Best Traditional Japanese Dishes Every Visitor Should Try

Whether you’re wandering through neon-lit streets in Tokyo, strolling temple grounds in Kyoto, or soaking in an onsen in Hakone — Japanese cuisine is a journey in itself. Rich in heritage, balanced in flavor, and artistically plated, Japan’s traditional dishes offer more than just a meal — they’re a full cultural experience.

In this guide, we’ll take you beyond sushi and introduce you to authentic Japanese food you must try, from the everyday staples to the ceremonial showstoppers. Ready to eat like a local? Let’s dive into the top traditional dishes you won’t want to miss.

Planning your foodie adventure? Book a local-led Japanese food tour here for the tastiest cultural insights.

1. Sushi: Japan’s Global Icon

Let’s start with the classic. Sushi needs no introduction, but experiencing it in Japan is a whole new level. From budget conveyor belt joints (kaitenzushi) to high-end omakase counters, every bite tells a story of craftsmanship.

Must-Try Types:

• Nigiri — hand-pressed rice topped with raw fish
• Maki — seaweed-wrapped rolls
• Chirashi — a bowl of sushi rice topped with assorted sashimi

Want to try authentic sushi in Tokyo? Join a sushi-making class or tasting session with a local chef

2. Ramen: Soul-Warming Comfort

Ramen in Japan is nothing like the instant stuff. It’s a steaming, savory, addictive experience you’ll crave again and again.

Popular Styles:

• Shoyu (soy sauce-based, clear broth)
• Tonkotsu (pork bone broth — thick and creamy)
• Shio (salt-based and light)
• Miso (fermented soybean paste for a bold taste)

Where to try: Local favorites like Ichiran (solo booths!) or small ramen alleys in Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Kyoto’s Pontocho.

Craving the ultimate ramen experience? Book a guided ramen tour in Tokyo with exclusive tastings.

3. Yakitori: Grilled Perfection on a Stick

Head to any izakaya (Japanese pub), and you’ll smell yakitori before you see it. These charcoal-grilled chicken skewers are beloved for their simplicity and smoky flavor.

Fan Favorites:

• Negima — chicken thigh with scallions
• Tsukune — chicken meatballs with tare sauce
• Reba — chicken liver (surprisingly rich and tasty)

Pair it with a cold draft beer or sake for the ultimate street-side vibe. Where to Eat in Japan: Local Picks Beyond Tourist Traps, Learn more…

4. Bento Boxes: Art Meets Convenience

Bento isn’t just lunch — it’s an edible work of art, meticulously arranged with rice, pickles, protein, and veggies. These beautifully packed boxes are found everywhere — from train stations to department store food halls (depachika).

Best For:

• Train rides (especially on the Shinkansen)
• Budget-friendly yet complete meals
• Sampling seasonal and regional specialties

Traveling across Japan by train? Check out these Japan Rail Pass options for easy, delicious bento-filled journeys.

5. Sukiyaki: A Hotpot to Savor Slowly

Sukiyaki is a sweet and savory hotpot typically enjoyed in colder months. Thinly sliced beef, tofu, veggies, and noodles simmer in a soy-sugar broth and are dipped in raw egg before eating.

Ideal For:

• Group dinners
• Cozy, slow-paced meals
• Celebrations and winter getaways

You’ll often find it in traditional restaurants (ryotei) or served as part of a kaiseki dinner at a ryokan (Japanese inn).

Want to try sukiyaki in a traditional setting? Book a dinner experience at a Kyoto ryokan.

6. Sashimi: Raw Elegance

Different from sushi, sashimi is sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice — emphasizing freshness and knife skill. If you’re a seafood lover, this is your holy grail.

Top Picks:

• Tuna (Maguro)
• Salmon (Sake)
• Sea Bream (Tai)
• Uni (Sea Urchin)

Best enjoyed at fish markets or sushi counters where freshness is guaranteed.

Visit the iconic Tsukiji Market with a guide and sample sashimi like a local. Reserve your spot here.

7. Japanese Curry: A Comfort Classic

Hearty, slightly sweet, and super satisfying — Japanese curry is comfort food at its best. It’s thicker and milder than Indian or Thai curries and often served over rice with breaded pork cutlet (katsu).

Popular Chains:

• Coco Ichibanya (customizable spice and toppings)
• Go! Go! Curry (tonkatsu-heavy)

Perfect for a quick, filling meal after a day of sightseeing.

8. Tempura: Crispy, Light, Divine

Tempura is deep-fried seafood and vegetables, but when done right, it’s light, airy, and almost greaseless. Dip it in tentsuyu sauce or sprinkle with salt for a heavenly crunch.

Common Ingredients:

• Shrimp
• Sweet potato
• Eggplant
• Kabocha squash

Want to learn the art of tempura cooking? Join a traditional cooking class in Tokyo.

9. Okonomiyaki: The Japanese Pancake

Literally meaning “grill as you like,” okonomiyaki is a savory pancake loaded with cabbage, meat, seafood, and topped with tangy sauce and bonito flakes.

Regional Twist:

• Osaka style: Ingredients mixed into the batter
• Hiroshima style: Layered with yakisoba noodles

Taste your way through Hiroshima’s Okonomimura with a guided food tour. Explore options here.

10. Wagashi: Sweet with a Story

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, often enjoyed with tea and crafted with seasonal themes in mind. They’re delicate, beautiful, and often too pretty to eat (almost).

Examples:

• Mochi — sticky rice cakes
• Dorayaki — red bean pancakes
• Yokan — jellied red bean paste

Experience wagashi-making and a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto. Book your cultural experience here.

See also: Authentic Dining in Japan: A First-Timer’s Guide to Unforgettable Meals

Final Bite: Experience Japan Through Its Cuisine

Japanese food is a window into its culture, values, and artistry. From quick bento box lunches to slow-cooked sukiyaki dinners, each bite connects you to centuries of culinary tradition.

Skip the tourist-only eateries and dig into the authentic flavors that locals cherish. It’s the most delicious way to truly understand Japan.

Ready to taste Japan like a local? Browse food tours, cooking classes, and local dining experiences now.