Japan is a food lover’s dream, with flavours that go from the familiar to the unexpected. While sushi and ramen are famous worldwide, food in Japan is packed with so many hidden gems that people need to try!
Want to wander the lively streets of Japan where tiny food stalls serve up crispy takoyaki and warm, savory yakitori on every corner! Let us help you explore more of traditional Japanese foods and discover what to eat in the country.
Your Japan tour packages would lead you to the best restaurants and famous food in Japan that you need to try! Do not forget to try the regional specialties at some of the best places to visit in Japan and the famous food that makes this country’s cuisine so unique. Let’s dig in!
Sushi is one of Japan’s most famous dishes, and for good reason! It’s fresh, flavorful, and a real treat for your taste buds. If you're a sushi expert or trying it for the first time, Japan is the place to experience it in all its glory.
There are four types of sushi - Nigiri, Maki, Sashimi and Temaki. It is considered to be light, flavourful, and often served with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickle ginger. It’s a dish that is perfect for any occasion! Also, sushi is the food Japan is famous for and trying it out can be one of the best things to do in Japan.
Price: INR 300 - 2,500
Places to Try: Conveyor Belt Sushi, Sushi Chains, High-end Sushi, Tsukiji Fish Market, Local Sushi shops
Udon - the best food in Japan, thick, chewy noodles served in a tasty broth. It’s filling, warm, and perfect for any time of the day.
Udon is a famous Tokyo food that’s both easy to enjoy and is often found in cozy little restaurants or casual chains across Japan, and it’s guaranteed to fill you up while keeping you warm and content. No matter how you like your udon, it’s always comforting, fresh, and delicious.
Price: INR 400 - 1,200
Places to Try: Udon Shops, Udon Chains, Tempura Udon Spots and Special Udon Regions
Tofu is a popular food in Japan made from soybeans. It’s soft, smooth, and has a mild flavor, which makes it perfect for soaking up the tastes of the dishes it’s added to.
It is a soft, white food made from soybeans. It doesn’t have much taste by itself, but it easily takes on the flavor of sauces and spices. People like tofu because it is full of protein and nutrients, and it’s a good choice for vegetarians and vegans.
You can cook it in many ways, like frying, baking, or adding it to soups. Also, it is healthy, easy to use, and has been eaten for thousands of years.
Price: INR 100 - 1,500
Places to Try: Tofu Specialty shops, traditional Japanese restaurants, Tofu cafes or Street Food stalls
Tempura is one of best Japan dishes, known for its light, crispy batter and delicious fillings. It consists of seafood, vegetables, or even sweet potatoes, all dipped in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection. Tempura is enjoyed for its crispy texture and clean, subtle flavors that highlight the fresh ingredients inside, making it one of top 10 best foods in Japan.
Price: INR 800 - 2,500
Places to Try: Tempura Kondo, Tendon Tenya, Tempura Tsunahachi, Tenmatsu, Marugame Siemen, Yasuda
Yakitori is a street food favorite and a popular dish at casual restaurants, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and food stalls.
It's often served as a snack, but you can also enjoy it as a main meal when paired with rice or a few side dishes. The grilled aroma, crispy outside, and juicy inside make yakitori a treat for both locals and visitors.
Price: INR 100 - 500
Places to Try: Omoide Yokocho, Toriyoshi, Ishida, Bird Land, Yakitori Maru
Sashimi is known as best food in Japan, and it’s as simple as it is delicious. It’s thinly sliced, fresh raw fish or seafood served without rice, often just accompanied by a little soy sauce and wasabi.
The fish used in sashimi is the star of the dish, so it’s always high quality, fresh, and full of flavor. Popular types of sashimi include tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, but it can also include things like squid, octopus, or even shellfish.
Price: INR 300 - 3,500
Places to Try: Tsukiji Outer market, Sushizanmai, Izakayas, Uogashi Nihon-Ichi, Omakase restaurants
Also check out: 8 Days Japan Family Trip
Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, and it’s loved by people all over the world. It’s a hearty noodle soup made with a rich broth, noodles, and various toppings like sliced pork (chashu), green onions, boiled eggs, and sometimes even corn or seaweed.
