Fumi Food Guide.

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Tsukemen, with noodles beside a separate dipping broth.

Noodles you dip yourselfTsukemenつけ麺What arrives & how to order

Noodles served separately from a dipping broth.

What arrives / ordering clue: Dip the noodles into the separate broth a few bites at a time. Ask before adding anything to the broth.
Where to look: Ramen or tsukemen shop.
What to check: Check the dipping broth and noodle ingredients; concentrate is not a second soup course.

Pictured: tsukemen, with noodles beside a separate dipping broth. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Ramen · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Thick, soft wheat noodlesUdonうどんWhat arrives & how to order

Thick wheat noodles.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose hot soup or a cold serving, then the size and toppings.
Where to look: Udon shop.
What to check: Check the wheat noodles, soup, dipping sauce and toppings; fish stock is common.

Pictured: thick udon noodles on a serving basket. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Soba · Fukuoka guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Cold soba noodles on a tray with dipping sauce.

Buckwheat noodles, hot or coldSobaそばWhat arrives & how to order

Buckwheat noodles, often mixed with wheat.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose hot soup or cold noodles with dipping sauce. Do not assume soba is wheat-free.
Where to look: Soba shop.
What to check: Many soba noodles contain wheat. Check noodles and dipping broth separately.

Pictured: cold soba noodles on a tray with dipping sauce. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Somen · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Somen noodles served alongside kakuni, braised pork.

Fine noodles for a lighter bowlSomenそうめんWhat arrives & how to order

Very thin wheat noodles.

What arrives / ordering clue: Look for the serving style: chilled somen is common, but warm versions exist too.
Where to look: Noodle restaurant or seasonal café.
What to check: These are wheat noodles. Check the sauce and garnishes.

Pictured: somen noodles served alongside kakuni, braised pork. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Soba · Nara guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Noodles from the hotplateYakisoba焼きそばWhat arrives & how to order

Stir-fried noodles.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose a plate and check the meat or seafood. The noodles are usually wheat, despite the name.
Where to look: Casual restaurant or food stall.
What to check: Usually wheat noodles; meat, sauce and fish-flake toppings can be included.

Pictured: chicken yakisoba with vegetables. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Okonomiyaki · Osaka guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Chilled noodles with tomato, cucumber, ham and shredded egg.

Chilled noodles, colourful toppingsHiyashi chuka冷やし中華What arrives & how to order

Chilled noodles with toppings and sauce.

What arrives / ordering clue: Expect chilled noodles with toppings and a dressing. It may only be on the summer menu.
Where to look: Ramen shop or casual restaurant, often in summer.
What to check: Ask about the wheat noodles, egg, meat and dressing.

Pictured: chilled noodles with tomato, cucumber, ham and shredded egg. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Somen · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Nagasaki champon topped with mixed ingredients.

Noodles piled with mixed toppingsChamponちゃんぽんWhat arrives & how to order

A noodle dish with a mixture of toppings, especially associated with Nagasaki.

What arrives / ordering clue: Ask which toppings are included. Nagasaki-style bowls commonly mix vegetables, meat and seafood.
Where to look: Nagasaki-style noodle restaurant.
What to check: Common versions mix vegetables, meat and seafood in the broth.

Pictured: Nagasaki champon topped with mixed ingredients. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Ramen · Nagasaki guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Sushi, one little piece at a timeNigiri sushiにぎり寿司What arrives & how to order

A small mound of vinegared rice with a topping.

Cooked-prawn nigiri sushi. — **Cooked prawn example**えびのにぎり寿司

What arrives / ordering clue: Check whether the price is per piece or per set, and which toppings are raw or cooked.
Where to look: Sushi restaurant.
What to check: Check the topping, raw or cooked preparation, wasabi and sauce.

Pictured: salmon nigiri, a fish topping over sushi rice. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Maki & temaki · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Sushi in a rollMaki & temaki巻き寿司・手巻き寿司What arrives & how to order

Rolled sushi; hand rolls.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the filling and check the number of pieces. A temaki hand roll may be one separate item.
Where to look: Sushi restaurant or prepared-food counter.
What to check: Check the filling and how many pieces are included; hand rolls are often one item.

Pictured: tekkamaki, tuna-filled sushi rolls. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Inari sushi · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Sushi rice inside seasoned tofu pouches.

