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Food is reason enough to visit Japan. Beyond sushi and ramen lies a whole world of regional specialties and everyday delights. Here’s a first-timer’s hit list of dishes to try.
The big names (and how to enjoy them)
- Sushi & sashimi — from conveyor-belt (kaiten) spots to counter omakase.
- Ramen — tonkotsu, shoyu, miso, and more; every region has its style.
- Tempura — lightly battered seafood and vegetables.
- Tonkatsu — crispy breaded pork cutlet with shredded cabbage.
- Udon & soba — thick wheat and thin buckwheat noodles, hot or cold.
Street food & casual eats
- Takoyaki & okonomiyaki — Osaka’s savory octopus balls and pancakes; see Osaka guide.
- Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers, izakaya classic.
- Gyoza and karaage (Japanese fried chicken).
- Taiyaki & tatsu — fish-shaped cakes and sweets.
Comfort bowls
- Gyudon — beef rice bowls, cheap and fast.
- Katsudon & oyakodon — cutlet or chicken-and-egg over rice.
- Curry rice — Japan’s beloved comfort food.
- Unagi — grilled eel, a summer treat.
Don’t miss
- Kaiseki — Japan’s multi-course haute cuisine, often at a ryokan.
- Depachika — department-store food halls, a feast for the eyes.
- Konbini food — genuinely good; see konbini must-buys.
- Vegetarian? Read our vegetarian & vegan guide.
Dining tips
- Many places use ticket machines — buy a meal ticket, hand it over.
- Slurping noodles is fine (even encouraged); there’s no tipping.
- Brush up with our etiquette and phrases guides.
Hungry yet? Fit the eating into our 7-day itinerary.