Things You Should Eat When in Japan ⋆ Lifeguin

Eating Your Way Though Japan

First, let me tell you that everything in Japan is delicious. We still don’t know how they do it, but every single bite we had was packed with flavor. Even dishes we thought might taste unusual or “not our thing” ended up surprising us in the best possible way. From street food stalls tucked into busy alleys to tiny ramen shops and sushi counters, it seemed that Japan had perfected the art of creating food that is both comforting and exciting at the same time.

What makes eating here so special is not just the taste, but the care that goes into every dish. Presentation matters, freshness matters, and there’s a real sense that food is something to be appreciated, not rushed. Whether it was a quick snack at a market or a sit-down meal in a restaurant, everything exceeded our expectations.

Below, we’ve put together some of the foods we tried and absolutely loved. If you’re heading to Japan, consider this your guide to dishes and snacks worth seeking out.

**Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho alley in Tokyo**

Japan is home to numerous food alleys, lively markets, and cozy restaurants to explore. No matter where you turn, the country feels like a paradise for your taste buds.Depending on your travel style, you can either plan specific spots to eat or wander and follow your nose. We decided to go freestyle. We had a list of foods we wanted to try (which you’ll find at the end of this post), and we even researched some of the best-rated places. But Tokyo is massive, and getting across the city to reach a particular restaurant can easily take an hour or more.In the end, we stopped stressing about chasing specific spots and enjoyed what we found along the way. And honestly? That turned out to be the best approach because in Japan, the food is delicious everywhere.

This post includes the dishes and snacks we tried and can wholeheartedly recommend.

Food Etiquette in Japan: How to Eat Respectfully

Don’t Walk While Eating. We need to point this out right away: while Japan has plenty of delicious street food, it’s considered rude to walk and eat at the same time. Concerns include leftover packaging and dropped food, but it’s also about respect. Japanese people believe eating should be done with attention and care, not while multitasking. Instead, finish your food near the stall or shop where you bought it. Most vendors provide a small dedicated space for eating. We ended up loving this cultural detail because it made us slow down, savor each bite, and be more mindful of the experience.
Slurping Noodles Is Polite. Unlike in many Western countries, making noise while eating noodles is a good thing in Japan. Slurping shows you’re enjoying your meal, and it’s said to enhance the flavors as well. So don’t be shy, lean in and slurp away when you’re eating ramen or udon.
Chopstick Manners. Chopsticks come with their own set of etiquette rules. One of the most important: never stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice. This resembles a ritual offering made at funerals and is considered extremely disrespectful. Instead, rest your chopsticks on the holder provided or neatly across your bowl.
Using Oshibori (Wet Towels). At many restaurants, you’ll be given a small, wet towel (called an oshibori) before your meal. This isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a reminder to clean your hands before eating. Use it at the beginning of your meal, then fold it neatly and leave it on the side of your tray or table. Don’t use it to wipe your face or the table.

Shokuhin Sampuru (食品サンプル)

One of the little things we came to love in Japan was shokuhin sampuru, the ultra-realistic food models often made of plastic or wax. You’ll see them displayed in front of almost every restaurant, giving you a clear idea of what each dish looks like before you order. And it’s not just a rough sketch; whatever we ordered looked almost identical to the model.

These food replicas were first introduced before color photography, as a way for restaurants to show customers their menu items. Over time, they’ve become an art form of their own, with some models so detailed you’ll be tempted to reach out and take a bite. They’re not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly helpful when ordering, especially if you don’t speak much Japanese.

Convenience Store Culture

One of the best-kept secrets for travelers in Japan is how amazing the convenience stores (konbini) are. Chains like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are everywhere, and they’re a lifesaver if you’re traveling on a budget or want something quick and tasty. Forget the limp sandwiches and bland snacks you might expect elsewhere — Japanese konbini offer freshly made onigiri (rice balls with fillings like tuna mayo or salmon), perfectly cut sandwiches (the egg salad one is legendary), seasonal sweets, and even full bento boxes. Everything is high quality, affordable, and constantly restocked throughout the day. You’ll also find hot foods like fried chicken, steamed buns, and croquettes at the counter. Honestly, some of our favorite meals in Japan came from convenience store runs — they’re not just convenient, but also part of the travel experience.

