If there’s one thing I never get tired of in Japan, it’s the food…
Japan isn’t just a place where you eat — it’s a place where you experience food. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bento at a convenience store, enjoying melt-in-your-mouth sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant, or winding down the night with an ice-cold highball at a local izakaya, there’s something special about the way food fits into everyday life here.
As someone who’s obsessed with Japanese food — especially ramen, takoyaki, and anything fried and crispy 😅 — this is a topic I’m always excited to dive into. And trust me, the more you learn, the more you realise just how rich and fascinating this side of Japanese culture really is.
This complete Japanese food and drinks guide will walk you through everything from must-try dishes and regional specialties, to dining etiquette, street food, convenience store magic, and even drinks and nightlife. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just want to eat more like a local, you’re in the right place 🍢🍶
So grab your virtual chopsticks — let’s dig in 🍴
🍥 Must-Try Japanese Dishes
Japanese cuisine is built on a deep respect for seasonality, presentation, and balance — and that care shines through in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying something in a family-run izakaya or picking up lunch from a convenience store, Japanese food is thoughtful, vibrant, and endlessly rewarding.
These are just a few dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again — including some of my personal favourites:
🍜 Ramen
From the rich, hearty tonkotsu broths of Kyushu to the light and refined shoyu styles of Tokyo, ramen is an art form in Japan. Slurping isn’t just okay — it’s encouraged! I’ve always loved how every bowl feels handcrafted, with its own distinct personality.
🍣 Sushi
Whether you’re at a high-end sushi bar or grabbing a quick plate from a conveyor belt, sushi in Japan is on another level. The quality of the fish, the perfectly seasoned rice — it’s all about the details. There’s nothing like enjoying maguro (tuna), salmon, or tamago (sweet egg) fresh from a local spot.
🐙 Takoyaki
These golden, crispy octopus balls are a specialty of Osaka, but you can find them at festivals and street markets across Japan. Topped with savory sauce, mayo, bonito flakes, and aonori, they’re always fun to eat and packed with flavour. I could honestly eat a dozen of these without blinking.
🥢 Okonomiyaki
Often described as a savoury pancake, okonomiyaki is all about customizing it your way — hence the name, which means “grill what you like.” I especially love the Kansai-style version, loaded with cabbage, pork, seafood, and that sweet-savoury sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
🍗 Karaage
These juicy, crispy Japanese-style fried chicken pieces are on another level. Whether eaten hot from a street food stand or chilled in a bento box, karaage hits that perfect balance of seasoned crunch and tenderness. It’s a favourite for a reason!
🍥 And More…
Japan’s food scene goes far beyond the usual — you’ll find miso soup, udon, soba, donburi, tempura, yakitori, and so much more, each with its own history and regional spin.
Whether you’re a picky eater or an adventurous foodie, you’ll find something you love here. It’s not about checking items off a list — it’s about taking the time to appreciate how beautifully prepared and deeply rooted each dish is.
🍱 Regional Specialties Across Japan
One of the most exciting things about Japanese cuisine is how every region has its own signature dishes, often shaped by local ingredients, culture, and history. While I’ve personally only spent time in Tokyo so far, I’ve done a ton of research (and daydreaming 😅) — and spoken to plenty of friends and locals — about the best regional specialties across the country.
Here are just a few famous dishes from different parts of Japan that are definitely on my must-try list for future trips:
🐙 Osaka – Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki
Osaka is often called “Japan’s kitchen”, and it’s easy to see why. Takoyaki (crispy octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake with endless variations) are legendary street foods here. If you’re a fan of bold, comforting flavours — this city is basically a food paradise.
🐄 Kobe – Kobe Beef
Probably one of the most well-known premium meats in the world, Kobe beef is famous for its buttery tenderness and intense marbling. It’s pricey, but people say that one bite is enough to convince you it’s worth every yen.
🍜 Fukuoka – Tonkotsu Ramen
From what I’ve heard (and drooled over online), tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka is thick, creamy, and absolutely next-level. Made from pork bones simmered for hours, this ramen is a favourite among hardcore noodle fans — and a must-try if you love rich, savoury flavours.
🍎 Aomori – Apples & Apple Treats
Up north in Aomori, apples are the pride of the region. From fresh fruit to apple pies and even apple-flavoured juices and ciders, Aomori has made its mark with these crisp, sweet treats.
🦀 Hokkaido – Seafood & Dairy
Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, butter-rich dairy, and hearty comfort food. Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) and soup curry are especially popular. It’s also where you’ll find creamy soft serve ice cream made with high-quality local milk.
