Cuisine in Japan
What can you expect from the cuisine in Japan? Here are the top Japan food tips from our experts.
Did you know that Tokyo city boasts the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world?
Traditional and innovative at the same time, Japanese cuisine is characterized by its seasonality, exquisite ingredients and presentation. Having indulged their love for unique flavors and the best culinary encounters, our destination experts share their favorite food experiences in Japan. Delve into the delicious flavors of Tokyo, discover the fluffiest pancakes in Osaka or the best street food of Kyoto – Japanese cuisine is yours to discover!
Food in Japan is usually a combination of rice or noodles with a soup, and okazu made from meat, fish or vegetables. Add some miso, dashi or soy to the dish and your meal is complete! The Japanese are fervent believers of five basic tastes that appease the palate – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory, or umami. Considered a distinct flavor in itself by scientists the world over, you can taste umami flavors in meaty broths served by ubiquitous street food trucks in Tokyo.
Discover the best sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market, especially a special variety called chirashi or ‘Scattered Sushi’, which includes the freshest cut-offs served on a donburi (rice bowl dish). Walk into Ebisu Yokocho food arcade in Tokyo – a congregation of small street side shops selling delicious street food, from yakitori to sashimi. It is literally one of the tastiest neighborhood in Tokyo, where aromas of fried meat and sake entice your senses.
Japanese matcha is a finely ground green tea powder and just one cup is believed to be as good as ten cups of regular green tea. Sample the deliciousness when you visit tea plantations of Uji from Kyoto. Listed as UNESCO Intangible World Heritage, the intricacies of Japanese cuisine and the beloved bento box, is best discovered with an Enchanting Travels private Japanese cooking class in Kyoto.
Osaka’s famous restaurant street of Dotonbori is a food lover’s paradise. Stop by colorful eateries, ramen bars and upscale restaurants on your gourmet food tour.
Dream Carefree
Go ahead and dream big. Enchanting Travels experts are here to help you plan the ultimate escape. Tell us your vision for the trip of a lifetime and we’ll make it a reality.
Plan Carefree
One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.
Travel Carefree
Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.

Cuisine in Japan – What to eat
Sample some of Japan’s best food.
- Sushi: Cooked vinegar rice with other ingredients such as raw fish and seafood.
- Sashimi: Fresh raw fish sliced into thin pieces.
- Tempura: A Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been covered in a light batter and deep fried.
- Nabemono: A variety of one-pot dishes, usually chicken, fish, tofu, or vegetables, simmered in a light, fish-based broth.
- Shabu-shabu: A dish prepared at the table with a combination of vegetables, but cooked in boiling broth.
- Teppanyaki: A style that uses an iron griddle to cook dishes such as steak, seafood, and vegetables.
- Yakitori: Small pieces of chicken meat skewered on a bamboo stick and cooked over hot coals.

Your Guide to the Top 10 Food Destinations in the World
Embark on a culinary sojourn that will most certainly tantalize your tastebuds! Our curated list of destinations will provide a truly mouthwatering vacation.

Experience the Magical Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan
Plan your Japan vacation to coincide with the magical cherry blossom festival in Spring for a truly unique experience.

Secrets of Japan with our Enchanting Experts!
Are you ready to plan your Japan vacation? Our destination experts for Asia introduce you to the secrets and hidden gems of Japan.
Read Post
Best of Japan
20 Days: $ 12,883 / person

Grand Tour of Japan and Koh Samui Beach
21 Days: $ 14,903 / person

Luxury Japan: Traditions, Onsens and Mount Fuji
10 Days: $ 6,205 / person

Do you have a vacation in mind? Let us help you create the trip of a lifetime.