Must Try Food in Japan: Everything I Ate On My Trip

Japan is one of the most incredible food destinations I’ve ever visited. From the moment I landed, I made it my mission to try as many local dishes and snacks as I could, both iconic favorites and surprising convenience store finds.

This post is a running list of everything I ate while traveling across Japan. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what the must try food in Japan really is, this guide is for you. I’ll share exactly what I loved, where I found it, and a few tips along the way.

Traditional Must-Try Japanese Dishes

Sushi

No trip to Japan is complete without sushi, and I tried it every chance I could get! I had some of the freshest salmon at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, and also splurged on a more traditional omakase counter experience one night. The standout for me was the toro (fatty tuna), which melted in my mouth like butter.

Even if you’ve had sushi before, it hits differently in Japan. The rice is perfect, the fish is impossibly fresh, and the care that goes into each piece is unmatched. Whether you go high-end or casual, sushi is a must!

Check out one of these fun sushi-making classes in Tokyo to learn all the steps that go into the perfect sushi roll!

Tempura

I always thought tempura was just shrimp and veggies, but in Japan, it’s an art form. We saw this everywhere! The batter is light and crispy, not greasy at all. I ordered this pretty much everywhere we went because it was so good!

Sweet potato tempura ended up being my favorite, hot and creamy inside, perfectly crisp outside. Dipping it into the light tentsuyu sauce made it even better. If you’ve only had buffet-style tempura before, this will be a game-changer.

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, and it’s way more satisfying than it sounds. We went to a restaurant in Shinjuku that served it with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and a thick, savory-sweet sauce on the side.

The pork was juicy and tender, with a golden crust that stayed crisp till the last bite. It’s simple comfort food, but done so well in Japan that it feels special. If you see a spot specializing in tonkatsu, stop in; you won’t be disappointed!

Ramen

Ramen became a bit of an obsession during my trip. Every region has its own spin—rich tonkotsu in the south, light shoyu in Tokyo, and miso ramen up north. I gravitated toward creamy tonkotsu broth topped with chashu pork and a jammy egg.

There’s something magical about ducking into a tiny ramen shop, ordering from a vending machine, and slurping your noodles shoulder-to-shoulder with locals. It’s quick, delicious, and comforting after a long day of sightseeing.

To learn how to make it and try different varieties of ramen, try one of these fun hands-on cooking classes!

Wagyu Steak

We went to Ginza Steak Shibuya, where they cooked it right in front of us on a teppan grill. It was served with just a bit of salt and wasabi to highlight the flavor. If you’re a steak lover, this is a must-try experience in Japan.

This was a splurge meal, and worth every yen. I tried A5 wagyu, which is the highest quality grade, and I’ve honestly never had steak like that before. It was buttery, rich, and almost melt-in-your-mouth tender. They also had a few other cuts they cooked for you, and then you could get more of your favorite!

Must-Try Street Food in Japan

Takoyaki

Takoyaki are those round, doughy octopus balls that are a staple in Osaka. You will see them everywhere! I had mine fresh off the grill in Dotombori, where they’re served piping hot with a drizzle of mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, and bonito flakes.

The texture is soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with umami. Even if you’re unsure about octopus, I recommend giving takoyaki a try. It’s one of those iconic Japanese street foods you won’t find anywhere else!

Strawberries

I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by fruit on a stick, but wow these strawberries were next level! They’re massive, glossy, and often coated in a thin layer of sweet syrup. I got mine at a stall in Tsukiji Market, and it was one of the best snacks I had in Japan. You can also get them surrounded by a smooth red bean paste.

It’s the perfect blend of juicy and sweet, and they’re as pretty as they are tasty. Definitely grab one while wandering the market!

Hokkaido Fresh Cream Croissant – Kuromon Market

This was hands-down the best pastry I had in Japan. I found it at Kuromon Market in Osaka—a flaky croissant filled with rich, airy cream made from Hokkaido milk.

It was slightly chilled, which made the cream even more refreshing. If you have a sweet tooth, this is one you’ll want to track down. They also sell a really good green smoothie, as pictured below.

Convenience Store Food Worth Trying

Egg Salad Sandwich

I know this sounds strange, but hear me out, the egg salad sandwich from 7/11 in Japan is legendary. The bread is soft, the egg filling is velvety, and it’s surprisingly flavorful for something so simple.

Convenience store food in Japan is on another level, and this sandwich is proof. It’s the perfect snack for a train ride or late-night bite.

Frozen Ohayo Crème Brûlée

This one caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting much from a frozen dessert at 7/11, but it ended up being creamy, crunchy on top, and totally satisfying.

It’s pre-torched, so you still get that brûléed sugar crunch. Definitely worth grabbing if you’re browsing the freezer section. I was wishing I could take a few home with me!

Morinaga Choco Monaka Jumbo

It’s an ice cream bar filled with vanilla ice cream accompanied by thin layers of chocolate, all encased in a crispy waffle that forms the structure of the bar. You can find it at 7/11, and it makes for a perfect sweet tooth craving, especially if you’re visiting Japan in the summer.

Must-Try Japanese Desserts and Sweets

Jiggly Pancakes

I’d seen these pancakes all over social media, and they live up to the hype. I went to a café that specialized in them, and they were tall, jiggly, and impossibly soft.

They’re made by whipping egg whites into the batter, giving them a souffle-like texture. Served with whipped cream and syrup, they’re the kind of treat you’ll remember long after the trip. You can also order them savory, with bacon and hollandaise sauce.

Matcha Tiramisu

I’m a matcha lover, so I couldn’t resist stopping at Maccha House in Kyoto to try their famous matcha tiramisu. It’s served in a small wooden box, dusted generously with vibrant green matcha powder.

The flavor is earthy and slightly bitter from the matcha, balanced perfectly by the creamy, sweet mascarpone filling. It’s a beautiful fusion of Japanese tea culture and Italian dessert, and it might be the best matcha dessert I’ve ever had. They also have drink options like a matcha dessert latte. If you’re in Kyoto, this is a must-stop.

Final Thoughts

Japan is a dream destination for food lovers. From classic meals like ramen and sushi to unexpected gems at 7/11, every bite was memorable. The attention to detail, quality of ingredients, and variety of flavors blew me away.

If you’re heading to Japan, I highly recommend carving out time (and stomach space) to try as many of these foods as you can. And don’t skip the street stalls or convenience stores, sometimes the best bites come from the most unexpected places!