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
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
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...
Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa
Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...
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...
Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri
Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...
Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery Tours
Whiskey. Ireland and Scotland both claim to have first created it—in fact the...
Natural Ice Kakigori in Saitama: Asami Reizou
One of the best ways to cool down in the Japanese summer is...
What to Eat and Drink in Arima Onsen
Nestled in the Rokko mountains behind Kobe City, Arima Onsen is considered one...
Nagasaki Champon: The City’s Most Famous Regional Dish
Also known as Chanpon (with an ‘n’), this is a local Nagasaki dish...
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,...
All about Shojin Ryori: Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine
Shojin Ryori is the traditional fare of Zen Buddhist monks in Japan. This...
Motsunabe: Nothing Offal About It
One of my favourite regional dishes of Fukuoka.
When...
Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando
Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...
Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar
We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’
The Lemon Sour, a staple...
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...
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...
Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
A Fancy Cocktail (Or Two) At Finlandia Bar, Kyoto
Tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Kyoto’s Gion district is the classy...
What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori
Japan is a nation steeped in tradition. There is a profound reverence for...
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...
Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2
Between Shibuya and Shinjuku is the sprawling greenery of Yoyogi Park that dominates...
Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen Packs Rich, Porky Goodness
A bowl of ramen is a wonderfully comforting...
Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka
Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro
Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....
Things To See And Do In Nozawa Onsen (That Don’t Involve Snow!)
Nestled deep in the beech covered folds of...
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...
Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
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...
Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa
If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
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...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want to...
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...
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...
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Delicious Tempura Soba at Nozawa Onsen’s Sobadokoro Daimon
Whether you’ve come to Nozawa Onsen in search...
Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life
Full of bustling shoppers and businesspeople by day and partygoers by night, Roppongi...
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
Canal City: A Shopping Oasis in Central Fukuoka
Called the oasis within the city, Canal City is a massive complex housing...
Exclusive Beers and A History Lesson at Sapporo Beer Museum
When planning my debut visit to Sapporo, I quickly realised I knew very...
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...
The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu
Cinephiles coming to Tokyo could definitely put together a movie-based pilgrimage trip. Movie-themed...
Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show
Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...
A Visit To The Oldest Eel Restaurant in Tokyo: Izuei Honten
Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
Dining in Dotonbori: Osaka’s Lively Entertainment District
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, which may leave you wondering exactly where...
Ichikawaya Coffee is A Stylish Machiya Cafe in Kyoto
Kyoto seems to excel at cafes in all their variants, ranging from the...
Omicho Market, Where Kanazawa Does Its Shopping
Omicho Market, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”, has been feeding the city as...
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...
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...
Unique Foods in Japan – A Guide
Japanese cuisine is varied and offers a wide range of dishes whatever your...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
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...
Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
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...
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....
Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties
From a prehistoric paste to the modern noodle,...
A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?
Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...
Japanese Hot Pot Guide – Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu
Many types of nabemono 鍋物 or hot pot dishes exist as part of...
Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando
Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto
Anyone in Japan (or surveying it via Instagram) knows that pancakes are it...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
Explore Osaka’s Shinsaibashisuji shopping street
The Shinsaibashi area of Osaka is well-known for its shopping options and is...
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...
International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
Turkish Rice at Kyushu’s First-Ever Cafe “Tsuruchan”
I’m not the first to suggest Nagasaki’s food...
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano
Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...
The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama
As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
The 10 Best Foods to Eat at Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Food lovers rejoice, the Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto is a mecca for...
The Culinary Delights of Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi
If you’re heading to Kobe, be sure to check out Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi....
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon
One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
Nagatoro: An Outdoorsy Day Trip From Tokyo
When the neon of Tokyo no longer energises you, it’s a sure sign...
A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten
Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...
Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
Mori Mori Sushi: Classy Kaitenzushi in Kanazawa
After living in Kanazawa for two years, I have become picky when it...
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...
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...
Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
There are few things more delicious and comforting than a plate of curry...
Matsumoto Musts: Folk Crafts and Unique Foods To Seek Out
Like many of Japan’s prefectures, Matsumoto has some fantastic local specialties. From unique...
Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto
Japanese curry tends not to be spicy. It’s unsurprising, when most Japanese people...
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...
Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...
Retro cocktails, hip coffee, and Michelin Italian food: An evening in Yoyogi Uehara
On the outskirts of Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi Uehara has a reputation for being a...