try regional udon specialties, as The Smart Local lists multiple variations in styles, including wide flat sheet-like udon.

According to The Japan Times , there's a good chance of eating sukiyaki on New Year's Day in Japan. The source describes the beef dish, noting that there are two significant regional distinctions as to the cooking method. In some areas, sukiyaki refers to a beef hot pot cooked with sake, mirin, and sugar, whereas the beef is pan-fried in other preparations, true to its suffix -yaki, which means grilled or fried. In the latter, the thinly sliced beef is cooked with sake, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, so the flavor profile is quite similar (via Food in Japan ).

Both styles are served with vegetables, including mushrooms, cabbage, and green onions, which makes it a warm nourishing meal ideal for cold weather. As for the beef, thin slices of pricey marbled wagyu are preferred, a detail which The Japan Times points out might explain why the dish is traditionally reserved for special occasions. Whether you eat the hot pot version or pan-fried sukiyaki, the nutritious meal is a must-try.

Miso soup is so much more than a bowl of broth that comes with your sushi or bento box. In fact, Japan Centre notes that the soup is fundamental to the Japanese diet, and the majority of the population eats it once a day. The Chinese are once again responsible for the introduction of miso, and Japan Centre traces the origin back to the 6th or 7th century. The soup is simply made using dashi stock and miso paste, and toppings are added for contrasting textures — or you can add boiling water to a packet of instant miso soup for a decent approximation.

As far as toppings go, wakame seaweed, tofu, mushrooms, and green onions are commonly included. Although you might not have so many miso options in the instant packet format, the paste comes in a range of colors. Made from fermented soybeans, it can be white, yellow, red, brown, or black depending on the preparation and length of the fermentation and aging (via The Kitchn ). Typically, darker miso will have a more pungent aroma and infuse more flavor into the broth. Every chef and household has their own miso soup recipe, perfected over time, so trying plenty of different versions is a great way to explore the nuances.

Okonomiyaki

Also known as Japanese pancake or pizza, okonomiyaki is the type of dish you should always say yes to. A culinary specialty in Hiroshima, BBC Travel explains that the cheap meal rose in popularity following the city's uncertain future after being hit by an atomic bomb in 1945. The source notes that okonomiyaki translates as "whatever you like, grilled," which is indeed the essence of the dish. The pancake is made on a hot griddle with batter, fillings, and toppings that make the dish come to life.

BBC Travel explains that there are two distinct styles: one from Hiroshima and the other from Kansai. The former is made with layers of batter, cabbage, bean sprouts, meat, ramen noodles, fried eggs, and the lot is topped with green onions, dried bonito flakes, and seaweed, not to mention okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire) and Japanese mayo generously drizzled over top. The Kansai style mixes everything together into a tamer (though equally delicious) concoction and skips out on the noodles. Of course, true to its name you can ask for pretty much anything in your okonomiyaki and there are even restaurants where you have a griddle to make your own.

It's hard to think of a more satisfying dish than dumplings, and gyozas are the version perfected in Japan. However, Taste Atlas explains that the dumplings originally stem from a Chinese dish, though the flavor profile was modified to suit Japanese palates. The bite-sized snacks are commonly served as a side dish with rice or ramen as they are tasty but not overly filling.

The half-moon-shaped pockets are made with a wheat wrapper and filled with minced meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Japan Guide notes that the classic filling consists of minced pork, cabbage, chives, green onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Nonetheless, endless variations are possible and you might find mushrooms, shishito leaf, shrimp, or even cheese in your gyozas. As for the cooking method, the dumplings are typically pan-fried and quickly steamed, but they can also be boiled and served with broth, or occasionally deep-fried. At service, the hot pockets are dipped into a sauce of vinegar and soy sauce, with a hint of chili oil, according to Live Japan .

What meat lover doesn't enjoy fried chicken? Japanese karaage is a delicious version of the classic comfort food, popularized after the second world war (via Japan Experience ). As cheap and easy meals were encouraged to feed families on small budgets, chicken made its way to front and center. Karaage isn't just any fried chicken as the meat is first marinated in soy sauce, sake, mirin, garlic, and ginger, assuring a juicy result,  196 Flavors explains. Then, the meat is battered with flour and potato or corn starch and deep-fried for extra crispiness.

At service, Japan-Centre recommends squeezing fresh lemon juice over top and dipping each hot piece of karaage in Japanese mayonnaise. The source also points out that chicken thighs provide the most flavor for the dish, and eliminate the risk of drying out quickly. Curiously, the fried chicken dish is also served cold in bento boxes. Or, make your own karaage don by serving it in a bowl on a bed of rice.

This dish might be harder to get on board with, but natto is firmly rooted in Japanese cuisine. Live Japan explains that soybeans are fermented and form a specific type of bacteria that produces a sticky stringy texture and a smell that might best be described as acquired. Traditional natto was made by fermenting boiled soybeans wrapped in straw, though nowadays a starter culture is introduced to initiate fermentation (via Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition ). Once you get past the consistency, you'll realize that a huge part of the dish's appeal is the umami flavor created by the bacteria.

The beans are typically served with rice and sometimes raw egg for a nutritious meal that is praised for its health benefits. Soy sauce and Japanese mustard are typical condiments to season the soybeans, according to Live Japan. Natto is incredibly common in the average Japanese diet, and packaged versions are easily accessible all over the country. Variations in size, stickiness, and beans are available to suit different tastes (via Live Japan).

You don't have to go to Japan to experience the delight of teppanyaki. In metropolitan areas worldwide, restaurants specializing in the traditional method of cooking food on a large iron plate can be found. In fact, Taste Atlas points out that although the preparation existed earlier, the first teppanyaki restaurant opened in Japan in 1945, and just under 20 years later, a similar establishment was opened in New York City.

The source explains that teppanyaki means iron plate grill, which is the basis for a wide range of foods prepared this way. Whether it's meat, seafood, vegetables, or noodles, the food is cooked on an iron plate by your table, giving the consumer front row seats to the show. It's worth mentioning that Umami Insider indicates the performative aspect of teppanyaki is far more common in the U.S., and restaurants providing a similar experience in Japan have a heavy Western influence. In fact, the original Japanese teppanyaki restaurant Misono owed its formula to the American soldiers stationed in Kobe at the end of World War II, per Japan Today . Think of it as the ultimate grilled meal highlighting East meets West.

There's no doubt that Western influences have marked modern Japanese cuisine, and tonkatsu is one such example. The dish consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet and it has fans across the country, according to Taste Atlas . If you noticed a similarity with the French veal specialty côtelette, you're not wrong.  Live Japan explains tonkatsu is somewhat of a blend of tempura and the French breaded meat dish.

Food in Japan notes that the batter is commonly made from a combination of flour and egg powder, which provides a better consistency. Sliced and served with rice and cabbage, nestled between two slices of bread, enjoyed on top of a steaming bowl of ramen, or even served with curry, there are endless ways to enjoy tonkatsu. Don't miss out on the traditional seasoning, which Taste Atlas indicates is a sweet and savory mix of mustard and a sauce akin to Worcestershire.

Shabu-Shabu

There's no shortage of warm comforting dishes in Japanese cuisine, and shabu-shabu is high on the list. Great Taste notes that like various foods in Japan, the origins stretch back to a Chinese dish. According to Live Japan , the hot pot preparation is often made at home, since once you have the right equipment it's incredibly straightforward. You'll mainly need a large pot that fits plenty of broth, thin slices of meat, and vegetables. Beef and pork are common but other proteins like tofu or seafood can also be prepared, Great Taste indicates. As for the broth, the source points out that miso, lemongrass, mushroom, and kelp are all up for grabs, making the variations endless.

We're not talking about a long slow cooking process here either. Live Japan describes the act of swishing meat through the boiling broth a few times before quickly removing it to avoid overcooking. Once the food is ready, it's served with an assortment of dipping sauces. Sesame or ponzu (citrus-based) sauces are favored, and soy sauce is always on the table.

Yakiniku captures a wide range of items, per its translation meaning grilled meat (via South China Morning Post ). Its post-World War II origins come from Western barbecue traditions as well as Korean grilled specialties like bulgogi and galbi. Designated yakiniku restaurants offer a ventilated setting to enjoy the delight of barbecue flavors. Quality is of prime importance, and wagyu beef is prioritized above all types of meat. Still, you'll find plenty of other options like short ribs, sirloin, tongue, sausage, chicken, pork, lamb, seafood, and vegetables (via Tokyo Restaurants Guide ).

Given the caliber of the foundational ingredients, very minimal seasoning is added — often only salt and miso — in order to let the meat shine. Nonetheless, modern chefs are paving the way for experimental flavors and both pre-grilling and dipping sauces can be involved in the preparation. Tokyo Restaurants Guide recommends eating the grilled meat with a leafy green lettuce for a fresh and crunchy contrast to the umami-rich meat.

You might think you're a daring person, but would you eat something that could potentially kill you? Anyone who's savoring fugu is playing that game of Russian roulette. Also known as blowfish, fugu contains a neurotoxin that halts nerve impulses throughout the body (via The New York Times ). Paralysis and death follow once your heart stops responding to nerve signals.

Although it is now synonymous with luxury, fugu was originally consumed due to food shortages. The dish must be prepared by a licensed chef who has spent two to three years learning how to precisely extract the toxic components. The Guardian reports that most deaths from blowfish occur when people try to prepare it themselves — there's a reason why it requires professional training.

According to The New York Times, farmed fugu has now become more common, resulting in fish with no detectable traces of toxins. While this certainly eliminates the previous risk associated with consuming it, it also removes the chef's impressive feat, as well as the weighty notion of being in close quarters with death. To that end, wild fugu is still considered far more exclusive.

If you're ready to dive into the unknown, fugu is typically served sashimi-style in thin slices or in a hot pot dish (via Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan ). It is rich in collagen, with a firm yet delicately chewy texture and subtle sweetness. Enjoy it served with ponzu dipping sauce, green onions, daikon, and chili peppers.

Offer someone eel and they might be a bit wary; serve them a plate of unagi and they're bound to ask for more. This Japanese grilled eel delicacy is described by Savor Japan as a must-try dish when visiting the country. Whether you try it on a trip to Japan or at a local Japanese restaurant, it's sure to win you over.

Viewed as a high-end gourmet product, grilled freshwater eel offers the perfect balance of fatty, smoky, and charred flavors balanced by the sweet sauce it's commonly basted with. Find it served with rice, as a nigiri, or simply grilled on a skewer. It also often comes with a side of powdered sansho, a Japanese pepper that contrasts perfectly with the fatty eel.

Per Savor Japan, saltwater-residing eel called anago may sometimes be confused for unagi, but the former contains far less fatty matter, resulting in a milder flavor and texture. In line with their fatty consistency, the outlet explains that eel tend to fatten up as autumn progresses and spawning time approaches. That being said, certain cultural beliefs and traditions make this dish especially popular in the summertime as it is thought to improve stamina and the ability to deal with hot temperatures (via Japan Guide ).

If you're in need of a warm nourishing dish, oden is meant for you. The meal comes in a number of regional variations, but at its core, it consists of a soy-based broth with added ingredients (via Japan Centre ). Given its regional specificity, oden is an excellent meal to try throughout Japan in order to appreciate the ingredients that each area has to offer.

Noodles, fried tofu cubes, tofu cakes, fish cakes, eggs, assorted vegetables, and plenty more can be mixed in to beef up the broth. In the Okinawa region, pig feet are a common addition, whereas other areas add sausage, chicken wings, or seafood. Similarly, regional distinctions abound with regard to the broth content. Seaweed, mushroom, miso, beef, and soy sauce-rich broths are all available somewhere.

Don't be surprised if your bowl of oden comes with sake, as the two are regularly paired together. According to Food in Japan , it's not uncommon to find this comforting soup sold streetside, customizable based on your preference. Or, try your hand at whipping up your own recipe at home.

Hamburgers might not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but the Asian country does have its own fusion rendition. Originating from a tradition of combining Western and Asian cuisine,  hambāgu is not quite your average fast food burger . Its name may be derived from the word hamburger, but it's presented as hamburger steak.

Skip the bread, condiments, and loaded toppings and you're left with a well-seasoned ground beef patty held together with breadcrumbs, onions, and egg (via Japan National Tourism Association ). According to Otaku Food , adding ground pork to the mix enhances the final product's savory flavor and juicy consistency.

Side dishes veer away from the classic fry combo, and instead typically consist of rice or salad, along with ponzu, pepper, or demi-glace dipping sauce. It's a common protein in bento boxes, and extra toppings like sauteed vegetables are not out of place. Restaurants looking to cater to Western palates will even venture into melted cheese territory, making hambāgu a low-carb take on a drive-thru favorite.

