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
All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu
A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
The Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11
On day 11 of our trip, we left Fukuoka and after a brief...
Mori Mori Sushi: Classy Kaitenzushi in Kanazawa
After living in Kanazawa for two years, I have become picky when it...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not...
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho
The Pontocho area is one of Kyoto’s go-to spots for food, drink and...
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
Catch your own meal at Zauo Fishing Restaurant Tokyo
Japan is synonymous with sushi. Every day, thousands of fisherman take to the...
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...
Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho
By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...
World’s Biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro
Whether you’re a coffee lover, architecture buff or just want to see what...
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...
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
A Circuit Through Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa, known as Shimokita by locals, is one of the primary centers of...
The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
There are few things more delicious and comforting than a plate of curry...
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
Serene Gardens, Exquisite Kaiseki and Feudal History at Fugetsuro, Shizuoka
Ah, Shizuoka. Rolling hectares of tea crops, vast lakes, rushing rivers, stretching coastlines...
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...
Doza and Shianbashi: Secret Shrines and Nagasaki Nightlife
I first stepped into Shianbashi, Nagasaki’s best nightlife...
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...
Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa
If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
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...
Isezushi: Michelin Star Sushi in Otaru, Hokkaido
The town of Otaru is a port town in Hokkaido, not too far from Sapporo....
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...
Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
Ikebukuro Tour: Sunshine City and Beyond
Of all the major transit and shopping hubs in Tokyo, Ikebukuro seems to...
Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties
From a prehistoric paste to the modern noodle,...
Unique Foods in Japan – A Guide
Japanese cuisine is varied and offers a wide range of dishes whatever your...
Dining in Dotonbori: Osaka’s Lively Entertainment District
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, which may leave you wondering exactly where...
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 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...
Cook your own dinner at Sakura Tei Okonomiyaki
The artistic interior of Harajuku Okonomiyaki purveyors 'Sakura Tei'.
Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi
Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...
Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto
Japanese curry tends not to be spicy. It’s unsurprising, when most Japanese people...
Exploring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura
Calling all okonomiyaki fans! If you haven’t already done so, you simply must...
Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa
Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...
Japanese Hot Pot Guide – Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu
Many types of nabemono 鍋物 or hot pot dishes exist as part of...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company
Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
Motsuyaki Ban, Tokyo’s original Lemon Sour Bar
We head to the birthplace of the Lemon Sour, ‘Motsuyaki Ban’
The Lemon Sour, a staple...
Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto
Superlative ramen restaurants are a dime a dozen in Japan. Standing out from...
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....
Myojinmaru’s Famous Salted Bonito Tataki
The word bonito would, for most, evoke the common visual of little flakes...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
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...
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku
Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...
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...
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 Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano
Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...
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...
Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
An American Style Cafe; Good Town Bakehouse in Yoyogi Uehara
“The Japanese people just do everything so authentically. They copy every last detail...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want to...
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...
The Char-Grilled Chicken Wonderland: Ukai Toriyama
As I sip my tea, a gentle breeze blows into our private dining...
A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Nakameguro Tour – A Taste of Trendiness
If you’re looking to get a taste of cozy bistros and trendy cafés,...
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...
A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo
OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....
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...
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...
Head to the Coast of Toyama to try Tara-jiru
On the eastern edge of Toyama Bay, the emerald waters deliver with every...
International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
A $500 Sandwich At Nakameguro’s Wagyu Mafia
In Tokyo, you can totally get by eating on a dime. But when...
Commune 2nd, Omotesando’s Food Truck Park Paradise
Tokyo food trucks at Commune 2nd, Omotesando.
Commune 2nd...
For Fabulous Shoyu Ramen, Head to Junteuchi Daruma
Whether it’s tonkotsu, salt, or miso, you’ll find all kinds of ramen in...
Meat-ya Asagaya: Tokyo’s Best Spaghetti House
Do one thing, and do it well. Many restaurants in Japan subscribe to...
All You Can Eat Candy at Tokyo’s Dagashi Bars
When visitors think of old school Japan, they no doubt picture kimono-clad geisha...
Shibuya’s Underbelly: A Walk Through Love Hotel Hill and Dogenzaka
Shibuya may have the reputation of being a teen shopping mecca with a...
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...
Soup Curry Ganesha—A Salaryman Favorite in Shinbashi
It’s an open secret for Tokyo diners—you’ll find all the great restaurants where...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
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...
Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi
Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya
*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating*
“Tonight there’s gonna...
Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima
If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...
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...
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
Hana wa Saku in Nakano Serves A Mean Bowl of Udon
One of our favourite areas in the metropolis to hang out and eat...
Explore Osaka’s Shinsaibashisuji shopping street
The Shinsaibashi area of Osaka is well-known for its shopping options and is...
The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa
Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...
An Unforgettable White Christmas In Japan: Destination Sapporo
Thinking about mixing things up and travelling this yuletide? Here’s an idea: why...
Best Yakitori in Nakameguro: Kushiwakamaru. The Stick Factory.
When people ask me what to eat in Tokyo, a hundred places immediately...
Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish
When it comes to regional dishes of Nagasaki, Champon wins the popularity contest...