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Food & Drink in Japan: What and Where to Eat

Where and what to eat in Japan: Osaka street food, Fukuoka yatai, Tokyo izakaya, depachika, markets, sake, regional specialities and how to handle dietary needs.

Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Eating is one of the best reasons to visit Japan, and it doesn't need to be expensive: a great bowl of ramen or a convenience-store breakfast costs very little, while high-end sushi and kaiseki are memorable splurges.

Every region has its own specialities, so it pays to eat locally as you travel.

Food cities

Kansai

Osaka

Takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu around Dotonbori and Shinsekai.

Kyushu

Fukuoka

Tonkotsu ramen and open-air yatai food stalls by the river.

Kanto

Tokyo

Everything from standing sushi bars to tiny izakaya alleys.

Kansai

Kobe

Kobe beef, Chinatown snacks and nearby Nada sake breweries.

North

Sapporo & Hokkaido

Seafood, miso ramen, dairy and jingisukan grilled lamb.

Tohoku

Sendai

Grilled beef tongue (gyutan) and zunda edamame sweets.

Experiences

Checklist

Foods to try

Our list of Japanese dishes worth seeking out, from ramen to wagashi.

Everywhere

Convenience-store food

Onigiri, sandwiches and hot snacks — a genuine highlight for many visitors.

Department store basements

Depachika food halls

Beautiful bento, sweets and gifts; look for discounts near closing time.

Onsen towns

Ryokan kaiseki dinner

A multi-course seasonal meal, often included in a ryokan stay.

How to order and eat

Japanese food guide

Restaurant types, ordering, tipping (don't) and table manners.

Dietary needs

Vegetarian, vegan & allergies

How to navigate dashi, set menus and allergen labels.

Practical tips

  • Many restaurants post menus with photos or plastic food models outside.
  • Ticket machines are common in ramen and beef-bowl shops.
  • Some small places are cash-only.
  • Popular sushi and kaiseki restaurants may need reservations weeks ahead.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel:

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