Japan Food & Drink 2024/25: Top Restaurants, Bars, and More

When it comes to Japanese food and drinks, people often mention their unique flavors, elegant presentation, and use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. Japanese cuisine is renowned for its rigorous and careful preparation methods, as well as attention to detail. The Japanese place a strong emphasis on aesthetics and traditional values when it comes to making food and drinks, which is reflected in their presentation and ingredient choices. Japanese dishes are known for their exquisite cutting and decoration, showcasing the pursuit of aesthetics and visual effects.

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1. Cuisine Guide

2. Restaurants in Japan 

1. Popular Restaurants

2. Restaurants with Vegetarian Dishes

3. Dishes in Japan

1. Regional Dishes

2. Special Local Dishes

3. Must-try Japanese Foods

4. Drinking in Japan

5. Prices and Paying

6. Table Manners

Japanese cuisine is diverse and varies by region, but there s=are something in common that sushi, tempura, udon noodles and ramen are always some of the  most popular dishes for tourists in Japan. Some street vendors and local markets you may like to taste unique snacks like takoyaki(octopus balls) and okonommiyaki(savory pancakes).

Japanese restaurants are known for theri vatities types and facinating scene, where visitors can not only enjoy the trditional local dishes but high-end establishments. Also, Japanese restaurants range from casual bars to exclusive fine dining establishments which offers visors with unique and authenic experience that only be found in Japan.

2.1 Top 10 Japan Popular Restaurants

Gyopao Gyoza Roppongi

Open time: Saturday to Sunday:12:00PM-11:45PM; Monday to Friday: 4:30PM-11:45PM

Address:4-9-4, Roppongi, Minato 106-0032 Tokyo Prefecture

Gyopao Gyoza Roppongi ranks FIRST among 900 restaurants in Roppongi and its cusine combines Janese and Taiwanese, here, you can enjoy the delicious PORK-GYOZA(dumplings), Gyopao is not only loved by locals but different culture. You can always enjoy the friendly atmosphere here. It allows reservation, seating; serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free WIFI; accepts Credit Cards, Digital Payment, Table Services. But pay attention to the smoke, it is Not allows to smoke in the restaurant.

Ise Sueyoshi

Open time: Monday to Saturday:5:00PM-11:PM

Address:4-2-15 Mizuno Bldg 3F, Nishiazabu, Minato 106-0031Tokyo Prefecture

Ise Sueyoshi ranks First among 389 Restaurants in Nishiazabu, the restaurant is a Japanses PRIVATE restaurant in Tokyo. The restaurant serves 'Kaiseki' style Japanese cuisine with English guid. The restaurant focus on the ingredients from ancient city of Ise. Kappo Is Sueyoshi in the heart of Tokyo is indeal for enjoying four seasons of Japan. Here you can enjoy the Japanses, Sushi, Kaiseki, Kappo and Healthy cuisine. For the people have special need, Ise Sueyoshi also serves the diet with VEGAN and GLUTEN FREE. Pay Attention: Messsage from Merchant 'RESERVATION ONLY'(via website)

Hokuto Gems Namba

Open time:5:00PM-11:00PM, Close on Tuesday

Address:3-7-19 Gems Namba 7F, Namba, Chuo, Osaka 539-0000 Osaka Prefecture

Hokuto Gems Namda ranks SECOND among 537 restaurants in Namba. It is a excellent restaurant for girls gathering and dating! Here you can have a fun experience to cook your own food on your grill in sukiyaki style. The beef here has high quality, and you can enjoy the friendly sevices. How to get there?

Subway Midosuji Line Namba Station 1-minute walk, Kintetsu Namba Line Osaka-Namba Station 2-minute walk, Subway Sennichimae Line Namba Station 2-minute walk, Nankai Main Line Namba Station 4-minute walk, Nankai Koya Line Namba Station4-minute walk, JR namba Station 5-minute walk, Subway Yotsubashi Line Namba Station 6-minute walk. 

Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho

Open time:Monday to Friday: 5:00PM-12:00AM, Saturday to Sunday: 12:00PM-3:00PM

Address: 1-1-19, Namba, Chuo, Osaka 542-0076 Osaka Prefecture

Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho ranks THIRD among 537 restaurants in Namba. For beef-lovers, Matsusakaryu Yakiniku M, Hozenji Yokocho is an excellent place to enjoy the Matsusaka-beef, one of the three major Wagyu in Japan. Here, you can experience the finest quality Matsudaka-beef at a resonable price. Additionally you can also enjoy the high services, the staff will explian each different beef and how best to girll them.

Okonomiyaki Katsu

Open time: Monday to Sunday: 11:30AM-1:30PM; 5:30PM-9:00PM, CLOSE on Wensday and Thursday

Address: 1-4Ryoanji Saigucho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto616-8011 Kyoto

If you want to taste the local Japanese food, Okonomiyaki Katsu is a good place. Okonomiyaki Kaitsu ranks FOURTH of 8080 restaurants in Kyoto, here you will taste Okonomiyaki and know how yummy it is. The owner of the restaurant is a husband and wife and they have been running the restaurant for 30 years, they are so delight and helpful to non-Japanese speaker. Pay attention to the seats, it has max 10 seats only, the restaurant is so small, so the large groups is not allow.

