Best Food in Japan: Must-try Dishes When Visiting Japan​

Japan is not only a paradise for countless anime enthusiasts but also a haven for unforgettable culinary delights.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, every region boasts mouth-watering popular foods. Whether it's the savory and sweet combination of eel rice, the rich and flavorful ramen, or the uniquely tasty okonomiyaki from Osaka, each dish is definitely worth trying.

If you're wondering what foods to savor on your trip to Japan, follow our guide. We will introduce you to the best food in Japan, ensuring your taste buds have a feast in this incredible country.

Jump to

• Best Fried Food to Eat
• Must-try Japanese Hot Pot
• Amazing Meat to Eatn
• Best Rice & Noodles to Eat
• Best Dishes to Eat
• Famous Street Food to Try
• Popular Convenience Store Food
• Best Food Places in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Nara

Best Fried Food to Eat in Japan

In Japanese cuisine, fried foods are incredibly popular. If you enjoy crispy textures, here are some must-try fried delicacies in Japan.

1. Tempura

Tempura is one of the best foods in Japan. It involves coating fresh seafood and vegetables in a light batter and then frying them to a golden, crispy perfection.

Despite being a fried dish, it doesn't feel greasy or heavy at all. The crispy texture, when dipped in the special Tentsuyu sauce, provides an unparalleled culinary experience.

Common types of tempura include shrimp, squid, lotus root, pumpkin, and white fish.

2. Karaage

Karaage, the Japanese fried chicken readily available in convenience stores across Japan, is the best food in Japan.

Marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, the chicken pieces are coated in starch and fried to perfection.

With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, karaage is a staple in both Japanese home cooking and izakayas.

3. Tonkatsu

Another best food in Japan is Tonkatsu is a dish where thick cuts of pork are breaded and fried to a crispy perfection, usually served with pickles and miso soup.

Its golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat make it one of the most popular items in Japanese set meals.

While many restaurants in Japan offer tonkatsu, each establishment may have its unique way of cutting the meat and preparing the sauce, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors.

Must-try Japanese Hot Pot

If you're visiting Japan in winter, you should definitely try Japanese hot pot. The flavors vary by region, with two particularly famous varieties being Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki.

4. Shabu Shabu Hot Pot

Shabu Shabu hot pot is the best food in Osaka, originating from the 1950s. Its name comes from the sound made when the meat is swished and cooked in the pot.

Common ingredients include thinly sliced beef, pork, vegetables, and seafood. Ingredients are briefly swished in boiling kombu broth and then dipped in sesame sauce or ponzu for a delicious and healthy taste.

This hot pot is especially popular during winter.

5. Sukiyaki

Another best food to eat in Japan is sukiyaki, which is also a beloved Japanese culinary delight.

Unlike Shabu Shabu, sukiyaki involves cooking thinly sliced beef and vegetables in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based broth. The broth is typically flavored with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, and the cooked ingredients are dipped in raw beaten eggs before eating.

Gathering around a hot pot of sukiyaki with family in late autumn and winter is a perfect way to enjoy this hearty meal.

Amazing Meat to Eat in Japan

In terms of meat dishes, Japan is renowned for its sashimi and wagyu beef. If you are a meat lover, these are must-try delicacies.

6. Sashimi and Sushi

Sashimi and sushi are two of the best foods in Japan.

Sashimi consists of thinly sliced fresh raw fish, such as salmon, snapper, and tuna, served with soy sauce and wasabi. It emphasizes the freshness and natural flavor of the ingredients.

Sushi, on the other hand, features seafood, vegetables, or other ingredients placed atop vinegared rice. There are various types of sushi, including nigiri, maki, and gunkan sushi.

7. Yakiniku

If you want to taste Wagyu, try Yakiniku, the Japanese BBQ. It involves grilling various high-quality meats like beef, pork, and chicken cut into small pieces on a grill.

Unlike Korean BBQ, Japanese Yakiniku emphasizes the natural flavor of the meat, so most meats are grilled without marination. Once cooked, the meat is dipped in sauces before eating. Common sauces for Yakiniku include special BBQ sauce, wasabi sauce, and lemon juice.

