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Japanese cuisine is globally renowned for its diversity and high quality. When foreign tourists visit Japan, the country’s restaurants and dining spots are a mustsee. Here, we introduce some of the most popular Japanese restaurants and dining spots among foreigners, detailing their unique attractions. Use this as a guide when you visit Japan in search of delicious food.
目次
- 1. Sushi: Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza
- 2. Ramen: Ichiran in Tokyo
- 3. Shabushabu: Shabushabu Gion Oumi in Kyoto
- 4. Tempura: Tempura Iseya in Tokyo
- 5. Cafe: Cafe de L’Ambre in Tokyo
- 6. Wagyu: Kobe Beef Kiyama in Kobe
- 7. Okonomiyaki: Tako Hachi in Osaka
- 8. Sake Bar: Sake no Daimasu Kaminarimon in Tokyo
- 9. Grilled Fish: Shinpachi Shokudo in Tokyo
- 10. Hitsumabushi: Unagi Minokin in Kanda, Tokyo
- Conclusion
Features:
Sukiyabashi Jiro, located in Ginza, Tokyo, is a worldfamous Michelin threestar sushi restaurant. Owned by Chef Jiro Ono, this restaurant offers sushi made with the freshest ingredients and exquisite craftsmanship. The counteronly seating allows diners to enjoy meticulously prepared sushi, each piece resembling a work of art.
Highlights:
Highquality ingredients: Uses fresh seafood sourced both domestically and internationally, offering seasonal delicacies.
Experience: Provides a rare opportunity to watch a master sushi chef at work up close.
Reservations and Tips:
Reservations are essential at Sukiyabashi Jiro, and the waiting list is long, so book early. Follow the chef’s recommendations and savor each piece to fully enjoy the sushi’s authentic flavors.
Features:
Ichiran is a popular chain specializing in Hakatastyle ramen, with many branches in Tokyo. The rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and thin noodles that pair perfectly with the soup are its hallmarks. Ichiran’s customizable ramen allows diners to adjust the richness of the broth, noodle firmness, and toppings to their liking.
Highlights:
Customizable: Adjust the broth’s richness, noodle firmness, and toppings to suit your taste.
Privacy: Individual booths enable you to focus on enjoying your ramen.
Reservations and Tips:
Reservations are generally unnecessary at Ichiran, but it can get crowded during peak times. Set your preferred customizations and enjoy your personalized ramen. Be sure to savor the broth flavored with Ichiran’s secret sauce.
Features:
Shabushabu Gion Oumi, located in Kyoto’s Gion district, specializes in shabushabu made with highquality Omi beef. Thinly sliced meat is briefly boiled and enjoyed with special dipping sauces. The serene atmosphere of the restaurant provides a relaxing dining experience.
Highlights:
Premium Wagyu: Uses topgrade Omi beef, offering rich flavor and tenderness.
Calm environment: Enjoy shabushabu in a tranquil setting.
Reservations and Tips:
Given its popularity, making a reservation is recommended. Dip the meat briefly in the broth and enjoy it with the restaurant’s special ponzu or sesame sauces. Don’t miss the accompanying vegetables and the final porridge.
Features:
Tempura Iseya in Ueno, Tokyo, is a wellknown tempura specialty restaurant offering freshly fried tempura. The light batter enhances the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients. Sitting at the counter, you can watch the chef prepare tempura right before your eyes.
Highlights:
Fresh ingredients: Enjoy seasonal seafood and vegetables.
Craftsmanship: Observe the chef’s technique as they prepare your meal.
Reservations and Tips:
No reservations are needed, but it can get busy. Enjoy the tempura while it’s hot, adjusting the flavor with dipping sauce or salt to your preference.
Features:
Cafe de L’Ambre, a longestablished cafe in Ginza, Tokyo, offers highquality coffee in a calm atmosphere. The extensive menu includes various coffee drinks, such as lattes and espressos, paired with a range of sweets for an elegant experience.
Highlights:
Highquality coffee: Enjoy meticulously roasted and brewed coffee.
Relaxed ambiance: A quiet space for a relaxing time.
Reservations and Tips:
Reservations aren’t necessary, but it can get crowded. Enjoy a wide selection of coffee along with sandwiches or cakes in the serene interior.
Features:
Kobe Beef Kiyama, located in Kobe, is a highend steakhouse offering premium Kobe beef. The meat is of exceptional quality and flavor, with a meltinyourmouth texture. The luxurious setting is perfect for a special dining experience.
Highlights:
Kobe beef: Enjoy the distinctive flavor of premium Kobe beef.
Luxurious experience: Savor a gourmet steak dinner in an elegant setting.
Reservations and Tips:
Reservations are recommended for this popular restaurant. Choose your preferred cut of Kobe beef and select the cooking method and sauce. The restaurant also offers a variety of side dishes and desserts.
Features:
Tako Hachi in Osaka’s Shinsekai district specializes in traditional Kansaistyle okonomiyaki. The fluffy batter, abundant fillings, and generous toppings make for a hearty and delicious dish.
Highlights:
Kansaistyle: Enjoy authentic Kansaistyle okonomiyaki.
Varied menu: Choose from a variety of fillings, including pork and seafood.
Reservations and Tips:
Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. The DIY grilling experience is fun, especially with friends or family.
Features:
Sake no Daimasu Kaminarimon, located in Asakusa, offers a wide selection of sake from all over Japan. The bar provides a serene atmosphere to enjoy sake, complemented by a variety of snacks and light meals.
Highlights:
Diverse sake selection: Taste a wide range of sake from different regions.
Relaxed ambiance: Enjoy sake in a quiet setting.
Reservations and Tips:
No reservations are required, and the counter seating is ideal for solo or group visits. Ask the staff for recommendations and enjoy the sake with paired appetizers.
Features:
Shinpachi Shokudo, located in Tokyo, specializes in grilled fish set meals. The fresh fish, grilled over charcoal, has a delightful aroma and tender texture. This restaurant is beloved for its simple yet flavorful meals.
Highlights:
Charcoalgrilled fish: Enjoy the rich aroma and taste of charcoalgrilled fish.
Convenient locations: With many branches in Tokyo and Osaka, it’s easy to visit.
Reservations and Tips:
No reservations are needed. Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal with grilled fish, rice, and miso soup.
Features:
Unagi Minokin in Kanda, Tokyo, is a longestablished eel restaurant offering hitsumabushi, grilled eel on rice. The charcoalgrilled eel, paired with a secret sauce, creates a rich and flavorful dish. The calm atmosphere enhances the luxurious dining experience.
Highlights:
Charcoalgrilled: Savor the aroma and tenderness of charcoalgrilled eel.
Hitsumabushi style: Enjoy different ways of eating hitsumabushi.
Reservations and Tips:
Reservations are recommended due to its popularity. Start by eating the eel and rice as is, then add condiments or broth for different flavors. Adjust the rice portion to try various combinations.
Japanese restaurants and dining spots offer a diverse range of cuisines and unique dining experiences. From sushi and ramen to shabushabu, cafes, and specialty restaurants, there are numerous options to explore. When traveling, visit these popular spots to experience the depth of Japanese food culture. Each restaurant offers local specialties, allowing you to savor the charm of Japan with every bite.
