A Food Lover’s Guide to Japan: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

Japan is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible range of culinary experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street markets. Whether you're a fan of sushi, ramen, or something more adventurous, Japan’s food scene has something to satisfy every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try dishes and where to find them on your journey through Japan.

Tokyo: The Heart of Japanese Cuisine

As Japan’s capital and largest city, Tokyo is a melting pot of traditional and modern cuisine. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Sushi – No visit to Tokyo is complete without experiencing authentic sushi. Head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi or visit Sukiyabashi Jiro for a world-class omakase experience.

• Ramen – Tokyo has several regional styles of ramen, but for a rich and flavourful bowl, try Shinjuku’s Ramen Streetor Ichiran Ramen for a solo dining experience tailored to your taste preferences.

• Wagyu Beef – For a luxurious treat, sample A5-grade wagyu at Ginza Steak or enjoy a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) experience at Yoroniku.

  
  

Osaka: Japan’s Street Food Capital

Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is famous for its vibrant street food scene and hearty comfort dishes:

• Takoyaki – These octopus-filled dough balls are best enjoyed at Dotonbori’s street stalls, where vendors serve them hot with a drizzle of mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce.

• Okonomiyaki – A savoury pancake filled with cabbage, meat, or seafood. Try it at Mizuno, a family-run okonomiyaki restaurant with a long history.

• Kushikatsu – Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables served with a tangy dipping sauce. Daruma in Shinsekai is the place to go for an authentic kushikatsu experience.

  
  

Kyoto: Tradition on a Plate

Kyoto, with its preserved temples and tea houses, offers refined cuisine rooted in tradition:

• Kaiseki Ryori – This multi-course dining experience is a must in Kyoto. Visit Kikunoi for a Michelin-starred kaiseki meal showcasing seasonal ingredients.

• Matcha Desserts – Kyoto is the birthplace of Japan’s matcha culture. Enjoy matcha-flavoured ice cream, mochi, and lattes at Tsujiri Honten.

• Tofu Cuisine – Tofu is taken to an art form in Kyoto. Yudofu Sagano in Arashiyama serves a delicate hot tofu dish in a beautiful setting.

  
  

Hokkaido: Seafood and Dairy Delights

Hokkaido’s colder climate and pristine waters make it a haven for fresh seafood and dairy products:

• Seafood Donburi – Enjoy a fresh seafood rice bowl topped with salmon, sea urchin, and ikura at Nijo Market in Sapporo.

• Miso Ramen – Unlike Tokyo’s soy-based ramen, Sapporo is famous for its rich miso ramen. Ramen Alley in Susukino offers several legendary ramen spots.

• Soft-Serve Ice Cream – Hokkaido’s dairy is some of the best in Japan. Try rich and creamy soft-serve ice cream at Milk Mura in Sapporo.

  
  

Fukuoka: The Birthplace of Tonkotsu Ramen

Fukuoka is famous for its rich and creamy pork bone broth ramen, as well as its vibrant yatai (food stall) culture:

• Hakata Ramen – This local speciality features thin noodles in a deeply flavourful tonkotsu broth. Ichiran Ramen’s original Fukuoka location is a must-visit.

• Motsunabe – A comforting hotpot made with beef or pork offal, cabbage, and garlic. Try it at Yamanaka.

• Yatai Food Stalls – Experience Fukuoka’s unique open-air food stalls serving yakitori, oden, and ramen along the Nakasu River.

  
  

Whether you’re slurping ramen in Fukuoka, indulging in sushi in Tokyo, or savouring matcha desserts in Kyoto, Japan offers a world of unforgettable flavours. Pack your appetite and get ready for a journey through one of the world’s greatest food destinations!

Bon appétit, or as they say in Japan, itadakimasu!