🍶 Kyoto – Yuba, Matcha & Kyo-kaiseki
Kyoto is all about refined, elegant cuisine. Yuba (tofu skin), matcha-flavored everything, and beautifully presented Kyo-kaiseki meals reflect the city’s deep connection to tradition. It’s less flashy, but deeply satisfying and steeped in cultural nuance.
The beauty of Japan is that you don’t even have to travel far — many regions have food fairs in Tokyo and other major cities. But if you can travel, eating your way across Japan is probably one of the best things you can do.
🍶 Unique Dining Experiences in Japan
One of the things that excites me most about living in Japan long-term is exploring all of the fun and unique dining experiences the country has to offer. While I’ve only scratched the surface so far (mainly around Tokyo), I’m definitely planning to visit some of these incredible spots during future trips — and maybe even make a full foodie itinerary out of it 🍽️.
Here are a few dining experiences that are high on my bucket list:
🍥 Conveyor Belt Sushi (回転寿司 / Kaiten-zushi)
This one I’ve already had the pleasure of experiencing — and it’s just as fun as it looks. Plates of sushi glide past you on a conveyor belt, and you simply grab whatever catches your eye. It’s affordable, quick, and surprisingly high quality for the price. Places like Sushiro and Kura Sushi are popular chains, and they often include touchscreen menus, little games, and even prize dispensers for an extra layer of fun.
🤖 Themed Cafés (Anime, Maid, and More)
Tokyo especially is home to an entire world of themed cafés, from anime-inspired spots to maid cafés, animal cafés, and even full-on Gundam or Final Fantasy cafés. I haven’t visited many yet, but I’m definitely planning to explore these soon — especially the ones tied to franchises I love. Whether you’re into Pokémon, Dragon Ball, or even just a cute animal café to chill in, these places are all about the experience, not just the food.
⛩️ Traditional Ryokan Meals
A big dream of mine is to stay at a proper ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and enjoy a full kaiseki dinner — a beautifully arranged multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients and local flavours. It’s often served in your room, while you relax in a yukata and take in the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Hopefully, once I start traveling more around Japan, I’ll finally tick this one off the list.
🍻 Izakaya & Tachinomiya (Standing Bars)
Now this I can speak on. I’ve had plenty of nights out at izakayas, and they always deliver — good vibes, better food, and just the right level of chaos 🍢. Whether it’s sitting down with friends over plates of yakitori and mugs of nama beer, or stopping by a tachinomiya for a quick drink and some banter with locals, it’s easily one of my favourite parts of Japanese nightlife.
🍢 Street Food Stalls
From the aroma of sizzling yakisoba at festivals to the satisfying crunch of karaage from a local food truck, Japanese street food is an experience all its own. I’ve had takoyaki in busy Tokyo side streets and can’t wait to try regional specialties like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or beef skewers from Kobe. The combo of delicious, cheap, and quick makes street food a must on every Japan trip.
🍶 Drinks & Nightlife in Japan
Let’s be honest — Japanese drinks are on a different level. Whether it’s a convenience store canned cocktail or a classy sake flight in a dimly-lit bar, there’s something for everyone. And I’ve already tried quite a few! Here’s what I’d recommend from personal experience:
🍺 Beer & Highballs
You can’t go wrong with an ice-cold Asahi, Sapporo, or Kirin — they’re crisp, refreshing, and go perfectly with just about any dish. But my go-to on most nights out is a lemon highball (whisky + soda). It’s light, zesty, and dangerously easy to drink 😅.
🥃 Japanese Whisky
I’m no whisky connoisseur, but even I can appreciate the smoothness of brands like Suntory, Nikka, or Yamazaki. Japan takes its whisky seriously, and some of the distilleries are world-renowned. If you get the chance to try a whisky bar while you’re in Japan — do it.
🍶 Sake & Umeshu
Sake (nihonshu) is more than just “rice wine” — there are dry varieties, sweet ones, sparkling sake, and even sake best served chilled or warm depending on the season. I also really enjoy umeshu (plum wine) — it’s fruity, slightly syrupy, and honestly a great intro drink if you’re new to Japanese alcohol.
🍸 Convenience Store Cocktails
If you haven’t tried a Strong Zero from a konbini yet… proceed with caution 😂. They taste like lemon soda but pack a serious punch. Perfect for a night in or pre-game, but definitely not for the faint of heart.
🎤 Nightlife: Bars, Karaoke & More
Japanese nightlife isn’t just about drinks — it’s about the experience. Whether you’re hitting up a small bar in Shibuya, joining a nomikai (drinking party) with friends, or belting out songs at karaoke until 3 AM, it’s all about enjoying the moment. Karaoke, by the way, is serious business in Japan — full rooms, touch screen song selectors, tambourines, and everything 🎶.
