Japan guide
Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Japan (And Where to Find Them)
How I Accidentally Ordered Cow Intestines and Loved It
So there I was, armed with a vague Google map and a stomach louder than a Shinkansen. I had just landed in Tokyo, determined to eat like a local — you know, the kind of traveler who proudly slurps noodles and nods like they know what "umami" means.
I wandered into a backstreet izakaya, pointed at something on the menu (no photos, of course), and confidently said “kore kudasai” like a pro. Twenty minutes later, I was chewing something... rubbery.
It was cow intestines. And shockingly? Pretty tasty.
Thus began my accidental culinary tour of Japan — full of surprises, weird textures, and meals that made me weep with joy (and sometimes mild panic). Here's the list I wish I had before I bravely bit into “whatever that was.”
1. Ramen – The Soul Hug in a Bowl
Forget the college dorm version. Real ramen is a poetic, brothy masterpiece.
🍜 Where: Ichiran (Tokyo, Fukuoka) – sit in your own booth and noodle in peace.
💡 Pro Tip: Slurp loudly. It’s a compliment here. (And yes, you’ll feel weird at first.)
2. Okonomiyaki – The Pancake That Doesn’t Know What It Is
Cabbage? Bacon? Noodles? Seaweed? All of it, grilled and smothered in sauce.
🥞 Where: Osaka or Hiroshima (both have VERY different styles — don’t start a fight).
💡 Pro Tip: Let the staff cook it. You’ll burn it, trust me.
3. Sushi – It’s Not All Raw Fish, Relax
Sushi in Japan is fresh, delicate, and nothing like the sad roll at your airport.
🍣 Where: Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), or literally any kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi).
💡 Story: I once ate “shirako” thinking it was tofu. It was fish sperm. Five stars.
4. Takoyaki – Molten Lava Octopus Balls
Crispy outside, gooey inside, and packed with surprise tentacles.
🐙 Where: Dotonbori in Osaka — watch the guy flip 90 of them at once.
💡 Pro Tip: Blow on them like they’re cursed. They will burn your soul.
5. Tonkatsu – Deep-Fried Pork Perfection
A thick pork cutlet, breaded, golden, and more satisfying than therapy.
🍖 Where: Maisen in Tokyo (or a random department store basement).
💡 Pro Tip: Mix the sauce with mustard. Yes, mustard. You're welcome.
6. Yakiniku – Grill Your Own Cow Like a Boss
Barbecue, Japanese-style. You cook tiny meat slices yourself, over fire.
🔥 Where: Tokyo’s Shinjuku or Osaka’s Tsuruhashi district.
💡 Pro Tip: Order “karubi” for fatty short rib heaven. Skip “horumon” unless you're brave.
7. Mochi – Cute, Chewy Dessert Balls of Doom
Sweet, chewy, and potentially deadly if you inhale it wrong.
🍡 Where: Nara’s Nakatanidou – where they pound it like sumo wrestlers.
💡 Warning: Chew thoroughly or be featured on the evening news.
8. Unagi Don – Fancy Eel That Tastes Like BBQ Cloud
Grilled freshwater eel over rice. Sticky, rich, delicious.
🐍 Where: Lake Hamana area (Shizuoka) or any old-school Tokyo shop.
💡 Pro Tip: It’s expensive but worth it. Like edible velvet.
9. Kaiseki – A Multi-Course Haiku
Seasonal, elegant dishes served like edible poetry.
🥢 Where: Kyoto’s ryokans or fine restaurants.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t ask what everything is. Just smile and eat.
10. Convenience Store Food – Trust the 7-Eleven Gods
Onigiri. Fried chicken. Egg sandwiches that made Gordon Ramsay cry.
🛍️ Where: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart – they’re everywhere.
💡 Warning: You may never want to cook again.
Final Thoughts from a Stomach That’s Seen Things
Yes, you do need to try the raw fish. No, it won’t kill you. Yes, the vending machines serve hot corn soup. And yes, sometimes you'll order something mysterious and love it — even if it turns out to be cow guts.
So come hungry. Come curious. And maybe... pack antacids.
This is Japan — your stomach is about to fall in love.