What to Eat in Japan: A Food Lover’s Guide to Must-Try Dishes
Japan is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional flavors, fresh ingredients, and culinary artistry. From steaming bowls of ramen to delicate sushi, Japanese cuisine is diverse and delicious. If you’re planning a trip to Japan (or just dreaming of one), here’s a list of must-try dishes.
1. Sushi & Sashimi
No trip to Japan is complete without sushi! Whether you indulge in high-end omakase (chef’s selection) or grab a quick bite at a conveyor belt sushi (kaitenzushi) spot, the freshness is unmatched.
- Nigiri – Hand-pressed sushi with a slice of raw fish over vinegared rice.
- Sashimi – Sliced raw fish without rice, best enjoyed with soy sauce and wasabi.
- Maki – Rolled sushi with seaweed, rice, and fillings like tuna, cucumber, or avocado.
Where to try: Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), Sushi Dai, or local sushi chains like Sushiro.
2. Ramen
Japan’s beloved noodle soup comes in many styles, each with rich broth and chewy noodles.
- Shoyu Ramen – Soy sauce-based broth (Tokyo’s classic).
- Tonkotsu Ramen – Creamy pork bone broth (famous in Fukuoka).
- Miso Ramen – Hearty miso-flavored broth (popular in Hokkaido).
Where to try: Ichiran (chain), Afuri (Tokyo), or local ramen shops in every city.
3. Tempura
Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables, tempura is crispy perfection. Try shrimp (ebi), sweet potato, or eggplant tempura.
Where to try: Tempura restaurants like Tempura Kondo (Tokyo) or Tenyu (Kyoto).
4. Takoyaki
A popular street food, these are octopus-filled batter balls grilled to perfection and topped with mayo, sauce, and bonito flakes.
Where to try: Osaka (birthplace of takoyaki), street stalls, or Dotonbori area.
5. Okonomiyaki
A savory Japanese pancake made with cabbage, batter, and toppings like pork, seafood, or cheese. Two styles:
- Osaka-style – Mixed ingredients cooked together.
- Hiroshima-style – Layered with noodles.
Where to try: Okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka or Hiroshima.
6. Yakitori
Skewered and grilled chicken, often enjoyed with beer or sake. Try negima (chicken and leek) or tsukune (chicken meatballs).
Where to try: Yakitori alleys like Omoide Yokocho (Tokyo) or local izakayas.
7. Curry Rice (Kare Raisu)
Japanese curry is thicker and sweeter than Indian curry, often served with rice and tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet).
Where to try: Coco Ichibanya (chain) or local curry shops.
8. Matcha & Wagashi (Traditional Sweets)
- Matcha desserts – Try matcha ice cream, lattes, or warabi mochi.
- Taiyaki – Fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste or custard.
Where to try: Tea houses in Kyoto, Suzukien (Tokyo) for matcha gelato.
9. Unagi (Grilled Eel)
A delicacy often served over rice (unadon) with a sweet-savory glaze.
Where to try: Unagi specialty restaurants like Nodaiwa (Tokyo).
10. Kaiseki (Traditional Multi-Course Meal)
A luxurious dining experience with seasonal dishes, perfect for special occasions.
Where to try: High-end ryokan or restaurants in Kyoto.
Final Tips for Eating in Japan
- Try convenience store food – Onigiri, bento boxes, and egg sandwiches are surprisingly good!
- Use vending machines – Many ramen shops use ticket machines for ordering.
- Say “itadakimasu” before eating – It’s a polite way to express gratitude for the meal.
Japan’s food scene is endless—every region has specialties, so explore and enjoy every bite!
What’s your favorite Japanese dish? Let us know in the comments! 🍣🍜🍡