There are many different types of ramen depending on the broth base, depending it's soy sauce (shoyu), miso, salt (shio), or tonkotsu (pork bone broth) and each offering its own unique flavor and texture, making it one best Tokyo food that everyone tries on!
Price: INR 500 - 2,500
Places to Try: Ichiryu Ramen, Ippudo, Ramen Jiro, Afuri, Ramen Street
Donburi, often referred to simply as "don," is a popular and comforting Japanese dish that consists of a bowl of rice topped with various ingredients like meat, fish, vegetables, and sauces. It's a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
The beauty of donburi lies in its versatility, if you want a simple bowl of rice topped with egg and vegetables or a hearty meal with chicken or beef, there’s a donburi that you can try on in Japan!
Price: INR 500 - 2,500
Places to Try: Matsuya, Sukiya, Unatoto, Torikizoku, Tempura Tsunahachi
Natto is a traditional Japanese foods made from fermented soybeans. It is known for its strong, earthy flavor and sticky, slimy texture, a dish that’s loved by many in Japan. Though it can be an acquired taste for newcomers, as it is one food Japan is famous for and you must not miss out.
Typically eaten with rice, natto is often served for breakfast with a little soy sauce and mustard to enhance its flavor. Despite its unique texture and smell, natto is highly nutritious, packed with protein, probiotics, and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Price: INR 100 - 1,000
Places to Try: Supermarkets, Kaiten-zushi, Natto speciality shops, Izakayas
Oden is a classic Japanese dish that’s perfect for colder months. It’s a type of hot pot made with a variety of ingredients like boiled eggs, tofu, fish cakes, daikon radish, and konjac (a type of root vegetable), all simmered in a flavorful, soy-based broth.
The ingredients soak up the rich, savory broth, making each bite satisfying and warming. Oden is often served at street stalls, convenience stores, and cozy izakayas, where you can choose your favorite ingredients from the pot and enjoy a hearty, filling meal.
Price: INR 400 - 1,500
Places to Try: Oden-ya, Tachinomi Odyen, 7-Eleven, Oden Matsuya, Oden Kamakura
Tamagoyaki is a Japanese-style omelette, but it’s a little different from what you might be used to. It's made by rolling layers of beaten eggs into a soft, and sweet omelette. The eggs are cooked in a special rectangular pan, which gives it its signature shape. It’s usually seasoned with soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and a touch of sugar, making it both savory and slightly sweet.
In Japan, tamagoyaki is often served as part of sushi (called tamago sushi) or as a side dish with rice, but you can also find it in lunchboxes, called bento, or at food stalls. It's light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, making it a comforting and satisfying treat for any meal.
Price: INR 300 - 1,200
Places to Try: Sushi restaurants, Bento shops, pubs
If you are thinking what to eat in Japan - Soba is a simple and delicious Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. It has a slightly nutty flavor and can be served in many different ways.
You can enjoy it cold, paired with a dipping sauce in the warmer months, or hot, in a savory broth, perfect for colder weather. Soba is often topped with tempura, green onions, or even a raw egg, making it both comforting and flavorful.
It’s a popular meal for lunch or dinner and is known for being healthy, thanks to its high protein and fiber content.
Price: INR 400 - 1,200
Places to Try: Sarashina Horii
Tonkatsu is a beloved and best food in Japan consisting of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. The pork is coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, giving it a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
It’s typically served with a side of finely shredded cabbage, a bowl of rice, and a rich, sweet-toned tonkatsu sauce. This dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying, often enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Price: INR 500 - 1,200
Places to Try: Tonakatsu Maisen, Katsuya, Tonkatsu Tonki, Gyukatsu Motomura, Matsunoya
Kashi Pan is a popular Japanese bread that comes with a variety of fillings. It can be sweet, like red bean paste or custard, or savory, like ham and cheese. Soft, fluffy, and perfect for a snack, you can find it at convenience stores or bakeries all over Japan. It’s a quick, delicious treat that pairs great with tea or coffee, making it a favorite for many.
