Traditional Japanese food
Discover the flavours of Japan: from a great bowl of ramen to traditional sweets, markets, konbini and food experiences that are all part of the journey.
Japan is also discovered through its food
Japanese cuisine goes far beyond sushi. During your trip you will find hot dishes, street food, tiny restaurants, markets, traditional sweets, unusual snacks and unforgettable food experiences.
You can eat extremely well in specialist restaurants, simple eateries, train stations, markets and even konbini. Many places focus on a single dish and prepare it brilliantly.
Five essential flavours
Five very different classics that are easy to include in any trip around Japan.
Ramen
Noodle soup with a richly flavoured broth, meat, marinated egg, nori and other toppings. You will find miso, soy sauce, salt-based and creamy-broth versions.
Sushi
In Japan, the quality of the rice and fish and the care taken in preparation make sushi a completely different experience. Cooked pieces and options without raw fish are also available.
Gyozas
Japanese dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, crisp on one side and juicy inside. They are perfect for sharing.
Takoyaki
Batter balls filled with octopus, a speciality of Osaka, topped with sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes and powdered seaweed.
Mochi
A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice with a soft, stretchy texture. You will find red bean, matcha, strawberry, sesame and ice-cream varieties.
More dishes and sweets to try
Save this list and check it whenever you see a menu, market or irresistible shop window.
Eating at konbini
Japanese convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are on another level. You will find onigiri, sandwiches, bento boxes, noodles, desserts, coffee, snacks and drinks.
They are perfect for a quick breakfast, buying something for the train or putting together a simple dinner when you arrive late at your hotel.
Tips for eating in Japan
Small details that make ordering, paying and choosing a restaurant much easier.
When everything revolves around a single dish, it is usually a good sign.
Choose your meal, pay, collect a ticket and hand it to the staff.
A translation app or Google Lens is very useful for menus and signs.
Tipping is not customary in Japan: simply pay the amount on the bill.
Some restaurants close between lunch and dinner.
It is the perfect country for discovering new flavours, even when you are not entirely sure what you are ordering.
My final tip
A trip to Japan is also remembered through its food: a bowl of ramen in a tiny restaurant, freshly made takoyaki in Osaka, excellent sushi, crisp gyoza or mochi bought from a traditional shop. Explore markets, visit konbini and let food become as much a part of your journey as the temples, trains and landscapes.
Food experiences in Japan
Discover food tours, markets, cooking classes, tastings and culinary experiences to round off your trip.
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