So for meat lovers, Yakiniku must be the best food to eat in Japan.

Best Rice & Noodles to Eat in Japan

Japanese main dishes are diverse, each with its unique flavor and charm. Here are some classic rice and noodle dishes you should definitely try. Check them out!

8. Donburi

Donburi is a shorthand for donburi-mono, which literally means "things in a bowl." It is one of the best staple foods in Japan.

Typically, meat such as chicken, beef, or pork is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made from broth, soy sauce, sake, and mirin, and then served over rice.

The tender and juicy meat paired with the deliciously sweet and savory sauce makes this dish beloved by people around the world.

9. Ramen

When talking about the best fast food in Japan, ramen is an absolute must-mention. The essence of Japanese ramen lies in its rich broth.

Ramen can be broadly categorized into four main flavors: miso, shio, shoyu broths, and tonkotsu. Each has its unique taste.

Japanese ramen also includes alkaline water, which gives the noodles a chewy texture.

The combination of the firm noodles and the flavorful broth will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.

10. Udon

Udon is one of the most distinctive noodles in Japan, alongside soba and green tea noodles, making up the three major types of Japanese noodles.

This traditional thick noodle is made from wheat flour and has a texture that falls between pasta and rice noodles, making it one of the best foods in Japan.

In Japan, udon can be enjoyed hot, served in a rich broth with tempura, or cold, accompanied by a refreshing dipping sauce.

Read Next: Udon vs Soba: What's the Difference and Which Tastes Better

11. Soba

Soba, unlike udon, is a thin noodle made from buckwheat flour, which is a gluten-free option.

The most traditional and common way to enjoy soba is to cook the noodles, rinse them in ice water, and serve them on a bamboo tray with a cold dipping sauce and condiments. They can also be served in hot broth.

12. Okinawa Soba

Okinawa soba is the best food in the Okinawa region. Though called "soba," it is made from wheat flour and includes alkaline water.

Okinawa soba features thicker, chewy noodles served in a hot broth. The classic version includes tender simmered pork belly, fish cake slices, and pickled ginger, resulting in a complex yet clear-flavored broth.

Best Dishes to Eat in Japan

If you want to experience what sets Japanese cuisine apart from others, the following dishes are excellent recommendations.

13. Yakitori

Yakitori, considered one of the best foods in Japan, is a type of Japanese grilled chicken skewers that originated in the 17th-century Edo period.

Yakitori specifically refers to skewers of various parts of chicken, and they are typically served with a sweet soy sauce-based glaze.

In addition to chicken skewers, yakitori restaurants often offer grilled skewers of pork, beef, or vegetables, making them good places to eat and drink.

14. Kaiseki

As one of the best foods in Japan, Kaiseki represents the highest level of traditional Japanese dining, originating from the 16th century with the famous tea master Sen no Rikyū. It features seasonal ingredients and typically includes three dishes and one soup.

As a way to entertain guests during tea ceremonies, kaiseki emphasizes meticulous presentation. Diners are expected to follow the order of dishes, including soups, simmered dishes, and grilled items, to fully appreciate the experience.

15. Nanban

Nanban is a specialty dish from Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan, often referred to as "fried chicken nanban."

This dish involves soaking fried chicken pieces in a sweet and sour sauce, and then serving them with homemade tartar sauce. The result is a crispy exterior with a tender interior and a deliciously tangy flavor, making it one of the best foods in Japan.

In some regions, a variation might use a blend of butter, ketchup, and béchamel sauce instead.

16. Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki, also known as "Japanese savory pancake," originated in Japan in the 16th century as a sweet tea-time treat. Over time, it evolved into a savory dish made by mixing batter, cabbage, meats, and seafood, then grilling it on a griddle. It is topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and seaweed flakes.

There are various styles of okonomiyaki, including Kansai-style, Hiroshima-style, modern-yaki, and green onion-flavored versions, making it one of the best foods in Japan.

17. Curry

Japanese curry is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is quite different from Indian curry. It is milder in flavor and thicker in texture. The spiciness can vary widely depending on the recipe.