Complex recipes have their place in a culture's cuisine, yet there's nothing quite like a basic bare-bones dish. Nikujaga is Japan's version of the classic meat and potato duo, and it is most likely an adaptation of traditional European beef stews, according to Taste Atlas . Don't expect huge chunks of meat and a few sparse potatoes; the outlet explains that Japanese dishes tend to use meat as a flavoring agent rather than a bulky addition.

Nikujaga is most commonly prepared with beef, followed by pork. The meat is typically sliced up thinly and lightly cooked in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, and mirin to make a stock infused with a delicate and salty taste. Potatoes and other foundational ingredients like carrots and onions are incorporated into this nourishing stew. Food in Japan notes that yam noodles (shirataki) sometimes make an appearance too, demonstrating that nikujaga is a versatile dish that will keep you satisfied.

Yakisoba is easily found on a global scale, which confirms its world-conquering status as described by  Yabai . The direct translation means fried buckwheat noodles (soba), which hints at the fact that the true origin of the dish is China, the source of the plant.

Taste Atlas compares the dish to chow mein, and indeed you can add an assortment of meat and vegetables to this hearty noodle dish. Japanese versions tend to include ingredients like pork, carrots, onions, and cabbage. The sauce is also a noteworthy component mixed in to coat everything at the end. It's typically oyster and soy-sauce based and much like Worcestershire sauce in both flavor and texture. Perhaps less common in Western renditions are the toppings; ground seaweed, pickled ginger, mayo, and fish flakes are all possible candidates.

Nowadays, you're likely to find yakisoba vendors on street corners around Japan, and the international popularity of Nissin instant noodles has reached epic proportions. Of course, there's far more to yakisoba than its instant versions, and given the easy preparation, it's a good dish to whip up at home. While you're at it, you might want to try yakisoba pan, a noodle sandwich made in a soft roll (via The Guardian ).

Chawanmushi

Whereas some dishes are exciting for their stark contrast of textures, chawanmushi consists of a silky smooth custard that melts in your mouth. MasterClass explains that eggs are whisked with dashi stock and mirin (and sometimes soy sauce and salt), then steamed in a teacup for a subtle-yet-expertly flavored result. According to Kikkoman , this savory dish was once a favorite at banquets in the 18th century. Its simple preparation, adaptable nature, and luxuriously comforting flavor make it an all-around winner.

While the base dish only entails eggs, optional ingredients can be added to bulk up the meal. For example, small pieces of chicken, shrimp, vegetables, parsley, sea urchin, and roe are all possible extras to infuse the creamy dish with more flavor. Proteins and vegetables are layered on the bottom of the cup and topped with the egg mixture for consistent cooking. True to its banquet roots, Kikkoman notes that chawanmushi can be found in Japanese fine dining or simply whisked up at home.

Buta-no-shogayaki

Buta-no-shogayaki comes off as a bit of a mouthful, but all you really need to know is that this dish consists of another kind of mouthful — primarily pork belly, ginger, and onions. Simply referred to as ginger pork, Live Japan describes a contrast of sweet and spicy flavors that unite in this wholesome meat-centric dish. Of course, serving the thinly sliced meat with steamed white rice enhances the pairing by letting it shine in each bite.

Thanks to ginger's health properties (per Healthline ), this dish is invigorating and suitable for any occasion. Apart from the zesty ginger, the pork is seasoned with a sweet and salty mixture of mirin, soy sauce, and sugar (via Parts Unknown ). As the fatty pork belly cooks, it produces subtle caramelization, leading to a borderline decadent final result. Yet ultimately, the weighty presence of ginger balances it out to keep the taste pleasantly refreshing and bright.

Curry Bread

Japanese curry is a rich and flavorful preparation of carrots, potatoes, meat, and seasoning, typically served with rice. That being said, there are many variations as to how you can savor the stew, and curry bread, aka karepan, is among our favorites. Back in April 2020, The New Yorker described it as "a food fit for quarantine," partly due to its undeniably comforting nature, and also because it's a bit of a process to make — not really the kind of dish you'd whip up as a quick weeknight dinner.

If you do venture to preparing curry bread yourself, then you'll be rewarded for your efforts with warm yeasty aromas and a perfectly crunchy panko exterior that makes way for the curry filling. In Japan, the savory snack is conveniently sold at bakeries, markets, and street carts. The original creation can be traced back to Cattlea Bakery in Tokyo, where curry bread was first fried up in 1927 (via Tokyo Cheapo ). Deep frying was not so common in Japan at the time, and the resulting snack became a sort of Western fusion treat that has remained popular for almost a century.

Japanese Food Guide

The Informed Guide to Japanese Food & Drink

Welcome to Japanese Food Guide, a Japan-focused travel publication with an all-female team dedicated to providing a new kind of content on a much-loved destination.

We’ll explain Japanese food culture in a way only insider voices can – from dining etiquette, to what to eat and where to eat it, right through to addressing all those cultural wonders and oddities that you didn’t know what to make of. If you have the question, we want to answer it!

Search for content on a topic of interest in the search bar, peruse by category, or check out the latest blog posts in the menu.

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Founder & Editor of Japanese Food Guide, Jessica Kortema n

Jessica is a professional travel writer and leading Japan expert, who created JFG as a platform exclusively for female contributors, a deliberate move by Jessica to change the face of an industry that often undervalues and underpays the contributions of women.

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GUIDE Japanese Food Etiquette Guide Take the plunge into Japanese cuisine

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Beautiful, refined and reverent best describe Japan's approach to food

Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in December 2013. This well-deserved recognition honors the respect and appreciation of the season, and the beauty of the ingredients, with which Japanese dishes are prepared. This attention to detail extends to the service ware they are presented on. From the lofty heights of kaiseki to a small inn's breakfast, washoku is a feast for the senses.

What is Japanese cuisine?

Freshly caught fish served as sashimi or sushi, chewy udon noodles or multi-course kaiseki cuisine served at exclusive restaurants all share some defining characteristics, binding them together in the Japanese culinary tradition. The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients is the first major factor. Another feature is the use of dashi, a broth made from ingredients rich in umami, such as bonito, kelp or boiled dried fish. This umami gives a richness and depth of flavor to tie together the other flavors of sweet, sour, salt and bitter.

Table manners

Japanese table etiquette is originally based on the guests showing appreciation for the efforts taken by the hosts. It is a true form of the “omotenashi” mentality shared in Japanese culture. By taking steps above and beyond what is expected, both the host and the guest are able to have a memorable experience.

Do's and don'ts

Do feel free to slurp your noodles.

Do try your best to finish all your meal.

Do bring the serving dishes to your mouth, not vice-versa.

Do break food into manageable pieces before bringing it to your mouth.

Don't disregard how food is served (Don't disassemble a dish or eat from the bottom to the top)

Don't put your elbows on the table.

Don't eat directly from the communal platter (first take some and put it on your own smaller plate, then enjoy)

The basic structure of washoku

With a focus on balance, Japanese cuisine is based around bringing out the most flavor from ingredients rather than adding heavy sauces. The basic meal consists of soup, several side dishes and a bowl of steamed rice. The soup is often a clear soup with fish or chicken or miso, and the sides can be any variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Also worth noting is the placement of the dishes. Front left, in the spot reserved for the most important item, is the rice. Behind you'll find the sides, and finally the soup in the front right.

How to use chopsticks

It may seem like a daunting task to the uninitiated, but chopsticks are quite simple to use. A little practice will go a long way in making your meal time a much more comfortable experience. Start by resting one chopstick between the base of your thumb and the tip of your ring finger. For the second chopstick, imagine you're holding a pencil between your thumb, index and middle fingers. Only the top chopstick should move when picking up food. Now you can move it around and will be able to grab even the smallest objects. Practice a little by picking up any and everything, and then go out and enjoy your newfound skills.

Chopsticks don'ts

While they're simple to use, there are some common faux pas you should try and avoid when using chopsticks. Don't use them like a spoon, or a knife and a fork. Try not to stab things either — they're not for skewering foods. Holding them together in one hand is also frowned upon, as is pointing with them. Don't use them to pull plates and bowls around the table either. The two biggest no-no's of chopstick use are sticking them vertically in your bowl of rice and passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks.

Pouring drinks

Hold the bottle, label facing up, with your right hand and support it with your left hand on the base. Pour for others but don't pour for yourself—let someone else do it for you. If someone is filling up your drink, the polite thing to do is hold and slightly tilt your glass. Unlike food, it is perfectly acceptable to not finish your drink. An empty glass is a glass that needs refilling, so if you're not looking for refills, just leave your glass full.

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Food focused two week japan itinerary – 14 days of eating well.

We’ve taken several trips to Japan over the last decade, each time staying a bit longer and exploring a bit more than the last. I know many travelers don’t have the same flexibility in their schedules as we do. If you have the opportunity to spend two weeks in Japan, though, we want to ensure you eat well and drink well. Because Japan is one of the top culinary travel destinations in the world. In this post, I share our tips on how to plan a trip to Japan with a 14 day itinerary. 

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A 14 Day Trip To Japan For People Who Travel For Food

Most itineraries focus on the top Japan destinations, including Tokyo and Kyoto. There is always a focus on the “top things to see” and always includes plenty of visits to museums and temples. We include some of those activities in this guide. 

But our real focus in this Japan travel blog is to focus on unique food experiences, those experiences that make Japan unique. This includes  food tours , sake tastings, and plenty of recommendations on where and what to eat in Japan. 

Another way this itinerary is different from others is that it goes beyond Tokyo and Kansai, which includes Kyoto and Osaka. Sure we include those cities as well. But our suggestions go a little bit beyond for a more authentic experience in Japan.  

Only Have A Week In Japan? Check Out Our 7 Day Japan Itinerary  

Help With Planning Your Japan Two Week Itinerary  

Luggage : We used our Eagle Creek Load Warrior luggage for this trip. I always recommend packing light and if using the trains in Japan this is particularly important. Escalators and elevators are not readily available. And, most hotel rooms in Japan are pretty small. It can be hard to find space for large luggage! Even for a 2 week trip in Japan, it is possible to do laundry at least once or twice during your trip so it’s possible to pack light.

Rental cars : If you decide to rent a car in Japan, we recommend  RentalCars.com . They compare prices at the top rental car companies to get you the best deal. 

Rail Passes : Train travel is really efficient in Japan, particularly between our recommended cities. Check out the 14 Day Japan Rail Pass  to help get you around. A rail pass must be purchased ahead of time before your arrival in Japan and is best purchased from Japan Rail Pass. 

Eating at an izakaya in Kyoto

Best Japan Destinations For Food Travelers

Tokyo  – Many travelers arrive or depart from Tokyo so it’s understandably on everyone’s itinerary. It’s a big city, with bright lights, and Japan to the extreme.

Osaka  – The destination for food travelers in Japan. Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is known for “kuidaore,” which essentially translates to eat until you drop or eat until you bankrupt yourself. This is why it’s one of our favorite cities. 

Kyoto  – The city of culture and temples, Kyoto is also one of the top sake producing regions in the country.

Wakayama  – Just south of Osaka and Kyoto, Wakayama is often overlooked by travelers. It’s an easy addition to any Japan trip itinerary. It’s a destination with a focus on fresh fish and seafood, ramen, and Buddhist Monastery lodgings.

Kobe  – The home of world-famous Kobe beef and easily visited as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

Sapporo  – The great white north of Japan and the city that is one of the snowiest in the world. It’s also home to its own unique cuisine unlike elsewhere in Japan.

Visiting a sake brewery in Kyoto

Guided Tours Of Japan 

We will provide tips on how to plan your own Japan 2 week itinerary, but I understand that Japan can be difficult to manage on your own. We have some recommendations for guided tours that included between 12 and 14 day itineraries. 

Intrepid Travel offers a  12 day Real Food Adventure In Japan . It hits some of our favorite food cities in the Kansai region of Japan. That includes Osaka, Kyoto, and  Kyosan  in Wakayama. Along the way, travelers learn to make  sushi , eat street food, and stay the night in a Buddhist monastery. These are all food experiences we’ve had in Japan and would totally recommend. We took an Intrepid Real Food Adventure in Morocco and learned a lot about the food culture. Learn more about Intrepid’s Japan tour . 

As an alternative, G Adventures offers a small group tour for 14 days in Japan that departs from and returns to Tokyo. The  Discover Japan Tour  visits Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and other interesting cities. There is more of a focus on culture and history than the Intrepid Tour but includes interesting food experiences. This includes visiting a sake brewery and dining in kaiseki cuisine in  Kyoto. Learn more about the G Adventures Discover Japan Tour .

Eating ramen in Sapporo in Winter

Tips For Traveling to Japan For The First Time

Planning a trip to Japan for the first time can be entirely intimidating. That’s why booking a group tour can help. But, there are ways to plan an independent journey as well. We have a few key tips for first-timers to help make things easier. 

