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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Tabimawari
🌍 Adventurer | 🗾 Japan Enthusiast | 🌺 Island Soul
I'm a travel enthusiast hailing from a French island. With a heart full of wanderlust, I embarked on a journey to the Land of the Rising Sun, where I immersed myself in the captivating culture of Japan for a year. From savoring delectable sushi to chasing cherry blossoms, I'm here to inspire your own Japanese odyssey. Japan is my favorite country I've ever visited. My itinerary guides represent months of planning and research. They include one or many interactive maps, directions, and many tips. They are online version and PDf with all links, and maps that you can add to Google Maps so you can use it in real-time during your trip.
I've taken all of my experiences from my gap year in Japan and my recent trip to Japan and compiled them into these guides, including the lessons learned and what I wish I had known.
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