A common way to enjoy it is with curry rice, where curry sauce is poured over rice, often accompanied by fried pork cutlet or chicken, a combination that has earned it a place among the best foods in Japan.

Famous Street Food to Try in Japan

Japan offers many tantalizing street foods, such as takoyaki, dorayaki, and tamagoyaki. These delicious treats can be experienced at popular food streets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

Nishiki Market is renowned for its wide variety of street foods and is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki has a crispy exterior with a soft and rich interior. The bite-sized balls are made by grilling chunks of octopus in a batter. They are topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed.

Dorayaki

Dorayaki is a type of wagashi, featuring two soft, fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste. It has a delightful, sweet flavor and a soft, chewy texture.

Tamagoyaki

Tamagoyaki is a sweet and savory rolled omelet made with eggs, sugar, and soy sauce. It is a common side dish in bento boxes, with a light and fluffy texture and a subtle sweetness.

Popular Convenience Store Food in Japan

Due to the needs of office workers, Japanese convenience stores offer a wide variety of foods. You can find all sorts of delicious and convenient options inside.

Nikuman

Nikuman is a type of Japanese steamed bun. The filling is primarily made of pork, along with bamboo shoots, onions, and garlic. The bun has a soft and fluffy exterior, encasing a savory and flavorful meat filling.

Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a type of Japanese confectionery, which is shaped like a sea bream fish and usually filled with red bean paste. It has a crispy outer layer and a sweet, soft filling.

Croquette

Croquette is made by mixing mashed potatoes with meat, coating it with flour, brushing it with egg wash, and then covering it with breadcrumbs before frying.

Natto

Natto is made from fermented steamed soybeans. It has a sticky and elastic texture with a unique flavor, and is often eaten with rice.

Best Food Places in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Nara

Each city in Japan boasts its own unique cuisine. Below, we've listed some of the best food in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Nara. If you're planning to visit these places, be sure to check out these culinary delights.

Best Food in Kyoto Japan

Kyoto is one of the best cities for food in Japan. When mentioned food in Kyoto, kaiseki is a must. Notable kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto include Tofu Cuisine Higashiyama Yu-to, En, Kappo Sen Hiro, and Teramachi Yoshikura.

In addition, Kyoto's Uji matcha is famous far and wide. Matcha enthusiasts should try the matcha French toast at Gochou Café or sample the delightful matcha desserts at Yumecha Café.

For souvenirs, visit Chez Hagata, where you can find a range of matcha products made from high-quality Uji matcha.

Best Food in Osaka Japan

Osaka's food scene is also incredibly diverse. As the best city for food in Japan, Osaka is known for street foods, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.

Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae is one of Osaka's most popular takoyaki spots, offering a variety of flavors.

For okonomiyaki, you can visit Fukutaro Okonomiyaki.

Tempura Makino Nanbasen'nichimae and Yaekatsu are two very popular tempura restaurants. Both places are renowned for their tempura, which is crispy without being greasy.

Best Food in Tokyo Japan

Due to its proximity to rich marine areas, the best food in Tokyo is sushi and sashimi.

To experience the freshest Tokyo sushi, head to Tsukiji Market, which was once the world's largest fish market.

Sushi Aoyagi, Sushi Yoshino, and Kamata Sushitoku are also highly recommended sushi restaurants.

In addition to sushi, ramen is another must-try dish in Tokyo. Notable ramen spots in Tokyo include Ichiran Ramen, Nakiryu, and Kagari.

Best Food in Nara Japan

Kakinoha sushi is a traditional dish in Nara, which involves placing salted mackerel slices on bite-sized pieces of white rice and wrapping them in persimmon leaves for fermentation over several days. You can try this delicious traditional sushi at Nakatani Shokuhin.

Kudzu-based dishes like kudzu mochi are also the best food in Nara. Tenkyokudo Nara Honten is a shop specializing in kudzu products. If you're interested in trying different kudzu dishes, this is the place to visit!

Start Your Japan Food Tours

Japanese cuisine is incredibly diverse, and this article covers various aspects including snacks, fried foods, hot pots, and main dishes. We hope it provides inspiration for your Japan food tours.