21 Must-Try Foods in Japan You’ll Love

Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi and sashimi are arguably the most iconic Japanese foods. While many outside Japan consider them the same, there’s a distinct difference: sushi is vinegared rice paired with fish or vegetables, while sashimi is thinly sliced raw fish served without rice.

You can find sushi in various forms: nigiri (hand-pressed), maki (rolls), and chirashi (scattered sushi bowl). In contrast, sashimi focuses purely on the freshness and quality of the seafood, commonly featuring tuna, salmon, and yellowtail.

Regional twists also make sushi exploration exciting. Try Hokkaido’s buttery uni (sea urchin) or Osaka’s pressed box-style sushi called oshizushi.

Ramen: The Soul-Warming Bowl

Few dishes warm the heart like a hot bowl of ramen. This noodle soup dish is wildly popular, with nearly every region offering a unique version:

1. Shoyu Ramen: Soy sauce-based, often with clear brown broth
2. Miso Ramen: Rich, savory, and native to Hokkaido
3. Tonkotsu Ramen: Made with pork bone broth, creamy and hearty
4. Shio Ramen: Light and salty, with a delicate flavor profile

Ramen shops, or ramen-ya, are everywhere. Slurping is encouraged. It’s a sign of appreciation and helps enhance the flavor!

Tempura: Crispy Delights

Tempura is Japan’s version of deep-frying done right. Vegetables and seafood are lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, resulting in a light, crispy coating. It’s typically served with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu, made from dashi, soy sauce, and mirin.

A must-try variation is ebi tempura (shrimp) or seasonal vegetable options, such as sweet potato and lotus root. Enjoy it over rice (tendon) or in a noodle soup.

Takoyaki: The Beloved Street Snack

Originating in Osaka, takoyaki is savory ball-shaped snack made of a wheat flour batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions. They’re cooked in specially molded pans and topped with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and bonito flakes.

Street vendors serve them piping hot, and their gooey texture and umami-rich flavor make them instantly addictive. They’re a staple at summer festivals and open-air markets.

Okonomiyaki: Japanese Pancake Pizza

Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and a variety of other ingredients like pork, seafood, or cheese. The word “okonomi” means “how you like it,” and “yaki” means “grilled.” This dish is beloved for its versatility and interactive cooking style.

There are two main regional styles:

1. Osaka Style: Ingredients are mixed into the batter before it is grilled.
2. Hiroshima Style: Layers the batter with cabbage, noodles, and toppings.

Both versions are topped with a special okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, seaweed flakes, and bonito shavings that sizzle in the heat, making it a visually stunning and flavorful treat.

Tonkatsu: The Ultimate Pork Cutlet

Tonkatsu is a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. It’s often served with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup. The key to its perfection lies in the panko breadcrumbs, which give it a distinct, crispy texture.

A rich, fruity tonkatsu sauce, similar to Worcestershire sauce but thicker and sweeter, usually accompanies the dish. Variations like Katsu Curry (served with Japanese curry) and Katsudon (served over rice with egg) are equally popular and delicious.

Yakitori: Skewered Grilled Chicken

Yakitori refers to bite-sized pieces of chicken skewered and grilled over charcoal. Each part of the chicken is utilized, including the thighs, liver, heart, and even the skin. These skewers are brushed with a savory-sweet sauce called tare or simply seasoned with salt.

You’ll find yakitori at izakayas (Japanese pubs), where locals unwind after work. It’s often served with beer and side dishes like edamame or grilled vegetables, making it a must for any foodie adventurer.

Udon and Soba: Japan’s Iconic Noodles

Both udon (thick wheat noodles) and soba (thin buckwheat noodles) are integral to Japanese cuisine. Udon is typically served in a hot broth during winter or cold with dipping sauce in the summer. Try the kitsune udon, topped with sweet, fried tofu.

Soba is prized for its earthy flavor and health benefits. Zaru soba, served chilled on a bamboo tray with dipping sauce, is a summer favorite. In contrast, kake soba is served in a warm broth for colder seasons.

Kaiseki: The Art of Japanese Fine Dining

Kaiseki is the epitome of Japanese haute cuisine. It’s a multi-course meal that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation, and elegant presentation. Dishes range from appetizers and soups to grilled fish and palate-cleansing pickles.

Served mostly in ryotei (traditional restaurants) or luxury ryokan (inns), a kaiseki meal is as much a visual experience as a culinary one. Every bite tells a story of seasonality, craftsmanship, and tradition.

Japanese Curry: A Comfort Food Favorite

Japanese curry is milder and sweeter than its Indian counterpart. Typically made with potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat, it’s thickened with a roux and served over rice or noodles.

Popular variations include:

1. Katsu Curry: Served with crispy tonkatsu
2. Curry Udon: A flavorful noodle soup
3. Yaki Curry: A baked rice dish from Kyushu

Chain restaurants like Coco Ichibanya offer customizable options, making curry an everyday favorite for locals and tourists alike.

Donburi: Hearty Rice Bowls

Donburi dishes are rice bowls topped with a variety of ingredients, making them perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Common types include:

1. Gyudon: Sliced beef and onion simmered in soy sauce
2. Oyakodon: Chicken and egg cooked in a dashi broth
3. Tendon: Tempura over rice with sweet soy sauce

Donburi meals are found everywhere, from fast-food chains to traditional restaurants, offering both affordability and flavor.

Street Food Culture in Japan

Japanese street food is a must-experience culinary adventure. You’ll find vendors selling treats at festivals (matsuri), shrine events, and in popular markets like Ameya-Yokocho or Nishiki Market.

Must-try street foods include:

1. Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles with sauce and toppings
2. Taiyaki: Fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste or custard
3. Ikayaki: Grilled whole squid on a stick
4. Kakigori: Shaved ice with syrup and condensed milk

These local eats offer a taste of Japan’s everyday food culture.

