Japanese Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes

Japanese cuisine is far more than just sushi. Every region has its own specialties, seasonal ingredients, and deep traditions. Whether you are eating at a centuries-old kaiseki restaurant or a fluorescent-lit convenience store at midnight, the care put into the food is remarkable. Here is what to prioritize on your first trip.

1. Sushi & Sashimi

Skip the all-you-can-eat sushi bars and head to a proper sushi-ya. In Tokyo, try Tsukiji Outer Market or high-end spots in Ginza. In Osaka, look for oshizushi (pressed sushi). Sit at the counter, trust the chef (omakase), and do not dunk your nigiri rice-side down in soy sauce.

2. Ramen

Every region fights for ramen supremacy. Tokyo-style soy sauce (shoyu), Hakata-style rich pork broth (tonkotsu), and Sapporo miso ramen are the big three. Order via ticket machine, slurp loudly (it is a compliment), and add an extra ajitama (flavored egg) if offered.

3. Okonomiyaki & Takoyaki

Osaka’s signature dishes. Okonomiyaki is a savory cabbage pancake loaded with pork, shrimp, or squid, then topped with sweet sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes. Takoyaki are molten wheat-flour balls with octopus inside. Eat them hot — they turn into lava.

4. Tempura

Light, crispy batter around seasonal vegetables and seafood. Tokyo is famous for Edomae tempura served at counters where chefs fry each piece in front of you and place it directly on your plate. Dip in tentsuyu sauce with grated daikon.

5. Wagyu Beef

If your budget allows, splurge on A5 wagyu at a yakiniku grill or teppanyaki restaurant in Kobe or Matsusaka. It melts like butter. For a cheaper thrill, try a Wagyu beef bowl (gyudon) at Sukiya or Yoshinoya.

6. Convenience Store Gems

Do not overlook 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. Their onigiri, egg sandwiches, fried chicken (karaage-kun), and seasonal puddings are legitimately delicious and budget-friendly.

Dining Etiquette Tips

Say itadakimasu before eating and gochisosama deshita after.
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles incense at funerals).
Pour others’ drinks, and they will pour yours.
Tipping is not customary and can be awkward.