Drinks & Alcohol in Japan

Food might get most of the spotlight, but Japan’s drink culture is just as fascinating and sometimes surprising. The first thing we noticed was the sheer number of vending machines. They’re literally everywhere: train stations, street corners, mountain trails, even remote villages. And they don’t just sell soda. You’ll find everything from steaming hot coffee in cans to bottles of green tea and even quirky flavored drinks.

Some classics worth trying:

- Canned Coffee. Hot or cold, sweetened or black. A morning staple for commuters.
- Green Tea (Ocha). Unsweetened, refreshing, and available in countless varieties.
- Pocari Sweat. Japan’s iconic sports drink is perfect for rehydration.
- Matcha (抹茶). Traditional powdered green tea, rich and slightly bitter, is best enjoyed in tea houses.
- Sake (日本酒). Rice wine that can be served warm or cold; tasting it in a local izakaya is a must.
- Highball. A popular mix of whisky and soda water, light and refreshing, often ordered with meals.

Trying drinks in Japan is as much a cultural experience as the food. Whether it’s sipping a warm can of coffee from a vending machine on a chilly morning or toasting with sake in the evening, the variety will keep you curious throughout your trip.

Tokyo Food Recommendations

It’s no exaggeration to say that food alone is reason enough to visit Tokyo or Japan in general. Before your trip, we recommend making a list of dishes you don’t want to miss. It makes choosing where to eat much easier once you’re there. Trust us, you’ll want to try everything, but with limited time in Tokyo, a little planning helps you make the most of it.

Sushi (すし)

We bet the first thing on the food list is sushi. For us, it was the same. Being in Japan, you can get sushi on every corner. For those not from this planet and don’t know, sushi is prepared with vinegared rice, usually with some sugar and salt, accompanied by various ingredients, such as seafood, often raw, and vegetables. There are different types, but let’s save that discussion for another time.

We had our share of sushi at Sushi Zanmai Takumi Ginza.

They have various locations in Tokyo. We were lucky to have a friend living in Tokyo take us there. We would not have gone by ourselves, as English will not help you much, and our level of Japanese is not yet up to par.

The atmosphere upon entering is incredible. Everyone is very cheerful and greets you as you come in and when you leave. The sushi is freshly prepared, and you can watch it being made. Our friend even ordered an off-menu dish whose name we don’t remember, but it was delicious. We ate a lot and thought this was it when the sushi plates arrived, and we never had better sushi before or since. Go try it out!

Ramen (らーめん)

Ramen is another popular dish that many want to try, especially if you are a fan of Naturo. As with sushi, you have a lot of ramen shops scattered around Tokyo.

We visited Ichiran Shinjuku, located in the Shinjuku Area. We found this ramen shop while we were waddling around.

Ramen is a noodle dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a broth. Common flavors include soy sauce and miso, with typical toppings such as sliced pork, nori, and scallions.

It was a unique experience. You have minimal encounters with staff and get delicious ramen. Right at the beginning, you must choose your ramen and beverages on a machine, pay, and get a receipt. We will be honest; we didn’t know how it worked when we waddled in and just copied what the person in front of us did. 😅 But it worked, so we nailed it!

The seating area is designed for individuals (or penguins) who come alone. Each window is divided by a wooden wall, and you can slurp your ramen in privacy.

Before the staff takes your order, please circle any additional information. You choose how spicy you want it, how much broth you want, and other options.
Once again, we were a little helpless, but the staff was friendly and helped us out.

The staff took the sheet, and we waited for the order. The ramen that arrived was delicious. Overall, the experience was something else, and we enjoyed it.

Udon (うどん)

Staying with the noodle dishes, another one you should try is udon noodle soup. Udon are thick noodles made from wheat flour and are a comfort food for many people in Japan.

You can find many places serving udon, but we ended up in the one located directly inside Tokyo Central Railway Station.

It was thanks to our plushie friend that we ended up here.

We met at Tokyo Central Station, and they invited us to lunch. We didn’t yet have udon, so they took us to Kamatake Udon. It is a small restaurant directly at the station. The broth was well-prepared and had a strong flavor, and the udon noodles were cooked perfectly. Get an udon bowl here if you find yourself at the train station. You can find many places serving udon, but we ended up in the one located directly inside Tokyo Central Railway Station.

Takoyaki (たこ焼き)

Takoyaki is a ball-shaped snack made of a wheat flour-based batter cooked in a specially molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion.

