Expand Your Culinary Horizon on this Epic Japan Food Tour
One thing everyone can agree on is that food the most important and fun part about traveling. Getting to taste new flavors and cuisines is one of the best parts about visiting exotic places. And Japan is home to some of the best food on the planet. From a savory bowl of ramen to the freshest sushi in the world, every piece of this country’s gastronomy is a divine work of art. This Japan food guide will tell you exactly which iconic (& a few eccentric) meals you must try on your next trip. いただきます (Itadakimasu)!
Signature Japan Food:
First we’ll begin with the iconic Japanese dishes that can be found all across Japan. These are famous Japan food specialties with excellent quality and ingredients. Each region has their own variety of signature meals, but if you’re looking to find anything, Tokyo is the place to start!
1. Sushi
Sushi in its plethora of forms is considered one of the best delicacies you can eat in Japan. While nothing like the overcomplicated rolls found in the states, Japanese sushi is typically served with simple ingredients (just rice & fish) that just melt away in your mouth. One of the best places to try some of the freshest in the world is at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo. Sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite and can be consumed with the hands. Here’s a few ways to enjoy sushi in Japan:
- Nigiri – The most commonly prepared form, a slice of raw fish over sushi-grade rice
- Sashimi – Slices of raw fish
- Maki – Bite-sized pieces of rice & fish wrapped in seaweed paper
- Kaiten Sushi – Also known as Sushi go-round or conveyor belt sushi, just grab any plate you like and pay at the end! It’s affordable and you get to try a variety different sushi.
- Omakase – Literally translating to “I leave the details to you”, omakase is a unique luxury dining experience like no other. A chef prepares each piece individually and presents it to you one after another. Can be quite expensive and many places need reservations in advance.
2. Ramen
Another quintessential Japanese meal to try is ramen, which can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night. It comes in a variety of forms, with each region presenting different flavors from Kyoto to Tokyo style. Most are topped with a slice of pork, an egg, scallions and a piece of seaweed but the unique broths are what make the difference. One of the most popular spots is at Ichiran in Tokyo, some which are open 24hrs but usually have a long line. Here’s a few types of ramen that are a must try:
- Shoyu – A clear and light broth made from soy sauce
- Tonkotsu – A thicker, creamy broth made from pork bone
- Miso – A strong broth with a sharp umami taste made from fermented bean paste
- Shio – A very light broth made from salt
- Udon – This is a different noodle that is much thicker than the typical ramen
3. Okonomiyaki
Often referred to “as you like pancake”, this savory flat mix of batter includes a ton of ingredients like eggs, green onions, cabbage, and meat topped with bonito fish flakes and a signature sauce. It is often cooked right in front of you on a flat grill and is a specialty in Osaka.
4. Takoyaki
Another specialty from Osaka’s legendary street food scene, Takoyaki is a small doughball filled with octopus. It’s delicious but can be extremely hot so watch your tongue!
5. Tonkatsu
Tonkatsu is a deep fried breaded pork cutlet served along side a pile of shredded cabbage and sauces. Very similar to the German schnitzel, but way more tender and just melts away in your mouth.
6. Donburri / Gyudon
Another classic Japanese staple is donburri, aka a rice bowl. Gyudon is a type of rice bowl topped with slices of beef and sometimes even a raw egg! One of our favorite chains in Tokyo was Yoshinoya.
7. Japanese Curry
Japanese Curry is a complex blend of spices usually served over rice and is considered the country’s national dish.
8. Tempura
Tempura is a very common street food consisting of seafood on a stick deep fried in a thin batter.
9. Yakisoba
This Chinese inspired dish is made from wheat flower and is essentially a Japanese noodle stir-fry with vegetables, meat, and a sweet & savory sauce.
10. Soba Noodles
Unlike Yakisoba, Soba noodles are made from a buckwheat flower and can be served hot or cold. They are often accompanied with separate dipping sauces.
11. Onigiri
This infamous triangular rice-ball is the symbol of Japenese snacks. They are usually filled with fish, meat, or umeboshi (pickled plum) and are synonymous with the quick Konbini (convenience stores like 711, Lawsons, or Family Mart) fast food that is delicious and cheap.
12. Omurice
This hearty breakfast meal is a creamy omelette stuffed with chicken and rice and topped with a ketchup sauce.
13. Wagyu Beef
Renowned as one of the most expensive meats in the world, Wagyu is a Japanese beef cattle with extraordinary marbling which gives it an unparalleled tenderness and a rich buttery flavor. We had an excellent piece during our day trip to Mount Fuji.
14. Kushikatsu
Another staple in the Osaka food scene, Kushikatsu is a variety of deep fried skewers of meat and vegetables typically served as a bar snack. Check out this epic Osaka street food tour for some great local spots!
15. Shabu-shabu
This is a popular Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat boiled in water and served with dipping sauces.
