Japan

Note

• Jazz izakaya run by a chef who lost his voice due to throat cancer • Communicates via iPad translator to take orders and chat • Chef recommended dishes are tamagoyaki, chicken meatballs, and curry udon • Shop has been open since 1948, founded by the chef's father

Note

• Enjoy authentic okonomiyaki and yakisoba made by the friendly owner • The owner is learning English and eager to communicate with visitors • Experience a local dining atmosphere

Note

• Sushi counter with a stream of water for hand washing • Chef's Choice 5-Piece Sushi Plate for ¥1,300 • High-quality sushi at affordable prices in a food stall setting ✓ No reservations accepted

Note

• Food stall village along the Yodo River • Home to Sushi Joe, a unique sushi experience • Offers a local food experience in Osaka

Note

• River flowing through Osaka • Minamo Juso food stall village is located along its banks

Note

• Order the tsukimi ramen with an egg yolk on top • Enjoy thin Hakata-style noodles ✓ First extra noodles are free, add a bowl of rice • Expect a rich yet refined soup that's perfectly balanced

Note

• Casual seafood izakaya with sushi from 80 yen • Serves fresh sashimi, chawanmushi, and sukiyaki beef hotpot • About 3 minutes from Higashi-Umeda Station

Note

• Serves shoyu ramen with egg • Soup is made from over 10 kinds of soy sauce and 100 kilos of chicken daily • Features hand-kneaded noodles and chashu

Note

• Try the tantanmen with rich sesame soup • Black vinegar is served on the side for added flavor

Note

• Offers special abura soba • Watch the chef hand-cut noodles to order • Known for its delicious noodles and toppings

Note

• Local sushi spot known for delicious and cheap sushi • 3 pieces of sushi for about $1 (150 yen) • Master chefs hand-press sushi fresh to order

Note

• Taste different cuts of premium bluefin tuna side-by-side • Try the braised tuna, it's incredibly soft and full of umami • Don't miss the hand roll to finish your meal • Bluefin tuna nigiri starts from ¥80

Note

• Featured as a place the creator took a ramen tour guest

Note

• Specializes in rich miso ramen from ¥980 ✓ Closed Wednesdays

Note

• Offers Jiro-style ramen, a hearty and customizable dish • Known for its origins in Kyoto

Note

• Serves clean shio or soy sauce ramen starting from ¥1,200 ✓ Open for lunch only

Note

• Student town known as a ramen battleground • Many high-quality ramen shops packed into a few streets

Note

• Tempura bar in Tokyo • Known for tempura prawn with a lobster-like texture • Open until 10 PM, prices ¥1,000–¥2,000

Note

• Eel restaurant in Kawagoe • Open until 5 PM, popular for fresh eel • Prices range from ¥3,000–¥4,000

Note

• Offers a full eel experience where you can see and touch live eels • Watch the chef prepare eels for unaju • Open until 6 PM, booking available from ¥12,100

Note

• Unagi restaurant in Tokyo • Open until 10 PM, known for well-seasoned eel • Prices range from ¥5,000–¥9,000

Note

• Seafood donburi restaurant where you can customize your bowl • Serves salmon, tuna, crab, salmon roe, and uni over rice • Open 11:30 AM to 5 PM, closed Tuesdays

Note

• Popular spot for Kaisen Don bowls • Offers dashi broth to make ochazuke from your remaining rice and fish • Open 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Note

• Tempura donburi restaurant in Nihonbashi • Known for light, not too oily tempura • Open until 9 PM, prices ¥1,000–¥2,000

Note

• Budget-friendly tempura donburi chain restaurant • Offers an English menu, fast, and delicious • Open until 10 PM, prices ¥1,000–¥2,000

Note

Experience heartwarming hospitality and delicious curry udon at this beloved local spot. Watch the elderly couple prepare your meal fresh in front of you. This humble eatery offers an authentic taste of Japanese home cooking and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Note

• This shop is known for its pancakes, shown being prepared. • Features a traditional Japanese coffee shop atmosphere. • Enjoy a stack of fluffy pancakes with butter and syrup.

Note

• This shop is the first in a series of five long-standing Japanese establishments. • Known for its delightful pudding, as shown in the video. • Watch the chef prepare the dessert with precision.