Arash's Kitchen

Open time: 11:00AM-11:45PM everyday

Address:16-9 Shogon Sannocho, Sakyo-ku 2nd floor Wisteria Court, Kyoto 606-8392 Kyoto Prefecture

Arash's Kitchen ranks NINTH of 8080 restaurants in Kyoto. It you want to taste something different from the local dishes, Arash's Kitchen is a good choice. Arash's Kitchen serves Turkish, Indian, Persian and Asian cuisine. Here you can enjoy the delicious food and cosy atomosphere. Somthing special, the restaurant open everyday, exceptionally close on some Tuesday and Wendsay, so it's kindly to suggest to make reservation or inquire for avilable on both Tuesdasy and Wendsay.

Kobe Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya

Open time: 11:00AM-10:00PM everyday

Address:1-9-9 Kita Nagasadori, Chuo-Ku Dai 1 Kish Bldg 2F, Kobe 650-0012 Hyogo Prefecture

Kobe Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya ranks SECOND of 4982 restaurants in Kobe. Royal Mouriya Restaurant is the Third shop of the Mouriya chain. If you love the gorgeous scene， Kobe Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya you may not want to miss. There are special iron plates for cooking and three private rooms for your party or meeting. If you are in need of giving a party, the private can meet your need for accommodating 3 to 15 people. Also, about 100 kinds of wines are stocked for you and sommelier will recommend suitable wines for the steak. The owner and staff wish to serve customers with the HIGHEST QUALITY BEEF. Pay attention: The children under SIX-YEAR OLD is not allow to enter the Kobe Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya.

NARISAWA

Open time： Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00PM-3:00PM; 5:00PM-8:00PM

Address: 2-6-15Minami Aoyama, Minato 107-0062 Tokyo Prefecture.

NARISAWA ranks the FIRST of 2409 restaurants in Minato. The food in NARISAWA is always absolutely majestic, showcasing some of the finest gastronomic flair in the world. A meal at NARISAWA is always considered as a journey across Japan with premium ingredients landed from all over the country. Each dish here has a clear story behind it and as each course surfaced, the story progressed simulaneously.

Sapporo Ramen Haruka

Open time: 12:00PM-3:00PM; 5:00PM-10:00PM

Address:3-6 Minami 5-Jo Nishi, Chuo-Ku Grand Bldg 1F Ganso Ramen Yokocho, Sapporo 064-0805 Hokkaido

Sapporo Ramen Haruka ranks First of 5980 restaurants in Sapporo. Sapporo Ramen Haruka offers varity of RAMEN that you will never get tired of eating everyday, from the standard Sapporo Mmiso Ramen for spicy food lovers and the most popular Miso Ramen.

Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Sinjuku East Entrance

Open time: Monday to Friday: 3:00PM-11:00PM; Saturday and Sunday: 12:00PM-11:30PM

Address: 5-3 Takayama and Kaikan B2F, Shinjuku 3 Chome, Shinjukub 160-0022, Tokyo Prefecture.

Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Shinjuku East Entrance ranks FIRST of 814 restaurants in Shinjuku 3 Chome. This restaurant is specialized to Japanese sake(rice wine). Japanese sake tends to be expensive, however, this restaurant challenge against the trend for selling Japanese sake at the wholesale price of each brand. Here, you may enjoy various kinds of polular and premium Sake with most resonable price in Japan. Of course, the restaurant also offers Japanese foods that goes well with Japanese sake and popular Japanese cuisine such as "Japanese hot pot " and "tempura". Pay attention: To make this reasonable price possible, entrance charge(¥490) is required. Smoking is not allow.  If this restaurant is getting packed, time limit (2 hours) may be applied to each table.

2.2 Restaurants with Vegetarian Dishes

JYOTI The Door to India

Open time: 5:00PM-11:00Pm

Address: 4-16-1 Minami 3-Jo Nishi, Chuo-ku Wakatsuki Square 7F, Sapporo

JYOTI The Door to India ranks SCEOND of 5980 restaurants in Sapporo which is an excellent restaurant for vegan lover. The restaurant serves Halal, 100% We serves Halal, 100% Vegetarian, Vegan, Oriental Vegan food. If you are vegan lover, don't miss JYOTI The Door to India!

Japanese cusine requires the natural ingredients, bright colors and diverse utensils, creating a sense of visual sophistication. Moreover, the materials and preparation methods also need to pay attention to the seasonal changes. A dish needs to adapt to the seasons and adopt different cooking methods and dishes throughout the year.The most important feature of modern Japanese cuisine is "elegance", which tends to pursue the aesthetic feeling of food presentation rather than taste.

3.1Regional Dishes

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a unique Japanese cuisine which is known for its cooking style and rich ingredients. Okomnomiyaki isburned into pancakes on the teppanyaki, there are various types of Okonomiyaki, among which the most representative ones are Osaka yaki and Hiroshima yaki. In Kansai and Kanto, you can taste the most authentic okonomiyaki.

