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

Forests, Lakes and Ancient Trails: Day trips in the Kiso-Valley

Deep in the mountains of Nagano prefecture, sidling the Japanese Central Alps, lies...
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...

Omicho Market, Where Kanazawa Does Its Shopping

Omicho Market, also known as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen”, has been feeding the city as...

Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen Packs Rich, Porky Goodness

A bowl of ramen is a wonderfully comforting...

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...

The Jogasaki Coast: Hiking through Volcanic Cliffs and Quiet Capes

After a morning spent witnessing volcanic archery and visiting a capybara onsen, my...

Japanese Food for Fussy Eaters

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

Housekibako – A Shaved Ice Experience in Nara to Treasure

Kakigori, or shaved ice, is having a moment in culinary culture. That’s no...

Tokyo Day Trip: Koedo, Kawagoe’s Breath of Edo

We hear music in the distance. Drums beat and flutes whistle a traditional...

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

The area of Ebisu, close to the din of Shibuya, is the perfect...

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

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

Chinzao: Taiwanese Tea House in Ine Village

Ine, the quaint fishing village in Kyōto’s northwest, is arguably one of the...

All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...

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...

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...
Two slices

Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo

Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...

Food and Fresh Air at Fukuoka’s Yatai

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

Head to the Coast of Toyama to try Tara-jiru 

On the eastern edge of Toyama Bay, the emerald waters deliver with every...

Exploring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura

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

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,...

Natural Ice Kakigori in Saitama: Asami Reizou

One of the best ways to cool down in the Japanese summer is...
adding an egg to your pasta

Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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

Phenomenal Ramen in the Suburbs: Shibasakitei in Umegaoka

With literally thousands of ramen restaurants in Central Tokyo and across the Greater...
arashiyama-kyoto-teahouse-luxury-daytrip-suiran-cafe-hassui

Café Hassui, Arashiyama’s Luxury Teahouse

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist...

The Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11

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

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

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

Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise

If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
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...
Junteuchi Daruma's shoyu ramen is beautiful to behold.

For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma

Whether it’s tonkotsu, salt, or miso, you’ll find all kinds of ramen in...

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...
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...

Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho

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

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...

Kengo Kuma’s Starbucks design in Fukuoka

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has been making headlines lately for his epic design of the...

Best Oyaki in Nagano: Ogawanosho, steps from Zenkoji Temple

While Nagano Prefecture’s geography is not conducive to...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties

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

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...

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...
suntory yamazaki distillery whisky whiskey

Suntory Yamazaki Whisky Distillery Tours

Whiskey. Ireland and Scotland both claim to have first created it—in fact the...

Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto

Anyone in Japan (or surveying it via Instagram) knows that pancakes are it...

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...

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...

First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets

Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...

Doza and Shianbashi: Secret Shrines and Nagasaki Nightlife

I first stepped into Shianbashi, Nagasaki’s best nightlife...

Sampling, Shopping and Snacking at Tokyu Food Show

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

Tokyo Station Bars: Top-shelf Drinking In The Urban Hub

Like most Tokyo neighborhoods, the area surrounding Tokyo Station has a thriving nightlife...

Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo

Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...

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

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

Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa

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

What to Eat and Drink in Arima Onsen 

Nestled in the Rokko mountains behind Kobe City, Arima Onsen is considered one...

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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

Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.

Bib Gourmand Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine: Shigetsu in Arashiyama

As I swept aside Shigetsu’s entrance curtain an hour ahead of my reservation,...
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...

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...

Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants

If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...

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

Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...
Half and half ochazuke

Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita

Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...

Exclusive Beers and A History Lesson at Sapporo Beer Museum

When planning my debut visit to Sapporo, I quickly realised I knew very...
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...
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....

The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto

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

A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku

One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
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...

Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando

So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...

Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...

Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian

Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...

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

Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
Chicken vegetable soup curry at Ganesha

Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi

It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...

Things To Do (And Eat) in Nagano City

The main hall of Zenkoji Temple As a mountainous...

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...

World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro

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

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?...

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?

If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...

Matsumoto Musts: Folk Crafts and Unique Foods To Seek Out

Like many of Japan’s prefectures, Matsumoto has some fantastic local specialties. From unique...

Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa

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

A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...

Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
terminal-3-narita-sushi-tatsu-standing-bar-2

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...
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...

Join in the Japanese tradition of eating KFC for Christmas

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

Delicious Tempura Soba at Nozawa Onsen’s Sobadokoro Daimon

Whether you’ve come to Nozawa Onsen in search...

Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...

Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto

Japanese curry tends not to be spicy. It’s unsurprising, when most Japanese people...

Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin

These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
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...
Dining Sushi in Japan

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...

Nagasaki Champon: The City’s Most Famous Regional Dish

Also known as Chanpon (with an ‘n’), this is a local Nagasaki dish...

Explore Osaka’s Shinsaibashisuji shopping street

The Shinsaibashi area of Osaka is well-known for its shopping options and is...
far yeast brewery tokyo

Tokyo Craft Beer at Far Yeast Brewing in Shibuya

Note: the Shibuya location moved to Gotanda to...

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

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

Bib Gourmand Ramen at Kyoto’s Menya Inoichi Hanare

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

Roppongi Tour: Soaring Heights and Night Life

Full of bustling shoppers and businesspeople by day and partygoers by night, Roppongi...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

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

RECENT POSTS

MUST READ