Japan is a country that has been known for its food since the beginning of time. It’s a culinary destination where you can find a cuisine that suits your taste buds and lifestyle. Whether you are searching for Japanese food, street food or fancy izakaya restaurants, this guide will help you understand how it all works.
Tokyo
When in Tokyo, make sure to visit Shibuya Crossing (東京都渋谷区宇多丸町), a famous intersection located at the center of Tokyo. This area is home to many different eateries serving a wide variety of Japanese dishes from sushi to ramen to yakitori. You can also get some coffee here as well.
If you want more information on what’s available, check out this list of popular food vendors near Shibuya Crossing. For something a little bit fancier, try one of these great restaurants in Tokyo.
Kikunoi
There is no better location than the Imperial Palace Hotel to enjoy Kikunoio’s specialties. The restaurant is tucked away inside the hotel, but it’s worth stepping outside the door to see the beautiful gardens. Kikunoo’s specialty is shabu-shabu, a traditional dish with thin slices of beef cooked over hot water. The beef comes on top of a bowl of noodles, and the broth is served separately so guests can add their own ingredients to customize their meals. One thing to note is that if you order shabu-shabu without karaage (fried chicken) you won’t be able to eat the broth.
Nakamichi Restaurant
The Nakamichi Restaurant is located in Ginza and specializes in Yakitori, an authentic Japanese dish made of grilled meat sticks dipped into soy sauce. There are several types of meats available, including pork, chicken, shrimp, and scallops.
Cafe Oh!
This cafe is a hidden gem in Tokyo. Located in Roppongi Hills, Cafe Oh! offers a unique menu filled with seasonal vegetables and fruits, fresh fish and seafood, and healthy salads. If you prefer a vegan option, look forward to the raw food and desserts offered by the café. Another interesting feature of the cafe is that it allows you to create your own menu according to your dietary needs. So, if you are gluten free, you can request a gluten-free meal.
Sushi Roku
If you want to experience authentic Japanese food in a small space then Sushi Roku is the place for you. The restaurant serves only 10 seats per day and serves only sushi and sashimi, which means everything else is pre-made. But, don’t let that deter you because the chef makes every effort to create the best possible sushi to order. This tiny sushi bar is located in Shinjuku, just off the JR Yamanote line. Make sure to reserve ahead of time before you arrive.
Shinkai Shokudo
Shinkai Shokudo is located in the city of Nagoya. They offer a variety of delicious Japanese dishes such as tempura, udon, yakisoba, and even fried rice. While you are there, take a little break to watch the chefs prepare your favorite foods.
Hachiko
Hachiko is a restaurant specializing in Wagyu beef. Hachiko is located in the heart of Tokyo and serves up to 30 courses per night. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money when you dine at Hachiko. However, it’s definitely worth the price tag. To get a glimpse of what you can expect to pay, check out this video of a typical dinner at Hachiko.
Tsukiyaki
While you might not have heard of tsukiyaki, it’s definitely one of the most popular foods in Japan. The term “tsukiyaki” literally translates to “grilled cow” and refers to the cooking method used to cook the beef. A grill is usually placed above boiling water to cook the beef while it is being flipped. Tsukiyaki can be found all around Japan and is usually eaten after a long day of shopping.
Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the oldest cities in Japan and is often referred to as the birthplace of the Japanese empire. As a result, Kyoto is packed full of temples and shrines that have been built across the centuries. Many of the buildings were constructed using local materials and reflect the style of a particular era. For example, the Nijo castle was built during the Heian period, which lasted for nearly 1000 years. In addition to the temples and shrines, Kyoto is also home to some of the best museums in Japan, including the National Museum of Modern Art.
To get a feel for what Kyoto has to offer, check out our list of the best things to do in Kyoto.
Kobo Daishi Shrine
The Kobo Daishi Shrine is located in Kyoto and is a very popular tourist attraction. The shrine was originally built in 755 AD during the reign of emperor Shomu. Since that time, the building and surrounding grounds have undergone many renovations. The highlight of visiting this shrine is watching the Hina Matsuri, a festival that takes place once every year. During this event, thousands of people come together to celebrate the victory of Emperor Shomu against his enemies.
Tofugu
One of the most popular spots in Kyoto is Tofugu. This restaurant has received accolades from Michelin three star chef Thomas Keller for its modern Japanese cuisine. If you’re looking to splurge, consider booking a table at Tofugu. The restaurant is located in Kyoto station, so be sure to book a reservation ahead of time or the next available table may go quickly.
Osaka
Osaka is located in southern Japan and is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Osaka is home to many famous landmarks, including the Osaka Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning to visit Osaka, check out our list of the best things to do in Osaka.
Fusokuji Temple
Fusokuji temple is a Buddhist temple located in downtown Osaka. The temple contains a number of historic treasures, including the main hall, which dates back to 1639. When you visit Fusokuji, remember to bring coins to donate to the monks who live within the temple. Visitors are welcome to bring any type of currency, although the monks will be happy to receive cash donations instead of coins.