Tonkotsu ramen

A pork-based ramen dish that is popular in Fukuoka and other parts of Kyushu.

Kaiseki ryori

A multi-course meal that is often served at traditional Japanese inns, and originated in Kyoto.

Hiroshima-style tsukemen

A noodle dish similar to ramen, but with thicker noodles that are served cold and dipped into a hot, thick sauce. This dish originated in Hiroshima.

Katsudon

A rice bowl topped with a deep-fried pork cutlet, onions, and egg. This dish originated in Tokyo.

Yudofu

A simple tofu dish that is popular in Kyoto, where it is often served with soy sauce and grated ginger.

3.2Special Local Dishes

Fugu

A type of pufferfish that is considered a delicacy in Japan, especially in the regions of Shimonoseki and Osaka.

Kobe beef

A type of wagyu beef that is raised in the Hyogo Prefecture and is known for its tender texture and rich flavor.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

A version of okonomiyaki that originated in Hiroshima and is made with noodles and layers of ingredients.

Nagoya-style chicken wings

A dish made with deep-fried chicken wings coated in a sweet and savory sauce, popular in Nagoya.

Sanuki udon

A type of udon noodle that originated in Kagawa Prefecture and is known for its chewy texture.

Hida beef

A type of wagyu beef that is raised in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, and is known for its marbling and rich flavor..

Sapporo miso ramen

A type of ramen that originated in Sapporo and is made with a rich, miso-based broth.

3.3Must-try Japanese Foods

Sushi

A dish made with vinegared rice and various toppings, such as raw fish, vegetables, or egg.

Udon

Thick, wheat-based noodles that can be served in a soup or stir-fried.

Ramen

A noodle soup dish that typically includes broth, noodles, meat or vegetables, and various toppings, such as green onions or sliced pork.

Tempura

A dish made with battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, or other ingredients.

Matcha

A finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, often used to make traditional Japanese tea or used as a flavoring in desserts.

Wagyu beef

A type of beef that is raised in Japan and known for its high level of marbling, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat.

Yakitori

Grilled chicken skewers that are seasoned with salt or a soy sauce-based marinade.

Mochi

A sweet rice cake that is often filled with sweet bean paste or other fillings.

Takoyaki

Small, ball-shaped snacks made with batter and diced octopus, often served with mayonnaise and a sweet sauce.

Soba

Thin, buckwheat noodles that can be served hot or cold, and are often paired with a dipping sauce or broth.

Tonkatsu

A breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, usually served with shredded cabbage and a sweet and savory sauce.

Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as shrimp, pork, or cheese, and is often topped with mayonnaise and a sweet and savory sauce.

Miso soup

A traditional Japanese soup made with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed.

Sashimi

Thinly sliced raw fish that is often served with wasabi and soy sauce.

Drinking is an important part of Japanese culture, and there are many customs and traditions associated with it. For example, it is common to say "kanpai" (cheers) before taking the first sip of a drink, and it is considered polite to pour drinks for others and not to pour your own. Drinking is often a social activity in Japan, and people may gather at bars, restaurants, or even in parks to enjoy a drink with friends or colleagues.

There are a variety of alcoholic beverages that are popular in Japan, including sake, shochu, beer, and whisky. Nomikai is a drinking party that is often held after work or to celebrate a special occasion. It is an important part of Japanese business culture and is used to build relationships and socialize with colleagues. Izakayas are traditional Japanese bars that serve a variety of small dishes, called "tapas", along with drinks. They are a popular place to socialize with friends and colleagues after work, and are known for their casual, laid-back atmosphere.

Sake

A traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. It is often served in small cups and is meant to be sipped rather than chugged.

Shochu

Another popular Japanese alcoholic beverage, shochu is a distilled spirit made from grains or potatoes. It is often mixed with water or other drinks to create a variety of cocktails.

Whisky

Japanese whisky has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many high-quality brands now available around the world.

Dining and drinking in Japan can be an expensive but rewarding experience, with many unique and delicious foods to try.  Especially during the Cherry Blossom Season, there are so many delicious Sakura flovered food, including sakura sushi, sakura mochi, sakura Japanese cuisine, sakura dessert, and Sakura snacks, that can be expected. 

Tipping is not expected, and cash is the most commonly accepted form of payment. Some restaurants and bars may have a cover charge or service charge added to the bill. 

Table manners are an important part of Japanese culture.

It is customary to say 'itadakimasu' before starting a meal, which is similar to saying bon appetite. It is also polite to wait until everyone has been served before beginning to eat. While eating, saying 'gochisousama deshita' to express appreciation for the meal, and cleaning hands with an oshibori before leaving the table.

Chopsticks are commonly used in Japan, and there are certain rules to follow when using them. For example, it is considered rude to use chopsticks to spear food, or to pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another.

These customs emphasize respect, consideration for others, and gratitude for the food and company. By following these customs, you can show your appreciation for Japanese culture and make a positive impression on those around you.