Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Japan is a gastronomic heaven with a stunning mix of old-fashioned tastes and cutting-edge innovation, making it an absolute destination for every food enthusiast. Whether roaming the crowded streets of Tokyo, Kyoto’s old alleys, or Hokkaido’s seafood-laden markets, each cranny of Japan conceals a gem of food in Japan that speaks of its rich heritage and artisanship. From internationally renowned sushi and ramen to dainty kaiseki and scorching teppanyaki, the nation has a lot to offer a foodie – rich flavours and experiences that one will never forget.
10 Restaurants To Enjoy The Best Food In Japan
Some of the amazing restaurants to experience the best food in Japan include:
1. Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo)
Photo: Quang Anh Ha Nguyen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Ginza, Tokyo, this small, 10-seat restaurant is operated by Jiro Ono, a sushi master world-famous. Every slice of sushi is prepared to perfection from the freshest seasonally available ingredients directly from the morning markets in Tokyo’s famous fish markets. The “omakase” or tasting menu is specially prepared and seasonally changed. It is not just the taste but the emotion, commitment, and tradition behind it. Perfect for those who are searching for great food in Japan and an insight into its food heritage.
Location: Ginza, Tokyo
Specialty: Edomae Sushi
2. Ichiran Ramen (Fukuoka)
Photo: Natalie / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Ichiran Ramen is particularly popular among ramen enthusiasts. Born in Fukuoka, the origin place of tonkatsu (pork bone) ramen, Ichiran Ramen has grown to become a national phenomenon today. The unique solo booths for dining and personalized ramen experience at the restaurant have made it highly popular. Diners are able to pick the noodle texture, richness of broth, spiciness, and more. Their creamiest tonkatsu broth, well-cooked noodles, and hidden spicy red sauce create a soulful meal, perfect for a cold day.
Location: Fukuoka (several locations throughout Japan)
Specialty: Tonkotsu Ramen
3. Narisawa (Tokyo)
Photo: Valeria Boltneva / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Narisawa is not a restaurant—it’s an adventure through nature and the Japanese seasons. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa merges French techniques with Japanese ingredients to craft a fully immersive fine dining experience. Each plate is a story, be it “Forest Essence” or “Forest Bread 2010,” a bread that will rise in front of you. Ingredients are sustainable and locally procured, hinting at the chef’s mission for ecological gastronomy. Narisawa’s innovative dishes not only taste great but are also beautiful to look at.
Location: Minato, Tokyo
Specialty: Seasonal Modern Japanese Cuisine
4. Gyukatsu Motomura (Osaka)
Photo: Ryutaro Tsukata / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Gyukatsu Motomura is a secret gem where gyukatsu, or deep-fried beef cutlet, is the king. Unlike tonkatsu (pork cutlet), gyukatsu employs rare, tender beef, lightly breaded and fried to crispy perfection. Accompanied by miso soup, cabbage, and barley rice, it’s gourmet yet comforting. Served with rock salt, wasabi soy sauce, and an individual hot stone grill, you can cook each bite to your liking. It’s an interactive experience that’s very tasty. There are long lines here—this place is super busy with providing some of Japan’s best food.
Location: Osaka (Tokyo and Kyoto locations as well)
Specialty: Gyukatsu (beef cutlet)
5. Tempura Kondo (Tokyo)
Photo: Kei Scampa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
In the upscale Ginza district of Tokyo, Tempura Kondo provides a sophisticated version of Japan’s favourite tempura. At the hands of chef Fumio Kondo, deep-fried seafood and vegetables are transformed into an art form. With seasonal produce such as asparagus, sea eel, and even sweet potato, every bite is ever so lightly battered and fried to golden in sesame oil. The end result? Crispy tempura that is light and bursting with natural flavor.
Location: Ginza, Tokyo
Specialty: Tempura Tasting Menu
6. Nishiki Market Food Stalls (Kyoto)
Photo: Cats Coming / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kyoto’s Nishiki Market is a colorful street lined with food stalls that offer everything from sashimi to mochi and takoyaki. Dubbed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” the market takes up more than five blocks of space, thus a heaven for food lovers. Make an attempt at skewered wagyu beef, sesame dumplings, seafood grilled, and Kyoto traditional pickles. The market provides an opportunity to taste numerous local delicacies all in one venue. It’s perfect for travelers who want to taste delicious food Kyoto within a relaxed and fun environment.
Location: Central Kyoto
Specialty: Street Food Variety
7. Matsukawa (Tokyo)
Photo: Horizon Content / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Matsukawa is a secret, by-invitation-only Tokyo restaurant that serves kaiseki, a classic multi-course Japanese meal. It’s all about restraint, harmony, and art of Japanese courtesy. The menu is rotated daily based on seasonal flavors, and each dish is served with precision and poise. From exquisite sashimi to grilled ayu (sweetfish) and bamboo shoots, each bite testifies to the chef’s skill in flavour and presentation. This private experience is rated as one of Japan’s best culinary experiences.
Location: Akasaka, Tokyo
Specialty: Kaiseki (multi-course fine dining)
8. Sapporo Beer Garden (Sapporo)
Photo: Ivan Samkov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Situated within a historic red-brick building, Sapporo Beer Garden is a popular place among locals and visitors alike for trying the popular Hokkaido lamb BBQ dish known as “Jingisukan” (Genghis Khan). Thick slices of lamb are grilled right at your table and served with fresh vegetables and chilled Sapporo beer. The lively ambience and traditional atmosphere make it an ideal place for hungry eaters. It’s an excellent place to indulge in iconic food in Hokkaido in a more rustic, vibrant atmosphere.
Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Specialty: Jingisukan (lamb BBQ)
9. Tonki Tonkatsu (Tokyo)
Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tonki has been offering some of Tokyo’s finest tonkatsu since 1939. The classic breaded pork cutlet is fried golden brown and comes with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup. With an open kitchen, you get to see the precise preparation done, and the cozy atmosphere feels like home. The menu is basic—rosu (fatty) or hire (lean) pork—but executed with such precision and attention to detail that it’s been winning over hearts for generations. It’s comfort food par excellence and a must-visit for those who love great food in Tokyo.
Location: Meguro, Tokyo
Specialty: Tonkatsu
10. Uroko (Kanazawa)
Photo: Ivan Samkov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kanazawa is a seaside gem, and Uroko is one of its better-hidden sushi secrets. Uroko’s sushi is known to include freshly landed Sea of Japan seafood in its rolls, making the sushi light, snappy, and flavor-dense. The chef is all about balance and harmony, with minimal use of soy sauce or wasabi to allow the natural tastes to come through. For travellers wanting to avoid the Tokyo masses and experience local treasures, this is the first choice to find an intimate environment.
Location: Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Specialty: Local Seafood Sushi
Japan is a nation where every dish has a tale to tell, and these restaurants are the embodiment of that gastronomic nation. Whether your dish of choice is sizzling yakitori grilled by the roadside, sophisticated omakase servings, or rich steaming ramen bowls, food in Japan caters to every foodie’s choice. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore these restaurants featuring Japan’s best, bestowing ingredients of high standards.
Cover Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
