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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Nagasaki Champon: The City’s Most Famous Regional Dish
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The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
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Best Oyaki in Nagano: Ogawanosho, steps from Zenkoji Temple
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Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
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Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
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Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
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Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place
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Café Hassui, Arashiyama’s Luxury Teahouse
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An Unforgettable White Christmas In Japan: Destination Sapporo
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Japanese Food for Fussy Eaters
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Cool Down With Green Tea Soba, Perched Over A Flowing River
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Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
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Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish
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Forests, Lakes and Ancient Trails: Day trips in the Kiso-Valley
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What to Eat and Drink in Arima Onsen
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Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi
Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...
Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.
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Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi
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What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori
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Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
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Nawate dori: Matsumoto’s Charming Frog Street
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Bib Gourmand Ramen at Kyoto’s Menya Inoichi Hanare
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Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa
If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa
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Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
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Onden’s Japanese Curry Rice—a Taste of Home in the Heart of Harajuku
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Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
A Fancy Cocktail (Or Two) At Finlandia Bar, Kyoto
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Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House
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Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
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Views and Booze at The Peak Lounge and Bar at Park Hyatt
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Nature’s Air-Con: Nagashi Sōmen Flowing Noodles Kawadoko Style at Hirobun, Kibune
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Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour
Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...
An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho
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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...
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
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...
All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro
Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....
Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise
Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando.
Commune 2nd...
Things To Do (And Eat) in Nagano City
The main hall of Zenkoji Temple
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Daimyo: Fukuoka’s Super Cool Neighbourhood
Amitabha Tattoo shop in Daimyo.
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Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company
Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
Kengo Kuma’s Starbucks design in Fukuoka
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Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
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Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
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Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
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International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
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Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri
Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...
Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima
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The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama
As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
Unique Foods in Japan – A Guide
Japanese cuisine is varied and offers a wide range of dishes whatever your...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
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A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour
After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...
From Oysters to Ice Cream: What To Eat and Drink on Miyajima
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The best Jingisukan in Sapporo: Daruma
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Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?
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Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya
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Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
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Where To Get Japanese Breakfast in Tokyo Without Breaking The Bank
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Nagatoro: An Outdoorsy Day Trip From Tokyo
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The Jogasaki Coast: Hiking through Volcanic Cliffs and Quiet Capes
After a morning spent witnessing volcanic archery and visiting a capybara onsen, my...
Join in the Japanese tradition of eating KFC for Christmas
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Yes, Cold Noodles Are Cool: Sanpotei Tokyo Lab’s Hiyashi Tantanmen
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Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?
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Pizza Toast and Kombucha at Café Benisica
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Exploring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura
Calling all okonomiyaki fans! If you haven’t already done so, you simply must...
All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu
A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour
The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...
Shopping on Miyajima: What to Buy
Miyajima Island, with its sacred shrines and pristine nature, makes a wonderful day...
Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery Tours
Whiskey. Ireland and Scotland both claim to have first created it—in fact the...
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties
From a prehistoric paste to the modern noodle,...
Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo
We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...
Liquid Tiramisu in a Cup: Vietnamese Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang in Yokohama
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Yanaka Beer Hall: Craft Beer In A Traditional Setting
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Perfect Egg Sandwiches at Smart Coffee in Kyoto
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Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
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Retro cocktails, hip coffee, and Michelin Italian food: An evening in Yoyogi Uehara
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Tokyo Station Bars: Top-shelf Drinking In The Urban Hub
Like most Tokyo neighborhoods, the area surrounding Tokyo Station has a thriving nightlife...
Explore Osaka’s Shinsaibashisuji shopping street
The Shinsaibashi area of Osaka is well-known for its shopping options and is...
Delicious Tempura Soba at Nozawa Onsen’s Sobadokoro Daimon
Whether you’ve come to Nozawa Onsen in search...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
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Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
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Chill Out in Tokyo’s Hammock Cafes: Mahika Mano & Cafe Stay Happy
In all my years on this earth, I’ve never met a single person...
Gearing Up at the Final Fantasy XIV-Themed Eorzea Cafe in Akihabara
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Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi
It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...
A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...




































































































