RESTAURANTS

La gueule de bois in Nakameguro

RESTAURANTS

Japan is home to some of the best restaurants (food) in the world. With a UNESCO listed National cuisine (washoku) not to mention numerous Michelin starred restaurants in Japan, it’s no wonder people travel from far and wide just for a taste. Visitors are spoilt for choice with restaurants ranging from traditional Japanese to French, Italian and all in between. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable meal here. Japanese chefs take pride in their food and some of your best meals may come from the most unexpected places. In order to help you find your way, we have compiled some of the best restaurants in Japan. Read below for more information.

POPULAR POSTS

Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai

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

Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi

Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...

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...

Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market

Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
adding an egg to your pasta

Superb Slurps at street pasta company

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

Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi

Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...

All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu

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

Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House

Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...
kochi bonito tataki myojinmaru

Myojinmaru’s Famous Salted Bonito Tataki

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

An Unforgettable White Christmas In Japan: Destination Sapporo

Thinking about mixing things up and travelling this yuletide? Here’s an idea: why...
A30 - Header

A Leisurely Yokohama Seashore Tour

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

International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta

Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....

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...

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...

Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho

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

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

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

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...

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...
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...

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

Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...

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,...

Best Oyaki in Nagano: Ogawanosho, steps from Zenkoji Temple

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

Matcha Pancakes at ‘A Happy Pancake’ Kyoto

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

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

If you like soup and if you love...

Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa

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

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

One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Mixed sashimi platter at Tobusakana

Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...

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

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

Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1

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

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....
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...
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...

The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu

Cinephiles coming to Tokyo could definitely put together a movie-based pilgrimage trip. Movie-themed...

Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa

Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...

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...

JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo

Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...

All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars

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

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

Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
tokyo-burger-golden-brown-best-nakameguro-higashiyama-header

Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro

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

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...

Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku

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

Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish

When it comes to regional dishes of Nagasaki, Champon wins the popularity contest...

Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando

Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...

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...

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...

Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo

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

Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto

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

Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’

The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...

Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho

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

Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide

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

A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando

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

A Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano

Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...

Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho

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

A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama

The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...

Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties

From a prehistoric paste to the modern noodle,...
shabu shabu nabe sukiyaki

Japanese Hot Pot Guide – Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu

Many types of nabemono 鍋物 or hot pot dishes exist as part of...
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....

An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara

“The Japanese people just do everything so authentically. They copy every last detail...

The 10 Best Foods to Eat at Nishiki Market, Kyoto

Food lovers rejoice, the Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto is a mecca for...

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

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

Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo

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

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...

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...
okonomiyaki

Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki

The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.

Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto

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

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...

Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market

Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
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...

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...

Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness

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

Doza and Shianbashi: Secret Shrines and Nagasaki Nightlife

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

California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya

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

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...
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...

Delicious Tempura Soba at Nozawa Onsen’s Sobadokoro Daimon

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

The Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11

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

Finding Good Fortune on an Ebisu Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Matsuya, The Blue And Yellow Beef Bowl Place

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

Bib Gourmand Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine: Shigetsu in Arashiyama

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

The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa

Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...

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...

Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.

When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
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...

Standing Yakiniku Restaurant Jiromaru: a great place for A5 Wagyu Beef

Whenever I have visitors in town, I love taking them to a stand-up...