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
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...
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....
First Avenue: Characters, Ramen and Sweets
Tokyo Station is way more than just a place to change trains! Within...
Aoyama Trek: A Nature and Architecture Walk
Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with countless landscapes to explore. Besides the main...
Healthy Fast Food at Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku
The idea of healthy fast food may seem...
Classic Burgers at Golden Brown, Nakameguro
Tokyo is home to plenty of burger joints;...
Mori Mori Sushi: Classy Kaitenzushi in Kanazawa
After living in Kanazawa for two years, I have become picky when it...
Exploring Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki at Okonomimura
Calling all okonomiyaki fans! If you haven’t already done so, you simply must...
Gloriously Decadent Sukiyaki at Ningyocho Imahan
If you want a meal that’s guaranteed to...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want to...
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...
Ambling Asakusa Tour: A Tour of Old Tokyo Part 3
After a leisurely boat ride along the Sumida River, you will arrive in...
Ponipirika Soup Curry Is A Perfect Late Lunch in Shimokitazawa
Besides seafood, Hokkaido’s best export must be soup curry. This is exactly as...
Head to the Coast of Toyama to try Tara-jiru
On the eastern edge of Toyama Bay, the emerald waters deliver with every...
Grab an exquisite lunch at Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku
Hayama Ramen, Shinjuku. Some of the best ramen in Tokyo.
Head To Toriyoshi For Some Juicy, Smoky, High-Quality Yakitori
Many cultures have something similar to yakitori in their cuisine—meat or vegetables threaded...
Pre-war nostalgia at Asakusa Okonomiyaki restaurant ‘Sometaro’
The Tokyo neighbourhood of Asakusa is a major...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Harajuku, Tokyo
OK, so you’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or shopping all day....
Freshly Fried Seafood At The New Toyosu Market
Tokyo’s world famous Tsukiji Market has now officially...
Japanese Table Manners: A Full Guide
Table manners vary between all countries across the world. Even nations that are...
Could ‘American’ Be The Biggest Sandwich In Tokyo?
Ginza, Tokyo. An upscale neighbourhood all about high-end shopping and dining. As such, many cuisines...
Refined Kaiseki and Stunning Gardens at Tofuya Ukai
We follow our hostess through the twisting and turning hallways of the converted...
Stunning Izakaya Food at Fuwari in Kanazawa
If you’re looking for a special but affordable dinner in Kanazawa, a great...
An Unforgettable White Christmas In Japan: Destination Sapporo
Thinking about mixing things up and travelling this yuletide? Here’s an idea: why...
Tobusakana—A Local Seafood Izakaya in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is known for vintage fashion, soup curry, and cafes. The unceasing renovation...
Natural Ice Kakigori in Saitama: Asami Reizou
One of the best ways to cool down in the Japanese summer is...
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...
Iwasa Sushi, Toyosu Market
Though Tsukiji Market has closed and is settling into its new location at...
Japanese Hot Pot Guide – Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu
Many types of nabemono 鍋物 or hot pot dishes exist as part of...
The restaurant that inspired Quentin Tarantino: Gonpachi Nishi Azabu
Cinephiles coming to Tokyo could definitely put together a movie-based pilgrimage trip. Movie-themed...
Torimero yakitori: A cheap chain restaurant with many locations in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo you take some things for granted. Two of these things...
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...
Togakushi Soba: One Of Nagano’s Unique Varieties
From a prehistoric paste to the modern noodle,...
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,...
Late Night Eats at Ebisu Yokocho
By day, the neighbourhood of Ebisu hums with shoppers, museum-goers and the lunchtime...
Ranshu: Best Boiled Dumplings in Tokyo?
There are many places to enjoy drinking in greater Tokyo; whether you’re rubbing shoulders with...
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...
Superb Slurps at street pasta company
There’s no shortage of great noodle places in...
The Best Tantanmen in Tokyo: Bazoku
Japan, 1977. The economy was booming, black-and-white television was a distant memory and baseball legend...
Pizza Slice—A Taste of New York in Tokyo
Japanese pizza has a reputation for being a little strange. Where else would...
Dashi Chazuke En: Comfort Food Before A Flight at Narita
Narita International Airport has dozens of eating options, from ramen and sushi to...
Best Oyaki in Nagano: Ogawanosho, steps from Zenkoji Temple
While Nagano Prefecture’s geography is not conducive to...
Delicious French Fusion in Nakameguro
Outside the Nakameguro French Restaurant, La Gueule de Bois
We visit...
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...
JK For A Day: Embracing Your Inner Teen In Tokyo
Living in Japan, I can’t help but look around at all the cute...
Get Your Fill at Tokyo’s All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants
If you arrive in Tokyo with a big appetite, you should have every...
Hearty Tsukemen in Akihabara: Menya Musashi Bujin
These days, ramen is a household name. But have you ever heard of...
Stupendous Wood-Fired Pizza at da ISA in Nakameguro
Japanese pizza is notoriously ‘weird’—as many disgruntled expats might like to complain. Putting...
Doza and Shianbashi: Secret Shrines and Nagasaki Nightlife
I first stepped into Shianbashi, Nagasaki’s best nightlife...
Exploring Local Nightlife at a Japanese Yokocho
For an authentic, down-to-earth Japanese dining experience, head straight for the nearest yokocho,...
