Japan Foodie Itinerary: Culinary Highlights Across Japan

Start your culinary journey in Tokyo, a city that boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other in the world. Beyond its fine dining, Tokyo also offers everything from ramen shops to hidden izakayas.

Day 1: Sushi and High-End Dining

• What to Eat: Start your trip with an authentic sushi experience at Sukiyabashi Jiro, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant made famous by the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. If you’re looking for something more intimate, head to Sushi Saito, another Michelin-starred spot known for its exceptional precision and high-quality fish.
• Pro Tip: Book reservations months in advance for high-end sushi spots in Tokyo as they fill up quickly, especially the Michelin-starred ones. Many restaurants only accept reservations through hotel concierges, so plan ahead.

After lunch, head to the Nihonbashi district to enjoy traditional sweets like wagashi, delicate confections often enjoyed with matcha tea. The combination of sweet and bitter flavors makes for a perfect mid-afternoon snack.

Day 2: Ramen and Street Eats

• What to Eat: Dive into Tokyo’s ramen scene by visiting Ramen Street at Tokyo Station, where some of the city’s top ramen shops are conveniently located. Try a bowl of rich, pork-based tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, or go for the soy-based shoyu ramen at Rokurinsha, famous for its dipping noodles (tsukemen).
• Pro Tip: Ramen shops are often small and busy, so don’t be surprised if you have to queue. The good news is that the turnover is fast, and the wait is almost always worth it.

In the evening, wander through Ameya-Yokocho near Ueno, a lively market street where you can snack on takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and fresh seafood. It’s a fantastic place to experience Tokyo’s street food scene.

Day 3: Fine Dining and Kaiseki

• What to Eat: For a more refined experience, indulge in a kaiseki meal at Kikunoi, where every course is a work of art. Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese dinner that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation, and beautiful presentation. Each dish is meant to evoke the season, making it a true culinary journey.

Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, and its cuisine reflects this heritage. Here, you’ll find beautifully prepared meals that showcase Japan’s seasonal ingredients, along with some of the country’s best green tea.

Day 4: Obanzai and Matcha

• What to Eat: Start your day with a traditional Kyoto breakfast featuring obanzai – simple, seasonal side dishes unique to Kyoto. Visit a local restaurant like Izusen in the Daitoku-ji temple complex for a serene setting and wholesome meal.

In the afternoon, head to Uji, the birthplace of Japan’s finest matcha green tea. Visit Nakamura Tokichi for a traditional tea ceremony and sample matcha-flavored sweets like matcha soft serve and matcha dorayaki (pancake sandwiches).

Day 5: Tofu and Yuba Delicacies

• What to Eat: Kyoto is famous for its delicate tofu and yuba (tofu skin). Visit Tousuiro, a restaurant specializing in tofu dishes, where you can try everything from silken tofu to grilled and fried varieties. For a unique experience, try yudofu, boiled tofu served with dipping sauces, in the tranquil setting of a traditional garden restaurant like Shoraian in Arashiyama.

Afterward, take a stroll through Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s historic food market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” Sample everything from pickles (tsukemono) to grilled mochi and sweets. It’s the perfect place to discover Kyoto’s local specialties.

Day 6: Kaiseki and Shojin Ryori

• What to Eat: For dinner, treat yourself to a high-end kaiseki meal at Gion Karyo or Hyotei, where the focus is on seasonal ingredients and traditional preparation. Alternatively, try shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Ajiro, which is known for its subtle flavors and artful presentation.

For more details on Kyoto’s rich culinary history, check out our Japan Cultural Itinerary: Temples, Shrines, and Traditions.

Osaka is Japan’s culinary capital, famous for its street food and casual dining culture. Known as tenka no daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen), Osaka is the perfect destination for food lovers looking for hearty, flavorful dishes.

Day 7: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki

• What to Eat: Start your culinary exploration of Osaka with a walk through Dotonbori, the city’s most famous street for food. Don’t miss the chance to try takoyaki, crispy octopus balls topped with savory sauce and bonito flakes, and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with cabbage and your choice of ingredients, like pork, shrimp, or squid.

For an authentic okonomiyaki experience, visit Chibo in Dotonbori or head to Ajinoya, where chefs expertly grill these delicious pancakes right in front of you.

Day 8: Kushikatsu and Izakaya Hopping

• What to Eat: Osaka is also famous for kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables. Visit Daruma in Shinsekai, the birthplace of kushikatsu, and dip your skewers in the communal sauce – just remember, no double-dipping!

In the evening, join the locals for an izakaya crawl, stopping by spots like Torame Yokocho or Tengu Sakaba for small plates of yakitori, grilled fish, and other traditional izakaya dishes, paired with cold beer or sake.

Day 9: Wagyu Beef and Crab

• What to Eat: End your Osaka food adventure with a premium dining experience by indulging in Kobe beef or Matsusaka beef at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, a restaurant that serves top-tier Japanese wagyu. Alternatively, if you’re a seafood lover, visit Kani Doraku, Osaka’s famous crab restaurant, where you can enjoy crab prepared in multiple ways: grilled, steamed, or as sushi.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Osaka’s street food culture is known for its “kuidaore” philosophy, which roughly translates to “eat until you drop.” Embrace this mindset and don’t be afraid to try a little bit of everything!

Hokkaido is a foodie’s paradise, known for its fresh seafood, dairy products, and unique regional dishes. The cool climate and fertile land make it an agricultural powerhouse, producing some of the best ingredients in Japan.

Day 10: Fresh Seafood in Sapporo

• What to Eat: Start your Hokkaido food journey in Sapporo, the capital city. Visit the Nijo Market early in the morning to enjoy a kaisendon (seafood bowl) made with freshly caught salmon, crab, and sea urchin. For lunch, head to Sapporo Beer Garden for a taste of jingisukan, a local dish of grilled lamb cooked on a hotplate.

Day 11: Dairy and Sweets in Furano and Biei

• What to Eat: Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products, and no visit would be complete without trying Hokkaido milk, cheese, and ice cream. Visit Furano Cheese Factory, where you can make your own cheese or try Hokkaido butter made on-site. Don’t miss the lavender-flavored ice cream, a specialty in the Biei area, which is known for its stunning lavender fields.

Day 12: Otaru’s Seafood and Sweets

• What to Eat: End your Hokkaido adventure in the charming port town of Otaru, famous for its fresh seafood and historical canals. Sample local seafood delicacies such as kaisen-don at Kantaro Sushi, and explore the Otaru Canal for traditional Japanese confectioneries and sweets at Kitakaro.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Hokkaido’s seafood is often regarded as the best in Japan due to its cold, clean waters. Don’t miss the chance to try uni (sea urchin), which is especially creamy in this region.