Where to eat in Japan: our favorite restaurants
Real restaurants in Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima that we recommend, with what to order and what to expect from each.
In Japan the average quality is incredibly high, even in small, little-known places. Even so, there are restaurants we genuinely recommend. This is the selection, by city.
Tokyo
- Sushi Daiwa (Tsukiji): fresh market sushi, very good quality.
- Uobei Sushi: cheap, fast and fun sushi, ideal for a first time. Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera is top-class sushi at a very good price.
- Menchirashi (Harajuku): a carbonara-style udon from a place that became famous for reinterpreting Japanese dishes. There can be a line, but it's worth it.
- SG Low: the best izakaya in Tokyo, according to our route. Hirokiya Shibuya, the best wagyu.
- Ichiran Ramen: an individual ramen experience, very iconic.
- Katsudon-ya Zuicho: the line is worth it.
- Toriyoshi (Kichijoji): a super authentic place, for anyone willing to go a little farther.
Kamakura and Fuji
In Kamakura, Kamakura Matsubara-an, a traditional soba restaurant of very good quality. At Fuji, Houtou Fudou, very famous in the area and genuinely good, to try houtou, a hot soup with thick noodles and vegetables.
Kyoto
Ippudo Nishikikoji for easy, reliable ramen, and Gion Tanto for Japanese food in the middle of the traditional district. And a dinner in Pontocho, the narrow street by the river, full of restaurants with plenty of charm.
Osaka and Hiroshima
In Osaka, Mizuno for top okonomiyaki, and in Hiroshima, Okonomimura, a building full of restaurants specializing in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. On Miyajima, try the oysters and the momiji manju.
If you do the 17-day route
In Kanazawa, Fuwari and Mori Mori Sushi. In Takayama, Heianraku and Ajikura Tengoku, to try Hida beef.
Don't obsess over finding the best restaurant. Walk around, notice the places that catch your eye and go in without overthinking it. Often the best meals happen that way.
Our recommendation
Mix a few places from this list with others you find by chance. If you want a special dinner, see our omakase guide by price range in the 14-day Japan itinerary, and the experiences in best things to do in Japan.
Our favorite activities in Japan
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