Izu Peninsula
This institution serves the local noodle speciality, zendera soba (¥1260), with a stalk of fresh wasabi root to grate yourself – they even give you a…
Must-see restaurants in Japan
Kii Peninsula
An unexpected treasure at Hongū's southern end is this vegan cafe in a former post office (with the wooden floors and clapboard walls to prove it). It…
Asakusa & Sumida River
This is the place to get old-fashioned tempura fried in pure sesame oil, an Asakusa speciality. It’s in a white building with a tile roof. If there’s a…
Ginza & Tsukiji
Kaisen-don (bowls of rice topped with a variety of raw fish) is a common dish at Tsukiji's many seafood restaurants. The toppings of rich, creamy uni (sea…
Okinawa-hontō
If you're exploring southern Okinawa-hontō, seek out this serene, ocean-view cafe nestled in the forest. This is a lovely place for refreshing vegetarian…
Downtown Kyoto
Tempura is one of Japan's tastiest dishes and this friendly downtown restaurant is a great place to try it. It's a tiny family-run joint with a welcoming…
Kamakura
Boho beachfront spot mixing ocean views with an organic hemp-based menu, including vegetarian hemp taco rice, several vegan options, macrobiotic cakes and…
Downtown Kyoto
For casual French fare at reasonable prices, Le Bouchon is a great choice. Like a good Parisian bistro, it's got old-school charm and tends to be…
Odaiba & Tokyo Bay
In a former warehouse on the waterfront, TY Harbor serves up excellent burgers, steaks, salads and sandwiches along with views of the canals around…
Ueno & Yanesen
This street stall, beloved of locals for half a century, sells just one thing: tai-yaki – hot, sweet, bean-jam buns shaped like tai (sea bream), a fish…
Downtown Kyoto
There’s a reason that there’s usually a line outside this place: the ramen is fantastic and the bite-sized gyōza are to die for. The gyōza set meal (from …
Kanazawa
This cosy, quietly fashionable Italian bistro serves lovely set-course menus, while à-la-carte offerings include house-made focaccia, salads, pastas,…
Nagano Region
A stone's throw from Zenkō-ji, unassuming Marusei Shokudo serves soba and tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlets), among other dishes; the generous Marusei…
Hiroshima Region
Enjoy excellent local seafood in this traditional black-and-white building on the seafront road, on the left about a five-minute walk east of the station…
Hokkaidō
Run by the island's fishing collective (and closed the moment the sea urchin season ends), Atoi serves generously portioned kaisen-don (raw seafood over…
Yokohama
Char is the star at this hip grill restaurant and bar that serves pink-centred steaks and smoky chicken to go with craft beers on tap and a decent wine…
Iwate Prefecture
On top of the hill within the Chūson-ji complex, this glass-walled restaurant has lovely views of the surrounding countryside and is the perfect place to…
Kyūshū
Get your fill of local specialities at this delightful old wooden house across from a river: toriten (chicken tempura), fried chicken with yuzu (citron)…
Western Honshū
There's all manner of fresh and wild delights to sample at this busy market, with plenty of eateries as well as straight-from-the-source sellers in case…
Izu Peninsula
Sun streams into this weatherboard cafe-bar where locals and tourists dine on beach fare such as burgers, pizza and seafood barbecues (order a day ahead)…
Kamakura
It's worth searching out this charmingly decorated, shabby-chic wooden house for its laid-back vibe, good coffee and tasty meals, cakes and crêpes. It's…
Kyūshū
At this retro cafe you can sample coffees, cakes, smoothies and Aso-made ice creams while sitting on designy mid-century furniture (kagu in Japanese)…
Harajuku & Aoyama
Goma (sesame) ice cream is a must-try and this takeaway stand is the place to try it. There are two varieties, made from high-grade kurogoma (黒ごま; black…
Izu Peninsula
Run by a friendly Nagano native, this Italian-style bakery offers ¥200 cups of coffee to go with seasonal treats like blueberry jam-and cream cheese pull…
Ōsumi Islands
Find a full range of Japanese standards such as sashimi teishoku (sashimi set; ¥1700) or ebi-furai teishoku (fried shrimp set; ¥1400). Look for the blue…
Arashiyama & Sagano
This is a popular place to sample yudōfu (tofu cooked in a pot). It’s fairly casual, with a spacious dining room. You can usually eat here without having…
Western Honshū
You know a restaurant is serious when the space consists of plain pine tables without decoration to distract you. The tempura here is seriously good. Fine…
Niigata Prefecture
On a bend in the road at the southern tip of Mano Bay, this unexpectedly excellent bakery-cafe serves a wide variety of baked goods as well as coffee,…
Western Honshū
This conveyor-belt sushi restaurant on the 2nd floor, right above the fish market, is a great place to get your hands on the freshest fish without needing…
Hakone
A few doors downhill from the Hakone Open-Air Museum, this friendly sushi place also does tasty chirashi-zushi (rice topped with assorted sashimi), and…
Kansai
Soba and udon are handmade here using local ingredients; try the house speciality, kamo-zaru (chilled soba served on a bamboo mat with hot broth and duck…
Northern Higashiyama
In a converted machiya close to Kyoto University you'll find this friendly local obanzai restaurant with an izakaya (Japanese pub-eatery) atmosphere. The…
Yokohama
This palatial Cantonese restaurant is one of Chinatown's oldest (1892) and most respected. It serves a great selection of dim sum from 11am to 4pm, all in…
Western Honshū
This lively izakaya specialises in dishes prepared using fresh local produce. There's a predictable seafood theme, with lots of sushi and sashimi to enjoy…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Delicious chewy udon and signature soba bowls (hot or cold) are served with simple elegance at this friendly spot. The accompanying tempura and miso are…
Southern Higashiyama
Bamboo is one of Kyoto’s more approachable izakaya. It’s on Sanjō-dōri, near the mouth of a traditional, old shopping arcade. You can sit at the counter…
Izu Peninsula
A hip young family moved here from Yokohama run this tiny burger counter grilling a range of stacked sandwiches including spicy chilli, three cheese, and…
Sapporo
At the northeast corner of the market, Keiran has fresh rice bowls, tasty grilled fish, and plenty of English. You can marvel at the hundreds of happy…
Downtown Kyoto
On the basement floor, next to Daimaru department store, this simple sushi restaurant serves excellent sushi. You can order a set or just point at what…
Izu Peninsula
Cosy diner with vintage toy cars, gingham tablecloths and surfboards on the walls. Serves light fare such as pizza, salads and omurice (omelette and fried…
