Top 10 Dishes to Try in Japan: A Culinary Journey You’ll Never Forget

Nadine Braehmer • April 6, 2025

Japan is a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re wandering through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, exploring traditional markets in Kyoto, or joining a local food tour in Osaka, every bite tells a story of culture, craftsmanship, and centuries-old tradition. But with so many incredible Japanese dishes to choose from, where do you begin?


Here are the top 10 must-try dishes in Japan that will make your taste buds sing—and give you a deeper appreciation for Japanese cuisine.

1. Ramen 🍜

A steaming bowl of ramen is a Japanese comfort food classic. From the rich, porky tonkotsu broth in Fukuoka to the soy-based shoyu ramen in Tokyo, each region puts its own spin on this noodle soup. Don’t forget to slurp—it’s a sign of appreciation!


2. Sushi 🍣

No trip to Japan is complete without sushi. Visit a conveyor belt sushi joint for a fun, budget-friendly experience, or splurge on omakase (chef’s choice) at a traditional sushi bar. Try melt-in-your-mouth toro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), or fresh scallops.


3. Okonomiyaki 🥬🥓

Known as Japan’s savory pancake, okonomiyaki is a mix of batter, cabbage, and your choice of toppings like pork belly, shrimp, or cheese, grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet-savory sauce and bonito flakes. Best enjoyed in Hiroshima or Osaka.


4. Takoyaki 🐙

These crispy, golden balls filled with diced octopus are a street food favorite, especially in Osaka. Served piping hot with mayo, takoyaki sauce, and bonito flakes, they’re the ultimate snack for foodies on the go.


5. Tempura 🍤

Tempura is Japan’s answer to deep-fried delicacy—light, crispy, and never greasy. Shrimp and seasonal vegetables are coated in a delicate batter and fried until golden. Dip in tentsuyu sauce and enjoy the crunch.


6. Tonkatsu 🐷

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, served with shredded cabbage and a tangy-sweet tonkatsu sauce. For an unforgettable meal, try a katsu curry or katsudon—tonkatsu served over rice with a savory egg mixture.


7. Yakiniku 🍖

Japanese BBQ at its finest. At yakiniku restaurants, you grill your own thin cuts of meat at the table. Pair with dipping sauces and rice. It’s interactive, delicious, and perfect for group dinners.


8. Soba & Udon Noodles 🍜

Soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat noodles) are two noodle staples in Japan. Enjoy them hot in broth or cold with a dipping sauce. They’re simple, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.


9. Kaiseki 🍱

For the ultimate culinary experience, try a traditional kaiseki meal—a multi-course feast showcasing seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cultural ritual that reflects the essence of Japanese hospitality.


10. Mochi & Wagashi 🍡

Finish your food adventure on a sweet note with mochi (chewy rice cakes) or wagashi (traditional sweets). These colorful treats often accompany green tea and are especially popular during festivals and tea ceremonies.


Ready to Taste Japan?

The best way to experience these dishes? Join a local food tour! At [Your Company Name], we take you beyond the tourist trail to discover the flavors of Japan with the help of local guides who love food as much as you do. Whether you're craving sushi in Tokyo or takoyaki in Osaka, we’ve got a tour for every foodie.



👉 Check out our food tours in Japan and book your spot today!

By Nadine Braehmer July 29, 2025
Cerchi il miglior food tour di Atene ? L’hai appena trovato! Quest’estate, il nostro tour gastronomico ad Atene è diventato uno dei più richiesti — e non è difficile capire il perché. Tra assaggi deliziosi, guide locali appassionate e un’atmosfera autentica, non è solo una passeggiata: è un vero viaggio culinario greco. 👉 Prenota ora — solo 10 posti disponibili per tour! Prenota subito il tuo food tour ad Atene
By Nadine Braehmer July 29, 2025
Looking for the best food tour in Athens ? You just found it. This summer, our Athens food tour has become one of our absolute bestsellers — and it’s easy to see why. From delicious tastings to passionate local guides, this is more than just a walk through the city — it’s a full-on Greek culinary adventure. 👉 Book now — only 10 spots available per tour! Reserve your Athens food tour now
By Nadine Braehmer July 29, 2025
Vous cherchez le meilleur food tour végétarien de Barcelone ? Vous venez de le trouver ! Chez Foodprint Tours , nous sommes ravis de vous présenter un tout nouveau parcours végétarien au cœur de la ville — rempli de saveurs, de culture, et de pépites culinaires que même les locaux adorent. 🗣️ Ce tour est proposé en français, en anglais et en espagnol. 👉 Que vous soyez végétarien ou simplement curieux de découvrir une version sans viande de la cuisine traditionnelle barcelonaise, ce tour est fait pour vous. Il suffit de nous le préciser à l’avance et nous adapterons l’itinéraire spécialement pour vous.
By Nadine Braehmer July 29, 2025
¿Buscas el mejor tour gastronómico vegetariano en Barcelona? ¡Lo acabas de encontrar! En Foodprint Tours , estamos encantados de presentar una nueva ruta vegetariana por el corazón de la ciudad — llena de sabor, cultura y rincones culinarios secretos que incluso los locales adoran. 👉 Ya seas vegetariano o simplemente tengas curiosidad por explorar una versión sin carne de la cocina tradicional barcelonesa, este tour es para ti. Solo avísanos con antelación y adaptaremos el recorrido especialmente para ti.
By Nadine Braehmer July 28, 2025
Looking for the best vegetarian food tour in Barcelona ? You’ve just found it! At Foodprint Tours , we’re excited to introduce a new vegetarian route through the heart of the city — packed with flavor, culture, and hidden foodie gems that even locals love. 👉 Whether you're vegetarian or just curious to explore a meat-free version of Barcelona's traditional cuisine, this is the tour for you . Just let us know in advance, and we’ll adapt the route especially for you.
By Nadine Braehmer July 26, 2025
Looking for the best food tour in Berlin? You've just found it. At Foodprint Tours , we offer one of the only authentic Berliner food tours in the city—and it's unlike anything else out there. Our daily 4:00 PM tour is your chance to eat and drink like a true local while learning about the culture, history, and stories behind Berlin’s favorite dishes.
By Nadine Braehmer July 25, 2025
Looking for the best food tour in Lima, Peru? You've just found it. Our brand-new Lima food tour by Foodprint.tours is everything travelers are craving: authentic , fun , and packed with mouthwatering Peruvian flavors you won’t find in guidebooks.  👉 Book the best Lima food tour now
By Nadine Braehmer July 24, 2025
Looking for the best food tour in Istanbul? You’ve found it! At Foodprint.tours , our top-rated Istanbul food tour takes you off the beaten path to taste the real flavors of the city—just like a local. From sizzling street eats to hidden family-run gems, this is the culinary experience that travelers keep raving about. 👉 Book your Istanbul food tour now
By Nadine Braehmer July 1, 2025
If you're visiting Lisbon, there’s no better way to experience the city than by joining a local food tour . But not all tours are created equal!  At Foodprint Tours , we’re proud to offer what many travellers call the best food tour in Lisbon. Here’s what makes our tour stand out—and why you should book today.
By Nadine Braehmer June 30, 2025
Planning your summer trip to Portugal? Wondering how to make the most of your days in sunny Lisbon? Here’s the perfect itinerary with local tips to eat, explore, and truly experience this incredible city.
More Posts