Japanese food is a huge reason to visit Japan. Traditional Japanese cuisine (washoku) is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and you can eat brilliantly at every price level, from a ¥200 onigiri at a convenience store to a counter seat at a Michelin-starred sushi bar. Here is the best food in Japan to try on your trip, and where to find it.
The Best Food in Japan
1. Sushi
Sushi in Japan ranges from cheap and cheerful conveyor-belt (kaitenzushi) restaurants to omakase counters where the chef serves piece after piece. Try nigiri (fish on rice) at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo or Omicho Market in Kanazawa. Eat it in one bite, and dip the fish side, not the rice, in soy sauce.
2. Sashimi
Thin slices of raw fish without rice let the quality speak for itself. Look for seasonal fish, and try regional specialties such as fresh scallops in Hokkaido.
3. Ramen
Every region has its own style: rich pork bone tonkotsu in Fukuoka, miso ramen in Sapporo, soy-based shoyu in Tokyo, and many more. Many ramen shops use ticket machines at the entrance. Slurping is encouraged.
4. Udon and soba
Thick, chewy udon wheat noodles are a specialty of Kagawa on Shikoku, while thin buckwheat soba is popular in Tokyo and the mountains. Both are served hot in broth or cold with a dipping sauce.
5. Tempura
Seafood and vegetables are fried in a light, crisp batter. At a tempura counter, pieces are served straight from the oil, one at a time.
6. Yakiniku and wagyu
At yakiniku restaurants, you grill bite-sized pieces of meat over a tabletop grill. Try wagyu, Japan's famously marbled beef, including Kobe, Matsusaka, and Omi beef.
7. Okonomiyaki and takoyaki
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake of cabbage, batter, and toppings, grilled on a hot plate. Osaka-style mixes everything together, while Hiroshima-style layers the ingredients with noodles. Takoyaki, fried balls of batter filled with octopus, is Osaka's favorite street food.
8. Gyoza
Pan-fried dumplings with crispy bottoms, often served with beer. Utsunomiya and Hamamatsu are famous for them.
9. Yakitori
Skewers of grilled chicken (every part of the chicken) seasoned with salt or a sweet sauce, best eaten at a small counter with a cold drink.
10. Tonkatsu
A thick breaded pork cutlet, served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a tangy sauce.
11. Kaiseki
A traditional multi-course meal of small, seasonal dishes, beautifully presented. The best way to try it is at a ryokan or a specialist restaurant in Kyoto.
12. Wagashi and matcha
Wagashi are traditional sweets, often made from rice flour and sweet bean paste, shaped to reflect the seasons. They are served with matcha, powdered green tea, at tea ceremonies. Uji near Kyoto is Japan's most famous matcha region.
13. Convenience store food
Don't skip Japan's konbini. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart sell excellent onigiri, sandwiches, fried chicken, bento, and desserts, all cheap and open 24 hours.
Where to Eat in Japan
- Markets: Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), Nishiki Market (Kyoto), Kuromon Market (Osaka), and Omicho Market (Kanazawa).
- Department store food halls (depachika): Basement floors full of beautiful takeaway food and sweets.
- Izakaya: Japanese pubs with small plates to share.
- Yokocho: Alleys of tiny bars and food stalls, such as Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku.
- Food streets: Osaka's Dotonbori is the place for street food.
Tips for Eating in Japan
- Don't tip. It isn't expected.
- Look for set lunches, which are much cheaper than dinner.
- Use the right apps. Tabelog and Google Maps help you find good restaurants. See our Japan travel apps list.
- Book popular restaurants ahead, especially sushi and kaiseki.
- Translate menus with your phone's camera. An egoViet Japan eSIM keeps you online wherever you eat.
Eating on a budget? Read how to do Japan on a budget, and plan your trip with our Japan travel guide.
FAQs: The Best Food in Japan
What food is Japan famous for?
Sushi, ramen, tempura, wagyu beef, udon, soba, okonomiyaki, and matcha sweets are among the most famous Japanese foods.
What is the best city for food in Japan?
Osaka is known as Japan's kitchen and is great for street food. Tokyo has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, and Fukuoka is famous for ramen and food stalls (yatai).
Is food expensive in Japan?
Not necessarily. Ramen, curry, beef bowls, and convenience store meals are cheap. Fine dining and high-end sushi can be very expensive.
Is it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?
No. Slurping noodles is normal and shows you are enjoying them.