Restaurants
Afuri
Shinpuku Saikan
Ippudo
Tokyo
Food Rating: 10/10
This was the best bowl of ramen I’ve ever had. Afuri has several locations in Tokyo and has to be on your list if you’re in the city. I’d never had a broth like theirs; it was elevated and fragrant because of the yuzu and variety of spices (I loved watching them construct the broth!). Adding more chili oil balanced the citrus flavor and led to the best explosion of flavors. The noodles and egg were made perfectly. And the highlight of this meal was the pork belly. It was immaculate—juicy, tender, fatty, well marinated. This was one of the best meals I’ve ever had!
Ippudo
Shinpuku Saikan
Ippudo
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Food Rating: 10/10
I had Ippudo Ramen two years ago in New York and it was as good as I remembered, if not better. This is the best bowl of Tonkotsu ramen. Each component was executed perfectly. The noodles were thin, slurp-able, and had a nice chew to them. The broth was complex and heavenly—I couldn’t get enough of the richness of the Tonkotsu and the chili paste elevated it. If I had to pick my favorite part, it was definitely the chashu. Most places have the chashu cut in thin slices while Ippudo gave very thick slices with lots of fat. Each bite transported me to my happy place because it was jam packed with flavor and so juicy. Plus, they have vegan ramen! Highly, highly recommend in Japan or the States!
Shinpuku Saikan
Shinpuku Saikan
Shinpuku Saikan
Kyoto
Food Rating: 10/10
Shinpuku Saikan has amazing soy sauce base broth ramen. The broth was so savory and flavorful and not as salty as you’d expect. Adding chili paste made it even better…and spicy! I also loved and surprisingly preferred the thickness of these noodles; they weren’t your traditional thin ramen noodles. Highly recommend!
Sobashubo Ichii
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie
Shinpuku Saikan
Kyoto
Food Rating: 10/10
I had my first cold soba experience at Sobashubo Ichii in Kyoto! I enjoyed dipping the soba noodles in the sauce, which was so flavorful and the noodles soaked up well. I definitely preferred this over hot soba. And my soba came with duck, which was also packed with flavor and had a good amount of fat. Highly recommend!
CoCoICHIBANYA Curry House
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
Food Rating: 10/10
CoCoICHIBANYA Curry House is a classic chain in Japan! I loved their Tonkotsu Curry. The breading on the tonokotsu and the flavors of the curry were the highlights for me. They’re also one of the only curry houses with vegetarian curry!
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie
Tokyo
Food Rating: 10/10
Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie in Ginza is a fantastic place to get udon in Tokyo. I loved their Beef Udon—simple yet so delicious and comforting. The noodles were perfectly thick and chewy and the beef and broth had such great flavor. I also appreciated how excessively big the bowl and spoon were (it was literally a ladle). Plus, the views were beautiful!
Jonan Ramen Shiryu
Jonan Ramen Shiryu
Jonan Ramen Shiryu
Tokyo
Food Rating: 9/10
This was an excellent way to kick off the trip and food tour as their Shiryu Ramen exceeded my expectations. The noodles were perfection—thin noodles are my favorite and they absorbed the broth so well. The broth was so rich and the spicy miso paste elevated its flavor. I wasn’t too thrilled about the pork or egg though. Overall, off to a great start and I’d still recommend, especially with more limited dining options.
Kanda Matsuya
Jonan Ramen Shiryu
Jonan Ramen Shiryu
Tokyo
Food Rating: 9/10
We tried soba at Kanda Matsuya in Tokyo! I loved the texture of the soba; it was very soft and slurp-able. The shrimp had great flavor. I just wished the tempura hadn’t submerged in the soup because it wasn’t as crispy. The broth was delicious though, especially with the chili flakes. Also, Tom Hanks has eaten here!
Nishiki Market (Kyoto)
Wagyu Skewer
Wagyu Skewer
Wagyu Skewer
Food Rating: 10/10
The best food I had during my time in Japan was this Wagyu Skewer. I’ve never had steak this flavorful, and they didn’t even add any seasonings or sauces! Each bite was so juicy and tender. I could eat this all day every day of the year.
Karaage
Wagyu Skewer
Wagyu Skewer
Food Rating: 10/10
I’ve also never had Karaage this good; this was some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. The flavor of the skin was the highlight, and it was so crispy and double fried to perfection. I couldn’t get enough!
