Japan guide
Where Should I Eat in Japan? (The Delicious Struggle)
You’ve landed in Japan. You’re hungry.
Now comes the ultimate question that haunts every tourist: “Where should I eat?”
Don’t panic. The answer is: Everywhere.
But let’s break it down before you end up eating only convenience store sandwiches (though honestly, those are weirdly amazing).
1️⃣ The Convenience Store (Konbini): Your New Religion
Yes, you heard right.
Family Mart, Lawson, 7-Eleven — they’re not just convenience stores, they’re culinary miracles.
Egg sandwiches? Heavenly.
Onigiri? 120 yen bundles of joy.
Fried chicken? Life-changing.
You will judge yourself at first.
You will not judge yourself after the third visit.
2️⃣ Ramen Shops: The Noodle Church
When lost, find ramen.
You’ll sit at a tiny counter, order from a machine that looks like a lost ATM, and receive a bowl of pure happiness.
Pro tip: Slurping is not rude — it’s expected. If you’re not slurping, are you even living?
3️⃣ Sushi: Fresh, Fancy, or Conveyor-Belted
You’ve seen the documentaries. Now live the dream.
High-end sushi: Prepare your wallet.
Conveyor belt sushi: Watch plates circle like your indecision.
Standing sushi bars: Quick, cheap, fresh, and your feet get a workout.
4️⃣ Izakaya: Where Decency Ends and Fun Begins
An izakaya is a Japanese pub where you’ll eat skewers of mystery meat while locals get progressively louder.
Menus may not have photos.
Order randomly.
Regret nothing.
5️⃣ Department Store Food Basements: The Secret Gourmet Wonderland
The basement of every major department store is basically an edible museum.
Sample your way through it like an overgrown child at Costco.
Try everything that looks mysterious.
You’ll leave with bags of things you can't pronounce but will happily devour.
6️⃣ Street Food: The Ultimate Side Quest
Markets like Nishiki (Kyoto), Kuromon (Osaka), and random street festivals are your playground.
Eat takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled skewers), and anything covered in matcha.
Your stomach will hate you.
Your soul will thank you.
7️⃣ Vending Machines: The Robo-Café
Japan’s vending machines serve hot coffee, cold coffee, soups, and probably your horoscope.
They are everywhere.
Use them.
Love them.
You are one with the vending machine now.
Conclusion:
In Japan, there is no “wrong” place to eat.
The only mistake is overthinking.
Open mouth. Insert food. Repeat.