51. The FOOD GUIDE : Main dish
Here's all the food you can try in Japan during your trip.
ABOUT THIS FOOD GUIDE
Generally, it's quite rare to be disappointed by food in Japan, so feel free to trust your instincts. There are a few places I'll advised against like Pontocho in Kyoto or Shinjuku Omoide Yokochô , but those are exceptions.
I'll share here a map and tips focused on food, highlighting my favorite spots, recommandations and must-try specialities across Japan.
The map is divided by the specialities (sushi, ramen) and by differents icons. . Each link to a restaurant on this online version and pdf is clickable, allowing you direct access to the restaurant on Google Maps. This feature enables you to easily navigate to these locations, view photos, and read reviews to enhance your dining experience.
Additionally, I will update the map from time to time to add new places and refresh existing recommendations.
Useful apps/website :
Tabelog : Japan's No. 1* Restaurant Listing and Reservation Site.
Happycow : Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Japan
Halal navi : helps you discover Halal restaurants, Mosques and many more.
Have any allergy ? Use this website : https://foodallergycardjapan.com/
I'm sorry I couldn’t include all the restaurants directly on the Rexby map — I was worried it might feel too overwhelming or hard to read.
That’s why I’ve added them all to a Google Maps link instead, where you’ll find restaurants sorted by type of cuisine. Much easier to explore that way! 😊
THE MAPS
OSAKA & KYOTO
SUSHI
Of course you need to try Sushi : sushi in Japan can vary widely in price, from the budget-friendly 100 yen sushi to mid-range 400-500 yen pieces, all the way up to the premium offerings at upscale establishments.
100 yens sushi shop you can find all around Japan :
Sushiro (スシロー)
Kura Sushiくら寿司
Hama Sushiはま寿司
Kappa Sushi
Uobei kaiten sushi
I’ve put some of them on the map (two sushi icon)
RAMEN
Of course you also need to try ramen : one of Japan's most popular and versatile dishes, with many regional variations that differ in broth, noodles, and toppings.
You have Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce) originally from Tokyo, Shio Ramen (Salt) common in Hakodate & Hokkaido, Miso Ramen, Originates from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Tonkotsu Ramen (Pork Bone) and Hakata a version of Tonkotsu, from Fukuoka, Tsukemen (Dipping Noodles), or Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen) popular during summer across Japan
Famous ramen shop you can find all around Japan :
Ichiran 一蘭 , Ippudo 一風堂
Tenkaippin 天下一品
JAPANESE CURRY
It’s a beloved dish in Japan, widely enjoyed for its hearty, comforting, and mildly spicy flavors. It differs significantly from its Indian counterpart, emphasizing a thicker, sweeter sauce that pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients.
Famous chain of curry in Japan : Coco Ichibanya Curry
OKONOMIYAKI
Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that is often referred to as a "Japanese pancake" or "Japanese pizza" due to its shape and versatile ingredients. It's made from a batter mixed with cabbage and various other ingredients, then cooked on a griddle.
TAKOYAKI
Popular Japanese street food known for its distinctive ball shape and delicious taste with the
primary ingredient being diced octopus,Originating from Osaka, this savory snack has become a staple at festivals and street stalls across Japan
Tonkatsu, Torikatsu, Gyukatsu
Tonkatsu, torikatsu, and gyukatsu are popular Japanese dishes featuring breaded and deep-fried meats, each offering distinct flavors based on the type of meat used. In addition to these, there are also delightful variants like katsudon and oyakodon, Katsusando (sandwich)
Restaurants chains : Katsu : Wako, Katsuya, Tonkatsu Katsunoya, Saboten, Matsunoya Nansandori & Maisen.
NOODLES : UDON & SOBA
Udon and soba are two traditional types of Japanese noodles. Udon noodles are thick, white, and chewy, they are among the thickest of the Japanese noodles. Soba noodles are thin, brown noodles & is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing longevity.
