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

Kinako kakigori at Kurogi

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...

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...

Sampling Local Sake at Niigata’s Ponshukan Sake Museum

Each of Japan’s 47 prefectures has something they're particularly proud of; in Niigata,...
Unique Foods in Japan

Unique Foods in Japan – A Guide

Japanese cuisine is varied and offers a wide range of dishes whatever your...

Omicho Market, Where Kanazawa Does Its Shopping

Omicho Market, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”, has been feeding the city as...
ranshu-best-dumplings-tokyo

Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?

There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...

Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

With literally thousands of ramen restaurants in Central Tokyo and across the Greater...
Asakusa Temple

Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3

After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...

Daimyo: Fukuoka’s Super Cool Neighbourhood

Amitabha Tattoo shop in Daimyo. As a one-stop-shop for...

Tokyo Sake Bar in Ebisu: Frozen Sake Bar Buri

Head west of Ebisu Station into the backstreets...

A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia

In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...
kochi bonito tataki myojinmaru

Myojinmaru’s Famous Salted Bonito Tataki

The word bonito would, for most, evoke the common visual of little flakes...

Japanese Food for Fussy Eaters

While Japanese cuisine is largely unbeatable, there are still many dishes that fussy...

A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama

The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Close-up of da ISA pizza

Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro

Japanese pizza is notoriously ‘weird’—as many disgruntled expats might like to complain. Putting...

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...

Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It

If you like soup and if you love...

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?...
kashi no ichi fish market tuna bowl-12

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...

All about Shojin Ryori: Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine

Shojin Ryori is the traditional fare of Zen Buddhist monks in Japan. This...

Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho

The Pontocho area is one of Kyoto’s go-to spots for food, drink and...

Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park

Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...

A Visit To The Oldest Eel Restaurant in Tokyo: Izuei Honten

Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
american-sandwich-tokyo-ginza

Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?

Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....

Exploring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura

Calling all okonomiyaki fans! If you haven’t already done so, you simply must...
Kiso by Bruno Carrillo

Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima

If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...

Japanese Craft Beer By The River: Hitachino Brewing Lab, Akihabara

Akihabara can be a frenetic place; whirring arcades, hordes of tax free shoppers,...
Close-up of unagi at Kawatoyo

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...

Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku

The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
The New National Stadium Tokyo

Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk

Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating* “Tonight there’s gonna...
Cafe in Aoyama

Urban Oasis: Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse

Interior of Tokyo cafe 'Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse' The...

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...

Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto

Superlative ramen restaurants are a dime a dozen in Japan. Standing out from...

Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...

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,...

Rare and Extreme Japanese Beers on Tap at Beer Boy

Beer lovers have plenty to be happy about in Japan. From cheap cans...

Motsunabe: Nothing Offal About It

One of my favourite regional dishes of Fukuoka. When...

The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto

There are few things more delicious and comforting than a plate of curry...

Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando

Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...

Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

Food lovers, prepare yourselves for one of the most dangerous foodie activities in...

The Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11

On day 11 of our trip, we left Fukuoka and after a brief...

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...

Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto

Japanese curry tends not to be spicy. It’s unsurprising, when most Japanese people...
5-piece tuna set at HInatomaru

Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi

Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...

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...

Ichikawaya Coffee is A Stylish Machiya Cafe in Kyoto

Kyoto seems to excel at cafes in all their variants, ranging from the...

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....
tokyo-burger-golden-brown-best-nakameguro-higashiyama-header

Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...

Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori

Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...

Akihabara to Ueno Part 2: An Ueno Tour

Unlike Akihabara, which comprises the first part of this tour, Ueno offers a...

Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners

In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not...

The Jogasaki Coast: Hiking through Volcanic Cliffs and Quiet Capes

After a morning spent witnessing volcanic archery and visiting a capybara onsen, my...
sumo-stadium-tokyo-chicken-yakitori

What To Eat While Watching Sumo: Kokugikan Yakitori

Japan is a nation steeped in tradition. There is a profound reverence for...

Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian

Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...
motsuyaki ban yutenji lemon sour bar

Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar

We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’  The Lemon Sour, a staple...

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...

Shopping on Miyajima: What to Buy

Miyajima Island, with its sacred shrines and pristine nature, makes a wonderful day...
daruma-sapporo-genghis-khan-jingisukan-susukino

The best Jingisukan in Sapporo: Daruma

Many of Japan’s towns and regions boast a local speciality or two; a unique product...
Hana wa Saku's signature dish

Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon

One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...

Things To See And Do In Nozawa Onsen (That Don’t Involve Snow!)

Nestled deep in the beech covered folds of...
adding an egg to your pasta

Superb Slurps at street pasta company

There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...

Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka

Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...

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...

Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa

If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

After Japan opened to foreign trade in the middle of the 19th century,...

Strolling Arashiyama’s Shopping Strip Like a Pro

With gorgeous scenery and impressive temples, shrines and gardens, it’s no wonder Arashiyama...

Natural Ice Kakigori in Saitama: Asami Reizou

One of the best ways to cool down in the Japanese summer is...
best ramen sapporo

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...

Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties

From a prehistoric paste to the modern noodle,...

The Culinary Delights of Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi

If you’re heading to Kobe, be sure to check out Kobe Chinatown Nankinmachi....

Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place

When you first come to Japan, either as a tourist or a new...

Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company

Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...

World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...

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...

Turkish Rice at Kyushu’s First-Ever Cafe “Tsuruchan”

I’m not the first to suggest Nagasaki’s food...

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...

The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama

As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...

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...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...

Bib Gourmand Ramen at Kyoto’s Menya Inoichi Hanare

Walking past long queues in front of shops and restaurants, my herd mentality...

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...

Join in the Japanese tradition of eating KFC for Christmas

For those who celebrate Christmas, you’ll know food plays a big role in...
Ikebukuro Parco

Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond

Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...

Food and Fresh Air at Fukuoka’s Yatai

Mention Fukuoka to any Japanese person, and they’ll reply with one of two...

A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten

Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...
Cafe Giang's signature egg coffee

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...

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....

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...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
best tantanmen tokyo

The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku

Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...

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...
okonomiyaki

Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
michelin sushi hokkaido otaru

Isezushi: Michelin Star Sushi in Otaru, Hokkaido

The town of Otaru is a port town in Hokkaido, not too far from Sapporo....
tokyo french restaurant nakameguro higashiyama la gueule de bois fusion cuisine

Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro

Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois We visit...

All Day Breakfast in Tokyo at Tractor, Nakameguro

Laid back, tattooed staff, grungy design, avocado on toast and cold drip coffee....

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