Food & Drink

A Culinary Overview of Japan

Japan’s cuisine is as varied as its landscapes. In Osaka, street food is an art form: warm takoyaki (octopus balls) are crisp on the outside and tender within, while okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) are layered with cabbage, pork, and a tangy sauce. 

Kyoto elevates seasonal dining with kaiseki, a refined progression of small plates that showcase the region’s freshest ingredients.

Farther north, Hokkaido is famous for its seafood: Think delicate crab, uniquely briny uni, and the richest salmon you’ll ever taste. 

Across the country, you’ll encounter the same foundational elements: dashi broth lending depth to soups, salty-sweet miso and soy, and fresh wasabi ground to order.

From steaming bowls of ramen to glistening pieces of nigiri sushi, every dish is a window into Japan’s culinary heritage and an invitation to slow down and savour each bite.

Unique Japanese Dining Experiences

Dining in Japan is never just one thing. One night, you might perch at a conveyor-belt sushi bar, plucking perfect morsels of tuna as they glide by. Next, you could be sitting cross-legged in a centuries-old ryokan, where kaiseki courses arrive like edible works of art.

Basement food halls, known as depachika, are a hidden delight. Located beneath most department stores, rows of stalls tempt you with seasonal sweets, bento boxes, and regional specialties ready to take on the go. 

Markets like Kyoto’s Nishiki and Osaka’s Kuromon brim with the freshest produce, pickles, and street snacks.

“n Tokyo's Tsukiji outer fish market,” says Destination Specialist Steve Hope, “tiny restaurants serve the freshest cuts of seafood, though you may need a guide to help you navigate the menus.”

“Gusto,” adds Destination Specialist Steve Perkins, “is an unpretentious chain that locals love; it’s affordable, often open 24 hours, and a great place to get a feel for everyday Japan.” 

Every meal is an invitation to experience Japan’s culture up close. For more inspiration, explore our Japan Food and Drink guide to start planning your culinary journey.

Japanese Beverage Culture

Japan’s drinks are as distinctive as its cuisine. In a quiet tearoom, a matcha ceremony unfolds in slow, meditative steps, each gesture as important as the taste itself.

If you’re drawn to something stronger, consider a visit to Takayama, where you can tour sake breweries and taste varieties you’ll never find exported. Sake comes in countless styles—sweet, dry, aged, or fresh—and sampling them in their place of origin is a highlight for many travelers.

Whiskey enthusiasts can also explore distilleries where small-batch production meets meticulous craft. Even vending machines offer a surprising variety: cold beer, canned cocktails, and soft drinks you’ll only find here.

“Don’t overlook the wide selection of light, refreshing hard seltzers,” says Destination Specialist Steve Hope. “Locals swear by them.” 

So raise a glass—of whatever you choose—to the artistry in every sip.

Dining Etiquette in Japan

Good manners are an essential part of any meal in Japan. To begin with, you’ll often be offered an oshibori, a warm hand towel, to refresh yourself before eating. Conversation is kept quiet, especially in smaller restaurants, and there’s no expectation of tipping; gratitude is simply expressed with a polite bow and a warm “gochisousama deshita” (“thank you for the meal”).

Chopsticks come with their own set of unspoken rules. Never stick them upright into a bowl of rice; this gesture is associated with funeral rituals. Passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another is also best avoided. Instead, use the opposite end of your chopsticks to serve from shared plates.

These small gestures of respect will always be appreciated and make each dining experience feel more connected to tradition. For more insights, read our guide to Japan’s culture and traditions before you go.

Accommodating Dietary Needs in Japan

While Japan is a wonderland for food lovers, traveling with dietary restrictions requires a little planning. Vegetarian and halal options can be limited, especially in rural areas, so it’s worth learning a few key phrases or carrying a translation card. Many dishes use dashi, a broth made with fish.

Department stores are a great ally. Their basement food halls offer an array of bento boxes and pre-made meals, often labeled with clear ingredients. Specialty tours and local guides can also help you navigate confidently.

“Every region has its own flavour—think oysters in Hiroshima, citrus in Shikoku, and melt-in-your-mouth strawberries you’ll find only in season,” says Destination Specialist Steve Hope.

Even square watermelons can appear in summer markets, a reminder that, in Japan, food is always an experience to savour.

With some preparation, you’ll find that culinary discovery is possible for every palate.
 

Plan Your Japanese Culinary Adventure

A complete journey through Japan is also a journey through its kitchens, markets, and teahouses. Whether you’re dreaming of a sushi masterclass in Tokyo, a sake tasting deep in the mountains, or an evening sampling street food under lantern lights, every day brings something new to taste.

Our Destination Specialists can design an itinerary that matches your appetite, from hands-on cooking classes to reservations at hidden neighbourhood izakayas and elegant kaiseki restaurants. 

Prefer to travel at your own pace? Our travel experts can also map out the best markets and local favourites, so every meal feels like an authentic discovery.

Whatever you crave, we’ll help you uncover the stories behind every dish and make sure you never leave the table hungry. Book your tailor-made Japan food journey with Goway today.

FAQs

What are the must-try traditional Japanese dishes and regional specialties? 

Sushi, ramen, tempura, okonomiyaki, and unagi are classics. Each region has its own stars—Hokkaido seafood, Hiroshima oysters, and Kyoto’s elegant kaiseki meals.

How does Japanese cuisine balance delicate flavours and presentation? 

Dishes highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients with subtle seasoning. Every plate is arranged to please the eye as much as the palate.

Where can travelers experience authentic sushi, kaiseki, and street food?

Conveyor-belt sushi bars and Tokyo’s old fish markets serve incredible seafood. In Kyoto, ryokans offer kaiseki, while Osaka’s street stalls are famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

What beverages are iconic in Japan? 

Sake, Japanese whiskey, and hard seltzers are popular. Matcha green tea is central to tea ceremonies and everyday life.

How do Japan’s culinary traditions reflect its cultural values?

Meals show respect for nature, craftsmanship, and community, whether it’s the care in preparing seasonal dishes or the etiquette observed while sharing them.