Japanese food is more than just sushi and ramen; it’s a whole world of flavors and traditions. Whether you’re walking through a busy market or sitting down for a meal in a refined restaurant, Japan’s cuisine will never disappoint.
Sushi and Sashimi
Sushi is the most famous Japanese dish in the world, but it’s much more than just raw fish. In Japan, sushi can be an elaborate art form, with chefs spending decades perfecting their skills. If you’re visiting Japan, you have to try sushi, especially in places like Tokyo or Osaka. Nigiri (hand-pressed sushi with fish on top of rice) is a must-try.
Sashimi, thinly sliced raw fish served without rice, is another favorite of Japanese cuisine. Eat it with a little bit of soy sauce and wasabi for a balance of flavors. Look for restaurants with good reputation and high-quality fish, especially if you’re visiting places along the coast.
Where to Eat Sushi
If you really want to savor sushi, visit Tsukiji Market in Tokyo or Kuromon Market in Osaka. Both markets have plenty of stalls selling fresh, high-quality sushi. For a fine dining experience, try Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant. But be warned: it can be very expensive.
Ramen
Slurping a bowl of ramen is a must in Japan. This comforting noodle soup comes with a variety of different broths: soy sauce-based (shoyu), miso-based, salt-based (shio), or rich pork-based (tonkotsu).
Each region in Japan has its own style of ramen. Head to Hokkaido to try miso ramen or to Fukuoka for tonkotsu. You haven’t experienced Japan if you haven’t had at least one bowl of ramen during your trip.
Where to Eat Ramen
For a great ramen experience, Ichiran and Ippudo are popular throughout Japan and offer consistently good bowls. If you’re in Tokyo, head to Sugoi Niboshi Ramen Nagi in Golden Gai for a taste of their famous sardine-based ramen.
Yakitori
If you’re into grilled meat, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is something you must try. It’s a classic food you can find anywhere in Japan, from small street stalls to dedicated restaurants. It’s usually seasoned with salt or a special sweet soy-based sauce called “tare.” The skewers can be made with chicken thighs, skin, or even gizzards.
Where to Eat Yakitori
Visit yakitori-ya (specialized yakitori restaurants) or izakayas (Japanese pubs) for some of the best grilled meats in town. Tokyo’s Omoide Yokocho or Osaka’s Shinsekai District are perfect places to try yakitori while soaking up the local drinking culture.
Tempura
Tempura is deep-fried but light and crispy, a treat you can’t miss. It usually consists of seafood, vegetables, or meats that have been lightly battered and fried. It’s best when freshly made and served with a dipping sauce or sprinkled with salt.
Where to Eat Tempura
For authentic and expertly made tempura, visit Tempura Kondo or Mikawa Zezankyo in Tokyo, where you’ll find perfectly fried delights. For a more casual setting, try tempura stalls in food markets across cities like Kyoto and Osaka.
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with cabbage, flour, eggs, and various toppings like pork, seafood, or even cheese. It’s a hearty meal that’s fun to eat. Tokyo and Osaka both offer delicious takes on this classic, although they have slightly different styles.
Where to Eat Okonomiyaki
Osaka is known for having the best okonomiyaki; check out Fukutaro or Mizuno near Dotonbori. If you’re in Hiroshima, don’t miss their unique version, which includes layers of noodles. Okonomimura in Hiroshima has multiple okonomiyaki stalls to choose from.
Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, served with a mild sweet-and-savory sauce, shredded cabbage, and sometimes a bowl of rice. The pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a simple, filling dish you can find almost anywhere in Japan.
Where to Eat Tonkatsu
If you want to try the best tonkatsu in Japan, head to Maisen in Tokyo’s Aoyama district or Tonki, a retro restaurant in Meguro. Katsukura in Kyoto is also a great spot to try tonkatsu made with premium pork.
Soba and Udon
Soba (brown buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) are two essential Japanese comfort foods. They can be served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth. Each region has its own take on them, so don’t miss trying different varieties.
Where to Eat Soba and Udon
If you want to eat soba, head to Honmura An in Tokyo for perfectly made noodles. For udon, try Marugame Seimen, which is a popular udon chain in Japan. If you’re in Kagawa prefecture, known as the Udon prefecture, take a tour of the local udon shops!
Takoyaki
Takoyaki is fun street food in Japan, made from batter and filled with pieces of octopus, tempura scraps, and pickled ginger. The little round, doughy balls are cooked on a special griddle and topped with a savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. If you like octopus, you have to try these.
Where to Eat Takoyaki
Osaka is the birthplace of takoyaki, so it’s the best place to try them. Go to Takoyaki Juhachiban or Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka in Osaka’s Namba district for some of the best takoyaki you’ll find.
Unagi
If you’re feeling adventurous, give unagi (grilled freshwater eel) a try. It’s served over rice and flavored with a tasty, slightly sweet sauce. It’s considered a delicacy and is especially popular during summer, as it’s believed to provide stamina and energy in the heat.
Where to Eat Unagi
Nodaiwa in Tokyo specializes in unagi and has been serving it for five generations. Another famous spot for unagi is Unazen in Kyoto, where you’ll find beautifully cooked eel dishes.
Street Foods and Markets
Whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, street food is a big part of Japanese food culture. From yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) to taiyaki (a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste), there’s a wide variety of street foods to enjoy while you explore the cities.
Where to Eat Street Food
In Tokyo, head to Ameya-Yokocho markets or Nakamise Street for a taste of various street foods. In Osaka, go to Dotonbori or Kuromon Market for some great variety and the chance to try classics like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakitori.
Other great food markets in Japan include Nishiki Market in Kyoto and Omicho Market in Kanazawa. Both are packed with local stalls offering fresh seafood, sweet treats, and a whole range of local specialties that you can snack on while walking around.
Kaiseki
If you want the ultimate Japanese dining experience, you need to try kaiseki, which is a multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation. Kaiseki is more of a fine dining experience compared to casual meals, and it’s served in courses that often include small dishes of sashimi, grilled fish, soup, and pickled vegetables.
Where to Eat Kaiseki
Kyoto is the birthplace of kaiseki and is the best place to experience this traditional meal. Head to restaurants like Kikunoi or Hyotei in Kyoto for a special dinner you won’t forget. Remember, these meals tend to be pricey and require reservations.
Join a Food Tour
If you’re short on time or want to sample a lot of different foods, consider joining a food tour. Many cities in Japan, like Tokyo and Osaka, offer guided food tours where you can explore markets, sit-down restaurants, and street food stalls all in one trip. It’s a fun way to learn about the cuisine and try things you might not have found on your own.
No matter what part of Japan you visit, food will be one of the highlights. It’s more than just filling your belly; it’s about experiencing the culture and local specialties. Make sure to try as many different dishes as you can!
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