DINING
DINING
Dining in Japan is, to many, a hobby. With a UNESCO listed National cuisine (washoku) and home to some of the best bars and restaurants in the world, this is a mecca for foodies. Here, you can experience seasonal kaiseki paired with locally made sake. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, go for the humble grilled yakitori and draft beer. Regardless of preference, there’s plenty on the food scene to delight you. In fact, to some the selection may seem endless. The following articles can help make dining in Japan a smooth and enjoyable experience. Read on for some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond.
POPULAR POSTS
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
Chinzao: Taiwanese Tea House in Ine Village
Ine, the quaint fishing village in Kyōto’s northwest, is arguably one of the...
Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise
Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando.
Commune 2nd...
Bib Gourmand Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine: Shigetsu in Arashiyama
As I swept aside Shigetsu’s entrance curtain an hour ahead of my reservation,...
From Oysters to Ice Cream: What To Eat and Drink on Miyajima
Miyajima is only a short ferry ride away from mainland Hiroshima, but this...
The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa
Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...
Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki
The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
Canal City: A Shopping Oasis in Central Fukuoka
Called the oasis within the city, Canal City is a massive complex housing...
Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...
Superb Slurps at street pasta company
There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery Tours
Whiskey. Ireland and Scotland both claim to have first created it—in fact the...
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
Kengo Kuma’s Starbucks design in Fukuoka
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has been making headlines lately for his epic design of the...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour
After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro
Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo
Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...
A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...
Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi
Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
All about Shojin Ryori: Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine
Shojin Ryori is the traditional fare of Zen Buddhist monks in Japan. This...
Enter the Belly of the Kawaii (Cute) Beast: Harajuku’s Kawaii Monster Café
Lights, camera, monsters? Delve into the belly of the beast (a cute beast...
Cool Down With Green Tea Soba, Perched Over A Flowing River
Uji is all about green tea; it's past, present and future are deeply...
Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
With gorgeous scenery and impressive temples, shrines and gardens, it’s no wonder Arashiyama...
Natural Ice Kakigori in Saitama: Asami Reizou
One of the best ways to cool down in the Japanese summer is...
Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho
By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
Forest Bathing in Japan’s First National Forest: Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest
There’s nothing more soothing than spending a day in nature; I’ve always thought...
Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish
When it comes to regional dishes of Nagasaki, Champon wins the popularity contest...
The Best Narita Airport Sushi Bar: Standing Sushi Bar in Terminal 3
Narita International Airport is one of Japan’s major air gateways, serving millions of travellers each...
Goto Udon: One Heavenly Hell Pot
Japan is a haven for noodle lovers. With...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Skating the Art Rink at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: Fun Winter Activities in Tokyo
Toddlers giggle, adults fall flat on their back, and a select few swoop...
Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon
One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
A Perfect Layover Lunch near Narita Airport: Grilled Unagi Rice Bowls at Kawatoyo
Have a layover at Narita Airport with several hours to spare? A day...
Omicho Market, Where Kanazawa Does Its Shopping
Omicho Market, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”, has been feeding the city as...
Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima
If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...
Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya
Note: the Shibuya location moved to Gotanda to...
Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa
If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
Perfect Egg Sandwiches at Smart Coffee in Kyoto
Japan seems to have perfected the art of great egg sandwiches. Even the...
Kurogi’s Killer Kinako Kakigori – A Shaved Ice Dessert to Die For
Kinako, or roasted soybean flour, might be a difficult sell if you’ve never...
Japanese Hot Pot Guide – Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu
Many types of nabemono 鍋物 or hot pot dishes exist as part of...
The Culinary Delights of Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi
If you’re heading to Kobe, be sure to check out Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi....
Dining in Dotonbori: Osaka’s Lively Entertainment District
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, which may leave you wondering exactly where...
Beat The Heat With These Three Kawadoko River Dining Spots in Kyoto
Summers in Kyoto can be surprisingly hot and humid. Luckily, the pragmatic ancient...
Gearing Up at the Final Fantasy XIV-Themed Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara
Calling all adventurers! The realm of Eorzea is in dire need of your...
Pizza Toast and Kombucha at Café Benisica
Yurakucho's long standing Café Benisica launched the Japanese pizza toast craze
Many wouldn’t immediately associate Japan...
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...
All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars
When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...
Vegan Food with a Side o’ Wonder at Saido Vegan Restaurant Jiyugaoka
Historically, vegetarians and vegans have had a tricky time dining out in Japan....
Menya Saimi, one of the best ramen in Sapporo
Japan’s diverse geography and climate are to thank for the array of regional cuisines and...
For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma
Whether it’s tonkotsu, salt, or miso, you’ll find all kinds of ramen in...
Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
Motsunabe: Nothing Offal About It
One of my favourite regional dishes of Fukuoka.
When...
Take a Refreshing Pause at Shizuoka’s ‘Tea Room in the Sky’
Green fields of tea ー almost ready to be harvested ー extend out...
Where To Get Japanese Breakfast in Tokyo Without Breaking The Bank
Are you a budget conscious traveller? If so, you’re probably not staying in...
What to Eat and Drink in Arima Onsen
Nestled in the Rokko mountains behind Kobe City, Arima Onsen is considered one...
Kyoto After Dark: An Evening Stroll through Pontocho and Gion
Kyoto is the gently lit canal to Tokyo’s fit-inducing neon—part of its charm...
Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi
Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...
Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?
Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...
Isezushi: Michelin Star Sushi in Otaru, Hokkaido
The town of Otaru is a port town in Hokkaido, not too far from Sapporo....
Myojinmaru’s Famous Salted Bonito Tataki
The word bonito would, for most, evoke the common visual of little flakes...
Magurodake Bono Shirakawa’s Tuna Donburi Keeps Lunch Sweet and Simple
Roppongi isn’t all swanky clubs and expensive restaurants. As with most areas in...
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan
Traveling around Japan this finals season? Missing the echo of the siren, the...
Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour
The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
A Fancy Cocktail (Or Two) At Finlandia Bar, Kyoto
Tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Kyoto’s Gion district is the classy...
Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place
When you first come to Japan, either as a tourist or a new...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
Standing Yakiniku Restaurant Jiromaru: a great place for A5 Wagyu Beef
Whenever I have visitors in town, I love taking them to a stand-up...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...
A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia
In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...
Where to Eat and Drink on Naoshima: The good, the quirky and the delicious!
I don’t know about you, but I travel with my stomach. I always...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Where to Catch Tokyo’s Food Trucks: Lunch at the International Forum
I'd committed the cardinal sin of time-strapped travellers everywhere: I'd slept in. And...
Things To Do (And Eat) in Nagano City
The main hall of Zenkoji Temple
As a mountainous...
Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka
Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...
The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku
Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...
Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life
Full of bustling shoppers and businesspeople by day and partygoers by night, Roppongi...
Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
Join in the Japanese tradition of eating KFC for Christmas
For those who celebrate Christmas, you’ll know food plays a big role in...
Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo
We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...
Food and Fresh Air at Fukuoka’s Yatai
Mention Fukuoka to any Japanese person, and they’ll reply with one of two...
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
Japanese Table Manners: A Full Guide
Table manners vary between all countries across the world. Even nations that are...
The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
There are few things more delicious and comforting than a plate of curry...
Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting
With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...