Picture Menus Are Your Friend

When it comes to selecting restaurants in most touristy cities, we always recommend avoiding places with picture menus. This advice goes out the door in Japan. Many restaurants have picture menus, for both travelers and locals. The picture menus are your friend. 

Almost every place we ate in Japan included picture menus with English descriptions. A few did not. Where they didn’t we relied on Google Translate to take pictures of the menu or to do an instant translation. But, this only works when you are online.

Japan Travel Guide Pro Tip

We use KeepGo for international data. It’s an international sim card that works in over 120 countries without setting up service in each country you visit. It doesn’t make a difference what kind of mobile service you have at home. You just register the sim before leaving home. It works on arrival in Japan. We had 4G access in Japan with KeepGo .

Japan Is A Cash-Based Society

Cash is still king in Japan. We were able to charge some meals, but most of the time we paid cash. This is particularly true in smaller places. We used ATMs to withdraw cash as we went. ATMs are not as easily found as in other cities. Look for them in the convenience stores like 7-11, Lawson, or Family Mart. 

Don’t Try To Fit Too Much Into Your Itinerary

Imagine someone trying to see all of the US in a two week trip, impossible, right? Japan may be a smaller country, but there is so much to see and do. Even within a single city, there are loads of great activities, neighborhoods to explore, and food to eat. Don’t rush it and don’t try to cram everything into a short amount of time. 

Our recommendations in this post make a great first time in Japan itinerary. In two weeks you can experience a lot of Japan, but I wouldn’t recommend visiting more than 4 cities. The movement in between, even with high speed trains, can be exhausting. 

Also, consider basing yourself in a city like Osaka and taking day trips to Kyoto, Koyasan, Nara, and Kobe, to see a lot without the constant checking-in and checking-out of hotels and packing and repacking. You can access each of these cities in less than an hour from Osaka.

Visiting Temples In Wakayama

Food And Drink Experiences In Japan

There are loads of interesting and unique things to do in Japan. Some of these experiences relate to food and drink and others focus on culture and history. This is a great place to start your own Japan trip planner for how to spend 2 weeks in Japan.

• Visit a  Robot Restaurant in Tokyo  for one of the most unique dining experiences in the world
• Exploring traditional local markets including Kuromon in Osaka and Nishiki Market in Kyoto
• Tracking down the top street food in Dotonbori , Osaka’s food street 
• Book a food tour in Osaka  or a Kyoto cooking class  to learn more about Japanese food culture on a half-day or full-day tour 
• Eat some of the best Japanese sushi  of your life, by visiting a conveyor belt sushi restaurant or a traditional sushi-ya
• Track down the best bowl of ramen  in one of the official or unofficial ramen streets. 
• Go  Japanese craft beer bar hopping and learn about Japanese craft beer trends 
• Enjoy a kaiseki meal at a traditional Japanese ryokan
• Spend the night at a Buddhist monastery and learn about shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine
• Eat some of the best beef in the world –  Kobe beef
• Tour a  Japanese sake brewery  and learn how to order sake
• Spend the evening at an izakaya, a Japanese tavern, toasting over local beer and whiskey highballs
• Dine on Japanese giant crab  and local seafood in the great white north of Japan
• Tour the famous  Sapporo Brewery  and dine on Genghis Khan

Eating sushi at a market in Osaka

How To Spend 14 Days In Japan When You Love Food

If planning your own self-guided tour of Japan, here are our recommended destinations. With a full two weeks in Japan, you can see a lot. There are two primary options here. We recommend about a half dozen cities to visit. It’s possible to visit each of them, spending approximately two nights in each. 

Or, I would recommend staying in only about three cities and doing day trips. For example, you can stay in Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo and manage to have all of the experiences mentioned in this post over two weeks.  

For each city, I recommend some of the top attractions or experiences, with a focus on food and drink. I also provide recommendations on what and where to eat and some recommended hotels. There are also links to some of our other posts for more information on some of these activities and travel tips. 

Day 1-3 Tokyo

Most people start or end their trip to Japan in Tokyo. We prefer the smaller cities for more unique experiences and recommend spending more time there. At least give yourself enough time in Tokyo to beat the  jet lag . 

Top Attractions In Tokyo

Definitely check out the Shibuya district, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Tokyo. If you’ve seen photos of Tokyo with loads of people crossing at a major intersection with neon lights and skyscrapers in the background – that’s Shibuya. It’s supposedly the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Stop for a katsu curry at Katsuya or hit one of the ramen or soba shops. 

At night, head to the Shinjuku district, perhaps for a little karaoke and nightlife. Shinjuku is where the neon lights explode at night. There’s theater, food, bars, and plenty of people watching. 

There are also two well-known bar and restaurant alleys in Shinjuku that are must-visits: Golden Gai and Memory Lane. It’s almost like stepping back in time considering much of Tokyo is covered in high-rises. Within this area is also Harajuku. This is where young people like to show off their fashion and old people like me are left to wonder why. 

For a bit of culture, visit the  Imperia l Palace or at least wander the gardens. Or, check out the art museums and galleries in the Roppongi neighborhood. This is also where the Tokyo Tower can provide you with a birds-eye view of the city. 

Tours And Tickets For Tokyo

There are a few tours and attractions that we recommend booking ahead of time. Grab tickets for the  Tokyo Robot Restaurant , one of the most popular and unique attractions in Tokyo. To make the most of your time in Tokyo, book a food tour. This  Japanese Food And Drink Tour  includes a tour of the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market.

Where To Eat In Tokyo

In Golden Gai and Memory Lane sniff out late-night ramen and plenty of yakitori bars. In addition to Golden Gai and Memory Lane, there are a few other areas where you are guaranteed to eat well in Tokyo. Be sure to add a visit to Ginza for Michelin Star dining, including some of the most famous sushi restaurants in the world. Look for monjayaki in the Tsukishima district for Tokyo’s answer to okonomiyaki.

Where To Stay In Tokyo

We stayed at the  Sheraton Miyako  during our visit to Tokyo, but there are other options as well depending on your budget. 

Park Hyatt Tokyo : One of the most luxurious hotels in the city and known for its role in the movie Lost in Translation. Check for rates  here .

Pullman Tokyo Tamachi : A contemporary option in the center of Tokyo with a sun terrace. Check for rates  here .

Nine Hours Shinjuku : On more of a budget, or looking for a uniquely Japanese experience, this capsule hotel is the perfect option. It’s also in the nightlife center of the city. Check for rates  here . 

Day 4-5 Osaka 

I’m amazed to see how many sample Japan two week itineraries skip Osaka altogether. Sure, it doesn’t have the same concentration of temples and palaces as Tokyo or Kyoto, but you can only see so many temples on a trip before you get “templed out.”

Osaka is one of the best cities to visit if you love food and drink! From Tokyo, use the JR Rail Pass to hop the Shinkansen high-speed train to Osaka, Japan’s kitchen. 

Top Attractions In Osaka

All of the top main attractions in Osaka are located within the city center and are accessible by train. Take a walk through the gardens of  Osaka Castle  or catch the view from a boat tour of the Dotonbori Canal. Explore  Kuromon Market  for street eats and hit Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous food street at night. At night, just wander through one of the many shopping and eating districts, including Namba, and Shinsaibashi. 

Tours And Tickets For Osaka

If you want to make the most of your time in Osaka and want to experience all the main sights, pick up the Osaka Amazing Pass. It offers free admission to loads of different sites including Osaka Castle, plus offers unlimited train and bus rides as well.

Osaka is also the perfect place to take a food tour or cooking class. See our recommendations for the  Best Food Tours In Osaka .

Or book tickets for Gotta. Gotta is pure Japanese-style entertainment. It’s a Japanese musical review show, which tells the story of the Dotonbori area through food and legend. Buy tickets ahead of time  here . They offer three shows a day, with the last show being at 3:00 pm. The show is only 40 minutes, so it’s not a big time commitment. It’s just something quirky and unique to do in Dotonbori.

Where And What To Eat In Osaka

Between traditional Japanese dishes and Osakan specialties, there is no shortage of foods to eat in Osaka. From street food to craft beer, the city has it all. One of our favorite things to do in Osaka is to visit Daruma for kushikatsu, which is fried stuff on a stick. 

Start any day eating in Dotonbori, near the canal. Then head north down the Shinsaibashi shopping street. At the top, in the Chuo Ward and near the Honmachi subway station, there are loads of great, non-touristy restaurants. On another night, head south from Dotonbori into the Namba area for plenty of standing bars and yakitori spots. 

Check out these posts for more details and where and what to eat and drink in Osaka.

Osaka Food Guide – What To Eat In Osaka Japan

Dotonbori Food Guide – 15+ Must-Eat Dishes In Dotonbori Osaka

Osaka Craft Beer Guide – Drinking The Best Craft Beer In Osaka

Where To Stay In Osaka

When we visit Osaka we tend to stay a while and normally rent an  Airbnb  apartment. We’ve also stayed at the  Sheraton Miyako . Here are some other recommended hotels in Osaka. If short on time, we recommend staying near Namba or in an adjacent neighborhood so that you are centrally located to all of the best foods. 

Swissotel Nankai Osaka : Luxury, 5-star hotel, with views over the city. It’s located above the Namba station making it super convenient. Check current rates  here .

Hotel Nikko Osaka : The Hotel Nikko is located in the Shinsaibashi shopping area and near the pedestrian shopping arcade that leads to Dotonbori. We’ve stayed near this neighborhood before and there are some great bars and restaurants nearby. Check current rates  here .

Hotel Ichiei : For a more ryokan style experience, Hotel Ichiei is also near Namba Station and offers tatami style rooms. Check current rates  here . 

How Many Days In Osaka – Pro Tip

This is a question we often get. For any of our recommended Japan destinations, it’s up to you how much time you spend in each city. People often overlook Osaka, though, in favor of Kyoto. Kyoto is famous for its temples. Osaka is famous for its food and nightlife. We recommend spending more time in Osaka than in Kyoto if you love eating. Or, base yourself in Osaka for five or seven nights and visit Kyoto, Kobe, and even Nara from there. See the sites but enjoy the  Osaka nightlife .

Day 6 Koyasan, Wakayama

If you can fit an overnight into your 14 day itinerary that will offer a totally unique experience, this is it. The Kii Peninsula in Kansai includes Kyoto, Osaka, and Wakayama.

Across the Peninsula are a series of Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes, much like the Camino de Santiago in Spain. UNESCO recognized the region as a World Heritage Site. This makes Wakayama a perfect spot to spend the day hiking or exploring temples. 

Wakayama is also a great destination for food travelers too. Koyosan is the center of Buddhism in Japan and is located within Wakayama. There are over 100 temples in Koyasan, about half of which provide temple lodging. One of the most interesting food experiences includes staying at a temple lodge in order to try their famous Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine, known as Shojin Ryori. 

Planning A Trip To Koyasan

You can train from either Osaka or Kyoto to Koyasan using the Japan Rail Pass. Once there, spend the afternoon exploring some of the famous temples. Also, take a walk through Okunoin, a famous Buddhis Cemetery. There are over 200,000 gravestones. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. (Please don’t take photos within the cemetery). There are a handful of restaurants that are known for vegetarian cuisine, which was even enough to fill Eric’s belly. 

Spending The Night In Koyasan

Spending a night in the Mount Koya area is almost like an all-inclusive stay. Book at one of the temple lodgings. These are mostly simple places to stay for the night, normally with tatami-style rooms with futons on the ground. A shojin ryori vegetarian dinner is included. They do serve beer and sake, but we used it as a night to detox. 

After dinner, head back to the temples to see them lit up at night. It’s quite peaceful. Then, it is time for bathing. Some of the temple lodges have private, western-style bathrooms. Others offer traditional Japanese bathing, which is sex separated, public, and nude. That alone is an experience. 

It’s an early-to-bed experience. There is the option of observing a dawn ritual where the monks offer a service to practicing Buddhists. We stayed in a traditional lodge where we were the only foreigners. The entire proceeding was in a combination of Japanese and Sanskrit. As much as we didn’t understand a word, observing was fascinating. 

Where To Stay In Koyasan

We recommend Jokiin , which offers all of the above experiences. They have a traditional Japanese public bath, but also offer some rooms with a private bath. All rooms are tatami-style, with futons on the floor. Book  here .

Day 7-8 Kobe

Kobe City is located in the west end of central Japan. It’s a port town and hosts the 6th largest population in Japan. What most people know about Kobe is its namesake beef. It is also one of the top sake producers in the country as well. This makes it an interesting city to add to your two week itinerary. 