Sangenjaya Tour – Burgers, Cafes and a Stop in the Park
Tokyo is filled with trendy neighborhoods. Some of them, like Ginza, are more...
Healthy Vegan Dining at Restaurant 8ablish, Omotesando
Omotesando on the weekend is a bustling place. The wide streets and footpaths...
Where to get an afternoon drink in Omotesando
So, I totally get it. You’re on vacation and you’ve been sightseeing or...
Spicy, Soupy, Sublime: That’s Soup Curry at Yellow Company
Eat out in Japan often enough and you’ll notice a certain dearth of...
Anonymous pleasures at No Name Ramen in Kyoto
Superlative ramen restaurants are a dime a dozen in Japan. Standing out from...
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...
Healthy Vegan Lunches at Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando
Vegan-friendly meals used to be difficult to find...
Vegan Food in Tokyo: A Complete Guide
Travelling while vegan can be difficult; worrying about whether you’re going to be...
Hinatomaru: A Sushi Bar Making A Case for Tuna Head Sushi
Asakusa is not the first place most people think of when it comes...
Arashiyama’s Luxury Tofu Kaiseki at Shoraian
Arashiyama is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Kyoto. The wide,...
A Curry To Remember At Joto Curry Shibuya Honten
Shibuya can feel more like a nightlife and shopping area than a culinary...
Finding New York Style Pizza at The Pizza in Hiroo
One of the first things I tell people who visit Tokyo is that...
Japanese Country Town Profile: One Day In Kiso Fukushima
If you’re planning a trip to the Kiso Valley, perhaps to walk the...
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...
Gallivanting around Ginza – A Tour Through Old Tokyo Part 1
Many people come to Tokyo for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku....
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...
Prime Chicken and Flaming Charcoal at Ganchan Roppongi
Yakitori has to be one of my favourite meals in Japan. It’s an...
California Cuisine from a San Francisco punk rock veteran in Shibuya
*Note: This restaurant is no longer operating*
“Tonight there’s gonna...
Sara Udon: Nagasaki’s OTHER Famous Regional Dish
When it comes to regional dishes of Nagasaki, Champon wins the popularity contest...
Dining in Dotonbori: Osaka’s Lively Entertainment District
Osaka is Japan’s second largest city, which may leave you wondering exactly where...
Tokyo Rojiura Soup Curry Samurai, Shimokitazawa
Look up Shimokitazawa in most guides to the city, and you’ll quickly discover...
Myojinmaru’s Famous Salted Bonito Tataki
The word bonito would, for most, evoke the common visual of little flakes...
The 10 Best Foods to Eat at Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Food lovers rejoice, the Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto is a mecca for...
A Visit To The Oldest Eel Restaurant in Tokyo: Izuei Honten
Unagi is a bit of a thing in Japan. Loved for centuries with...
A Charming Kyoto Lunch Course at Tsuburano in Higashiyama
The rickshaw driver pants as he passes by, breathlessly regaling the couple in...
Toyosu Market Sushi Restaurant: Iso Sushi
Iso Sushi (or Isozushi) restaurant was a Tsukiji...
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...
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...
Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not...
The best Jingisukan in Sapporo: Daruma
Many of Japan’s towns and regions boast a local speciality or two; a unique product...
Unlimited Fun at Kabukicho’s Okinawa Paradise
If you’re after a rowdy night with Tokyo locals, look no further than...
The Retro Post-War Izakaya of Hoppy Dori, Asakusa
Asakusa found prosperity in the Edo era. A veritable playground for rice dealers,...
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...
Unique Foods in Japan – A Guide
Japanese cuisine is varied and offers a wide range of dishes whatever your...
All Rise for Kikuya’s Standing Tempura in Ebisu
A standing restaurant is the epitome of Japanese efficiency. No seats means more...
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...
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 Healing Waters of Hitoyoshi: Tokyo to Okinawa Day 11
On day 11 of our trip, we left Fukuoka and after a brief...
Delicious Yakiniku at Hiro Beef, Pontocho
The Pontocho area is one of Kyoto’s go-to spots for food, drink 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...
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...
Forests, Lakes and Ancient Trails: Day trips in the Kiso-Valley
Deep in the mountains of Nagano prefecture, sidling the Japanese Central Alps, lies...
Gluten-Free in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
Visiting new places with an allergy can be hard. However, knowing what you...
International Food in Tokyo: Injera, Poutine, and Pasta
Travelers visiting Tokyo are spoiled for options when it comes to Japanese food....
Soup Curry in Tokyo: Where and Why You Should Eat It
If you like soup and if you love...
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 Tuna Extravaganza at Maguro Mart in Nakano
Tuna lovers visiting Tokyo should consider a meal at Maguro Mart. As the...
Gomaya Kuki – World’s Richest Black Sesame Ice Cream?
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re visiting Japan, green tea-flavoured desserts...
A Brooklyn Brunch that’s Beyonce approved, right in Harajuku
One day I was on my way to Harry’s Sandwich Co., and I...
Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto
Japanese curry tends not to be spicy. It’s unsurprising, when most Japanese people...











































































































