Cuisine and gastronomy are two of the main reasons that lead the traveler to visit Japan. Here we tell you everything about Japanese food, the essential restaurants and the dishes you have to eat in Japan.
Japan is a huge country full of contrasts Japanese restaurant. From the most modern skyscrapers to the small thatched houses in the mountains. Tradition and culture, there are many reasons to visit it. But of course its cuisine and gastronomy are two of the main ones. Everyone wants to enjoy the authenticity of eating in Japan .
Japanese food may seem very different from Western food, but deep down they keep many features in common that one will discover on their route through Japan . What is important is to know some of its basic aspects before visiting Japan, as it will help us save money, time and above all, enjoy much more.
How to make a reservation at a restaurant in Japan
Something like making reservations at a restaurant may seem easy to a Westerner, but in Japan it works completely differently.
In general, normal restaurants (under €50) do not accept reservations, we have to go and wait in line . Many have been modernized and we can sign up on a tablet, leave our phone and it will notify us when there is little left for our turn. Even if you see people, come closer to sign up just in case.
The most expensive restaurants (above €50 or more) do tend to accept reservations, but it is not easy to get them. The easiest way is to do it through a Japanese friend or through our hotel, since it can usually only be done by phone and in Japanese. This makes management very difficult, the trick is to ask at all our hotels upon arrival in Japan, since many will say no when they are in another city.
The alternative way is to use websites like Table All or jpneazy, but they charge a commission that goes from €15 to €50, and it is not discounted from the restaurant price, it is an extra price that we must pay.
Another important issue is how to pay for food in Japan . Fortunately, more and more sites accept credit cards, something that was very difficult before. Our recommendation is that you always carry some cash and a Revolut card with which to make payments in yen without commission .
What to eat in Japan: types of Japanese food
One of the most striking things when visiting Japan is that almost all restaurants in the country specialize in a very specific dish or style. That is to say, that ramen restaurants only have ramen and sushi restaurants only have sushi. This assumes that if you do it right, you endure, if you don’t close. And that guarantees a very high average level of quality.
Types of Japanese food and places to try them
In the guide that you have below we review our favorite restaurants throughout a trip through Japan:
Where to eat in Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and this city brings together all types of food in the country . Choosing among thousands of restaurants is not easy, so we have made a selection with our favourites:
Of course, sushi plays a very important role in Japanese cuisine , and that is why we have selected the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo:
A restaurant that readers ask a lot about is Jiro Sushi , famous for the documentary that made it a myth. Is it really worth it? We will tell you everything here, although I can tell you that it is better to read this entire guide to see where it is really worth spending money on sushi.