A Food Lover’s Guide to Japan: Must-Try Dishes
12/02/2025
Every good foodie knows the way to experience a country’s heart is through its food. So, grab a snack (because this blog is bound to make you hungry) and let's dig into Japan!
Sushi, ramen, sake, shochu... Japan isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture—it’s also a mecca for food lovers! From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the peaceful mountains of Kyoto, Japan’s diverse regional cuisines offer a mouth watering array of dishes, each with its own unique twist. In this food lover’s guide, we will take you on a culinary journey across Japan's most famous (and delicious!) stops.
Tokyo: Sushi and Soba – A Classic Combo
When most people think of Japanese food, sushi is often the first dish that comes to mind—and for good reason!
Tokyo is the birthplace of Edomae sushi, a style that dates back to the early 19th century. The fish is incredibly fresh, with varieties like tuna, salmon, and mackerel taking centre stage. For an unforgettable experience, head to Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can sample sushi made with fish caught just hours before.
But sushi isn't the only dish Tokyo is known for. Soba (buckwheat noodles) is another iconic food here. Whether served cold with dipping sauce or in a hot, savoury broth, soba offers a comforting meal. For the full Tokyo experience, try tempura soba—crispy tempura served over a bowl of rich soba noodles.
Kyoto: Kyo-Kaiseki and Yudofu – Elegant and Traditional
If you're looking for tradition, Kyoto offers a glimpse in to Japans soulful past in the best way - through your stomach!
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is where you’ll find kyo-kaiseki, an exquisite multi-course experience that embodies the elegance and seasonal beauty of Japan. This high-end cuisine is served in a delicate sequence of small, artistic dishes, often featuring seasonal ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, and fresh vegetables and each dish is designed to captivate both the eye and the palate.
Another must-try dish in Kyoto is yudofu, a comforting hot pot made with tofu, vegetables, and flavourful broth. It’s especially popular around the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where you can enjoy a serene meal after visiting the temple grounds.
Osaka: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki – The Best Street Food
If you’re heading to Osaka, prepare yourself for a food lover's dream! Osaka is often dubbed the “kitchen of Japan,” and it’s easy to see why. The city is a street food haven, and two dishes stand out as the best of the best: takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Takoyaki are bite-sized octopus-filled dough balls that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They’re cooked in a special round pan and topped with savoury sauces, bonito flakes, and a sprinkle of green onions. You’ll find these tasty treats at street stalls and night markets all around the city, but one famous place is Takoyaki Umaiya.
Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake made with a base of cabbage, batter, and your choice of meat, seafood, or even cheese! Often called “Japanese pizza,” this dish is cooked right in front of you on a griddle and topped with okonomiyaki sauce and bonito flakes. It’s the perfect dish for sharing with friends and family- with many restaurants like Tsuruhashi Fugestsu making it right at your table!
Hokkaido: Fresh Seafood and Miso Ramen – A Taste of the North
If you love seafood, Hokkaido should be at the top of your list. As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido is surrounded by rich, cold waters that provide an abundance of fresh fish and shellfish.
From succulent crab to melt-in-your-mouth sea urchin, there’s no shortage of ocean-fresh delicacies to enjoy here. Make sure to try sushi or kaisendon (seafood bowls) at the local fish markets, where you can sample the best of what the sea has to offer.
But Hokkaido isn’t just about seafood. The region is also famous for its miso ramen, a heartwarming noodle soup with a rich, savoury broth made from miso, topped with everything from corn and butter to crispy pork. Hokkaido’s ramen shops are legendary, and this dish is the perfect way to warm up after a day of sightseeing.
Feeling hungry yet? Start planning your foodie holiday to Japan today and get ready to indulge in some of the best food on the planet.