Top Attractions In Kobe

Did you know that the Nada-Gogo, or the Five Regions of Nada, produces one-quarter of the sake in Japan. The Nada region includes Kobe, which makes Kobe the perfect place to learn about sake. They started producing sake in Nada over seven centuries ago. Try visiting the Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Brewery, which is on the train line between Osaka and Kobe.

What To Eat In Kobe

Kobe beef is unique to Japan. The beef comes from a particular breed of cattle called Tajima-gyu. The cattle must be born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture to be considered Kobe beef. 

Eating Kobe beef in Japan is a bit of a ritual. Normally you sit at a counter and order the beef by weight and variety. The chef will often show it to you, sort of for approval, but really so that you can look and confirm the quality. The beef is cooked on a flat top grill, to rare or medium rare temperature. Organize your Kobe experience ahead of time, whether you stay in Kobe or visit as a day trip. Learn more  here . 

Where To Stay In Kobe

Check out the ANA Crown Plaza Kobe , which is part of the IHG hotel group. It’s close to the train station making it easy to explore the city and the surrounding area. Check rates  here . 

Eating Kitsune Udon In Kyoto

Day 8-10 Kyoto

One of the most popular cities for travelers to Japan, Kyoto is one of the best places to learn about Japanese culture. Kyoto means “capital city” because it once was the capital of Japan before it was moved to Tokyo. We tend to prefer the culinary scene in Osaka more, but there is still loads of good food in Kyoto.

Top Attractions In Kyoto

There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites  in Kyoto alone. There are hundreds of Shinto Shrines, loads of Buddhist temples, and Japanese gardens. Check out the  Imperial Palace , which is free for travelers to wander through and take in all of the splendor of an ancient way of life in Japan.

Gion is one of the most popular neighborhoods to visit. It’s known for its Geiko, or geisha, culture. It’s one of the most well-preserved parts of the city with ancient houses and adorable alleyways. It is also one of the most touristy parts of the city, so be prepared. 

Fushimi Inari-taisha S hrine is another popular destination and is just a short ride from Kyoto Station by train. After visiting the temples continue a little further south to the Fushimi Sake District, the sake producing area of Kyoto. There is a brewery tour and plenty of shops selling sake and offering tastings. It makes a great afternoon out of the center of Kyoto. 

Tours And Tickets For Kyoto

Looking for the perfect Japanese Instagrammable moment? Book a Kimono rental for a day and then head to the temples or the narrow alleys of Gion for photos. Book a rental  here . 

If you love sake and want to learn more about it, check out this  Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting .

Or, book an evening  Food Tour in Gion and Pontchoco . See all of our recommended Kyoto Food Tours  here. 

What To Eat And Drink In Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its kaiseki and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. There is also a great ramen scene. For food travelers, there’s Nishiki Market and the surrounding neighborhoods and alleyways near Shoji Jori, the main shopping street.

At night, head to Pontocho Alley, which runs along the river, west of Gion, for some of the best restaurants in the city. For someone on a budget, check out Kyoto Ramen Alley, which is actually on the 10th floor of the Kyoto train station. 

Check out these related posts :

Kyoto Food Guide – What To Eat In Kyoto

How To Find The Best Ramen In Kyoto

Where To Stay In Kyoto

Like Osaka, Kyoto is also pretty easy to travel around. We stayed at the  Westin Miyako Kyoto , which is lovely, with views over the mountains and the city. We’ve also stayed at a very simple  guest house  near the Imperial Palace. Here are some other recommended hotels in Kyoto.

Luxury Hotel Sowaka : Located at the southern edge of Gion, this is the epitome of Japanese luxury, with well-appointed rooms in a ryokan style. Check the best rates  here . 

Park Hyatt Kyoto : For luxury accommodations of a more western standard, Park Hyatt Kyoto is one of the top hotels in the city. Check the best rates  here .

Mimaru Kyoto Horikawarokkaku : A four-star hotel in the center of some of the best eating in Kyoto and close to the Nishiki Market. Check the best rates  here . 

Help With Transit

If Kyoto is your last destination, then it is possible to fly out of Kansai Airport. Kansai is actually closer to Osaka, but still easy to access by train from Kyoto. Or, you can book a limousine bus from Kyoto  here .

Also, consider picking up a transit pass for Kyoto. This pass can be purchased for one or two days and can be used in both Kyoto and Osaka. Learn more  here . 

Day Trips From Osaka (Or Kyoto)

We are not huge fans of checking in and out of hotels every couple of days. It gets exhausting. It also gets in the way of our eating. One way to be more efficient when planning a Japan travel itinerary for 14 days is to pick either Osaka or Kyoto as a home base and to see several sites and cities.

For food travelers, we definitely recommend Osaka as a home base. You can take a day trip to Kyoto to visit Gion, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and other spots all in one day. The fast train takes 14 minutes between the cities. The cheaper rapid train takes 24 minutes. Both are included in the Japan Rail Pass.

You can be back to Osaka in order to take advantage of the nightlife there. Accommodations in Osaka also tend to be less expensive. 

Other Side Trips

Regardless of which city you base yourself in, you can spend four, five, or even six nights over a two week stay in Japan in either city and see a lot. Here are a few of the cities you can explore as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. If you don’t want to spend two nights in Kobe, it is also possible to do as a day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto. 

Nara is located just between Osaka and Kyoto. There are a good number of ancient temples, but it is most known for the deer that roam the city. It’s also home to Tōdai-j, a Buddhist temple complex with one of the largest Buddha statues in Japan.

Another side trip is to Himeji Castle and then to Miyajima. Miyajima, or Itsukushima, is a famous temple located on an island in Hiroshima Bay. There is the famous Great Torii Gate, which is an orange gate surrounded by water. 

Eating ramen in Sapporo in Hokkaido

Day 11-14 Sapporo

We just made our first trip to Sapporo and it was in the winter. Yes, it snowed. Even though we don’t like the cold, we loved our time in Sapporo and would definitely recommend adding to a 14 day Japan itinerary. Yes, you need to take a domestic flight there, but you can also book international flights from Sapporo to head home. 

If heading to  Sapporo in winter , be prepared for cold and snow. But that also means fun snow sports and skiing. The summers are warm, but not as hot as down south. The most important thing, the Hokkaido region is entirely unique within Japan and worth a visit. 

Top Attractions In Sapporo

Many of the top things to do in Sapporo are located within the city center. This includes all of the best places to eat. It’s possible to walk to many of them. If heading a little further afield, the train is easily accessible. Just at the edge of the city is a town filled with  onsen , the traditional Japanese hot springs. Learn more  here .

Tours And Tickets For Sapporo

There are a couple of interesting activities for food travelers to Sapporo. First, check out the Sapporo Beer Factory and the Beer Garden. After a tour of the factory, enjoy a meal of the famous Genghis Khan in the garden. Learn more  here . If looking to try Hokkaido’s world-famous crab, book a crab eating experience in Sapporo.

What To Eat And Drink In Sapporo

The main reason why we think Sapporo is worth a flight up north is that the food is so different and so great! Hokkaido is known for crab and other seafood. There are also a handful of dishes that are unique to the region. This includes ramen made with corn and butter, Genghis Khan, which is a lamb BBQ, and soup curry. Read more about all the great food in Sapporo here: 

Sapporo Food Guide – What To Eat In Sapporo Japan

Finding The Best Ramen In Sapporo – Ramen Yokocho And More

Where To Stay In Sapporo

I recommend staying in the  Susukino neighborhood of Sapporo. We stayed at the Mercure Sapporo in Susukino and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The Mercure Sapporo is a 15-story contemporary high-rise hotel with French influences and is part of the Accor family of hotels. 

The Mercure Sapporo is close to all of the best places to eat in Sapporo. It’s right in the heart of Susukino and only a few blocks away from ramen alley and Nijo Market. This was perfect for us, and really anyone who visits Sapporo. You can eat all of the best foods in Sapporo without traveling more than a few blocks from the hotel.

Hokkaido in winter

When Is The Best Time To Visit Japan

Japan is a year-round destination. Being a long country, there are a variety of climates. In the north, in Hokkaido, you have some of the top ski destinations in the winter. In the south, in Okinawa, there is a more tropical climate where it is warm in the winter. 

This 14 day Japan itinerary focuses on  Tokyo  and the Kansai region, in the center of the country. But it also includes Hokkaido in the north. In the center of the country, expect warm summers and cold winters. 

Top tourist sites in the summer can be crowded and hotels are more expensive. Winter is relatively mild, even when it snows. Tourist sites are less crowded and hotels are less expensive. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are probably the best times to visit Japan, with one major exception. Cherry blossom season is in the spring, normally in April, and can be beautiful, but is considered the high season. 

Winter In Japan

We’ve been to Japan twice when it was snowing and we don’t like the cold. But, it can be peaceful and beautiful visiting Japan in winter. 

They do get some snow in the center of the country, but we’ve visited in Japan in both autumn and winter and found it warmer than expected for several days. The temperatures can change dramatically where it is warm one day and cold the next. 

Hokkaido, in the north, has cooler summers but the snowiest winters in the world. If you love the cold and snow, definitely consider Hokkaido. If traveling to Japan in the winter, and you don’t like the snow, perhaps stay longer in the center of the country. 

To better understand what it’s like to travel in Japan in the winter, check out these posts:

Top Things To Do In Sapporo In Winter

Getting To Japan

Many airlines fly directly to Japan. There are two airports in Tokyo. Narita is the largest but is farther from the city. Haneda is smaller, and closer to the city, but offers fewer international flights. Kansai Airport serves both Osaka and Kyoto. All of these airports are accessible by bus and train. Sapporo also has an international airport with plenty of flights.

There are two primary Japanese airlines that service these airports: ANA (All Nippon) and Japan Airlines (JAL). We’ve flown them both and they are reputable airlines. Other international airlines also service Japan. 

Because train travel is so easy in Japan, it might help and it might save time, to fly into Tokyo and out of Kansai in Osaka or Sapporo in Hokkaido. This will help maximize your time on the ground, particularly if you are only limited to a two week trip. 

Choosing An Airport In Japan Pro Tip

Sapporo only has one airport. Tokyo has two airports (NRT and HAN). The area around Osaka and Kyoto is also served by two airports (KIX and ITM). Just be sure to pay attention to which one you are booking. In each case, one is farther out from the city than the other. It’s most important when you are transferring back to the airport so you choose the right one. Trust us. We chose the wrong one in Osaka! Luckily we still made our flight in time. 

How to Get Around in Japan

We’ve never rented a car in Japan. We’ve never found a reason to, particularly with this itinerary. There is so much to do, see, and eat within the cities or during day trips from the big cities.

Really, the best way to get around in Japan is by rail. Japan Rail offers a few different rail passes for either 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. The rail pass is valid on all Japan Rail trains, including the high-speed trains (Shinkansen) between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. 

The most important thing about the Japan Rail Pass is that you much be a resident of a country other than Japan. And you must purchase the rail pass before arriving in the country. They will actually mail you a rail pass so be sure to purchase it early.

If heading to Sapporo, it’s best to fly. Both ANA and JAL fly between Kansai near Osaka and Sapporo. It’s not all that expensive if you book ahead. 

Learn more about Japanese food in our post about the  Best Japanese Snacks To Try .

FAQs – PLANNING A JAPAN 14 DAY ITINERARY

This is a question we get about almost every destination. If you are American it is hard NOT to tip because it is so customary and even expected at restaurants and bars. Tipping is not customary in Japan. It can even actually be considered inconsiderate to leave a tip. It’s just better not to. In this case, it’s best to abide by the local culture and norms. 

This is a hard question to answer because we understand a lot of people, particularly Americans, don’t have a lot of vacation time. Being able to spend a full two weeks in Japan gives you an opportunity to really experience the country. If you only have a week, see this post on how to make the most of your time.

It is no secret that Japan is an expensive country, but there are ways to spend money. It’s certainly possible to find accommodations is most cities for less than $100 a night. Meals can be expensive, but it is also possible to eat many meals for about $10-15 a person, even sushi! It is possible for two people to travel to Japan for between $100-150 a person and travel quite well.

Despite being a relatively small country, Japan is a highly diverse country. This makes it a year-round destination. In Winter, there’s skiing around Sapporo. Okinawa and the southern islands are great for a summer beach getaway. The Spring and Fall offer nature lovers stunning natural beauty.

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

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• The 10 Best Traditional Japanese...

The Best Traditional Japanese Foods and Dishes

With its aesthetic of beautifully presented food and the use of fresh, high-quality seasonal ingredients, it’s no wonder that Japan ’s cuisine is so delicious and so highly prized by people around the world. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of Japanese food, here are some of the best traditional Japanese dishes.