Price: INR 100 - 600
Places to Try: 7-Eleven, Donq, Bakery Kingyo, Komeda’s coffee
Suggested read: Best Restaurants in Osaka, Japan
Miso soup is a warm, savory soup that’s a staple in Japanese cuisine. It’s made from miso paste, which is a fermented soybean paste, and is mixed with water to create a rich, flavorful broth. The soup usually includes tofu, seaweed, and sometimes green onions or mushrooms. It’s light, yet satisfying, and typically served as part of a traditional Japanese food, often with rice and other side dishes.
Miso soup is super comforting and is perfect for any time of the day, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's also known for its health benefits, as the miso paste is full of probiotics and helps with digestion.
Price: INR 300 - 1,000
Places to Try: Sushizanmai, Ichiryu, Mamazen, Kura Sushi, Gyukatsu Motomura
Miso soup is a warm, savory soup that’s a staple in Japanese cuisine. It’s made from miso paste, which is a fermented soybean paste, and is mixed with water to create a rich, flavorful broth. The soup usually includes tofu, seaweed, and sometimes green onions or mushrooms. It’s light, yet satisfying, and typically served as part of a traditional Japanese food, often with rice and other side dishes.
Miso soup is super comforting and is perfect for any time of the day, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's also known for its health benefits, as the miso paste is full of probiotics and helps with digestion.
Price: INR 300 - 1,000
Places to Try: Sushizanmai, Ichiryu, Mamazen, Kura Sushi, Gyukatsu Motomura
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake made with a batter of cabbage, flour, and eggs, topped with meat, seafood, or even cheese. It’s cooked on a griddle and served with a flavorful okonomiyaki sauce and mayonnaise. The best part? You can add whatever toppings you like, making it a totally customizable dish!
Price: INR 800 - 2,000
Places to Try: Mizuno, Chitose, Kiji, Botejyu
Mentaiko is a type of spicy fish roe (usually from cod) that’s a popular ingredient in Japan. It’s typically marinated in chili and salt, giving it a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. Mentaiko is often eaten with rice, mixed into pasta, or used as a topping for sushi or toast. It’s a flavorful and unique Osaka food that adds a delicious kick to many meals!
Price: INR 300 - 1,500
Places to try: Mentaiko Fukushi, Ikinari steak, Torikatsu, Gindako, Yamaya
Curry rice is a beloved Japanese meal consisting of a rich, thick curry sauce poured over a bowl of rice, often paired with meat like chicken, pork, or beef. It’s comfort food at its best – mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll find it in casual restaurants, cafes, and even convenience stores across Japan.
Price: INR 500 - 1,500
Places to Try: CoCo Ichibanya, Go! Go! Curry, Yoshinoya
Curry rice is a beloved Japanese meal consisting of a rich, thick curry sauce poured over a bowl of rice, often paired with meat like chicken, pork, or beef. It’s comfort food at its best – mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll find it in casual restaurants, cafes, and even convenience stores across Japan.
Price: INR 500 - 1,500
Places to Try: CoCo Ichibanya, Go! Go! Curry, Yoshinoya
Unagi no Kabayaki is a Japanese delicacy that takes grilled eel to a whole new level. The eel is expertly grilled, then glazed with a rich, sweet soy-based sauce, creating a smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavor. Served over warm rice, this dish is the perfect balance of textures and tastes, tender eel with a crispy exterior, all drenched in that irresistible sauce.
Price: INR 1,200 - 5,000
Places to Try: Unatoto, Ishikawa, Obana, Nana-Chan, Kojimachi Yama
Shabu Shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where you dip thin slices of meat, usually beef or pork, into a pot of boiling broth. The name "Shabu Shabu" comes from the sound the meat makes when you swish it in the hot water.
It's a fun meal, everyone at the table cooks their own meat and vegetables in the bubbling broth, making it a social and delicious experience.
Once the meat is cooked, you can dip it in a tasty sesame or soy-based sauce. Add some vegetables, tofu, or noodles to the pot, and you’ve got a flavorful, healthy meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Price: INR 1,500 - 3,000
Places to Try: Sukiyabashi Jiro, Shabu Shabu Onyasai, Matsuri
Onigiri are Japanese rice balls that are simple, portable, and packed with flavor. Made from sticky, seasoned rice, these little bundles are often filled with ingredients like pickled plum, salmon, or seaweed, then wrapped in a sheet of nori (seaweed). They're perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or picnic, and can be found in convenience stores, bento boxes, or homemade in Japanese kitchens.