Gyoza
Wagyu Skewer
Yakitori
Food Rating: 10/10
The Gyoza was so juicy and delicious! The pork and vegetable filling was so flavorful so it didn’t even need sauce.
Yakitori
Deep-Fried Shrimp Tempura
Yakitori
Food Rating: 10/10
This was my first time having Yakitori and I loved it! The chicken was moist and juicy and the sauce was similar to a teriyaki sauce and tasted so good. It was simple yet delicious!
Deep-Fried Shrimp Tempura
Deep-Fried Shrimp Tempura
Deep-Fried Shrimp Tempura
Food Rating: 10/10
A food stall had a typical Shrimp Tempura and a deep-fried version, so I had to try the deep-fried one. It was so crispy and perfectly fried.
Taiyaki
Deep-Fried Shrimp Tempura
Deep-Fried Shrimp Tempura
Food Rating: 10/10
This was the best Taiyaki I’ve ever had! The crust/pancake was crispy and fluffy and the highlight of this treat. I’m not big on red bean paste as I usually get mine with Nutella but it worked so well here!
Shrimp Skewer
Shrimp Skewer
Shrimp Skewer
Food Rating: 9/10
They grilled the Shrimp Skewer so well. It was succulent and juicy. I added lemon juice, which brought out so much flavor. Garlic and butter would’ve made this perfect.
Crepe
Shrimp Skewer
Shrimp Skewer
Food Rating: 9/10
I got a Crepe with Vanilla Ice Cream, Chocolate, and Banana. It was a simple and satisfying dessert! I would’ve loved to swap the chocolate with Nutella and add some strawberries though.
Ice Cream
Shrimp Skewer
Ice Cream
Food Rating: 9/10
I loved this Matcha and Soymilk Swirl Ice Cream. The flavors were so good but the ice cream could’ve been just a tad creamier.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki
Ice Cream
Food Rating: 7/10
This was my first time having Takoyaki and octopus and I’m glad I tried it! The octopus was a little too chewy and didn’t have too much flavor, but I enjoyed the Japanese mayo, green onion, and sauce that coated the balls.
Dotonbori (Osaka)
Kobe Beef Skewer
Awaji Wagyu Skewer
Kobe Beef Skewer
Food Rating: 10/10
This Kobe Beef skewer was my favorite food at Dotonbori and one of my favorites on the trip and quite possibly of all time. The flavor was unmatched and I loved how much fat there was. This was one of the most tender meats I’ve ever had and I couldn’t get enough.
A5 Wagyu Skewer
Awaji Wagyu Skewer
Kobe Beef Skewer
Food Rating: 10/10
A5 Wagyu was my favorite food in Kyoto so I had to get it again in Osaka. It was just as tender, juicy, and flavorful as I remembered. I could have Wagyu every day of my life.
Awaji Wagyu Skewer
Awaji Wagyu Skewer
Awaji Wagyu Skewer
Food Rating: 10/10
They had a different style of wagyu called Awaji Wagyu, which didn’t have as thick cuts of meat. Even though it wasn’t as thick and juicy, it didn’t lack in flavor. Still so good and highly recommend if you’re looking to try Wagyu at a less expensive price.
Okonomiyaki
Potato Tornado
Awaji Wagyu Skewer
Food Rating: 10/10
Okonomiyaki is a specialty in Osaka so I had to try it! I love how everything comes together in a savory “pancake.” The sauce, mayo, and pork were the highlights.
Potato Tornado
Potato Tornado
Potato Tornado
Food Rating: 10/10
This Potato Tornado was amazing! It was so crispy and very well seasoned and ultimately a fun way to eat potato.
Fried Chicken
Potato Tornado
Potato Tornado
Food Rating: 9/10
Their Fried Chicken was fried perfectly. Each bite was so crispy. The chicken was also moist and juicy and had a nice flavor. I would’ve added just a little more seasoning/marinade to make this perfect.
Vegetable Yakisoba
Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese Cheesecake
Food Rating: 9/10
I was so happy we got to eat “teppanyaki style” in Japan! Their Vegetable Yakisoba was a much needed meal because I lacked veggies during my trip. Plus, it was delicious! I would’ve just preferred some spicy sauce because it was on the sweeter side.
Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese Cheesecake
Japanese Cheesecake
Food Rating: 8/10
Japanese Cheesecake is such a fun dessert—I love how jiggly it is! I also enjoyed taste. It’s quite different from American cheesecake in that it’s very light. I wasn’t a big fan of the raisins in it though.