Note

• This shop is famous for its tempura, prepared with flair. • The chef is known for his entertaining cooking style. • Try the tempura with a runny egg yolk on rice.

Note

• Featured for its unique dish of omelet with bread. • Watch the intricate process of making the omelet. • A must-try for a distinctive breakfast or brunch.

Note

• Featured for its cheesy pizza with a rich, savory taste. • Observe the chef skillfully cutting and serving the pizza. • Perfect for pizza lovers looking for a unique Japanese take.

Note

• Free soy sauce tour near Tokyo • Learn how shoyu is made and mix it in traditional vats • English guidebooks available for non-Japanese speakers • Shop offers soy sauce-flavored ice cream and cakes

Note

• Themed village evoking the world of Studio Ghibli • Explore charming, old-world style buildings with Ghibli character merchandise • Adorned with Christmas decorations as of October 2026

Note

• Third-generation sushi restaurant with a 120-year history • Chef personally selects fish from Toyosu Fish Market daily • Offers an affordable sushi course starting at 2,500 yen • Try the fresh anago, described as the best

Note

• Traditional kissaten run by an elderly couple • Siphon coffee and a morning set cheaper than Starbucks • Features Ghibli-style illustrations on the menu

Note

• Mentioned as a favorite memory of the café owners, who went skiing there

Note

• Local hidden gem for affordable and delicious sushi, sashimi, and robatayaki • Sushi prices start from 80 yen with a wide variety of toppings • Offers gorgeous assorted sashimi platters and seasonal charcoal-grilled dishes like oysters and prawns • Short walk from Namba Station and Nippombashi Station

Note

• Go for a 12-piece premium sushi meal and personalized entertainment. • Husband and wife run this cozy, generations-old local sushi spot. • It is known for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere. • The owner might play guitar and sing for you during your meal.

Note

• Taste the piping-hot Shrimp Ankake Ramen. • Large shrimp and vegetables are stir-fried. • The house-made noodles hold the thick, savory broth. • The ramen stays warm to the last bite.

Note

• Lunch omakase is 4,000 JPY ($25 USD) for top-tier sushi • Ingredients are hand-picked daily by the chef • Located in the Azabujuban neighborhood • Enjoy perfectly crafted sushi that melts in your mouth

Note

• Watch udon being made by hand, from dough kneading to noodle slicing • Try Niku Udon for ¥900 or Kakiage Udon for ¥800 • Oden is available for ¥150 per piece ✓ Cash only

Note

• Taste the premium "Rose" Salmon Belly bowl with 250g of thick-cut salmon. • Try the Salmon Chirashi Sushi Bowl for a leaner option with roe and egg yolk. • Open daily from 11 AM to 11 PM. • Serves fresh salmon cut and prepared daily in a temperature-controlled environment. • Offers generous portions of high-quality sushi and wagyu beef bowls • Known for its salmon bowls, available in various preparations • Try the unagi (eel) sushi, praised for its rich flavor • The wagyu beef bowl is described as buttery and smoky

Note

• Restaurant serving udon noodles

Note

• Traditional street featuring old-style shops and historic architecture

Note

• Historic bridge in Gujo Hachiman, offering scenic views of the town and river

Note

• Natural cave attraction offering an underground exploration experience

Note

• Picturesque canal known for clear waters and swimming carp

Note

• Cafe known for its matcha and desserts

Note

Experience a completely different side of Japan with its own unique culture and food. Discover stunningly clear waters and beautiful, vibrant blue beaches. Explore the rich history of its former independent kingdom.

Note

Discover this charming water town built around canals and natural springs. Attend the all-night dance festival where locals dance until sunrise. Immerse yourself in a 400-year-old summer tradition. • Popular spot for river rafting and other water activities

Note

• Enjoy authentic Japanese sushi and yakitori at affordable prices • Try Salmon Sushi (¥220) and Bluefin Tuna Akami (¥352) • Conveniently located in Dotonbori, great for a casual stop ✓ Reservations available

Note

• Enjoy fresh, top-quality sushi and a range of side dishes from midday. • Chefs prepare everything in front of you. • Open 11:00 AM–11:00 PM (last order 10:00 PM). • Kids are welcome.

