Japanese Food Guide: What to Eat, Where to Eat It

AirHuntr Editorial

June 18, 2026

Japanese cuisine is more than sushi and ramen — it's a world of regional specialties, fermented flavors, seasonal ingredients, and obsessive craftsmanship. Here's your complete guide to eating your way through Japan.

The Essentials

Ramen: Japan's most beloved comfort food. Each region has its own style — Tokyo's shoyu (soy) broth, Sapporo's miso ramen, Fukuoka's rich tonkotsu (pork bone), Kyoto's lighter shio (salt) ramen. A bowl costs €8–12 at a dedicated ramen shop. Join the queue.

Sushi: Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market and Toyosu Market serve the freshest sushi in the world. Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt) restaurants are excellent value. Omakase (chef's choice tasting menu) at a top counter starts from €80/person.

Ramen vs Soba vs Udon: These are three completely different noodle worlds. Soba (buckwheat) is elegant and subtle, best in Kyoto and Tokyo. Udon (thick wheat noodles) is hearty — Sanuki udon from Kagawa Prefecture is legendary. Both cost €6–10.

Yakitori: Skewered grilled chicken in all forms — thigh, skin, liver, tail, cartilage. Eaten standing at a counter under the train tracks in Tokyo's Yurakucho or Shimbashi districts with a cold beer. Under €20 for a full meal.

Izakaya: Japan's pub-restaurant hybrid. Order small plates (tsukune meatballs, edamame, karaage fried chicken, agedashi tofu) and drinks throughout the evening. Perfect for solo travelers and groups alike.

Regional Specialties Worth Travelling For

Osaka: Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Osaka is Japan's undisputed food capital — locals eat out constantly.

Kyoto: Kaiseki (elaborate multi-course seasonal cuisine), tofu dishes, matcha everything. Nishiki Market ("Kyoto's Kitchen") is a must-walk food street.

Hiroshima: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki — layered rather than mixed, with noodles inside. Totally different from Osaka's version and just as good.

Hokkaido: Butter, dairy, seafood. Sapporo's crab, Hakodate's squid sashimi, corn, soft-serve ice cream everywhere.

Fukuoka (Hakata): Tonkotsu ramen birthplace. Also famous for mentaiko (spiced cod roe) and motsunabe (offal hot pot).

Street Food

Japan's convenience stores deserve special mention — they are genuinely good. Onigiri rice balls (€1–1.50) are perfect snacks. 7-Eleven's egg salad sandwiches are famously excellent. FamilyMart's fried chicken (karaage) is addictive.

Depachika (department store basement food halls) are upscale food heaven — perfect for picnic supplies, high-quality bento boxes, and pastries.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Japan can be challenging for strict vegetarians — dashi (stock) made from fish flakes appears in many dishes. But Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori) is fully vegan and available in Kyoto. Tell restaurants "niku nashi, sakana nashi" (no meat, no fish) and many will accommodate.

Etiquette

Slurping noodles is normal and polite — it means you're enjoying the food
Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral connotation)
It's rude to walk and eat, except at festivals or specific street food areas
Cash is often required at smaller restaurants
Tipping is not practiced in Japan — it can be considered insulting

What to Drink

Green tea (hot or cold) is everywhere and usually free. Vending machines offer hot canned coffee for €1. Japanese whisky (Suntory, Nikka) is world-class. Sake pairs beautifully with traditional meals. Asahi, Sapporo, and Kirin beers are crisp lagers well-suited to izakaya food.

Eating in Japan is an experience in itself — budget more time for it than you think you'll need.

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