Japan is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from rich ramen to sizzling yakiniku and flavorful curry. Here are my favorite restaurants across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka that I always recommend.
Why I Love These Places
Each of these restaurants has something unique to offer, whether it’s the rich flavors of Japanese curry, the high-quality wagyu yakiniku, or the comforting warmth of a perfect bowl of ramen. If you're traveling to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, these are the spots I always recommend for an unforgettable food experience!
🍖 Niku Gekijou (Osaka)
A meat lover’s dream, Niku Gekijou specializes in high-quality yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) with thick cuts of beef, proc and chicken.
🥩 Yasaka Yakiniku (Kyoto)
Nestled in Kyoto, Yasaka Yakiniku is known for serving some of the best wagyu beef in the city. If you're looking for a high-end yakiniku experience with melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu, this is the place to go.
🍜 Ramen HH (Tokyo)
A hidden gem in Tokyo, Ramen HH serves up incredibly rich and flavorful tonkotsu ramen. The broth is deep and creamy, the noodles are perfectly chewy, and the chashu is just the right balance of tender and smoky.
🍛 Arashiyama Curry (Kyoto)
After exploring the beautiful bamboo forest in Arashiyama, this spot is perfect for a comforting plate of Japanese curry. The flavors are well-balanced with a smooth, slightly sweet spice, making it a must-visit for curry lovers.
🍰 White Lover (Kyoto)
A cozy restaurant in Kyoto not far from KIyomizudera.
🍔 Shogun Burger
If you're craving a Japanese-style burger, Shogun Burger is a must-try. Made with high-quality wagyu beef patties, their burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. A top pick for burger lovers in Japan!
🍛 100 Hours Curry
Known for its slow-cooked curry, 100 Hours Curry serves one of the richest and most flavorful Japanese curries. The deep umami taste from hours of simmering makes it a standout among Japan’s curry restaurants.
🥟 Chin-yu - Kawaramachi Rokkaku (Kyoto)
A fantastic spot in Kyoto offering gyoza, ramen and cha-han.
🥘 Sukiyaki Hokuto
A traditional sukiyaki restaurant where you can enjoy thinly sliced beef cooked in broth. The combination of high-quality meat, fresh vegetables makes for an unforgettable meal.
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Marie creator behind @Tabimawari
Hi, I’m Marie.
French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.
I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.
I created these guides after spending months planning, testing, and fine-tuning every detail so you don’t have to. Inside, you’ll find:
✅ Interactive maps
✅ Step-by-step directions
✅ Local spots + travel tips
✅ Offline use
Each guide is made with care, based on real-life travel, not generic blog advice.
This is what I wish I had on my first trip to Japan and now it’s yours.
MY SOCIALS
MY NEWSLETTER
Marie creator behind @Tabimawari
Hi, I’m Marie.
French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.
I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.
I created these guides after spending months planning, testing, and fine-tuning every detail so you don’t have to. Inside, you’ll find:
✅ Interactive maps
✅ Step-by-step directions
✅ Local spots + travel tips
✅ Offline use
Each guide is made with care, based on real-life travel, not generic blog advice.
This is what I wish I had on my first trip to Japan and now it’s yours.
MY SOCIALS
MY NEWSLETTER
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