Not just sushi and ramen—there’s soba and takoyaki too: let’s bow to the incredible variety of flavors from the Land of the Rising Sun!
Let’s be honest: Japan is paradise for all of us who love to eat and can’t resist the charm of Asian cuisine.
But have you ever wondered what people really eat in Japan?
Spoiler: it’s not just sushi, even though that’s obviously part of the package. Today I’m taking you on a culinary journey to discover seven dishes that will make you say, “What on earth am I eating?”, “Is this level of deliciousness even legal?!”, and then immediately after, “I want more!”
We recommend reading this article on a full stomach, because it may have an unfortunate side effect: making you insanely hungry!
Grab your chopsticks, put on your best bib, slip into your comfiest pants (no tight belts!), and get ready for this feast!
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1. Sushi – The art of taking risks (with your wallet, not your life)
Of course, we can’t talk about Japanese food without mentioning the undisputed king: sushi!
It would be like talking about Italian music festivals without mentioning Sanremo!
Sushi isn’t just food—it’s culture, it’s poetry, it’s love (sorry, I’m getting emotional, let me pull myself together...)!
But let’s be real: eating it in Japan is a mystical experience. Whether you go to a super chic restaurant in the Ginza district or to a more affordable kaiten-zushi (the ones with the conveyor belt, where you can have fun grabbing plates as they go by), you’ll always get the freshest fish of your life.
Fun fact: becoming a sushi master is no joke. Apprentices can spend years just learning how to cook the rice! And meanwhile, the rest of us grew up throwing canned tuna into pasta and calling it dinner...
2. Tempura – Fry everything without fear!
Portuguese Jesuit missionaries: who would’ve thought they’d have such an important impact on your dinner?
And yet, yes—it was they who brought to Japan the art of frying.
The result? Tempura!
Take a nice shrimp, an eggplant, maybe a slice of pumpkin, dip it in batter, and straight into the hot oil it goes.
It’s unbelievably good... honestly, when our time comes, don’t cremate us or stuff us—fry us as tempura!
The best thing about tempura is that, even though it’s fried, it doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a wave of oil. It’s light, crispy, and somehow makes you feel almost at peace with yourself while you eat it. Deliciousness without the guilt—what more could you want?
3. Ramen – The cool older brother of our cup noodles
Ramen is the perfect food for when you want to eat a lot, spend little, and still look like you know what you’re doing.
It’s a noodle soup that warms your heart and soul. The secret of ramen is all in the broth: meat, fish, miso, shoyu... there’s something for every taste! Then add wheat noodles, sliced meat, eggs, seaweed, and green onions, and you’ve got yourself one incredible bowl.
The funny part?
In Japan, it’s considered fast food! People eat it quickly for lunch, as soon as it’s ready, at temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun—but with the grace of someone sipping wine in a five-star restaurant.
And here we are with our instant noodles, speechless.
4. Soba – Buckwheat noodles (perfect for health-conscious food lovers)
You thought spaghetti were an Italian exclusive? Not even close!
Soba is the Japanese version of spaghetti, but made from buckwheat. They have a grayish-brown color that makes you think, “Okay, this must actually be healthy.” And surprise, surprise—it really is!
They’re served hot or cold, in broth or dry, with toppings ranging from tempura to egg. In short, soba is like that old pair of jeans that works for every occasion.
Personally, we’re team cold soba. You eat it by dipping it into a soy-based sauce called tsuyu, which gives it that extra touch that makes it truly amazing. Trust me: after eating it, you’ll be bouncing around with happiness.
5. Udon – The comforting noodle that gives you a hug
Now let’s move on to soba’s bigger, thicker, more laid-back sibling: udon.
These noodles are nice and chunky and soft, perfect for those days when you need a little comfort. The best way to eat them? In broth, of course. Add some scallions, tofu, or tempura, and your dose of comfort food is guaranteed.
All that’s missing is for udon to come to life, pat you on the head, ask how your day went, and maybe give you a relaxing massage...
But be warned: in Japan, there’s a real rivalry between udon fans and soba fans.
It’s like two rival gangs glaring at each other, so be careful not to take sides too strongly! Actually, you know what? Have both with zero restraint—life’s too short to choose.
6. Takoyaki – Delicious little street-food bites you’ll get addicted to
And now, let’s move on to street snacks!
Takoyaki is the classic Japanese festival snack, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. They are small batter balls filled with squid, cabbage, or shrimp, cooked in a special pan that makes them perfectly round.
They’re crispy on the outside, but wonderfully soft inside, usually topped with a sauce that’s a mix between ketchup and Japanese mayonnaise. In short: absolutely irresistible.
Takoyaki is the snack you treat yourself to after a long day of exploring all the incredible things Japan has to offer.
Just one warning: it’s very easy to eat a huge amount without even realizing it.
So if you don’t want a full-blown Godzilla situation happening in your stomach, take it easy!
7. Onigiri – From manga to real life!
Let’s end on a high note with onigiri, the rice ball that made Japan famous even among younger audiences thanks to Japanese comics.
You know those little rice triangles wrapped with a strip of seaweed that you see everywhere in manga? The ones the main character is always stuffing into their face?
Exactly, those! Inside there’s always a surprise: pickled plums, salmon, tuna, or even just a splash of soy sauce. Absolutely delicious.
You can find them everywhere in Japan, from convenience stores to train stations. They’re the perfect companion for a quick lunch or an on-the-go snack.
The best thing about onigiri is that, besides tasting amazing, they’re also inexpensive. What more could you ask for?
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know some of the tastiest things you can eat in Japan.
How about trying some of them with us, right there in Japan?
And while we’re at it, we could also do some pretty amazing things—like visiting the country’s coolest places, including incredible Kyoto, the ultra-modern neighborhoods of Tokyo, the Arashiyama bamboo forest, Osaka Castle, and much more.
Take a look at the itinerary for the 13-day trip to Japan with Sto Gran Tour and give it some thought.
See you in Japan!
