What to Eat in Japan: 10 of Our Japanese Food Favourites
Japan is no doubt a heaven for foodies and sweet tooths. It seems that the Japanese practice of perfection is also evident in their food. We were surprised that even the Japanese food and snacks at 7-Eleven are that good. Some must-try food in Japan could blow a hole in your wallet, but they are worth the splurge.
Here’s a list of what to eat in Japan — from Japanese food staples to street food and desserts. Get ready to drool!
Japanese food staples
1. Ramen
You can find ramen everywhere in Japan. However, not all ramen are equal, so choose wisely. We tried many different brands of ramen in Japan. These include Fuji Ichiban Ramen in Nagoya, Kyoto Ramen Kairikiya in Kyoto, Ichiran Ramen in Osaka, and Tokyo Base in Tokyo. But our favourite of all? Well, it’s in the photo above.
Our recommendation: Fuji Ichiban Ramen
Address: Nishiki, 3 Chome−13−10 シャイン錦ビル1F, Naka Ward, 〒460-0003 Aichi, Nagoya
2. Tsukemen (dipping ramen)
Our recommendation: Tatsunoya Shinjuku Otakibashidori
Address: 7-4-5 Nishishinjuku | Fujino Bldg. 1F, Shinjuku 160-0023, Tokyo
3. Yakiniku
Our recommendation: Anan
Address: フェスタビル 2F 144-48 Shimohirama, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 212-0053
4. Udon
Our recommendation: We tried this combo meal in a local restaurant near Fushimi Inari Taisha
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882
5. Tendon
Our recommendation: Kinshachi Yokocho Gourmet Town
Address: 1-chōme-2-2 Sannomaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0001
6. Unagi (grilled eel)
Our recommendation: Ibashou (錦三丁目 いば昇)
Address: 3 Chome-13-22 Nishiki, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0003
Tip: If you want to explore the food scene in Nagoya, we would suggest that you stay at Hotel Vista Nagoya Nishiki. It is also close to a lot of restaurants and convenience stores.
Japanese street food
7. Takoyaki
Our recommendation: Gindaco Takoyaki
Address: Osu Shopping District in Nagoya, but it can be found almost everywhere in Japan
8. Gyoza
Our recommendation: Gyozanofukuho
Address: 2-8-6 Shinjuku | Kdx Shinjuku 286 Bldg. 1F, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo
Japanese desserts
9. Fluffy pancakes
Our recommendation: A Happy Pancake
Address: Shinjuku Moliere Bldg. B2F, 3-33-10 Shinjuku, Tokyo
10. Japanese shortcakes
Our recommendation: Tsubakiya Cafe
Address: Lazona Kawasaki Plaza, 72-1 Horikawacho, Saiwai Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 212-0013
You might be wondering why there is no sushi in the list. Unfortunately, both of us are not fond of sushi so we were not sure if we could finish off a serving. We will reserve that experience once we travel with someone who likes it, so we won’t waste anything. We don’t want to disrespect this legendary Japanese food and craft. So that is definitely another reason to go back to Japan!
Preparing to visit Japan soon? Check out our Japan articles:
- Japan SIM card and pocket WiFi guide
- Japan Suica card guide
- Japan 10-day spring itinerary
- Japan visa guide for Filipinos
- Japan visa without ITR guide for Filipinos
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