We lived near Ameyoko Shopping Street; therefore, we checked out the nearby market and the food available there.

One stall was especially popular, serving takoyaki. We didn’t hesitate and ordered right away.

You won’t miss it when you are there, as people always surround it and it’s the only place that makes takoyaki.

You can order four, six, or eight takoyaki. We managed to order it with our fundamental knowledge of Japanese and had no issues. It is a bustling corner. A small table is close, where you put on your favorite sauce and eat your takoyaki.

Taiyaki (たいやき)

Of course, we ate a ton of sweets and desserts while in Japan, and one of them was taiyaki. We can’t get enough of it.

It is a fish-shaped cake commonly sold as street food with sweet fillings, such as red bean paste, chocolate, and vanilla pudding. You can also find ones with salty fillings, but we were interested only in the sweet ones.

One place selling them is somewhere near Mansei Bridge, and it’s only a window sale. You can also watch how they are being made.

Crepe in cone

Crepes are not only popular in Japan but are a beloved dessert worldwide. Still, Japan brings it to a whole new level.

The crepes have a big following in Japan and are commonly enjoyed as street food.

Popular fillings include ice cream, whipped cream, sliced fruit, chopped nuts, chocolate sauce, and even decadent bites of cheesecake and brownies.

The crepe is rolled up in a paper cone, making it easier to hold and eat while standing.

We bought ours when we visited the Venice Fort Shopping Center in Kōtō City. Many places are selling them, and you can find them on every corner. If you like crepes in general, don’t miss out on these.

When to Visit Japan: The Ultimate Guide

Mochi (もち)

Mochi is our favorite dessert from Japan, but we realized we hadn’t had the real deal before visiting Japan.

Mochi is a rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain japonica glutinous rice, and sometimes other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch. Many people mix it up with dango, but that is something else.

We bought our mochi at a stand in the Tsukiji Outer Market. We watched as it was freshly made and couldn’t resist.

Wagyu Beef (和牛)

Wagyu beef is renowned worldwide for its high price. Of course, since we came all the way to Japan, we wanted to try it out.

You can go to a restaurant where you will be served and pay a lot. Or, you can go as we did to the Tsukiji Outer Marketand buy a smaller piece for the people who “just” want to have a taste.

In short, totally worth the money! And ever since we tried it in Japan, we always order some whenever we have the chance.

Cake from Kawaii Monster Cafe

In 2021, the cafe was closed due to the pandemic, but the great news is that it’s coming back in 2025. It is a whimsical place featuring colorful themed rooms. It was a great experience if you were looking for something crazy.

Bidding farewell to the technicolored monsters is bittersweet, but there will always be more room in Harajuku for the weird and wonderful.

We are happy we had a chance to visit the cafe. It felt like stepping into another world.

Other Foods to Try in Japan

Beyond sushi, ramen, and the classics, Japan offers a multitude of other dishes and snacks worth trying. Here are a few more to add to your list. We wanted to try but didn’t manage:

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き). A savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and your choice of toppings, especially famous in Osaka and Hiroshima.
Soba (そば). Thin buckwheat noodles are often served chilled with a dipping sauce or hot in broth.
Gyoza (餃子). Japanese-style pan-fried dumplings filled with pork, cabbage, and garlic.
Gyudon (牛丼). A comforting rice bowl topped with simmered beef and onions.
Kaiseki (懐石). A traditional multi-course Japanese meal, beautifully presented and often seasonal.
Shabu-shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ). A hotpot where you cook thin slices of meat and vegetables at the table.
Yakitori (焼き鳥). Grilled chicken skewers are often enjoyed with a cold beer at an izakaya.
Kaisendon (海鮮丼). A sashimi rice bowl, piled high with fresh raw fish.
Dorayaki (どら焼き). Sweet pancakes filled with red bean paste are a beloved snack or dessert.

Kyoto Snacks To Try

We didn’t get to eat as much as we wanted in Kyoto; there are so many places we still wish we had tried. But from what we did manage, here are two snacks we can genuinely recommend. They may not completely change your life, but they were delicious and definitely worth a try while exploring the city.

Ice Cream

We know, we know. Ice cream? It’s among the basics. However, try the ice cream on the way to Iwatayama Monkey Park. We got the favors of sakura/matcha, and it did rock our world.