Onigiri is easy to eat, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, making it one of Japan’s most loved comfort foods if you are thinking about what to eat in Japan!
Price: INR 100 - 300
Places to Try: Onigiri Asakusa, Makiya, 7-Eleven, Uomura
Suggested read: 15 Best Restaurants in Kyoto
Gyoza are Japanese dumplings filled with a tasty mix of meat (usually pork), cabbage, and seasonings like garlic and ginger. They are most often pan-fried, giving them a crispy bottom and a soft top, making each bite deliciously crunchy and juicy. Gyoza are usually served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil, adding extra flavor.
These dumplings are a popular Osaka food snack or side dish in Japan and are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own.
Price: INR 500 - 1,200
Places to Try: Gyoza no Ohsho, Osaka Ohsho, Harinama, Uomura, Sapporo Gyozo
Takoyaki are small, round Japanese snacks made from a batter filled with pieces of octopus, tempura bits, pickled ginger, and green onions.
These delicious balls are cooked in a special griddle and are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Once they’re ready, they’re topped with takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes (dried fish flakes), and a sprinkle of seaweed, giving them a savory, umami-packed flavor.
Price: INR 500 - 3,000
Places to Try: Aizuya, Takoyaki Juhachiban, Gindaco, Kukuru
Kaiseki Ryori is a traditional Japanese food made up of multiple small courses, each showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients.
It’s all about balance, carefully prepared and of the best Japandishes that offer a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. You might start with a delicate soup, followed by fresh fish, pickled vegetables, and a beautifully plated dessert. The focus is on simplicity, elegance, and the natural taste of the ingredients, making every bite a delightful experience.
Price: INR 5,000 - 15,000
Places to Try: Gion Karya, Kikunoi, Ryugin
Edamame are young, green soybeans that come in their pods, often served warm with a light sprinkle of salt. They’re simple, healthy, and super fun to eat, just pop the beans out of the pod and enjoy their nutty, fresh flavor.
A popular snack in Japan, edamame is often served in izakayas (casual Japanese pubs) or as a side dish with sushi. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s not only tasty but good for you too!
Price: INR 200 - 1,000
Places to Try: Sushizanmai, Izakaya Torikizoku, Matsuya, Gindaco
Yakisoba is a delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with noodles, vegetables, and meat (like pork, chicken, or beef). It's cooked in a sweet sauce, making it flavorful and satisfying. The noodles are often slightly crispy on the edges, and it's topped with pickled ginger, green onions, or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Yakisoba is simple, delicious, and can be found at street food stalls, restaurants, or even in home kitchens, making it a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Price: INR 500 - 1,200
Places to Try: Yakisoba-ya, Matsuya, Gindaco
Chawanmushi is like a warm, savory surprise in a cup. It’s a Japanese steamed egg custard that’s soft and silky with a delicate, flavorful taste. Inside the custard, you’ll find little treasures like shrimp, chicken, mushrooms, and sometimes even ginkgo nuts, adding a lovely texture to each bite. The savory broth made with soy sauce, dashi, and mirin gives it a rich, comforting flavor.
Chawanmushi is often served as a starter or side dish in traditional meals, offering a peaceful balance of flavor and texture. It’s light but satisfying—perfect for anyone looking to try something truly unique!
Price: INR 400 - 5,000
Places to Try: Kikunoi, Sushizanmai, Ginza Kyubey, Matsuri
Wagashi are traditional Japanese food that are often made from ingredients like rice flour, red bean paste, and sweetened chestnuts. These delicate treats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and they’re often beautifully crafted to reflect the seasons. Wagashi is typically served with matcha (green tea) during tea ceremonies or as a light dessert after a meal.
These sweets can range from soft, chewy rice cakes to small, delicate pastries filled with sweet red bean paste. They’re not only delicious but also visually stunning, so do not miss it out in case you are thinking about what to eat in Japan!
Price: INR 300 - 1,500
Places to Try: Minamoto Kitchoan, Tsukiji Sushiko, Ginza Akebono, Nakamuri Tokichi