Japanese Sweets (Wagashi)

Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections made with ingredients like red bean paste, mochi (rice cakes), and agar. These sweets are often paired with green tea and served during tea ceremonies or seasonal celebrations.

Popular wagashi include:

1. Dorayaki: Pancake sandwiches filled with sweet red bean paste
2. Daifuku: Mochi stuffed with fillings like fruit or anko
3. Taiyaki: Sweet pastries shaped like fish, filled with red bean or chocolate

Each sweet not only satisfies your palate but also connects you to Japan’s cultural heritage.

Matcha and Green Tea Delights

Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, is everywhere in Japan, from drinks to desserts. You’ll find:

1. Matcha Ice Cream
2. Matcha Latte
3. Matcha Parfaits
4. Matcha Cheesecake

Participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony offers insight into the Zen-like calm and ritual surrounding matcha preparation and enjoyment.

Bento Boxes: The Art of Japanese Lunches

A bento is more than just a packed lunch in Japan. It’s a beautifully arranged meal designed for both nourishment and aesthetic pleasure. Bento boxes are compartmentalized containers filled with a balance of rice, protein, vegetables, and pickles.

Common types of bento include:

1. Makunouchi Bento: Traditional style with a variety of side dishes
2. Eki-ben: Special bento sold at train stations across the country
3. Kyaraben: “Character bento” designed with anime or cute shapes, popular among kids

You can find delicious bento at convenience stores (konbini), department store food halls, or bento speciality shops.

Regional Specialties Worth Traveling For

Each region of Japan boasts unique flavors based on local ingredients and traditions. If you’re touring the country, make sure to sample these highlights:

1. Hokkaido: Known for fresh seafood like crab, scallops, and sea urchin, as well as buttery miso ramen
2. Osaka: Dubbed “Japan’s Kitchen” don’t miss okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu
3. Kyoto: Renowned for refined vegetarian dishes like yudofu (tofu hot pot) and kaiseki
4. Fukuoka: The birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, best enjoyed at late-night yatai stalls
5. Okinawa: Offers tropical delights like goya champuru and Okinawa soba, influenced by Chinese and American cuisine

Exploring these local dishes deepens your cultural appreciation and makes for unforgettable food adventures.

Seasonal Foods in Japan

Japan’s culinary calendar revolves around the seasons. Certain foods are only available at specific times of the year, adding excitement and exclusivity to your trip.

1. Spring: Sakura mochi, cherry blossom-themed sweets, and bamboo shoots
2. Summer: Cold soba, kakigori (shaved ice), and grilled eel (unagi)
3. Autumn: Matsutake mushrooms, roasted sweet potatoes, and chestnut rice
4. Winter: Oden (hot pot stew), nabe, and seasonal fish like yellowtail

Eating seasonally ensures you enjoy the freshest, most flavorful ingredients Japan has to offer.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Japan

While Japan is renowned for its seafood and meat-based dishes, it’s also home to a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, particularly in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

Top plant-based dishes include:

1. Shojin Ryori: Traditional Buddhist temple cuisine made without animal products.
2. Agedashi Tofu: Deep-fried tofu in dashi broth (ask for vegan dashi).
3. Vegetable Tempura: Light and crispy seasonal veggies.
4. Onigiri: Rice balls with fillings like umeboshi (pickled plum) or kombu (seaweed).

Look for restaurants with “vegan” or “vegetarian” signage, or use apps like HappyCow for guidance.

Where to Stay in Japan

Hokkaido

1. The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort offering stunning views of Lake Toya, a full-service spa, and exceptional dining options. Ideal for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors.
2. Mercure Hotel Sapporo: Situated in the heart of Sapporo, this hotel offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and convenient access to Hokkaido’s renowned ski resorts and shopping districts.

Osaka

1. Swissotel Nankai Osaka: A top luxury hotel situated above Namba Station, offering stunning city views and easy access to Osaka’s vibrant food scene and shopping districts.
2. Hotel Nikko Osaka: A comfortable and centrally located hotel near Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, offering modern rooms and excellent service for a relaxed stay.

Kyoto

1. Hotel Granvia Kyoto: Conveniently located next to Kyoto Station, offering easy access to the city’s main temples, gardens, and shopping areas. Perfect for tourists.
2. Piece Hostel Kyoto: A modern and affordable hostel near Kyoto Station with clean, simple rooms and a friendly atmosphere, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Fukuoka

1. Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk: This luxurious hotel offers great views of Hakata Bay and an outdoor pool and is conveniently located near Fukuoka’s major attractions.
2. Hotel Nikko Fukuoka: Centrally located near Hakata Station, this hotel offers great service and modern amenities and is within walking distance of the city’s best dining options.

Okinawa

1. The Naha Terrace: A luxurious hotel offering a blend of modern and traditional Okinawan design, complete with a rooftop pool and excellent views of Naha city.
2. Hotel Palm Royal Naha: Located in the heart of Naha, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a welcoming atmosphere, and is close to popular shopping and dining areas.

21 Must-Try Foods in Japan-Tips for Enjoying Food in Japan

To truly enjoy Japanese cuisine, keep these cultural and practical tips in mind:

1. Dining Etiquette: It’s polite to say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama” after. Don’t stick chopsticks vertically into rice or pass food from one chopstick to another.
2. Slurping Is Okay: Especially with noodles, it’s seen as a sign of enjoyment.
3. Use Cash: Many small eateries don’t accept credit cards.
4. Learn Key Phrases: Simple words like “osusume” (recommendation) and “oishii” (delicious) go a long way.

Food Safety: Japan maintains high hygiene standards, so it’s safe to eat raw foods like sashimi.

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