Kushikatsu (串カツ)

Honestly, what could be better than crumbed and deep-fried food on sticks? Kushikatsu is a popular Japanese style of dining where meat, vegetables, and even cheese are breaded in panko crumbs and deep-fried. Each stick is served piping hot out of the deep fryer. We tried a few, and they tasted great.

1 Day in Kyoto Itinerary

Other Foods to Try in Kyoto

Kyoto is renowned for its temples and gardens, but its food scene is equally charming. The city leans toward elegant, seasonal, and often plant-based dishes that reflect its history as Japan’s cultural heart. Here are a few other Kyoto specialties to look out for.

Yudofu (湯豆腐). A comforting yet straightforward hot pot of tofu simmered in a light broth, often served near temple areas, such as Nanzen-ji.
Kyo-Kaiseki (京懐石). Kyoto’s refined version of the traditional multi-course meal emphasizes the use of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Matcha Sweets (抹茶スイーツ). From soft-serve ice cream to cakes and parfaits, Kyoto is the best place to indulge in green tea desserts.
Obanzai (おばんざい). Traditional Kyoto-style home cooking with small seasonal vegetable dishes is often served in cozy local restaurants.
Yatsuhashi (八ツ橋). Kyoto’s most famous sweet, made from glutinous rice flour; available baked (crispy) or unbaked (soft, with red bean filling).
Kyo Tsukemono (京漬物). Assorted pickles unique to Kyoto are often served as a side dish or souvenir snack.
Shojin Ryori (精進料理). A traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served at temple lodgings.

Kyoto vs. Tokyo: A Different Food Vibe

While Tokyo dazzles with its endless ramen shops, bustling markets, and late-night street food, Kyoto offers a slower, more refined approach to dining. Here, meals often highlight seasonality and tradition, with dishes that feel closely tied to the city’s temples and history. Think delicate matcha sweets, vegetarian shojin ryori at temple lodgings, or elegant kaiseki meals that celebrate local produce.

If Tokyo is about energy and variety, Kyoto is about mindfulness and balance. Eating in both cities offers two distinct perspectives on Japanese food culture, and both are worth savoring.

Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto: Regional Specialties in Japan

Japan’s food culture is incredibly regional, with each area offering its own specialties that reflect local ingredients, traditions, and climate. If your travels take you beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, here are some must-try dishes by region:

Osaka is known as Japan’s Kitchen, famous for:
- Takoyaki (たこ焼き). Octopus-filled dough balls cooked in a special round pan.
- Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き). A savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and toppings like pork, seafood, or cheese.

Hiroshima is another okonomiyaki hotspot, but with a twist:
- Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. Layered with noodles (yakisoba or udon), cabbage, egg, and sauce.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northern island, famous for its rich flavors:
- Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン). A hearty bowl of ramen with miso-based broth.
- Fresh Seafood. Especially crab, sea urchin, and scallops.
- Jingisukan (ジンギスカン) – A grilled lamb dish cooked on a dome-shaped pan.

Fukuoka (Kyushu) is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen:
- Tonkotsu Ramen (豚骨ラーメン). Creamy, pork-bone broth ramen with thin noodles and toppings like chashu pork and green onions.

Nagoya is known for bold, flavorful dishes:
- Hitsumabushi (ひつまぶし). Grilled eel over rice, eaten in stages with different seasonings.
- Miso Katsu (味噌カツ). A variation of tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) topped with rich red miso sauce.

Okinawa is a unique food culture influenced by its island history:
- Okinawa Soba (沖縄そば). Thick wheat noodles in a pork-based broth, topped with braised pork belly.
- Goya Champuru (ゴーヤーチャンプルー). A stir-fry with bitter melon, tofu, pork, and egg.

The weirdest thing we had

We were in a rush when we bought it and did not properly read what was written on it. We stopped by a convenience store and just wanted to buy some orange juice.

We had a craving for a nice, cold cup of orange juice. There was a variety to choose from, but since we didn’t have time, we grabbed the first thing that came to hand.

Imagine our surprise when we later opened it (still with the craving), and it was orange-favored but orange-flavored milk—an actual milk drink.
We had our doubts about drinking it as milk and citrus fruits were not our thing, but it was delicious. It was unusual, but it turned out to be delicious in the end.

