Everything You Need To Eat On Your Trip To Japan
Few countries can compete with Japan when it comes to food. While sushi, sashimi, and ramen may be the first things you think of when it comes to Japan’s culinary offerings, the country offers a wider range of exciting and unique flavors (and textures!).
For many travelers to Japan, if food isn’t the sole purpose of your trip, it at least plays an important role in how you experience the country. While Japanese food can be a polarizing experience at times, it is a one of a kind culinary culture that should not be missed.
Be sure to also check out the companion podcast to this post here.
Rotation Sushi
Often referred to as ‘sushi train’s’, ‘sushi go round’ or ‘conveyor belts’, rotation sushi restaurants feature small plates that move around the restaurant on a conveyor belt. At the end of your meal, your bill is calculated by how many plates you have consumed. While not the highest quality sushi by Japanese standards, these restaurants usually far surpass the quality of your average sushi joint in North America and are as fun as they are delicious.
Sushiro — 2–11–22 Kitakasai, Edogawa, Tokyo Prefecture
A favorite of The Professional Hobo, Nora Dunn, this restaurant boasts some of the highest quality rotation sushi out there
Genki Sushi Co. Ltd. — 2 Chome-29–11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150–0043
Located in the heart of Shibuya Crossing, this conveyor restaurant lets you order on iPads and your food will be delivered in record-breaking time. Extra bonus, this restaurant is open until midnight every day
Fresh Sushi and Sashimi
Sushi Dai — 5 Chome-2–1 Tsukiji, Chūō, Tokyo 104–0045
Even though there may be a line up when you arrive, Sushi Dai is worth the wait for their incredibly fresh daily selection
Daiki — 1–1–86 Noda Fukushima-Ku, Osaka
Located in the Osaka Fish Market, this little shop is easy to miss but is definitely worth the hunt
Tsukiji Fish Market — 5 Chome-2–1 Tsukiji, Chūō, Tokyo 104–0045
Be prepared to get up at 2 or 3 am in order to stand in line for entrance to the Fish Market, which opens in the early hours of the morning. Watch the fresh catches of the day roll in and experience where the top restaurants in Tokyo get their fish.
Okonomiyaki
One of the strangest, and most memorable, things you may take away from your culinary experience in Japan is Okonomiyaki. Directly translated as “what you like grilled” this savory pancake containing a variety of toppings is sometimes referred to as a ‘Japanese Pizza’.
Botejyu — 4 Chome-3–21 Nanba, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542–0076
Established in 1946, Botejyu was one of the first restaurants to offer okonomiyaki and is a must visit in Osaka.
Okonomimura — 5–13 Shintenchi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730–0034, Hiroshima Prefecture
Okonomimura began as a street full of food stalls and eventually united to create the modern-day Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
Tempura
Unlike American Japanese restaurants, where you are able to get a large variety of food under one roof, Japanese restaurants often prefer to specialize in one thing and do it really, really well. If you are a fan of tempura, make sure to check out one (or all) of these specialty tempura restaurants.
Funabashiya — 3–28–14 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Funabashiya is an incredibly well-known tempura restaurant in Tokyo, having been around for over 100 years. Expect to wait in line as people tend to queue before the shop is even open.
Tsukiji Yabu Soba — 1–4–1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo 103–0022, Tokyo Prefecture
Located near the Tsukiji Fish Market, Tsukiji Yabu Soba is known for their signature buckwheat soba noodles topped with seafood tempura fresh from the market.
Beef
World Famous Japanese Wagyu Beef is categorized into multiple categories. Kobe, Ohmi and Matsusaka are the three most famous grades. While Kobe is the most famous, all three are regarded extremely highly. Fun fact, Matsusaka beef is famous for its incredible quality and for the highly pampered cows, which are said to be fed beer and receive massages.
Takenaka Meat Shop — 813 Arimacho, Kita-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
When in Kobe, you must try the beef! This market is easy on the budget while still giving you a taste of the world-famous Wagyu.
Yakiniku
Similar to Korean Barbeque, this ancient technique is a great way to experience the Japanese food scene hands on.
Yakiniku Kobeya — 2–15–28 Shinjuku | 2F Marusho Bldg, Shinjuku 160–0022, Tokyo Prefecture
This restaurant is easy on the wallet and will give you a great sense of traditional yakiniku.
Menyotei Gojo Store — 4 Chome Minami 5 Jonishi Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Combining traditional Yakiniku with hot pot, people in Sapporo love the ‘Genghis Khan’ of meals.
Japanese Curry
Some may find it surprising that curry is one of the most popular meals in Japan. Consisting of curry rice, curry udon and curry bread, make sure try out Japan’s version of curry.
Yakuzen Curry Jinenjo — 5–9–25 Yanaka Taito, Tokyo
A local favorite, this restaurant uses a blend of 11 Indian spices, 8 Japanese vegetables, and 6 Chinese herbs to give their curry a distinct and delicious taste.
Manten — 1–54 Kanda Jinbocho Chiyoda Tokyo
Located just over 300 meters from Jimbocho station, this is a budget-friendly option with a wide variety of options to choose from.
Ramen and Tsukemen
Ramen is everywhere in Tokyo, from small hole-in-the-wall places that only signify they are restaurants by the vending machine in which you buy food tickets from, to Michelin quality joints.
Attention all Vegans! While vegan and vegetarian meals are difficult to find in Japan, this ramen shop has 3 locations (with their flagship store inside Tokyo JR Station), this is one that you might just keep coming back too.
Honda — 1–14 Ichimura Building, Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
For only 350 Yen this is definitely one of the cheapest ramen bowls you will find in Japan. Usually buzzing with college students, it doesn’t get much more local than this.
Kissou — 1–11–3 Toyo, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Kissou has both outstanding Ramen as well as Tsukemen. Tsukemen is regarded as a deconstructed ramen. Broth is served piping hot in a separate bowl with the rest of the components to be dipped into the broth. A must try while in Japan.
Clearly, Japan has an outstanding food scene that should truly be appreciated while traveling throughout the country. It is impossible to name every delicious restaurant in the country, these are some of ours, what are yours?
Have You Checked Out HI! Japan?
This article is only half the fun! Be sure to also check out the Japan Youth Hostel Inc ‘s HI! Japan Podcast, featuring more information and interviews with budget travelers to Japan!
Be sure to check out all of our amazing contributors!
- Travis Sherry of Extra Pack Of Peanuts & Location Indie
- Nomadic Matt
- Nora Dunn of The Professional Hobo
- Stephen Bugno of Gomad Nomad & Bohemian Traveler
- Amanda & Ryan of The World Wanderers
- Simona & Jure of Slovenians Travel
- Marie & Sam
- Moataz Ahmed
- Shazeen Pirani
- Anna McLendon
- Aubrey Newberry
- Linsday May
Thanks
HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.
The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns and the team at Counterweight Creative.
With help from Japan World Link
This article is written by Karina Penner. Based out of Canada, Karina has a passion for all things global. An avid traveler, culture seeker and fearless foodie, Karina loves to experience the world and share her stories through the written word.