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Japanese food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world and for good reason. Based on “rules of five,” traditional Japanese cooking, or washoku, emphasizes variety and balance. This is achieved through the use of five colors (black, white, red, yellow, and green), five cooking techniques (raw food, grilling, steaming, boiling, and frying), and five flavors (sweet, spicy, salty, sour, and bitter). These principles can be found even in a single meal of one soup and three sides paired with rice, 一汁三菜 (ichiju-ju, san-sai).

See the rules of five in action on our 12-day Epic Trip in Japan – you’ll discover street food in Osaka’s Dotonbori district, try traditional pancakes in Hiroshima, go sake tasting in the Japanese Alps and have a sushi-making class in Tokyo.

Sushi is, without doubt, one of the most famous foods to come from Japan. A dish that was born in ancient times, sushi originated from the process of preserving fish in fermented rice. Today it’s made with vinegared rice and fresh fish, presented in a number of ways and shapes.

Tempura is a dish of battered and fried fish, seafood, or vegetables. Special care is given to the way the ingredients are cut as well as to the temperature of the batter (ice cold) and oil (very hot) for deep-frying, so that every piece is a bite of crisply fried perfection. In the Kanto region around Tokyo, tempura is eaten with a dipping sauce, while in the Kansai region around Kyoto and Osaka it’s dipped in flavored salt.

Yakitori is a dish of bite-sized cuts of chicken grilled on a skewer. It makes use of every part of the chicken — including heart, liver, and even chicken comb — to avoid wastefulness, an important element of Japanese food culture. Unlike other traditional Japanese foods, yakitori has only been eaten since around the mid-17th century, as eating meat was largely taboo in Japan for several centuries.

Tsukemono pickles

Tsukemono are traditional pickles that have been eaten in Japan since prehistoric times. Made with a wide variety of ingredients, including vegetables like daikon radish and eggplant, as well as fruits like ume plum. Tsukemono not only add visual appeal to a meal with their bright colors, they’re also an extremely healthy food.

The ultimate in Japanese fine dining, kaiseki is a tasting course comprised of small, seasonally themed dishes crafted with the utmost precision and attention to detail. Kaiseki was born from the traditional tea ceremony, where small morsels of food were offered alongside the bitter green tea, and over time these offerings evolved into a multi-course haute cuisine meal.

Udon is a dense and chewy noodle made from wheat flour. It’s one of the most popular foods in Japan due to its delicious taste, inexpensive price point, and versatility – udon can be eaten hot or cold and customized with any number of toppings. There are three famous regional varieties of udon noodle: sanuki udon from Kagawa prefecture in Southwest Japan, kishimen from Nagoya in Central Japan, and inaniwa udon from Akita in Northern Japan.

Soba is another type of noodle dish that has been eaten in Japan for centuries. Made from buckwheat flour, soba has a long thin shape and firm texture and is very healthy. Like udon noodles, soba can be served in a hot broth or chilled with a dipping sauce, making it a delicious and healthy option any time of year.

Sukiyak i is a one-pot dish of beef, vegetables, and tofu cooked with a sweet soy sauce broth in a shallow cast iron pot. It became highly popular after the centuries-long ban on eating meat was lifted during the Meiji period, and is the perfect way to enjoy Japan’s incredibly rich and tender wagyu beef.

Centuries before Japanese people were eating sushi, they first enjoyed raw fish without the rice. While the name “sashimi” refers to any thinly sliced raw food, including raw beef (gyuu-sashi), chicken (tori-zashi), and even horse ( basashi ), fish and seafood are the most popular varieties.

Miso soup may seem deceptively simple, but it’s an essential Japanese food that’s served with any traditional meal. The soup is made from dashi stock – either fish or kelp stock – combined with miso bean paste to bring a savory umami element to any meal. Tofu and sliced green onions, as well as ingredients like fish, clams, and pork, can be added and may vary by the season.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Best Japanese Street Food You Need To Try

By: Author Lora

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024

Embark on a culinary adventure through Japan’s bustling streets, where every corner beckons with tantalizing aromas and flavors waiting to be explored. 

Here is a list of the best Japanese street food.  

This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwhile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Find out which JR Pass will save you the most for your trip to Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Marvel at Tokyo’s Best Street Food

Tokyo, a bustling metropolis brimming with culinary delights, beckons with its vibrant street food scene.

As you navigate through Tokyo’s transportation system , don’t forget to explore the local cuisine as well. From steaming bowls of ramen to crispy tempura, every corner offers a tantalizing taste of Japanese gastronomy. Here, we list the best street food in Tokyo.

Dive into a steaming bowl of noodles swimming in savory broth, topped with succulent slices of pork, green onions, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg.

It’s comfort in a bowl, warming both body and soul.

These delightful octopus-filled balls, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, are a must-try snack in Tokyo.

Drizzled with tangy sauce and sprinkled with bonito flakes, they burst with umami goodness.

Okonomiyaki

Tokyo’s version of this savory pancake is a mouthwatering delight, packed with cabbage, meat, or seafood, and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes.

It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite.

Wagyu Beef Skewers

Indulge in the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of grilled Wagyu beef skewers, seasoned to perfection and bursting with savory flavor.

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Inarizushi, featuring sweet and tangy crab meat and savory roe nestled within seasoned rice, all wrapped in a delicate tofu pouch.

Pair it with a refreshing Japanese beer for the perfect culinary experience at Tsukiji Market.

Tip: Embark on a culinary adventure through Tokyo’s outer Tsukiji Fish Market! Join Michelin-starred chefs in their hunt for the freshest seafood, explore stalls teeming with fish and shellfish delights, and savor Japanese delicacies like sake and omelets. With a knowledgeable local guide and all-inclusive food experiences, immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culinary tapestry like a true local. Don’t miss this chance to taste the essence of Japanese seafood culture!

Check prices and availability: Tsukiji Food Tour

Grilled Eel

Experience the smoky aroma and rich flavor of tender grilled eel, glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and served hot off the grill. A Tokyo delicacy that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds with every bite.

Brave the culinary adventure and savor the infamous fugu, or pufferfish, expertly prepared by skilled chefs in Tokyo.

Experience the thrill of tasting this delicacy, known for its unique texture and delicate flavor, while ensuring a safe and memorable dining experience.

Here you can find all our Tokyo posts:

• Where to stay in Tokyo
• The best places to visit in Tokyo
• A thrilling 4 day Tokyo itinerary
• 5 days in Tokyo
• Best 7-day Tokyo itinerary suggestions
• What is Tokyo known for
• Coolest hotels in Tokyo
• How to use Tokyo’s public transport
• Best sakura spots in Tokyo
• Best Ryokans in Tokyo
• Best Ryokans in Tokyo with Private onsen

Explore Kyoto’s Culinary Delights

Kyoto, with its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty, also offers a diverse array of street foods to tempt your taste buds. If you’re thinking of what to do in Kyoto , make a note about trying out the local street food.

From delicate wagashi sweets to fragrant yuba tofu, Kyoto’s culinary offerings reflect its storied past and culinary creativity. Below are some of the best Kyoto street food.

These sweet, chewy rice flour cakes come in various flavors like matcha and cinnamon. Indulge in their soft texture and subtle sweetness, a perfect souvenir or snack while wandering through Kyoto’s historic streets.

Shaped like a fish and filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or even chocolate, taiyaki is a beloved Japanese treat.

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, it’s a delightful snack for any time of day.

Kaiseki Ryori

Experience the pinnacle of Japanese haute cuisine with a traditional multi-course meal.

Each dish is a work of art, meticulously prepared to highlight the seasonal flavors and textures of Kyoto’s local ingredients.

Toro Fatty Tuna

Treat your taste buds to the luxurious flavor and buttery texture of toro fatty tuna, served fresh and delicious in Kyoto’s street food stalls.

Indulge in the soft, chewy goodness of freshly made mochi, crafted with skill and tradition in Kyoto.

Whether filled with sweet red bean paste or coated in powdered sugar, each bite is a delightful taste of Japanese culture.

If you want to experience the best food experience in Kyoto, try these tours:

• Izakaya Food Tour Kyoto
• Kyoto Night food tour with 10 course dinner

Indulge in Osaka’s Street Food Scene

Osaka, known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” boasts a lively street food culture that delights the senses.

From savory takoyaki to sizzling okonomiyaki, the city’s bustling streets are a haven for food lovers seeking authentic Japanese flavors. 

Here are some of the best street food in Osaka you must try.

Osaka’s take on this savory pancake is a culinary masterpiece, with layers of cabbage, meat or seafood, and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, mayo, and a sprinkle of bonito flakes.

It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.

These deep-fried skewers, featuring everything from meat and vegetables to seafood and cheese, are Osaka’s guilty pleasure.

Dip them in a tangy sauce and savor the crispy goodness with every bite.

Osaka’s iconic street food, these octopus-filled balls are a delight to the senses.

Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and topped with savory sauce and bonito flakes, they’re irresistible.

Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Osaka-style rolled omelet, cooked to perfection and bursting with deliciousness.

Satisfy your cravings with Osaka’s famous fish cakes, available in various flavors and textures, perfect for a quick snack on the go.

Delight in the smoky, savory goodness of grilled eel, glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and served piping hot from the grill.

Candied Strawberries

Indulge your sweet tooth with juicy strawberries coated in a crisp, sugary shell, a delightful treat found in Osaka’s bustling streets.

Treat yourself to the delightful combination of chewy mochi and sweet bean paste in Osaka’s beloved daifuku.

Ice Cream Sandwich on Melon Bread

Experience a delightful blend of creamy ice cream sandwiched between two slices of sweet and fluffy melon bread, a refreshing treat to beat the Osaka heat.

Grilled Scallops

Succulent scallops, charred to perfection on the grill, offering a delicate balance of smoky flavor and natural sweetness.

A quintessential Osaka street food delight that’s sure to leave you craving for more!

Here are our favorite food tours for Osaka food lovers:

• Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour
• Nightlife Osaka Food Tour
• Osaka: Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour
• Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
• Osaka Food Tour

Savor the Flavors of Kobe

Kobe is renowned for its culinary scene, offering a mix of traditional Japanese cuisine and unique local specialties.

There are many things you can do in Kobe but you must not skip going on a food trip!

Here are a few famous street foods you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kobe: 

Kobe Beef Skewers

Indulge in bite-sized pieces of tender, succulent Kobe beef, grilled to perfection and seasoned with a touch of salt or a savory marinade.

These skewers are a must-try for meat lovers seeking the ultimate gastronomic experience.

While takoyaki is popular throughout Japan, Kobe puts its own spin on this beloved street food.

Enjoy crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside octopus-filled balls, topped with rich sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes, for a delicious taste of local flavor.

Similar to takoyaki but with a unique twist, akashiyaki is a specialty of the nearby city of Akashi, often found in Kobe’s street food scene.

These delicate octopus dumplings are typically served in a dashi-based broth, offering a comforting and flavorful snack.

Kobe Croquette

Sink your teeth into crispy, golden-brown croquettes filled with a creamy mixture of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and sometimes meat.

These hearty and satisfying snacks are perfect for munching on while exploring the streets of Kobe.

Kobe Pudding

For those with a sweet tooth, Kobe pudding is a must-try dessert.

Made with rich, creamy custard and topped with a layer of caramel sauce, this decadent treat is a popular street food option that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Delight in Nagoya’s Street Food Delights

Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, boasts a diverse and delicious street food scene. You’ll find many reasons to visit Nagoya and one very underrated reason is their food.

Here are some popular street foods you should try while exploring Nagoya: 

Hitsumabushi

A specialty of Nagoya, hitsumabushi is a grilled eel dish served over rice in a wooden box.

It’s traditionally eaten in three different ways: plain, with condiments, and finally with broth poured over the rice, offering a variety of flavors and textures in each bite.

Nagoya-style chicken wings, known as tebasaki, are a must-try street food.

These crispy and flavorful wings are typically seasoned with a sweet and savory glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other spices, making them irresistible to chicken lovers.

Nagoya is famous for its take on tonkatsu, a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet.

In this version, the pork is coated in a thick miso-based sauce before being fried to crispy perfection. The result is a deliciously savory and slightly sweet dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

A delightful combination of tempura and musubi (rice ball), tenmusu features a shrimp tempura wrapped in a ball of rice and wrapped with a sheet of nori (seaweed).

It’s a convenient and tasty snack that’s perfect for enjoying on the go while exploring Nagoya’s streets.

Nagoya-style udon noodles, known as kishimen, are flat and wide, offering a chewy texture that’s perfect for soaking up the rich broth.

Kishimen is typically served in a clear and savory broth with toppings like green onions, kamaboko (fish cake), and fried tofu, making it a comforting and delicious street food option.

Ankake Spaghetti

A unique fusion dish that originated in Nagoya, ankake spaghetti features spaghetti noodles topped with a thick, savory sauce made from soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings.

