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.
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Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon
One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
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...
A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten
Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...
Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen Packs Rich, Porky Goodness
A bowl of ramen is a wonderfully comforting...
Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise
Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando.
Commune 2nd...
Nagatoro: An Outdoorsy Day Trip From Tokyo
When the neon of Tokyo no longer energises you, it’s a sure sign...
A Fancy Cocktail (Or Two) At Finlandia Bar, Kyoto
Tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Kyoto’s Gion district is the classy...
Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not...
Things To Do (And Eat) in Nagano City
The main hall of Zenkoji Temple
As a mountainous...
Kengo Kuma’s Starbucks design in Fukuoka
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has been making headlines lately for his epic design of the...
Motsunabe: Nothing Offal About It
One of my favourite regional dishes of Fukuoka.
When...
Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto
Superlative ramen restaurants are a dime a dozen in Japan. Standing out from...
Sampling Local Sake at Niigata’s Ponshukan Sake Museum
Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures has something they're particularly proud of; in Niigata,...
Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2
Between Shibuya and Shinjuku is the sprawling greenery of Yoyogi Park that dominates...
Isezushi: Michelin Star Sushi in Otaru, Hokkaido
The town of Otaru is a port town in Hokkaido, not too far from Sapporo....
All about Shojin Ryori: Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine
Shojin Ryori is the traditional fare of Zen Buddhist monks in Japan. This...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
Shopping on Miyajima: What to Buy
Miyajima Island, with its sacred shrines and pristine nature, makes a wonderful day...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
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...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want to...
International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
All Shook Up at Osaka’s Elvis-themed Bar USAGI
It’s easy to let the night get away from you in Osaka; it's...
Bib Gourmand Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine: Shigetsu in Arashiyama
As I swept aside Shigetsu’s entrance curtain an hour ahead of my reservation,...
Ariso Sushi: A Great Pre-Flight Meal at Haneda Airport
Airport food doesn’t have a good reputation. Thankfully, Haneda Airport’s culinary offerings defy...
Views and Booze at The Peak Lounge and Bar at Park Hyatt
If you only have a limited time in Tokyo, you’ll no doubt be...
The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku
Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...
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...
A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...
Ichikawaya Coffee is A Stylish Machiya Cafe in Kyoto
Kyoto seems to excel at cafes in all their variants, ranging from the...
The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu
Cinephiles coming to Tokyo could definitely put together a movie-based pilgrimage trip. Movie-themed...
For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma
Whether it’s tonkotsu, salt, or miso, you’ll find all kinds of ramen in...
Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life
Full of bustling shoppers and businesspeople by day and partygoers by night, Roppongi...
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...
Japanese Food for Fussy Eaters
While Japanese cuisine is largely unbeatable, there are still many dishes that fussy...
The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
There are few things more delicious and comforting than a plate of curry...
Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place
When you first come to Japan, either as a tourist or a new...
Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka
Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...
Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki
The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
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...
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...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
Japanese Table Manners: A Full Guide
Table manners vary between all countries across the world. Even nations that are...
Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
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...
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...
Onomichi Cat Alley is a Cat Lover’s Paradise: Prepare to Lose your Mind
If Studio Ghibli were inspired by a real town, Onomichi would be it....
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...
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...
Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri
Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...
Daimyo: Fukuoka’s Super Cool Neighbourhood
Amitabha Tattoo shop in Daimyo.
As a one-stop-shop for...
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...
Tokyo, Books, and You: Curl up in these Three Green Study Spaces
There’s something about plants that makes studying so much easier to bear. It...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
Café Hassui, Arashiyama’s Luxury Teahouse
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist...
JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo
Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...
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...
Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo
We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...
Turkish Rice at Kyushu’s First-Ever Cafe “Tsuruchan”
I’m not the first to suggest Nagasaki’s food...
Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting
With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
Yes, Book and Beer Cafes Exist: Here are Two of Tokyo’s Best
After a long, hard week, who doesn’t love to kick back and relax?...
Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish
When it comes to regional dishes of Nagasaki, Champon wins the popularity contest...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
The Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11
On day 11 of our trip, we left Fukuoka and after a brief...
A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour
After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
Matsumoto Musts: Folk Crafts and Unique Foods To Seek Out
Like many of Japan’s prefectures, Matsumoto has some fantastic local specialties. From unique...
Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
With gorgeous scenery and impressive temples, shrines and gardens, it’s no wonder Arashiyama...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar
We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’
The Lemon Sour, a staple...
Japanese Hot Pot Guide – Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu
Many types of nabemono 鍋物 or hot pot dishes exist as part of...
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...
The Culinary Delights of Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi
If you’re heading to Kobe, be sure to check out Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi....
Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa
Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...
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...
Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori
Japan is a nation steeped in tradition. There is a profound reverence for...
Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto
Anyone in Japan (or surveying it via Instagram) knows that pancakes are it...
Hot Pies, Cold Drinks: A Taste of Australia at Punk Doily
Biting into my classic steak pie, I relished a flavour profile I hadn’t...
Nature’s Air-Con: Nagashi Sōmen Flowing Noodles Kawadoko Style at Hirobun, Kibune
Wondering how to cool off in Japan’s humid summer? Perhaps you’re munching your...
Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya
Note: the Shibuya location moved to Gotanda to...
Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy
Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...
Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi
It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...
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...
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
Chinzao: Taiwanese Tea House in Ine Village
Ine, the quaint fishing village in Kyōto’s northwest, is arguably one of the...
The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa
Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...
Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka
With literally thousands of ramen restaurants in Central Tokyo and across the Greater...
Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class
Food is an important part of travel for me. When I’m exploring a...
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...
Liquid Tiramisu in a Cup: Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang in Yokohama
At first glance, Yokohama seems like the sleepy, more sedate sister to Tokyo’s...