- Destinations
- /June 9, 2024
Must try foods in Japan!
When traveling to Japan, be prepared to have many wonderful food experiences. Japan is a culinary wonderland, offering an incredible variety of dishes that cater to most tastes. Japan’s food scene is rich, diverse, and incredibly delicious. Here’s a guide to some must try foods in Japan and where to find them.
Keep in mind, we traveled to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. But we have also added some other essential places to try some of Japan’s wonderful dishes.
1. Sushi & Sashimi
Where to Try: Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, sushi restaurants across Japan
Sushi and sashimi are probably the most famous Japanese foods worldwide. Fresh, raw fish served with rice or alone, often accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger—these dishes are a must-try. Head to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market for a taste of some of the freshest fish possible.
Throughout Japan, you will find both affordable and high-end restaurants serving wonderful dishes!
We fell in love with a chain called Kura Sushi. It’s all throughout Japan and is the classic conveyor belt sushi, like you’ve heard of or maybe already tried. It’s affordable and very easy for tourists since you can order your favorites through a tablet at the table.
2. Ramen
Where to Try: Tokyo, Sapporo, Fukuoka
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish that comes in many regional varieties. Sapporo is known for its miso ramen, Fukuoka for its tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen, and Tokyo for its shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. Each bowl of ramen is a unique, savory experience. You can’t really go wrong with any pick of restaurant here since this is a national dish. Pretty much no matter where you have it, it’s going to be delicious!
3. Tempura
Where to Try: Tokyo, Kyoto
Tempura consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. The key to perfect tempura is the batter, which should be light and airy, and the oil, which should be fresh and clean. Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce or flavored salt.
4. Okonomiyaki
Where to Try: Osaka, Hiroshima
Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with a variety of ingredients like cabbage, pork, and seafood, and topped with a tangy sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. Osaka and Hiroshima have their own unique styles, so trying both is highly recommended.
5. Takoyaki
Where to Try: Osaka
Takoyaki are octopus-filled balls of batter, cooked in a special molded pan. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are typically topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. These make for a perfect street food snack. This was 100% one of our favorites on our trip. It seemed a bit simple, but we were so pleasantly surprised! We tried the most famous one on social media in Osaka. But our favorite was actually a smaller stall, and we wish we had gotten more while we were there.
6. Katsu
Where to Try: Katsu restaurants throughout Japan
Katsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork or beef cutlet, often served with shredded cabbage and a tangy sauce. Variations include katsudon (tonkatsu served over rice with a savory-sweet egg sauce) and miso katsu (served with a rich miso sauce). There are a variety of amazing places serving this dish. But a fun way to eat katsu is at places where you finish cooking it yourself. We went twice to a big chain called Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu. They have restaurants throughout all of Japan, and the quality and price are very good!
7. Unagi
Where to Try: Tokyo, Nagoya
Unagi, or freshwater eel, is often grilled and glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce. It’s typically served over rice in a dish called unadon or unaju. The best unagi can be found in specialist restaurants, particularly in Nagoya and Tokyo.
8. Soba & Udon
Where to Try: Throughout Japan
Soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) are traditional Japanese noodles served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce. Each region in Japan has its own variations and specialties. Don’t miss trying zaru soba (cold soba noodles) during the summer!
9. Matcha
Where to Try: Kyoto
Matcha, or powdered green tea, is a popular flavor for sweets in Japan. You can find matcha-flavored everything from ice cream and cakes to traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets). Kyoto, the home of matcha, offers the best matcha desserts! You can find pretty much anything made with matcha, so be ready to fill all your matcha cravings here.
Conclusion Japan’s culinary landscape is as varied and dynamic as its culture. Exploring Japanese food is a journey on its own, and we would not recommend you miss anything. Whether you’re a fan of seafood, noodles, or sweets, there’s something in Japan’s rich culinary heritage to satisfy every palate.
Happy eating!