It’s often served with toppings such as vegetables, meat, or seafood, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Nagoya Cochin Yakitori

Nagoya Cochin is a locally raised breed of chicken known for its tender and flavorful meat.

Nagoya Cochin yakitori features skewers of grilled chicken meat, seasoned with salt or a sweet and savory glaze, and cooked to juicy perfection over charcoal, making it a must-try for yakitori enthusiasts.

Enjoy Okinawa Tasty Treats

Okinawa boasts a unique culinary heritage influenced by its distinct culture and geographical location.

Here are some popular street foods you should definitely try while visiting Okinawa: 

Sata Andagi

These delicious deep-fried doughnuts are a beloved treat in Okinawa.

Made with flour, eggs, sugar, and sometimes sweet potatoes, sata andagi have a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

They come in various flavors, including classic plain, brown sugar, and sweet potato. 

A fusion dish that combines elements of Tex-Mex cuisine with Japanese flavors, taco rice is a hearty and satisfying street food staple in Okinawa.

It typically consists of seasoned ground beef (or other proteins), lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa served on a bed of rice.

This traditional Okinawan dish features succulent braised pork belly simmered in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and Okinawan awamori (rice liquor).

The result is tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork with a rich and flavorful sauce, often served with a side of rice.

Okinawan Soba

Unlike traditional Japanese soba noodles made from buckwheat flour, Okinawan soba features thicker wheat noodles served in a clear broth made from pork bones, bonito flakes, and kombu (seaweed).

Toppings may include slices of pork belly, green onions, kamaboko (fish cake), and red pickled ginger.

Goya Champuru

A quintessential dish in Okinawan cuisine, goya champuru is a stir-fry made with bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and various other ingredients such as pork, onions, and bean sprouts.

Despite its bitter flavor profile, goya champuru is a popular and nutritious dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Jimami Tofu

This traditional Okinawan tofu is made from locally grown peanuts (jimami) and soybeans.

The result is a creamy, slightly sweet tofu with a nutty flavor. Jimami tofu is often served chilled and topped with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, dashi, and mirin.

Umibudo (Sea Grapes)

These unique seaweed delicacies resemble tiny clusters of green grapes and are harvested from the ocean waters surrounding Okinawa.

Umibudo has a slightly salty flavor and a pleasingly crunchy texture, making it a popular snack or side dish.

Savor Fukuoka’s Street Food Delights

Fukuoka is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, offering a variety of delicious and unique treats. Here are some popular street foods you should definitely try while exploring Fukuoka:

Hakata Ramen

Fukuoka’s specialty, Hakata ramen features thin, straight noodles in a rich and creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth.

Topped with slices of tender chashu pork, green onions, and pickled ginger, this hearty bowl of ramen is a must-try for any visitor to Fukuoka. 

A local delicacy, mentaiko is marinated and spiced pollock or cod roe.

Often served as a topping on rice or noodles, mentaiko offers a unique combination of savory, salty, and slightly spicy flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. 

A popular hot pot dish in Fukuoka, motsunabe features thinly sliced beef or pork offal simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and tofu.

The tender and succulent offal absorbs the rich flavors of the broth, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Crispy and flavorful, karaage is Japanese-style fried chicken that’s a beloved street food snack in Fukuoka.

Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, the chicken is coated in seasoned flour and deep-fried to perfection, resulting in juicy and tender bites of deliciousness.

While taiyaki is found throughout Japan, Fukuoka offers its own twist on this classic street food.

Shaped like a sea bream and filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or even savory fillings like cheese or sausage, taiyaki is a delightful treat that’s perfect for munching on while exploring the city.

Mentai Takoyaki

A fusion of flavors, mentai takoyaki combines the beloved Osaka-style octopus balls with Fukuoka’s famous mentaiko.

These crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside balls are filled with diced octopus and topped with a generous dollop of spicy mentaiko sauce, creating a unique and delicious snack.

Conclusion 

Japanese street food offers a tantalizing array of flavors and textures, from the rich broth of ramen in Tokyo to the savory skewers of yakitori in Nagoya. Explore, indulge, and savor every delicious bite! 

Promotion of Educational Travel to Japan

• ABOUT JAPAN EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• arrow_right WHY JAPAN?
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• arrow_right Natural environment
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restaurant WHY JAPAN? Japanese food

Experience traditional Japanese cuisine (washoku) that has become popular around the world in the country of its origin and enjoy the many seasonal foods Japan has to offer.

Food culture in Japan

Food plays a crucial role in shaping Japanese culture. Japanese cuisine is closely related to nature, taking inspiration from the four seasons as well as from the rich selection of edible ingredients the land and the sea have to offer. Through food, students will be able to learn about many facets of Japan including its climate and landscape, technologies, and even the life values and religious beliefs of Japanese people.

restaurant Taste the seasons

Traditional Japanese cuisine, or “washoku”, revolves around the concept of seasonality. Japan has four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn and winter—each with its own unique offerings of fruits, vegetables, seafoods and more. Washoku is about appreciating those seasonal foods and connecting with mother nature in the process. Traditional Japanese cuisine uses locally sourced fresh ingredients and utilizes special cooking techniques and utensils to bring out the natural flavors. Presentation is also key. Different dishes are served on or in complimentary types of tableware, varying in shape, size, color and pattern. Washoku is more than just a type of cuisine, it’s an art form. In 2013, UNESCO added washoku to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

supervised_user_circle Food and family traditions

Food is an integral part of Japanese culture. Most Japanese households have their own set of traditions and rituals when it comes to dining, both for special occasions and for everyday meals. One such example is “miso shiru”, or miso soup, an iconic Japanese dish. Although miso soup is basically made from only three simple ingredients—kombu (a type of seaweed), bonito (a kind of fish) flakes, and miso paste—the flavour of the finished product will vary depending on the cooking method, cooking time, and the ingredients used (e.g. red, white, or yellow miso), and every household has their own family recipe.

local_dining Celebration of food

To celebrate food and nature, many regions hold festivals and other events centered around local delicacies for which they are famous. At the beginning of each new planting season, many shrines hold “Otauematsuri” festivals to honor the rice fields and to pray for a bountiful harvest. Otauematsuri usually includes a religious ceremony where food is served to the gods and a rice-planting ritual. Aside from observing the rituals, students can also enjoy traditional Japanese performances while eating local delicacies. These events not only allow educational travel students to have the opportunity to enjoy delicious food, but they also remind students to appreciate nature and the foods it provides humans, and to admire the beauty of different seasons.

shopping_basket Food processing and preservation

Japanese cuisine is centered around fresh, seasonal food. Rigorous food safety management helps food stay fresh even after being delivered to local markets or restaurants, making sure almost nothing goes to waste. Highly advanced food preservation methods can let consumers enjoy delicious food at a later date and a number of different food preservation methods (e.g. pickling, sugaring, canning, etc) add flavor to Japanese cuisine. The Japanese food industry strives to constantly refine and improve its food processing and preservation techniques in order to provide an even wider selection of food to more people.

From farm to table

Become a farmer or fisherman for a day and harvest or catch your own food. Observe how Japanese culture is deeply connected to the land and the sea. Learn how to prepare food in a way that highlights their natural taste. Learn to appreciate the effort people put into every single dish on the dining table.

directions_walk Fruit picking in fruit paradise

Japan's distinctive seasons and varied terrain are perfect for growing a diverse range of fruits. Thanks to the dedication of Japanese farmers and researchers, Japan is known for producing premium quality fruits that not only taste great but also look amazing. There are many varieties available for every kind of fruit. Many regions in Japan offer fruit picking experiences. Orchards and farms offer students the chance to be a farmer for a day, picking and eating fruits while observing how orchards operate in Japan.

Tourist Spot

Aomori (apples) expand_more.

You could go pick apples in Aomori, the biggest producer of apples in Japan.

Tochigi (Strawberries) expand_more

You could go to Tochigi and enjoy juicy, sweet strawberries.

Okayama (Grapes) expand_more

You could visit Okayama and try Muscat of Alexandria, a fragrant, flavorful variety of grapes that can be used to make wine.

directions_walk Fishing & seafood culture

Japan is one of the top 3 fishing countries in the world. Being a island nation, various cold and warm currents pass by Japan, bringing bountiful yields to Japanese fishing fleets and helping build a rich seafood culture that is unique to Japan. For instance, the consumption of fresh raw fish ("sashimi") or raw fish with seasoned rice ("sushi") is a major part of Japanese cuisine. Through partaking in fishing experiences or visiting fish markets, students will be able to learn about how Japan's seafood culture was formed. Many fishing villages in Japan offer fishing experiences. Students will have the chance to work alongside experienced fishermen and try different types of fishing, including set net, offshore fishing, and fish farming. Visitors may enjoy the fish they’ve caught in many delicous ways. Fishing experience opportunities can be found in Aichi, Fukui, and Nagasaki and a number of other regions.

Aichi Prefecture expand_more

In Aichi prefecture, you can eat seasonal seafood such as clams in spring and fugu in winter.

Fukui Prefecture expand_more

Facing the sea, Fukui Prefecture has a flourishing fishing industry and is a place to get delicious squid and crab.

Ine (Kyoto) expand_more

The charming village of Ine is home to distinctive boathouses that line the bay, offering you a historical perspective.

Nagasaki Prefecture expand_more

Nagasaki Prefecture is located in the Kyushu area and has a 4,179km long coastline including islands and peninsulas. It has one of the largest catch in Japan and various types of seafood are availble along the rich coastline.

directions_walk Farmstay experience

Japan’s climate and terrain vary from region to region, giving rise to many different forms of farming. Students can visit or stay at local farms and experience how local farmers grow delicious foods that have shaped Japan’s washoku culture. Leave behind the noisy hustle and bustle of big cities and enjoy the serenity and simplicity of the countryside for a day or two. Stay at a local farm in Japan and learn from farmers with decades of experience. Enjoy local cuisine prepared with freshly harvested food. Reconnect with nature. Farmstay experiences are offered in Wakayama, Fukuoka and other regions.

Nagano Prefecture expand_more

A variety of vegetables and fruits can be harvested in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture. Many agricultural experiences are available in Nagano and one of the most popular ones is wasabi farm visits.

Wakayama Prefecture expand_more

Wakayama is the biggest producer of fruits in Japan. Many orchards offer fruit picking experiences where you can pick tangerines, peaches, and other types of delicious fruits.

Fukuoka Prefecture expand_more

Fukuoka, the gateway of the Kyushu area, is famous for Fukuoka brand products such as rice, vegetables, and fruits. There are plenty farms for agricultural experience.

Experience Japanese food culture

Learn about washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine that is not just about the food itself, but also about seasonal changes, religion, nature, and social practices. Learn about the health benefits of Japanese cuisine and get hands-on experience making Japanese dishes.

directions_walk Ubiquitous udon

Udon is a kind of noodle commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Udon is thick noodles made from wheat, usually of a certain length. How udon is made varies between regions. Regions famous for their udon include Kagawa, which produces Sanuki udon, and Akita, which produces Inaniwa udon.

Make your own Sanuki udon expand_more

Sanuki udon is one of the most famous types of udon. Students can visit udon factories in Kagawa and see how this household staple is made and even try their hand at making their own udon.

directions_walk Shojin ryori

Shojin ryori is a type of cuisine that has its roots in Buddhism. Following the belief's tradition forbiding the killing living creatures, shojin ryori is a vegetarian cuisine that prohibits the use of meat, seafood, and certain vegetables (e.g. scallions and garlic). The core concept of shojin ryori is to consume the most basic forms of food and reflect on the meaning of life.

Koyasan expand_more

Koyasan, Wakayama is where the famous Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo-Daishi founded the Shingon (literally “True Word”) school of Esoteric Buddhism. Students can try shojin ryori in Koyasan and learn about Buddhism in Japan.

directions_walk School lunches

School lunches are a part of every Japanese person's childhood. Even if you aren’t Japanese, you’ve probably seen Japan’s school lunches depicted in anime (Japanese cartoons) or TV dramas. School lunches in Japan are known for being nutritious, flavorsome and fulfilling, satisfying all the needs of growing children and teens. Schools in Japan are dedicated to providing healthy, fulfilling meals to their students. Educational travel participants may dine with Japanese students and learn about how Japanese people lead long and healthy lives. arrow_right School Exchange

Recommended Model Itineraries

Introducing recommended model itineraries to learn Japanese food

Recommended Stories for Educational Programs

Introducing educational programs for the theme of Japanese food

Wander With Alex

Food to Try in Japan on Vacation

Posted: December 18, 2023 | Last updated: February 5, 2024

Flavors of Japan: Iconic Japanese Dishes to Try on Vacation

Japanese cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients, precision in preparation, and harmonious balance of flavors, offers an incredible culinary experience far beyond the well-known sushi and sashimi. Each dish in Japan tells a story of tradition, regional variation, and the meticulous art of cooking. 

