If you ever want to get to know more about the place you are visiting, eat their local food! Every traditional dish is spiced with history. The method of cooking, ingredients and taste tell everything you need to know about a country. Japan is no different; its food is the heart and soul of the country. Most places don’t offer take out, so if you ever find yourself solo in this country, grab a bar table and start chatting with your neighbor/ chef. You will have the time of your life. So where is the best Japanese food in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka you ask. I am here to tell you. Kanpai!
Best Japanese Food in Tokyo
- Sushi Dai – Yes, the wait is 3 hours long (even when I got there at 3am). Yes, it is worth it. They serve the freshest catch of the day.
- Sushi Midori (Shibuya)- Don’t be fooled by its location (4th floor in Mark City building). Serving delicious (and relatively inexpensive) sushi/ sashimi platter.
- Ippudo Ramen – serving cleanest tasting yet rich and satisfying ramen noodle
- Tempura (next to the biggest Bic camera in Shinjuku). Golden fried goodness of vegetables, fish and shrimp with a side of piping hot rice and miso soup.
- Cake from iSetan/ Daimaru dept store – two word – Cake..Heaven…
- Asakusa Kagetsudo Honten serve delicious Melonpan, Japanese favorite sweet bun covered with cookie dough – soft on inside, crispy on outside
- World’s second best freshly baked melon pan ice cream – Melonpan + Ice cream – what’s not to like?
Best Japanese Food in Kyoto
- Otsuka kyoto – They serve steak here that is better than A5 Wagyu…’nough said. ProTip: go early (after viewing Bamboo forest nearby)
- Katsukura – Deep fried golden perfection
- Samples from Kiyomizu-dera walking path (as you go down after viewing the temple)
Best Japanese Food in Osaka
- Chibo Okonomiyaki (in Dotombori)
- Takoyaki in osaka (look for big octopus sign in Dotombori)
Various Other Places to Eat in Japan
- Mochi balls – try a few different flavors (red bean, green bean, sweet nuts, etc)
- Melon pan – buttery sweet bread with crispy sugar coat (my favorite)
- Bento boxes – buy at any train station before you board.
- Snacks from 7/11 – my favorites are baby star crispy noodle, cream puff, milk coffee
