I had an incredible time in Japan, and one of the top reasons was the food. The food blew me away and I am still thinking about it since getting back. From the food I ate right on the streets in the markets, to slurping down a cozy bowl of ramen after a long day of walking, to splurging on sushi, there are so many ways to eat and enjoy the food. If you are planning your trip to Japan and want food inspiration, here are my top tips on what to eat during your trip to Japan.

Must-Try Foods in Japan

Tsukiji Outer Market: Tokyo’s Foodie Heaven

First off, Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo was such a fun experience and I highly recommend adding it to your Japan itinerary, especially for food lovers! You can wander the stalls filled with vendors grilling, slicing, and selling anything you can think of. Make sure to come early in the morning as this can get packed! For food, you have a ton of options but here are my favorites – just wander and you will run into multiple vendors selling these delicious options.

• Fatty Tuna (Toro): Oh. My. Goodness. This was my first taste of sushi in Japan and it was so good. It was buttery, tender, and so fresh. Seriously, do not leave Tsukiji without grabbing a taste of fatty tuna.

• Candied Strawberries: I wasn’t sure I was going to try this until I saw someone else try them and rave about how good they were. The honey-candy coating is crunchy, while the strawberries are juicy and sweet. It is simple but so satisfying!

• Wagyu Beef: The smell alone caught my taste buds. Then, watching the chef cook it right in front of me was an experience that made my mouth water. And when I took that first bite, WOW. It felt like butter in my mouth and the smoky and savory flavor was incredible.

Soup Curry in Niseko: Winter Comfort Food

If you are following my 11-Day Winter Japan Itinerary, you will find yourself in snowy Niseko. After a great day of shredding powder, I can tell you their famous Niseko Soup Curry is exactly what you will be craving. With a flavorful, spice-packed broth, filled with veggies and meat, it warmed me up instantly. The best place to get Soup Curry in Niseko is Tsubara Tsubara, but definitely make a reservation or show up before it opens to get in line because this place can get packed.

Osaka: Street Food Central

Osaka has plenty of quick street food snacks at the markets. These markets are loud, energetic, slightly (or very) chaotic but they are a fun experience to wander and try some foods you might not have had before.

• Tako-yaki: These are little octopus balls that have a crispy outside, a soft inside, and are drizzled with a sauce.
• Kushikatsu: This is basically fried food on sticks, with options such as veggies to shrimp.
• Okonomiyaki: This is a savory pancake filled with cabbage, meat, and seafood, then covered in sauces. 

Japan Staples: Ramen, Sushi, Matcha, and More

There are a few foods you can find pretty much anywhere in Japan, and I had all of these multiple times throughout my trip to Japan.

• Ramen: Every region has its own version of Ramen, but overall it is my go-to comfort meal. If you are in Tokyo, check out Ichiran Ramen. In Niseko, check out Tozanken Ramen, but you really can find it anywhere and can’t go wrong!
• Udon: I love these thick noodles served in a hot, savory broth.
• Soba: I was very excited to try Soba noodles on my trip to Japan. Hot soba comes in a warm broth and is often topped with tempura or a soft-boiled egg. Cold soba is served chilled with a dipping sauce (tsuyu) and is so refreshing after a long day. Try both!
• Sushi: Whether it was from a conveyor belt at one of the markets or a fancy sushi bar, every bite was perfection. Sushi in Japan is on another level, and I couldn’t get enough. The best sushi I had was Sushi Sha in Kyoto – please go here! This tiny restaurant served us a chef’s choice option with multiple sushi prepped in front of us and made to perfection.
• Pork Buns: Soft, fluffy, and filled with juicy pork, these buns are a must-try! This is a personal go-to snack of mine and I often pick them up at 7/11 or from a street food stall.
• Matcha: Matcha everything—soft serve, lattes, pastries, you name it. My favorite was the matcha ice cream!

Hungry Yet?

Food in Japan was definitely one of the main focuses of my trip. Whether I was dodging crowds at Tsukiji Market, thawing out with soup curry in Niseko, watching the chef carefully craft sushi in Kyoto, or eating my way through Osaka’s street food scene, the food was unforgettable. So, I hope this added a few more items to your food list for your next trip to Japan! What did I miss? Let me know! I already want to plan my next trip to Japan!