Soufflé Pancakes
Japanese Cheesecake
Soufflé Pancakes
Food Rating: 8/10
This was my first time having Soufflé Pancakes! These ones were quite simple with just butter and syrup. I enjoyed them but was expecting them to be fluffier/spongier.
Tanghulu
Tanghulu
Soufflé Pancakes
Food Rating: 7/10
I was very curious about Tanghulu, their candied strawberry skewer. It was an interesting experience to say the least! My teeth didn’t enjoy it much because the shell kept on getting stuck on them. Plus, the strawberry juices kept dripping so be prepared for your hands to get sticky. I loved the strawberries though so it might still be worth trying!
DisneySea (Tokyo)
Little Green Dumplings
Little Green Dumplings
Little Green Dumplings
Food Rating: 9/10
These tasted as cute as they looked. And I was so surprised by the vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry filling! Highly recommend if you visit DisneySea.
Chai Spiced Churro
Little Green Dumplings
Little Green Dumplings
Food Rating: 9/10
Disney has mastered their churros. I’m glad the chai was subtle because the churro didn’t even need it.
Gyoza Sausage Bun
Little Green Dumplings
Fried Pizza Turnover
Food Rating: 9/10
I enjoyed this! The filling to bun ratio was spot on.
Fried Pizza Turnover
Mickey Tropical Fruit Popsicle
Fried Pizza Turnover
Food Rating: 8/10
It reminded me of a pizza pocket, which was one of my favorites growing up. I loved the cheesiness, sauce, and cook of the dough.
Mickey Tropical Fruit Popsicle
Mickey Tropical Fruit Popsicle
Mickey Tropical Fruit Popsicle
Food Rating: 8/10
It reminded me of a pizza pocket, which was one of my favorites growing up. I loved the cheesiness, sauce, and cook of the dough.
Matcha White Chocolate Popcorn
Mickey Tropical Fruit Popsicle
Mickey Tropical Fruit Popsicle
Food Rating: 8/10
DisneySea is filled with a wide variety of popcorn flavors (Curry, Garlic Shrimp, Soy Sauce & Butter, etc) and I enjoyed this one. The matcha flavor was just enough but I couldn’t taste the white chocolate. It’s a great snack and you have to give one of the popcorns a try!
Sea Salt Ice Cream Monaka
Sea Salt Ice Cream Monaka
Sea Salt Ice Cream Monaka
Food Rating: 7/10
I enjoyed the ice cream and shell but it didn’t need the raspberry jam inside.
Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo)
Tuna and Salmon Bowl
Tuna and Salmon Bowl
Tuna and Salmon Bowl
Food Rating: 10/10
My favorite was the Tuna and Salmon bowl. I’d never had fish this fresh and both just melted in my mouth. Tuna is my favorite but I surprisingly preferred the salmon because it was so flavorful. Top it off with soy sauce (which tastes so much better/sweeter in Japan) and ponzu…chef’s kiss!
Tuna Set
Tuna and Salmon Bowl
Tuna and Salmon Bowl
Food Rating: 10/10
I thoroughly enjoyed the tuna set at Sushizan Mai. The fatty tuna was my favorite of the three!
Dango
Cucumber Roll
Cucumber Roll
Food Rating: 9/10
The dango was an excellent treat to finish our time there. I preferred the green, pink, white one over the soy sauce one.
Cucumber Roll
Cucumber Roll
Cucumber Roll
Food Rating: 8/10
I enjoyed the cucumber roll as well. It was light and fresh!
Ice Cream
Yamazaki-An
Kiyomizu Kyoami Original Sweets
Kiyomizu Kyoami Original Sweets
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ju
Food Rating: 10/10
Kiyomizu Kyoami Original Sweets
Kiyomizu Kyoami Original Sweets
Kiyomizu Kyoami Original Sweets
Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera
Food Rating: 10/10
Funawi Patisserie Marche
Kiyomizu Kyoami Original Sweets
Funawi Patisserie Marche
Tokyo - Asakusa
Food Rating: 10/10
Osakajo Gyubei
Osakajo Gyubei
Funawi Patisserie Marche
Osaka Castle
Food Rating: 10/10
Shiroichi
Osakajo Gyubei
Nishiki Market
Tokyo - Shibuya
Food Rating: 9/10
Nishiki Market
Osakajo Gyubei
Nishiki Market
Kyoto - Nishiki
Food Rating: 8/10