Whether you're slurping a bowl of hearty ramen, biting into a crispy piece of tonkatsu, or savoring the delicate flavors of matcha in a tea ceremony, the culinary landscape of Japan promises a rich tapestry of tastes and experiences. 

For travelers and food enthusiasts, a culinary journey through Japan is not just about enjoying delicious meals; it's about immersing oneself in a cultural experience integral to understanding and appreciating the essence of Japanese life.

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality, balance, and presentation. It includes a variety of dishes, each prepared in a way that highlights the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients. Kaiseki is more than just food; it's an artistic expression and a cultural experience.

Onigiri (Rice Balls)

Onigiri are Japanese rice balls, often wrapped in nori seaweed and containing a filling like salted salmon, pickled plum, or tuna mayonnaise. They're a popular, portable snack or meal known for their simplicity and the comforting taste of lightly salted rice.

Kare Raisu (Japanese Curry)

This dish consists of rice served with a rich, mildly spicy curry sauce, often containing meat and vegetables. It's a beloved comfort food in Japan, showcasing a unique adaptation of Indian curry tailored to Japanese tastes.

Gyudon (Beef Bowl)

Gyudon is a rice bowl with thin slices of beef and onions, simmered in a mildly sweet sauce combining soy sauce and mirin. This quick and hearty meal is a favorite among those looking for a satisfying, flavorful, affordable, and ubiquitous dish in Japan.

These are ball-shaped snacks made of a wheat flour batter. They are stuffed with minced octopus, tempura pieces, pickled ginger, and green onion. Takoyaki is typically brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayo, then topped with green laver and dried bonito shavings.

Okonomiyaki

Often described as a Japanese savory pancake (sometimes called a Japanese "pizza"), okonomiyaki is made with a batter and different ingredients such as cabbage, pork belly, seafood, and cheese. Cooked on a griddle, it's usually topped with a rich sauce, mayonnaise, green onions, and bonito flakes. 

Tonkatsu is a popular dish consisting of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet, often served with shredded cabbage, rice, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a satisfying comfort food.

A hearty bowl of ramen consists of wheat noodles served in a flavorful broth, often adorned with slices of pork, green onions, and a soft-boiled egg. Each region of Japan offers its own unique twist on ramen, varying in broth flavor, noodle thickness, and toppings. This dish is cherished for its comforting warmth and rich, savory flavors.

Tempura involves seafood and vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried, resulting in a light, crispy coating. It's often served with a dipping sauce or sprinkled with salt to enhance its delicate flavor.

Udon are thick, chewy wheat noodles served in a savory broth, often accompanied by ingredients like tempura, tofu, and green onions. It's a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its comforting and subtle flavors.

Yakitori consists of skewered and grilled chicken, often seasoned with salt or a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. This street food favorite is cooked over charcoal, which imparts a smoky flavor. It's a social food, commonly enjoyed with friends and a cold beer.

Sushi (Maki)

Sushi is a Japanese dish featuring vinegared rice with ingredients like seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits wrapped in seaweed. It's known for its fresh, clean flavors and is often enjoyed with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. The artistry in sushi making, from the precise cutting of the fish to the elegant presentation, is a cultural experience in itself.

Sashimi is a delicate and elegant dish of fresh sliced raw fish served with soy sauce and wasabi. It is often confused with nigiri, vinegared rice balls topped with raw fish. 

It is a traditional soup in Japan made with a stock called dashi and miso paste, often containing tofu, seaweed, and green onions. It's a staple in Japanese meals, known for its soothing, umami-rich flavor. 

Matcha (Green Tea)

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from grown and processed green tea leaves. It's known for its bright green color and rich, slightly bitter flavor, often used in teas and desserts. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies center around the preparation and drinking of matcha.

Japanese Food to Try on Vacation

Experiencing these iconic Japanese foods on vacation is not merely about satisfying hunger; it's about engaging with a culture that reveres every aspect of dining as an art form. As travelers return from their journey, they carry memories of delicious meals and an appreciation for the intricate tapestry of Japanese culinary culture that extends far beyond the dining table.

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12 of the best places to visit in Japan

From Tokyo to Yokohama, these are the Japanese destinations to tick off your bucket list

There's plenty to see and do in Japan - from staring at the bright lights of Tokyo to finding peace in the scenic Japanese Alps . Many will agree that one of the best times to explore Japan is during the cherry blossom season . Its spectacular spring-time displays can be enjoyed around the country and are celebrated with picnics in the parks and seasonal parties.

While Tokyo and Kyoto are two of the most popular places to visit Japan (and rightly so as they are also some of the most beautiful destinations), there are many places beyond these hotspots, whether it's Japan's cities, islands or mountains you want to explore.

A cruise to Japan is an excellent way to visit multiple regions on one trip and can take you to some undiscovered places. If you're planning ahead for Japan's sell-out cruises, you'll want to check out Good Housekeeping's incredible spring 2025 sailing during the cherry blossom season . It's perfect for getting to know the lesser-known, underrated places, such as Niigata and Toyama.

For any traveller who has always dreamed of visiting Japan, now is the time to get planning and to help inspire your next trip, we've rounded up the best places to visit in Japan in 2024 and beyond.

Check out our favourite Japanese destinations below and visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website for more ideas on places to go.

The first stop for many foreign tourists is Japan's vibrant capital and it's not hard to see why. The world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, and unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore.

Located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, to the luxury flagships of Ginza. Want to know where to go? Shinjuku is a thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores.

Tokyo is a foodie's paradise too, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops. You'll want to explore Tokyo's dizzying array of restaurant and dining options, from themed cafés to haute cuisine.

EXPLORE TOKYO ON A 2025 JAPAN CRUISE

Japan’s second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, Osaka is renowned as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the country. It's only a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, making it a great place to visit in Japan if the capital city is your base. Visitors can step off the bullet train and into a bright and enticing city. Osaka Castle is a must-visit and home to beautiful grounds you can wander through, especially during the cherry blossom season when the spectacular blooms appear.

You'll want to explore other areas in the city too, including the neon lights of Dotombori Bridge and Osaka’s Minami area. Foodies can indulge in the famous culinary delights found in neighbourhoods such as Tenma and Ura Namba. Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with shredded cabbage, flour, egg and dashi is either cooked at the table for diners or left for you to cook yourself.

Discover Osaka during a 17-day cruise holiday to Japan in spring 2025, when you might witness the spectacular cherry blossom displays in the city.

FIND OUT MORE

OSAKA HOTELS

The capital of Kanagawa prefecture, Yokohama grew from a small fishing village during the Edo Period into Japan’s second largest city. A popular city among expats, Yokohama is also home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns, and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district. While here, you must visit one of the city’s traditional and serene Japanese landscape gardens, Sankeien Garden, where you'll find winding trails set among historic buildings.

Another highlight is the bustling new city centre, Minato Mirai, which sits along the water. There's something for everyone here, from shopping centres and an amusement park to museums and relaxing hot spring baths.

Visit Yokohama on the last day of Good Housekeeping's cruise around Japan during the cherry blossom season in 2025.

YOKOHAMA HOTELS

Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps are a series of spectacular mountain ranges in central Honshu, which are perfect for those who wish to escape the buzz of the country's most popular cities. Think thick pine forests, snow-tipped peaks and teal rivers. Only two hours from Tokyo, this natural paradise offers an excellent place to explore rural Japan.

The Alps are just the place for climbers, skiers, hikers and nature fans. Yamanaka Onsen is set in the mountainous area of Kaga Onsen, situated along a beautiful gorge. The hot spring resort is not only a top-spot for wellness but for traditional crafts – it's Yamanaka lacquerware has a 400-year history in the region. You can discover the contemplative heart of Zen Buddhism's Soto sect at Eiheiji (pictured), a massive temple complex just outside the city of Fukui. Built by the Buddhist monk Dogen (1200-1253), it has over 70 buildings set amid cedars in the mountains.

Meanwhile, the city of Kanazawa offers rich cultural heritage and a history of artistic innovation and excellence. One of the most important centres for culture and art during the Edo period, it remains a superb place for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.

KANAZAWA HOTELS

See the stunning Japanese Alps on a Good Housekeeping tour from Tokyo to Osaka in 2024 or 2025.

EXPLORE THE JAPANESE ALPS

Ancient temples, traditional teahouses and peaceful gardens: Kyoto is all about exploring historic Japan. A city of nearly 2,000 temples and shrines, it's Japan's spiritual heart and a true embodiment of Old Japan. Beyond the futuristic Kyoto Station, modern shopping complexes and sleek luxury hotels lies a city with celebrated centuries-old wonders, breathtaking temples and serene Zen gardens.

Kyoto effortlessly blends the past and present and is a must-see destination for history buffs, art lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

While here, you'll want to visit the grand temples, shrines, palaces and gardens in and around the city. Be sure to dine on delicious multi-course kaiseki cuisine and stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), too.

Visit ancient Kyoto as part of our Good Housekeeping 13-day tour across the Japanese Alps.

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KYOTO HOTELS

The vibrant city of Hiroshima has a complicated history, great food and friendly locals. While it's probably most famous for being devastated by a nuclear attack during World War II, Hiroshima as a city promotes peace and understanding.

Every year on 6 August, a memorial service is held to commemorate the victims of the 1945 attack. Thousands write messages of peace on paper lanterns that are lit at sunset to float down the river past the iconic remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

During a visit, be sure to check out the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. You should also taste Hiroshima's version of okomiyaki, a local delicacy. Another highlight is going to nearby Miyajima to see its deer and picturesque floating shrine.

Explore Hiroshima during a 2025 spring-time cruise to Japan, where you'll have time to visit the war memorials, shrines and temples.

HIROSHIMA HOTELS

Japan's Tohoku region is home to unspoiled rural landscapes and historical treasures. This northeastern wilderness is a huge region encompassing six rural prefectures that boast custom and heritage. The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck in 2011 brought out the resilient nature of Tohoku's people, and local passion and pride are putting the area back on its feet.

There's a lot to be proud of, too – dramatic landscapes, history-rich sites, craft sake and a host of outdoor activities like rafting, hiking and skiing.

During a trip to the region, you can enjoy the explosive sound, colour and drama of the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer. Or wander the temples, gardens and archeological sites of World Heritage-listed Hiraizumi in Iwate.

Don't miss an adventure along Hachinohe's section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail and foodies will want to taste the sweet cherries of Yamagata and the juicy peaches of Fukushima.

TOHOKU HOTELS

Shikoku might be the smallest of Japan's four main islands, but there are plenty of natural and culture sites to explore. Traditionally remote, Shikoku is now easy to access from Honshu.

The island offers picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles and picture-perfect onsen. Its stunning Iya Valley, Pacific coastline and free-flowing rivers are best explored on hiking, kayaking and surfboarding adventures.

While here, you can sample the famous udon noodles of Kagawa, take the first steps of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage at temple number one, Ryozenji, in Tokushima, and relax in the hot waters of Dogo Onsen.

SHIKOKU HOTELS

The island of Hokkaido is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter, thanks to top resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Sapporo, its main city, is also famous for beer, ramen and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It's not all about winter fun here, though.

Hokkaido’s mild summers also provide relief from Japan’s humidity, and offer ideal conditions for hiking and exploring the many national parks. Much of Hokkaido is wild and unspoiled, with hot springs and volcanic lakes, so you're never too far from nature.

While here, explore the culture and traditions of the indigenous Ainu people at Lake Akan, and journey to the Shiretoko Peninsula to see free-roaming brown bears, foxes and deer. Visiting in the summer? Everyone will be dazzled by the rolling hills of Furano's lavender farms, while foodies will love dining on fresh seafood including succulent crab, salmon and fresh sushi in Hokkaido, too.

Get to know Hokkaido on Good Housekeeping's 2025 cruise, which stops in the city of Hakodate, which is overlooked by the 334-metre Mount Hakodate.

HOKKAIDO HOTELS

We love the distinct seasons in the Toyama region. It lies around two hours north of Tokyo, blanketed by snow in winter and blooming with cherry blossoms in spring. While Toyoma City is renowned for its fresh seafood, the wider region is particularly lovely. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given it's surrounded by rushing rivers and lush mountains.

This beautiful pocket of Japanese countryside is home to the UNESCO-listed area of Gokayama, which comprises the two villages of Ainokura and Suganuma, known for their carefully preserved thatched buildings called gassho-zukuri . The roofs are designed to resemble the hands of Buddhist monks’ pressed together in prayer. In winter, the snow-covered gassho-zukurie take on the look of a magical, fairy tale scene.