Note

• Quiet local sushi spot run by a husband and wife • Chef is welcoming and attentive, adjusting wasabi to preference • Fresh and delicious sushi, especially the lunch special • Chef arranges sushi for better photos

Note

• Pasta bar known for fresh pasta • Try the shiohara cream cheese and shrimp tomato spaghetti

Note

• Bar loved for its espresso martini and great ambiance

Note

• Bakery famous for high-hydration bread, including their signature boule • The mentaiko baguette is a recent favorite

Note

• Izakaya where drinks get cheaper the more you order • First drink ¥500, then ¥350, ¥250, then ¥150 forever

Note

• Come for the classic Japanese-style fried rice, loaded with egg • Enjoy watching the dramatic cooking process for massive batches • Classic Fried Rice is ¥850 ✓ Check with the restaurant regarding reservations

Note

• Explore Takayama's ancient Buddhist temple, with a three-story pagoda. • Admire the historic architecture and serene temple grounds. • Don't miss the ginkgo tree, a natural monument.

Note

• Step back in time in this Edo-period old town. • Explore traditional wooden merchant houses. • Enjoy local sake tastings.

Note

• Embark on a scenic walking course through temples and nature. • Enjoy peaceful views and discover hidden historical gems. • A perfect way to experience Takayama's tranquil side.

Note

• Immerse yourself in nostalgic retro Japan with exhibits from the Showa era. • Discover vintage toys, electronics, and re-created street scenes. • A fun step back in time for all ages.

Note

• Visit this serene Shinto shrine, host of the Takayama Festival. • Admire the traditional architecture and festival floats on display. • A peaceful escape with rich cultural significance.

Note

• Explore this historic government building, once the seat of power. • Wander through preserved offices, living quarters, and a beautiful garden. • Gain insight into Edo-period administration.

Note

Experience a top-tier omakase from a skilled female sushi chef, a rare treat in Japan. Savor exquisite, fresh sushi at an incredibly affordable price point. Reserve early as this hidden gem is gaining popularity fast.

Note

Experience onigiri made fresh right before your eyes, each grain of rice perfectly fluffy. With over 20 fillings, you can customize your perfect rice ball. Don't miss their unique combinations for an authentic taste of Japanese comfort food.

Note

Savor a traditional teishoku-style bento with 12 seasonal dishes, offering a true taste of Kyoto. This hidden gem provides a balanced and local dining experience, perfect for an authentic meal.

Note

• Japan's oldest soba restaurant, with over 560 years of history • Featured tempura soba made with Hokkaido buckwheat flour and delicate dashi • Known for its longevity and continuous family ownership ✓ As of November 2025, rumored to close in 2026

Note

• Try Nishin Soba, a traditional soba dish with herring on top • Open 10:30 AM–9:00 PM (as of October 2026) ✓ Closed Wednesdays

Note

• Recommended for Dashimaki Tamago (rolled omelet with broth) • Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (as of October 2026)

Note

• Try Kyoto-style Saba Sushi here • Open 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (as of October 2026) ✓ Closed Tuesdays

Note

• Recommended for authentic matcha experiences • Open daily 10:00 AM–5:30 PM (as of October 2026)

Note

• Local restaurant serving affordable set meals, popular with students • Jumbo chicken katsu and chicken nanban are signature dishes • Most set meals are under ¥1,000, lunch special for ¥590 • Open daily until midnight

Note

Experience traditional Obanzai, a Kyoto-style small plate dining focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and light flavors. Their early opening makes it perfect for a traditional breakfast or a healthy lunch, a true feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Note

• Budget-friendly spot for Japanese dishes and drinks • Beer for $2 (¥299) and lemon chuhai for $1.2 (¥199) as of January 2026 • Try the mentaiko motsunabe (spicy cod roe hot pot) • Finish your hot pot meal with ramen, "shime style"

Note

Savor the original aburi mochi, grilled over charcoal and dipped in sweet shiro miso. This historic shop has perfected its single dish for a millennium. Experience a taste of tradition and good fortune.

Note

Discover a softer, sweeter take on aburi mochi at this sister shop, established centuries later. Compare it with Ichimonjiya Wasuke's version for a unique culinary journey. A delightful stop for dessert enthusiasts.