Udon chains in Japan : Marugame Seimen, Hanamaru
Soba chains : Nadai Fuji, Yudetaro
Tabelog ranking
HOT-POT : Shabu Shabu, Sukiyaki, Nabe, Oden
Shabu Shabu and Nabe (or Nabemono) are popular Japanese hot pot dishes, perfect for communal dining and known for their flavorful broths and fresh ingredients. While both involve cooking ingredients in a pot of broth at the table, there are distinct differences in their preparation and presentation. Sukiyaki is a popular Japanese dish that involves slowly simmering thinly sliced beef along with various vegetables, tofu, and noodles in a sweet and savory broth. Oden is particularly popular during the colder months in Japan and is often served at specialty oden restaurants, convenience stores, and even at street stalls.
Chains Of Hot pot In Japan : Shabuzen, Nabe-zo, Mo-Mo Paradise, Onyasai
DONBURI: Gyudon, Toridon, Oyakodon
Gyudon, Toridon, Oyakodon are popular Japanese rice bowl dishes known for their simplicity, affordability, and satisfying flavors. Each dish combines rice with a specific type of meat topping, making them popular choices for quick meals in Japan.
Chains in Japan : Sukiya, Matsuya, Yoshinoya
ONIGIRI
Onigiri, also known as rice balls, is a popular Japanese snack made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and typically wrapped in nori (seaweed). You can easily found them in any Konbini (Seven eleven, Family Mart..) stores.
Fried foods : Tempura, Karaage, Korokke, Gyoza
Fried foods are a beloved part of Japanese cuisine, offering a variety of flavors and textures that are both comforting and delicious. Tempura consists of seafood or vegetables that have been coated in a light batter and deep-fried to achieve a crispy texture. Karaage is Japanese fried chicken. Gyoza is japanese dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables. Korokke is the Japanese version of the croquette, made from mashed potatoes.
Chains in Japan : Gyoza Ohsho (gyoza) , Tenya (tempura)
UNAGI
Unagi, or freshwater eel, is a prized delicacy in Japanese cuisine, known for its rich, bold flavors and silky texture. ne of the most common ways to enjoy unagi is in a dish called unadon, a short form for "unagi donburi," which means eel rice bowl. In this dish, grilled eel fillets are glazed with a sweet and savory sauce and served over a bowl of steamed rice.
Wagyu & Yakiniku
Wagyu refers to several breeds of cattle genetically predisposed to intense marbling and a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat. The term "Wagyu" literally translates to "Japanese cow" and encompasses breeds such as the famous Kobe, Matsusaka, and Omi beef.
Yakiniku, literally "grilled meat," is a Japanese term that refers to a style of cooking bite-size pieces of meat (usually beef, and often Wagyu) and vegetables on gridirons or griddles over a flame or a grill.
Yakiniku Chains in Japan : Gyukaku, Jojoen, Ikinari Steak
Wagyu Tabelog Ranking
Yakiniku Tabelog Ranking
OMURICE
Omurice is a comforting and beloved dish in both Japanese home cooking and casual dining establishments. It's a delightful fusion of Western and Japanese culinary styles, typically classified under Yoshoku (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine). The name "omurice" itself is a combination of the words "omelet" and "rice."
BURGER
Burgers in Japan offer a unique twist on the classic American favorite, incorporating local flavors and ingredients that elevate the dish to new culinary heights. Among these local adaptations, the Wagyu burger stands out as a particularly luxurious option, showcasing Japan's renowned Wagyu beef known for its rich marbling and tender texture.
Burger Chains in Japan : Mos burger, Lotteria, Wendy's First Kitchen. (not the best burgers)
IZAKAYA
Not a type of food but, an izakaya is a type of informal Japanese gastropub where people enjoy a variety of small, typically savory dishes accompanied by alcoholic beverages. Izakayas are central to Japanese dining culture, providing a casual atmosphere for after-work drinking and socializing. The menu often include grilled meats (yakitori), deep-fried foods (tempura), various kinds of tofu, sashimi, and unique regional specialties. The dishes are usually quite flavorful, often salty or spicy, to complement the drinks.
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