🛒 Konbini Magic: The Power of Convenience Store Food
It’s no exaggeration when people say that Japanese convenience stores — or konbini (コンビニ) — are life-changing. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a midnight snack, or an emergency breakfast, you’ll find quality, variety, and service that’s on a whole different level compared to convenience stores back home.
I’ve tried most of the classics, and I still get excited walking into a FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, or Lawson. Here are some of the all-stars:
- 🥪 Sandwiches (サンドイッチ) – The egg sandwich (たまごサンド / tamago sando) is an absolute must-try. It’s soft, creamy, and weirdly addictive. Even the fruit sandwiches with whipped cream are worth a shot — trust me.
- 🍗 Fried Chicken – I’m obsessed with Famichiki (ファミチキ) — juicy, crispy fried chicken from FamilyMart. It’s cheap, hot, and perfectly seasoned. Pair it with a melon soda and you’ve got a five-star konbini meal in my book.
- 🍙 Onigiri (おにぎり) – Rice balls come in so many varieties: tuna mayo (ツナマヨ), salmon (鮭 / shake), kelp, and more. They’re wrapped in nori and have this clever plastic system that keeps the seaweed fresh until you eat it.
- 🍜 Instant Noodles & Hot Food – Most konbini have a hot water dispenser for instant ramen, and even microwaveable meals like pasta, curry rice, or grilled fish sets that are surprisingly legit.
- 🍮 Desserts & Snacks – From matcha parfaits to cream-filled dorayaki, there’s always something new to try. You’ll find seasonal sweets, limited editions, and quirky treats year-round.
- 🥤 Drinks – Aside from my beloved melon soda (メロンソーダ), there’s a full line-up of milk teas, coffees, fruit juices, and even alcohol (like chuhai cans and beer).
The best part? You can have a full meal, dessert, and drink for under ¥700 — and it’ll actually taste good. Whether you’re on a budget or just love snacks like me, konbini food is the real MVP 🏆.
🍽️ Eating Out in Japan: Etiquette & Essential Phrases
Dining in Japan isn’t just about eating — it’s about respecting the experience. And I’ll be honest, this is something I really admire. I make a conscious effort to follow proper Japanese dining etiquette, because these small gestures mean a lot in Japanese culture 🙇♂️.
Here are some of the basics I always stick to:
🙏 Phrases to Know
It’s common to say a few key phrases before and after your meal:
- いただきます (Itadakimasu) – Said before eating. It means “I humbly receive” and shows appreciation for the food.
- ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) – Said after eating. It means “Thank you for the meal.”
Even if you’re not fluent in Japanese, saying these two phrases will earn you instant respect from locals.
🍜 Ordering Food
A few useful phrases when dining out:
- これをください (Kore o kudasai) – “I’ll have this, please” (pointing at a menu item works great).
- おすすめは何ですか？(Osusume wa nan desu ka?) – “What do you recommend?”
- 〜をひとつください (~ o hitotsu kudasai) – “One [item], please.” Swap in the item name before ください.
Don’t worry too much if you mess up — most staff are kind and patient, especially in tourist areas. And honestly, just trying Japanese goes a long way!
🥢 Table Manners
Some unspoken rules that I always follow (and recommend others do too):
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl — it resembles a funeral ritual.
- Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick — also linked to funeral customs.
- Use the back end of your chopsticks when taking food from shared plates.
- Slurping noodles (like ramen or soba) is totally okay — it’s seen as a sign of enjoyment!
If you’re dining with others, pouring each other’s drinks (especially in formal settings) is polite. Also, tipping isn’t common in Japan — just say thank you (ありがとう / arigatou) and smile 😊.
🍽 Final Thoughts: Taste the Culture
Japanese food isn’t just food — it’s storytelling, tradition, and creativity all rolled into one. Whether you’re eating conveyor belt sushi in Tokyo, slurping ramen in Fukuoka, sipping matcha in Kyoto, or grabbing a quick onigiri before work, you’re taking part in something deeper than just a meal.
This blog barely scratches the surface — Japan’s food and drink scene is as layered as a bowl of miso soup 🥢. But hopefully, it’s given you a solid foundation (and probably made you a little hungry).
From seasonal specialties to street snacks, there’s always something new to try — and that’s what makes Japanese cuisine so addictive. Food will be a big part of your Japan experience — and a great way to learn more about the culture too!
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably hungry by now 😅 — so go ahead and explore the flavours of Japan. Just remember to say いただきます first!
