Japan Finds guide

Food

What to eat, how to order and the dishes worth seeking out.

Traveler pointing to a picture menu while ordering from restaurant staff at a casual counter in Japan

Food

How to Order Food in Japan: Restaurants, Ticket Machines and Payment

Follow a simple restaurant routine, recognize six ordering systems, use practical Japanese phrases and pay without confusion.

12 min read

Steaming Japanese hot pot surrounded by sliced meat, salmon, vegetables, tofu, noodles and dipping sauces

Food

7 Japanese Hot Pot Dishes You Need to Try in Japan

Compare sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, chanko nabe, motsunabe, mizutaki, oden and Ishikari nabe by flavor, ingredients, region and the best way to finish the pot.

12 min read

Collage of a Tokyo soba restaurant entrance, cold soba noodles and Yamagata-style ita soba with duck dipping broth

Food

3 Tokyo Soba Restaurants Worth Visiting

Compare three distinctive soba experiences in Roppongi, Gaienmae and Mishuku—from soba-mae dishes to polished seiro and rustic Yamagata-style ita soba.

10 min read

Traditional Japanese breakfast set with rice, miso soup, grilled fish, egg, pickles and nori

Food

Japanese Breakfast Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Understand a traditional Japanese breakfast, compare hotels, ryokan, cafés and convenience stores, and choose the right morning meal for your itinerary.

11 min read

Three bowls showing shoyu, miso and tonkotsu ramen styles in Japan

Food

7 Types of Ramen in Japan: Shoyu, Miso, Tonkotsu and More

Compare Japan’s major ramen flavors and serving styles, then learn how to choose, order and customize a bowl with confidence.

12 min read

Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa at night

Food

7 Japanese Foods You Must Try

A first-timer’s shortlist that goes beyond sushi without becoming overwhelming.

6 min read