Tokyo
A Nakano legend and one of Nakano Broadway's few original shops, this ice-cream counter features eight rotating flavours of soft-serve – and you can get…
Must-see restaurants in Japan
Kyūshū
By Obi-jō, this old-school shop makes and sells a local version of Satsuma-age (fried cakes of fish paste and vegetables, here called tempura). The…
Western Honshū
Eateries and shops here specialise in local goodies. Seekers of only-in-Japan culinary experiences can look out for the uni-flavoured ice cream (うにソフトクリーム…
Ehime Prefecture
Above the Oda River, this farmers market offers fresh, locally grown produce, prepared bentō (boxed meals) and regional specialities. There's a restaurant…
Tokyo
Harukiya, open since 1949, is one of Tokyo's oldest existent ramen shops. It serves what has since come to be known as classic Tokyo-style ramen: with…
Kansai
In a 150-year-old thatched-roof farmhouse (and with tatami seating and a central hearth), Morishige serves soba, on its own or in a set with small dishes…
Western Honshū
Next to Matsue-ōhashi, this bright, wood-themed restaurant is a tranquil spot for unameshi (eel and rice; ¥2700). Otherwise, opt for one of the delicately…
Ueno & Yanesen
This branch of the venerable eel restaurant, Izu-ei, is located inside Ueno-kōen, near Tōshō-gū. It's a lovely spot to enjoy lunch while exploring the…
Fukuoka
If the original Tenjin Nobunaga on Tenjin Nishi-dōri is full, head to this location at the south end of the block, diagonally across from the Apple Store…
Hiroshima
Come to this intimate riverside bistro for local oysters prepared in a range of mouth-watering ways. Lunch is a set menu (¥1800) of oysters in various…
Central Honshū
Expect to queue at this popular 'local' specialising in hegi soba (soba flavoured with seaweed and served on a special plate, a hegi). The noodles are…
Hokkaidō
Since 1949 this popular Tokachi dairy has been serving great ice cream from its small cafe. It makes dozens of flavours – from black sesame to edamame to…
Ehime Prefecture
This lovely spot by the walking bridge serves good teishoku meals. Try the Karari set (¥1200) and choose a main, served with bread or rice, from the…
Matsumoto
Dress in your Sunday best for lunch or dinner course menus of exquisitely presented French haute cuisine, prepared from fresh local produce where possible…
Central Honshū
Unagi-don (eel on rice) and the fancier hitsumabushi (charcoal-grilled eel, Nagoya's famous speciality) are on offer at this cosy little diner on the…
Osaka
This large, comfortable cafe in Ame-Mura serves good coffee, drinks and eclectic light meals, including pastas, sandwiches, salads and rice bowls. It has…
Kansai
The exposed wooden beams and open, airy feel of this rustic cafe make it a great spot to stop for a cuppa and cake while exploring Kibune. In winter it…
Kanazawa
Thin-crust pizza, flavourful pastas and hearty Irish stews feature on the eclectic, rotating menu at this popular home-style restaurant run by a friendly…
Nagano Region
Sample chestnut confections at Chikufūdō, established in 1893. Dorayakisan (chestnut paste in pancake dumplings) are the standard here. It's on the main…
Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast
This restaurant near the Asa-ichi market serves local specialities including zōsui (rice hotpot), yaki-zakana (grilled fish) and seasonal seafood,…
Ehime Prefecture
Nice spot out the back of the visitors' centre with tons of parking. Offers interesting options including a seasonal set lunch, French toast, spaghetti…
Osaka
One of Osaka's best bakeries, Gout (pronounced 'goo', as in French) sells baguettes, pastries, croissants, sandwiches and coffee to take away or eat in…
Ginza & Tsukiji
This chic branch of the top-class organic bakery chain is on the 7th floor of the same building as Dover Street Market Ginza. Come here for great cakes,…
Kyūshū
If you're going to sample fugu (pufferfish), this is a renowned place to try it: with just three tables, it must be good! There are also non-fugu options,…
Nagano Region
Bessho Onsen has a good Italian restaurant, whose proprietors are extremely proud of the quality of their pastas and pizzas. Just across from the station,…
Kamakura
The humble donburi (rice bowl) gets a hip, healthy remake at this comfy hangout, with toppings such as smoked salmon and avocado, and meat-free Mexican…
Kagawa Prefecture
One of Takamatsu's best-known udon shops, Kawafuku serves its silky Sanuki-udon in a variety of ways. Choose from the plastic food models outside. Look…
Roppongi, Akasaka & Around
This cheap-and-cheerful Chinese restaurant, part of a chain, is known for its golden phallic decor, Peking duck (¥3980) served at any hour, and abrupt…
Ueno & Yanesen
It's all about the fluffy American-style pancakes at this charming cafe set in a book-lined, mural-painted old house. Order them savoury with the likes of…
Fuji Five Lakes
Just off the main drag, this tiny shop is a good spot to sample the local te-uchi udon (handmade wheat-flour noodles) while sitting cross-legged on tatami…
Hakone
Choose from a hodgepodge of Japanese favourites (tonkatsu, sashimi, curry rice) along with a few Western and even Chinese dishes in this retro family…
Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps
Breakfast, lunch and lattes done Aussie-style keep hungry patrons coming back for more at this popular spot in Echoland. It's about as authentically…
Central Honshū
Fancy five-course French cuisine in an Edo-period building with an attractive garden – lovely! From the station, turn right at the lights, walk two blocks…
Kōbe
This adorably funky cafe with a glassed-in verandah is Kōbe's go-to spot for organic vegetarian and vegan meals and cakes, served with herbal tea or…
Sendai
The best gyūtan (charcoal-grilled cow's tongue) place in town is this tiny hole-in-the-wall filled with locals. It's cheap, fresh and there is an English…
Around Tokyo
Near the gate of Musashi Mitake-jinja, this cosy shop has mountain views out the back windows and serves kamo-nanban soba (noodles in hearty duck broth).
Izu Peninsula
This friendly counter bar has a retro vibe and an inventive menu including local fish (honjitsu no sakana) and assorted delicacies served yakitori-style…
Hokkaidō
Choose your crab and have it served, or go for the menu, either way it's delicious seafood in a building that's four decades old. Note that the hours can…
Nikkō
Refuel at this no-frills Nikkō staple that's been serving foreign travellers for almost three decades. Basic comfort food includes big bowls of curry udon…
Kamakura
One of the few restaurants around town open for breakfast, Cobakaba serves Japanese-style breakfast sets – fried egg, rice, fish, miso soup, salad and…