Join a Japanese cruise departing in spring 2025, and you’ll call at Toyama as the cherry blossom emerges. On an excursion, you can make the scenic hour-long journey from the cruise terminal to Gokayama, passing through the Nanto area of Toyama, where the Shogawa River and Oyabegawa rapids flow.

VISIT TOYAMA ON A 2025 JAPAN CRUISE

A 2024 extension to Japan's bullet train network makes access to a beautiful region deep in the mountains of the Fukui Prefecture much more accessible for visitors. It offers the chance to visit locations where you can join in with traditional rituals and learn more about Japanese culture in more remote pockets of the country.

The new train journey whisks visitors to locations like Eiheiji, where you’ll find one of the main temples of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1244. It’s a spiritual place amid mountainous scenery and ancient woodland, and guests are invited to join the practice. On departure, guests are presented with a goshuin , a traditional document written in exquisite Japanese calligraphy to certify their visit.

Next to the temple is the Zen Village, where you'll find the beautiful Hakujukan hotel, a sustainably built ryokan. As part of their stay, guests can partake in Zen meditation, known as zazen , before soaking in an open-air bath.

Koyasan, also known as Mount Koya, is thought by many as the most sacred place in all of Japan. Home to the centre of Shingon Buddhism, a sect that was brought to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi, one of the country's most prominent Buddhist monks, this mountain settlement comprises over 100 monasteries and temples.

The Shingon headquarters sit within the Kongobuji temple, which is open to visitors. Here you can learn about how Daishi founded the settlement and visit peaceful Banryutei Rock Garden, Japan’s largest rock garden.

Thanks to its verdant peaks and winding valleys, Koyasan is a popular place for hiking and is the starting point for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a holy route that stretches roughly 750 miles and takes in 88 temples.

Koyasan is easy to access from Osaka via train for a day trip, but stay the night in shukubo (traditional temple lodgings) and you can enjoy a more immersive experience, interacting with monks and sampling their vegetarian cooking.

Visit serene Kōyasan part of Good Housekeeping's 13-day Japan tour.

EXPLORE KOYASAN ON A JAPAN TOUR

KOYASAN HOTELS

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Onomichi's oysters, old temples and Ozu’s Tokyo Story: A Japanese port town few foreign tourists know of

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A pilgrimage for film buffs and a place for temple-hopping, the charming Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture makes a worthy detour from the island of Miyajima.

Onomichi faces the Seto Inland Sea. (Photo: Lin Weiwen)

This audio is AI-generated.

Most international tourists heading to Hiroshima from Osaka will catch a bullet train on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, a railway that slices through the rural landscape of the Chugoku region before terminating in Fukuoka in northern Kyushu. The odds are they are visiting Hiroshima for Miyajima, an island in Hiroshima Bay known for its free-roaming deer and the large torii gate that is partially submerged during high tide.

If they were to detour en route, it would likely be for the island of Naoshima (made famous by artist Yayoi Kusama’s giant pumpkin sculpture), which is accessible by ferry from Okayama, one of the shinkansen’s stops.

But just an 80-minute local train ride from Okayama lies another charming destination few foreign visitors are aware of – the small port town of Onomichi.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 【OFFICIAL】尾道観光協会 ONOMICHI (@ononavi_japan)

CYCLING FOR OYSTERS AND HAMBURG STEAK

Located in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture and facing the scattered islands of the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. The waterfront, just in front of the train station, is a picture of calm, its stillness broken only by the chug of ferries in the Onomichisuido Strait.

Apart from serving the locals who commute to school and work in the region, the boats also take cyclists to the neighbouring Mukaishima island, where they embark on the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic 60km route that connects, via suspension bridges, six islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

Since the route opened in 1999, the Shimanami Kaido has become something of a must-do for cycling enthusiasts as well as offering an alternative to ferry-hopping across the islands. There are bicycle rental shops in Onomichi for those who don’t want to pack their two-wheeler for the trip.

For foodies, there is no shortage of gourmet treats in Onomichi. The Hondori Shotengai, a 1.6km covered shopping street located east of the station, is lined with mom-and-pop grocery stores, kissaten (old-school coffee shops), ramen joints, and bistros.

While looking for lunch there, I was drawn towards Bistro Takagaki after being tempted by a photo of its hamburg steak on its signboard.

The restaurant was small – no more than 16 seats – with white tablecloths and parquet flooring that lent a neat, cosy vibe. Most of the guests appeared to be regulars. Like any true yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food) restaurant, my juicy hamburg steak was served with a side plate of rice so I could eat it with the meat’s demi-glace sauce.

Bistro Takagaki is run by chef Tsuyoshi Takagaki. After stints in French restaurants in Tokyo, he opened his eponymous bistro in 2010 in Onomichi. He buys most of his ingredients from Eejan Onomichi, a farmers’ market run by a local agricultural cooperative.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 尾道wharf (@onomichiwharf)

Oysters are undoubtedly the region’s seafood speciality. Many eateries serve the plump molluscs cultivated in Hiroshima Prefecture. The waterfront Onomichi Wharf restaurant offers a variety of oyster treats, from a 60-minute tabehodai (“all you can eat”) priced from 2,800 yen (S$25) to oysters paired with tomatoes and garlic. I found their deep-fried breaded oysters to be very addictive.

CANVASSING FOR HISTORY

Many visitors, and not just tired cyclists, choose to spend a night in Onomichi. There is a wide variety of accommodation choices, from luxurious getaways like Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama to affordable options like the waterfront Green Hill Hotel Onomichi, where you can enjoy breakfast as you gaze at the tranquil Onomichisuido Strait.

The strait was a bustling waterway in its heyday. In 1168, Onomichi was recognised as an official port and served as an important hub for rice shipment over the next 500 years. By the 17th century, the town was a major port of call for kitamaebune or wooden trading ships that sailed around Japan.

After the kitamaebune disappeared with the advent of modern transport, the town’s hanpu or canvas factories that made canvas sails for the ships began repurposing their fabric for work wear and tents, which became vital during World War II. By the 1970s, these factories began dwindling – now only one factory remains.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by 工房尾道帆布 (@studio_onomichi_hanpu)

Today, two hanpu shops, Onomichi Hanpu and Saikobo, are keeping the hanpu tradition alive by making bags and cases from the sturdy canvas. (Onomichi Hanpu’s brand logo is an image of a kitamaebune.) The backpacks are popular among visitors looking for a practical souvenir related to Onomichi’s maritime heritage.

YASUJIRO OZU’S TOKYO STORY

Modern associations with Onomichi have a largely pop culture slant. The town is known as one of the key shooting locations in the 1953 film, Tokyo Story, which is widely regarded as one of the best movies ever made. Directed by the influential Yasujiro Ozu, the film explores generational differences and modernisation in post-war Japan, with Onomichi serving as the hometown of the female protagonist’s parents-in-law.

Onomichi draws cinephiles like me who want to revisit scenes from Tokyo Story. Naturally, the town has changed drastically since the film’s release 70 years ago, but some key landmarks still remain.

Onomichi’s tourism planners are aware of the town’s special relationship with Ozu’s magnum opus: On a promenade wall east of the Fukumoto ferry pier, a metal signboard displays information on the movie in English and Japanese, as well as a QR code that, when scanned, will show you six shooting locations from the film on your Google Map. I spent an entire morning tracing this Tokyo Story trail, bridging Ozu’s black and white world with the present.

My first stop was the small, waterfront Sumiyoshi shrine, where its stone lantern was shown in the opening scene of the movie. I then walked north-eastwards towards the hills, arrived at a few vantage points seen in the film, and ended my walk at Jodo-ji temple, where some of the movie’s key scenes involving a funeral were shot. It was fun comparing what I saw with screenshots of the movie on my phone; I tried picturing where Ozu might have placed his camera (the director was a master of the static shot).

In an email interview, Hideki Ono, Onomichi City Hall’s section chief of cultural promotion, said the town held a tour of the Tokyo Story trail and a screening of the movie at the local cinema on Dec 9 last year to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Ozu’s birth.

“I think Jodo-ji is the most important spot [in the movie trail],” he added. “It was where they filmed in public, and the place was also depicted in the movie’s poster.”

EXPLORING TEMPLE TRAILS

Jodo-ji, which features a pagoda, is also one of the 25 temples in Onomichi’s renowned temple walk, a route that takes you across the hilly town. Don’t try to visit all 25 temples in a day (you may get temple burnout, too); it’s best to skip some or stop by those that catch your fancy. Most people start the temple walk at Jiko-ji temple near the station before navigating some steep stairs and ending at Senko-ji, a temple perched near the top of the 144m-tall Mt Senkoji.

Founded in 806 by Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, the temple is for known its large rocks that line its approach, and a red hall that resembles a stage. The uphill route should be easy for the able-bodied. There is a ropeway that brings you to the peak of Mt Senko-ji but taking this option would really mean you miss an atmospheric walk.

Walking through narrow lanes between old houses with tiled roofs, I came across peaceful cemeteries, tiny cafes in street corners, and quirky shops selling cat souvenirs (the town has many feline creatures; there’s even a “cat alley”). An elderly resident greeted me as she descended carefully on a steep flight of stairs.

The peak of Mt Senkoji also has an observation platform that offers a panoramic view over the town and the strait. The scenery is particularly beautiful at sunset – the silhouettes of the islands in the Seto Island Sea stand out against the glow of the sky. When the sun dips behind the mountains, the town becomes monochromatic, raising the ghost of Ozu; his imagery lingers for a surreal moment before it fades to black.

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Only in Japan: Character Cafes in Tokyo

A journey through iconic themes and unique experiences

Japan is a treasure trove of unique cafes, offering experiences that cater to a wide array of interests and preferences.

These cafes provide services that go beyond the ordinary and are sure to leave unforgettable impressions on visitors. With character-themed cafes, like the Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku, Kirby Cafe in Tokyo Skytree, and Cinnamoroll Cafe in Shinjuku, there is something for everyone. If you are a fan of iconic characters, then these cafes are definitely worth a visit!

1. Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku

Pompompurin Cafe is a fun and lively venue that is inspired by the popular Golden Retriever character, Pompompurin. It is located in Harajuku, which is famous for its vibrant street art, youth fashion, vintage clothing stores, and cosplay shops. The cafe's interior is filled with cute Pompompurin decorations and offers themed food and drinks. It's the perfect place to come and enjoy the adorable world of Pompompurin with friends.

• https://pompompurincafe.com/about

2. Kirby Cafe in Tokyo Skytree

Kirby Cafe is a popular restaurant and store located on the fourth floor of Tokyo Skytree Solamachi. Here, you can meet the adorable Nintendo character, Kirby. The restaurant serves cute Kirby-themed drinks and food that can be enjoyed either in-store or as takeaway. To dine at Kirby Cafe, you need to make a reservation on the official website as the restaurant operates on a reservation basis. Along with delicious food, the store also offers a variety of cute Kirby merchandise for fans to purchase. So, if you're a Kirby fan, don't miss out on visiting Kirby Cafe for a unique dining experience!

• https://kirbycafe.jp/tokyo/

3. Cinnamoroll Cafe in Shinjuku

If you're looking for Sanrio's beloved character, Cinnamoroll, a furry white dog, you can find him at the Shinjuku Cinnamoroll Cafe. The cafe not only offers Cinnamoroll-themed food and drinks for both dine-in and takeaway but also hosts limited-edition events such as Valentine's Day, birthdays, and seasonal events. You can also purchase exclusive merchandise that is only available at the Shinjuku Cinnamoroll Cafe. Enjoy a special time surrounded by Cinnamoroll!

• https://www.cinnamorollcafe.com/shinjuku/

4. Pokemon Cafe in Nihonbashi

Pokemon is an immensely popular anime originating in Japan. Visitors to the Pokemon Cafe in Nihonbashi can enjoy food, such as pressed sushi and curry, and drinks inspired by Pokemon while being surrounded by cute Pokemon-themed interior designs. In addition to the delightful menu, visitors can purchase exclusive merchandise from the store, such as chef Pokemon and waitress Pokemon! However, it's important to note that to visit the Pokemon Cafe, you must make a reservation online in advance.

• https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/en/

5. Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara

If you are a fan of the Final Fantasy video game series, you may want to check out the Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara. This cafe is a collaboration between Final Fantasy XIV and Pasela Resorts. The cafe's interior and menu are designed to recreate the game's world and characters. You can try unique food items inspired by the game's characters and dishes that appear in the game. The cafe features both regular menus and special event menus that change periodically. While it is not necessary to make a reservation, it is recommended and can be done online through their website.

• https://www.pasela.co.jp/paselabo_shop/ff_eorzea/?mb-listing
• Theme Restaurants and Cafes
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By Serena Kim

Japan Travel Staff

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