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
Exploring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura
Calling all okonomiyaki fans! If you haven’t already done so, you simply must...
Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour
The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...
All-You-Can-Eat Tuna Bowl at Kashi no Ichi Fish Market
Tuna, or ‘maguro’ in Japanese, is a heavyweight of the sushi and sashimi...
The Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11
On day 11 of our trip, we left Fukuoka and after a brief...
Cafe Orion is A Cute and Quiet Little Escape in Nara
Things don’t always look that promising when you’re walking around the back streets...
Japanese Table Manners: A Full Guide
Table manners vary between all countries across the world. Even nations that are...
Teatime Treats and Summery Sweets: Tea at Miyoshi-ya in Narita
Narita isn’t an obvious day trip destination for most visitors to Tokyo. But...
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...
Chinzao: Taiwanese Tea House in Ine Village
Ine, the quaint fishing village in Kyōto’s northwest, is arguably one of the...
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
Goto Udon: One Heavenly Hell Pot
Japan is a haven for noodle lovers. With...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
Yes, Cold Noodles Are Cool: Sanpotei Tokyo Lab’s Hiyashi Tantanmen
Summer in Tokyo is deadly. We’re not even joking: hundreds of people in...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
Da Yo Ne is A Great Little Tea Rice Bar in Roppongi
Few dishes are more comforting on a cold, rainy day than the humble...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa
If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class
Food is an important part of travel for me. When I’m exploring a...
An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara
“The Japanese people just do everything so authentically. They copy every last detail...
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...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
Dining in Dotonbori: Osaka’s Lively Entertainment District
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, which may leave you wondering exactly where...
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....
Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
With gorgeous scenery and impressive temples, shrines and gardens, it’s no wonder Arashiyama...
Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.
When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
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...
Exclusive Beers and A History Lesson at Sapporo Beer Museum
When planning my debut visit to Sapporo, I quickly realised I knew very...
A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto
Anyone in Japan (or surveying it via Instagram) knows that pancakes are it...
Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho
The Pontocho area is one of Kyoto’s go-to spots for food, drink and...
The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku
Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...
Turkish Rice at Kyushu’s First-Ever Cafe “Tsuruchan”
I’m not the first to suggest Nagasaki’s food...
Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando
Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...
Perfect Egg Sandwiches at Smart Coffee in Kyoto
Japan seems to have perfected the art of great egg sandwiches. Even the...
A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Things To See And Do In Nozawa Onsen (That Don’t Involve Snow!)
Nestled deep in the beech covered folds of...
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...
Green Tea Lovers Should Make a Pilgrimage To Uji… Right Now
Listen up green tea lovers! It’s time to get yourself down to Uji,...
Canal City: A Shopping Oasis in Central Fukuoka
Called the oasis within the city, Canal City is a massive complex housing...
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...
Daimyo: Fukuoka’s Super Cool Neighbourhood
Amitabha Tattoo shop in Daimyo.
As a one-stop-shop for...
International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
Food and Fresh Air at Fukuoka’s Yatai
Mention Fukuoka to any Japanese person, and they’ll reply with one of two...
Best Oyaki in Nagano: Ogawanosho, steps from Zenkoji Temple
While Nagano Prefecture’s geography is not conducive to...
Doza and Shianbashi: Secret Shrines and Nagasaki Nightlife
I first stepped into Shianbashi, Nagasaki’s best nightlife...
The best Jingisukan in Sapporo: Daruma
Many of Japan’s towns and regions boast a local speciality or two; a unique product...
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...
Bib Gourmand Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine: Shigetsu in Arashiyama
As I swept aside Shigetsu’s entrance curtain an hour ahead of my reservation,...
Shopping on Miyajima: What to Buy
Miyajima Island, with its sacred shrines and pristine nature, makes a wonderful day...
Kooriya Peace in Kichijoji Serves Gorgeous Shaved Ice Creations Almost Too Beautiful to Eat
Tokyo has no shortage of great shaved ice (kakigori), but even with all...
California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya
*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating*
“Tonight there’s gonna...
Delicious Tempura Soba at Nozawa Onsen’s Sobadokoro Daimon
Whether you’ve come to Nozawa Onsen in search...
The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu
Cinephiles coming to Tokyo could definitely put together a movie-based pilgrimage trip. Movie-themed...
Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...
Nawate dori: Matsumoto’s Charming Frog Street
A visit to the mountain city of Matsumoto...
Nagi Shokudo is Where to Go for Affordable, Delicious Vegan Food in Shibuya
Vegans have a tough time of it in Tokyo—at least, that’s how it...
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want 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...
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....
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...
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...
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan
Traveling around Japan this finals season? Missing the echo of the siren, the...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...
Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen Packs Rich, Porky Goodness
A bowl of ramen is a wonderfully comforting...
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya
Note: the Shibuya location moved to Gotanda to...
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka
With literally thousands of ramen restaurants in Central Tokyo and across the Greater...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
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...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
Unique Foods in Japan – A Guide
Japanese cuisine is varied and offers a wide range of dishes whatever your...
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...
Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting
With its bustling Ginza shopping street, veteran shopkeepers,...
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars
When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
Things To Do (And Eat) in Nagano City
The main hall of Zenkoji Temple
As a mountainous...
Café Hassui, Arashiyama’s Luxury Teahouse
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist...
An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho
Get ready to explore Shinjuku's neon heart with our ultimate guide to Kabukicho....
All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu
A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama
As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place
When you first come to Japan, either as a tourist or a new...
Omicho Market, Where Kanazawa Does Its Shopping
Omicho Market, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”, has been feeding the city as...
Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Forests, Lakes and Ancient Trails: Day trips in the Kiso-Valley
Deep in the mountains of Nagano prefecture, sidling the Japanese Central Alps, lies...
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...