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
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
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...
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...
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...
A Visit To The Oldest Eel Restaurant in Tokyo: Izuei Honten
Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
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...
Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
Omicho Market, Where Kanazawa Does Its Shopping
Omicho Market, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”, has been feeding the city as...
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...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
The Culinary Delights of Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi
If you’re heading to Kobe, be sure to check out Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi....
Doza and Shianbashi: Secret Shrines and Nagasaki Nightlife
I first stepped into Shianbashi, Nagasaki’s best nightlife...
A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour
After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want to...
Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse
Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse'
The...
Touring Harajuku – Walking the Big Two Part 2
Between Shibuya and Shinjuku is the sprawling greenery of Yoyogi Park that dominates...
Daimyo: Fukuoka’s Super Cool Neighbourhood
Amitabha Tattoo shop in Daimyo.
As a one-stop-shop for...
Dining in Dotonbori: Osaka’s Lively Entertainment District
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, which may leave you wondering exactly where...
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...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
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...
Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto
Superlative ramen restaurants are a dime a dozen in Japan. Standing out from...
An Intimate Guide to Kabukicho
Get ready to explore Shinjuku's neon heart with our ultimate guide to Kabukicho....
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...
Motsunabe: Nothing Offal About It
One of my favourite regional dishes of Fukuoka.
When...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
All about Shojin Ryori: Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine
Shojin Ryori is the traditional fare of Zen Buddhist monks in Japan. This...
Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
Join in the Japanese tradition of eating KFC for Christmas
For those who celebrate Christmas, you’ll know food plays a big role in...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
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....
Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise
Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando.
Commune 2nd...
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...
Nawate dori: Matsumoto’s Charming Frog Street
A visit to the mountain city of Matsumoto...
A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia
In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...
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....
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...
Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy
Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...
Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
Head to the Coast of Toyama to try Tara-jiru
On the eastern edge of Toyama Bay, the emerald waters deliver with every...
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...
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 Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Exclusive Beers and A History Lesson at Sapporo Beer Museum
When planning my debut visit to Sapporo, I quickly realised I knew very...
Sampling Local Sake at Niigata’s Ponshukan Sake Museum
Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures has something they're particularly proud of; in Niigata,...
Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando
Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...
Kengo Kuma’s Starbucks design in Fukuoka
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has been making headlines lately for his epic design of the...
Learning A Thing Or Two At A Japanese Cooking Class
Food is an important part of travel for me. When I’m exploring a...
Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?
Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...
Onden’s Japanese Curry Rice—a Taste of Home in the Heart of Harajuku
To the average Tokyoite, Harajuku evokes youth culture and fashion. It’s where you...
A Fancy Cocktail (Or Two) At Finlandia Bar, Kyoto
Tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Kyoto’s Gion district is the classy...
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...
Tokyo Station Bars: Top-shelf Drinking In The Urban Hub
Like most Tokyo neighborhoods, the area surrounding Tokyo Station has a thriving nightlife...
Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company
Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
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...
Myojinmaru’s Famous Salted Bonito Tataki
The word bonito would, for most, evoke the common visual of little flakes...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto
Anyone in Japan (or surveying it via Instagram) knows that pancakes are it...
Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen Packs Rich, Porky Goodness
A bowl of ramen is a wonderfully comforting...
Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
Tokyo Tower and a Tour through Surrounding Areas
Jutting out of the city center, you’d be mistaken for thinking that the...
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar
We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’
The Lemon Sour, a staple...
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...
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...
Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri
Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...
Where to watch the AFL Grand Final in Japan
Traveling around Japan this finals season? Missing the echo of the siren, the...
Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi
Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
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...
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...
All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu
A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma
Whether it’s tonkotsu, salt, or miso, you’ll find all kinds of ramen in...
A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
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...
The 10 Best Foods to Eat at Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Food lovers rejoice, the Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto is a mecca for...
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...
Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish
When it comes to regional dishes of Nagasaki, Champon wins the popularity contest...
Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place
When you first come to Japan, either as a tourist or a new...
Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not...
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...
Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka
Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...
Japanese Table Manners: A Full Guide
Table manners vary between all countries across the world. Even nations that are...
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
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...
Isezushi: Michelin Star Sushi in Otaru, Hokkaido
The town of Otaru is a port town in Hokkaido, not too far from Sapporo....
The Jogasaki Coast: Hiking through Volcanic Cliffs and Quiet Capes
After a morning spent witnessing volcanic archery and visiting a capybara onsen, my...
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...
Goto Udon: One Heavenly Hell Pot
Japan is a haven for noodle lovers. With...
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro
With gorgeous scenery and impressive temples, shrines and gardens, it’s no wonder Arashiyama...



































































