Note

Curry bread with unique fillings. Try the pork belly or egg version. A quick, tasty snack.

Note

Large, fresh onigiri. Try the salmon or roe versions. A satisfying breakfast or lunch option.

Note

Upscale department store with a wide selection of goods. Perfect for shopping and finding unique souvenirs.

Note

Indulge in an exquisite Omi beef omakase, showcasing Japan's rare wagyu breeds through diverse culinary preparations. Each course highlights the wagyu in a unique way, ensuring a constantly exciting progression of flavors. Perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious dining splurge.

Note

Dine counter-side and watch skilled chefs expertly fry each piece of tempura right before your eyes. The highlight is the dramatic sauce pouring, creating a memorable, lively dining atmosphere. Enjoy the freshest, crispiest tempura served immediately.

Note

Experience traditional yuba (tofu skin) making at your table, a unique Kyoto culinary tradition. The soy milk simmers to create delicate layers you scoop yourself for the freshest taste. Don't miss this authentic and interactive dining experience.

Note

Grind your own sesame seeds to create a personalized, aromatic base for your tonkatsu sauce. This small detail elevates the meal, making the experience more engaging and flavorful. Enjoy unlimited refills of rice, cabbage, and miso soup alongside your perfectly fried pork. DIY sesame seed grinding for tonkatsu sauce. Enjoy perfectly cooked tonkatsu and ebi katsu. Don't miss the cabbage slaw.

Note

Experience the vibrant culinary scene of Osaka at Hotaruya. This spot is a local favorite, offering a taste of authentic Osaka cuisine. Perfect for those seeking genuine flavors beyond the usual tourist spots.

Note

Savor 130 years of tradition with their signature Karaage Rice Bowl, featuring six generous pieces of fried chicken. The fluffy egg topping, made with Kyoto dashi broth, adds a unique depth of flavor. This intimate 12-seat eatery offers a truly authentic Japanese dining experience. • Beloved local restaurant with a 130-year history • Karaage rice bowl with 6 generous pieces of fried chicken • Topped with fluffy egg and Kyoto dashi broth • Note: Bans anyone under 13

Note

Savor rich Japanese curry crafted with butter-blended spices and red wine, simmered for two days. Don't miss the melt-in-your-mouth Kyoto Wagyu or the famous pork katsu. Customize your spice level and enjoy a truly authentic culinary experience.

Note

Experience authentic okonomiyaki and takoyaki meticulously prepared before your eyes. The warm hospitality of the owners adds to the charm of this intimate eatery. It's a genuine taste of local Kyoto cuisine.

Note

• Restaurant specializing in duck rice with a customizable dining experience • Make your own dashi broth with bonito and choose from three pepper flavors • Duck rice costs ¥2,250; optional uni & ikura add-on for ¥600

Note

Savor a delightful set meal featuring various tempura, vibrant temari sushi, and traditional obanzai dishes. This spot is ideal for those who love variety and want to try many Japanese specialties at once. Come during off-peak hours to avoid waiting in line.

Note

Savor some of Japan's best handmade gyoza, packed with garlic. Try the unique chicken skin gyoza and spicy mala gyoza. Everything is served at local prices in a friendly atmosphere.

Note

Hidden gem coffee shop with unique coffee experiences. Don't skip the brûlée benoît toast.

Note

Specialty coffee shop with seasonal coffees and canelés. Perfect for a little afternoon snack on a snowy day.

Note

Sister restaurant to Michelin-starred Motoi. Enjoy gyoza with yuzu hot sauce.

Note

Incredible egg sandwiches by an egg sommelier. A unique culinary experience found only in Japan.

Note

World-famous omurice by Chef Yukimura Motokichi. It's an experience with skills, passion, and showmanship on display.

Note

Yeast, cake, and cruller donuts with local organic ingredients. Try the sweet bean paste cruller with butter.

Note

Matcha sweets in a traditional teahouse. Bring cash for a delightful dessert experience.

Note

• Cafe offering a huge selection of granola • Available premixed or custom packed

Note

• Flavorful and aromatic soup curry made from scratch daily • Simple menu with only 3 options