We hope your trip to Japan will be just as delicious as ours. From sushi feasts to sweet street snacks, every bite felt like a new adventure. The best part is that you don’t have to chase down the most famous restaurants to eat well; in Japan, good food finds you everywhere. So go with an open mind (and an empty stomach), try as much as you can, and savor every moment.

Penguin Budget Tips

Eating in Japan doesn’t have to break the bank; it all depends on where and how you choose to dine. A hearty bowl of ramen usually costs around ¥800–¥1,200 (6–9 EUR), while conveyor belt sushi can be surprisingly affordable, with plates starting at just ¥100–¥200 (0.70–1.50 EUR) each. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart also serve excellent on-the-go meals, from fresh onigiri to full bento boxes, often for just a few euros. On the other end of the spectrum, splurge-worthy experiences like wagyu beef or a traditional kaiseki meal can easily set you back ¥10,000–¥20,000 (65–130 EUR) per person — but they’re unforgettable.

Below find a table of the things we wanted to try. From the 20 things we had on our list, we tried 6. 😅

Thinks to try	What is it	Where to try it
Dorayaki どら焼き	Popular Japanese confection made of two castella pancakes with red bean filling inside.	FUNAWA Address: 1-20-2 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 6PM
Age-manju 揚げ饅頭	A fried bun filled with a sweet bean paste or cream	ASAKUSA KOKONOE Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan Hours: Open Daily 9:00AM – 7PM
Ningyo-yaki 人形焼	Bite-sized cake snacks made of flour, eggs, and sugar cooked in an iron mold.	KIMURAYA NINGYOYAKIHONPO Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito 111-0032, Tokyo, Japan Hours: Open Daily 9:00AM – 7:00PM
Tamagoyaki 玉子焼き	Grilled or fried egg is a Japanese omelet made by rolling layers of egg on top of each other.	Everywhere (price about 1 EUR
Dango 団子	Traditional Japanese confection is made from mochiko, a close relative of mochi.	Everywhere
Tengu-yaki 天狗焼き	Sweet black soybean paste inside a crispy waffle.	Tengu-yaki is a snack local to Mount Takao.
Crepe クレープ	The Japanese have perfected the art of crepe making.	MARION CREPES Address: 1-6-15 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo, Japan Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 8PM
Poterico \| ポテりこ	A popular packaged potato stick snack by Calbee, you can find it in almost every convenience store or market in Japan.	CALBEE+ Address: 1-16-8 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo, Japan Hours: Open Daily 10AM – 8PM
Soba そば	Thin buckwheat noodles, often served chilled with a dipping sauce but we went to a place on top of Mount Takao.	Yakuō-in Daihonbō Address: 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji 193-0844, Tokyo, Japan
Okonomiyaki お好み焼き	A savory pancake made of flour batter, cabbage, and various types of proteins, vegetables, and condiments.	Address: 2-2-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito 111-0035, Tokyo, Japan
Shabu-shabu しゃぶしゃぶ	Japanese hotpot is good, especially when cold weather.	Everywhere
Ramen ラーメン	Japanese noodle dish. There are variations in the type of broth and toppings used, different regions in Japan have distinct styles. Try Ichiran Ramen while you’re in Tokyo.	Everywhere
Gyudon 牛丼	Japanese beef bowl consisting of simmered thinly sliced beef and onions on top of a bed of rice.	Address: 4-9-12 Tsukiji, Chuo 104-0045, Tokyo, Japan
Kaisendon 海鮮丼	It is a Japanese sashimi rice bowl. There are variations depending on what type of fish you want on it. The fish is raw.	Fish Market
Sushi すし	No comment is needed.	Fish Market
Udon うどん	A thick wheat flour noodle that’s considered fast food in Japan. You can opt for a more traditional dine-in setting, but I recommend going to a fast-casual udon bar.	Everywhere
Tonkatsu 豚カツ	A breaded deep-fried pork cutlet is typically served with rice but is sometimes used as a topping on some noodle dishes.	Address: 6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo
Gyoza 餃子	Japan’s version of potstickers/dumplings/etc. It’s a pretty basic dish and often served as an appetizer.	Address: 6-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya 150-0001, Tokyo, Japan
Kaiseki 懐石	It is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal of regional and seasonal specialties. This style of dining is typically served when staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn).	In most restaurants.
Kobe Beef	Dining by NOBU in Kyoto.	Everywhere

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