16. Kaiseki-ryōri
For a traditional Japanese dining experience consider trying Kaiseki-ryōri. This is a multi-course Japanese dinner comprised of various side dishes usually including rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and tofu. This was included in our stay at the traditional ryokan in Kyoto.
17. Gyoza
Gyoza is a crispy fried Japanese dumpling filled with ground meat or vegetables.
18. Nikuman
Pretty much just the Japanese version of a Chinese bao bun, nikuman is a delicious steamed meat snack that is quick and easy to eat. Filled with ground pork and cabbage, you can find them at most konbinis.
Strange Japan Food
Every culture has its own dietary oddities unique to that country. While most food in Japan is palatable for any picky eater, there are a few eccentric dishes to experiment with. Here’s a few of the exotic meals to try in Japan and a couple of obscure meals only the bravest foodies might venture to.
19. Unagi / Anago
Unagi is a freshwater eel while anago is a saltwater eel. It is served grilled and coated in a thick barbecue-like sauce that is delicious. It is prepared over rice, sushi, or on a stick.
20. Takotamago
Takotamago is a grilled baby octopus stuffed with a boiled quail egg on a stick. This bite-sized red snack is a specialty in Kyoto and can be found in the Nishiki Market.
21. Yakitori
These chicken skewers are grilled over a charcoal fire and often served in an Izakaya or small shops as a late night bar snack. Although hard to tell at a glance, the meat can come from over 30 different parts of the chicken, including chicken cartilage, heart, liver, thigh, gizzard, and more.
22. Natto
Natto is made from soy beans fermented in the bacterial strain of Bacillus subtilis. Its unappealing, pungent, and slimy appearance my be unappetizing at first, but it does grow on you. There are also great health benefits so it’s worth a try.
23. Fugu
For those searching for a dining experience truly on the edge of life and death, fugu might be it. Pufferfish have a toxin that is 1,000 times more deadly than cyanide and is the most dangerous consumed delicacy in the world. Fortunately (or unfortunately?), the Japanese have become skilled enough to cut around the deadliest parts and serve it as sashimi. Only the most qualified chefs are allowed to prepare it so trying a bite is (mostly safe).
Japan Food: Desserts
Japan food also includes a bunch of tasty sweets! Here are a few desserts you should look out for when visiting different cities.
24. Fluffy Cheesecake
One of the best desserts we tried in Japan was found in none other than Japan’s kitchen; Osaka! Order the incredibly fluffy cake from Rikuro’s in the heart of downtown. The cake is known for its jiggly nature but its fluffy, airy, and light properties made it taste more like a pound cake than a cheese cake.
25. Taiyaki
Taiyaki is a fish-shaped waffle filled with red bean paste, chocolate, custard, or a number of other unexpected fillings.
26. Mochi
This gummy and glutinous little rice cake has a ton of flavors and can even be served as ice cream. The Matcha mochi is especially tasty.
27. Ten Yen Cheese Coin
The Ten Yen cheese coin is a popular pancake filled with a cheesy center and is ironically not 10 Yen. A popular place to find it is on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo, where you can also find a wide array of sweets like crepes, cotton candy, candied fruits, and more!
28. Dango
Dango is a Japanese dumpling made out of rice flour and shaped into a ball. It’s eaten on a stick with 4 to 5 at a time and are usually sweetened with sugar, syrup, or red bean paste.
Japanese Drinks
Whether you’re in search of good libations to embrace Japan’s epic nightlife scene or walking thousands of steps across the city, Japan has got a beverage for you. かんぱい (Kanpai)!
29. Sake
Sake is actually the term for all alcohol in Japan, with nihonshu being the powerful beverage that comes to mind. Literally translating to Japan’s drink, this rice wine is served in a small jug and can be enjoyed either hot or cold.
30. Umeshu
My favorite alcoholic beverage in Japan is hands down umeshu. It is a made by steeping ume plums in shōchū liquor & sugar and is very sweet.
31. Matcha
The ubiquitous green tea often served at every restaurant has a complex flavor profile and a deep hue of green color. To indulge the beverage in a traditional ambiance, head to an authentic teahouse in a district like Kyoto’s Gion.
32. Boss Coffee
For a quick boost of energy when you’re on the go, try a Boss coffee. You can find the drink (hot or cold) in the omnipresent vending machines scattered across every square inch of Japan.
33. Pocari Sweat
Essentially just Japan’s version of Gatorade (but way better), you can grab a Pocari Sweat out of most vending machines you stumble upon. Great for replenishing the water and electrolytes on those intense sightseeing days!
Japan is a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of culinary experiences that will stay imprinted on your mind’s palette for the rest of your life. No matter which city you visit, the unparalleled cuisine is sure to be a highlight of your trip. We’ve eaten a lot of food around the world, but Japanese food is still my number one. For more tips on planning the perfect trip to Japan, check out this travel guide. For more on the top 21 best things to do in Tokyo, check out this video. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up! じゃあまたね。
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