Seasoned tofu pockets & riceInari sushiいなり寿司What arrives & how to order

Sushi rice in a seasoned tofu pouch.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the number of pouches and ask about any ingredients mixed into the rice.
Where to look: Sushi shop or prepared-food counter.
What to check: Check the pouch seasoning and rice additions; a tofu pouch is not a dietary guarantee.

Pictured: sushi rice inside seasoned tofu pouches. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Onigiri · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A seafood rice bowl with assorted sliced fish.

A colourful seafood rice bowlChirashi & kaisendonちらし寿司・海鮮丼What arrives & how to order

Two useful bowl/arrangement terms to compare.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the seafood and check the rice. Chirashi uses sushi rice; a kaisendon’s rice preparation can vary.
Where to look: Sushi restaurant or seafood shop.
What to check: Ask which seafood is raw, what the toppings are and whether the rice is seasoned.

Pictured: a seafood rice bowl with assorted sliced fish. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Nigiri sushi · Kanazawa guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

An assortment of sliced fish and squid, served without sushi rice.

Slices of seafood, without riceSashimi刺身What arrives & how to order

Sliced fish or other seafood served without sushi rice.

What arrives / ordering clue: Order the portion you want and ask whether rice is included or extra.
Where to look: Seafood restaurant or izakaya.
What to check: Usually raw. Check species, preparation and whether rice is extra.

Pictured: an assortment of sliced fish and squid, served without sushi rice. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Nigiri sushi · Hakodate guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Fish from the grillYakizakana焼き魚What arrives & how to order

Grilled fish.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check the fish and whether it comes as a set. Expect that bones may remain.
Where to look: Set-meal restaurant or izakaya.
What to check: Ask about species, bones, seasoning and what comes with it.

Pictured: a split, grilled hokke fish. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Set meal · teishoku · Hakodate guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Delicately crisp batterTempura天ぷらWhat arrives & how to order

Ingredients in a light batter, fried.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose vegetables, seafood or a mixed portion. Check whether rice and dipping sauce are included.
Where to look: Tempura restaurant or noodle shop.
What to check: Check each ingredient, batter, dipping stock and shared frying oil.

Pictured: prawn and vegetable tempura. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Chicken karaage · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A generous plate of chicken karaage with shredded cabbage.

Crisp, juicy chicken piecesChicken karaage鶏の唐揚げWhat arrives & how to order

Marinated, coated fried pieces, commonly chicken.

What arrives / ordering clue: Confirm that it is chicken and choose a portion or set. Karaage alone may not include rice.
Where to look: Set-meal restaurant, izakaya or takeaway counter.
What to check: Check the meat, marinade, coating and shared frying equipment.

Pictured: a generous plate of chicken karaage with shredded cabbage. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Tempura · Osaka guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A crisp pork cutletTonkatsuとんかつWhat arrives & how to order

Breaded pork cutlet.

What arrives / ordering clue: Look for a set if you want rice and soup. Tonkatsu is pork cutlet; tonkotsu is a broth term.
Where to look: Tonkatsu specialist or set-meal restaurant.
What to check: Pork in breadcrumbs; check coating, sauce and shared oil.

Pictured: a pork cutlet set with rice, soup and accompaniments. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Korokke & ebi fry · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Potato croquettes, with one cut open to show its filling.

Golden croquettes & fried prawnsKorokke & ebi fryコロッケ・エビフライWhat arrives & how to order

Croquettes; breaded fried prawns.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the filling: potato, meat and cream croquettes differ. Ebi fry is breaded prawn.
Where to look: Prepared-food counter or yoshoku restaurant.
What to check: Potato, meat and cream croquettes differ. Ebi fry is breaded prawn; check filling and coating.

Pictured: potato croquettes, with one cut open to show its filling. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Tonkatsu · Kobe guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Little bites on fried skewersKushikatsu串カツWhat arrives & how to order

Fried skewers.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose individual skewers or a set, and check the quantity and price.
Where to look: Kushikatsu restaurant.
What to check: Ask what each skewer contains, the number and the price; follow the shop’s sauce rules.

Pictured: fried skewers with dipping sauces. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Tempura · Osaka guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Chicken from the charcoal grillYakitori焼き鳥What arrives & how to order

Grilled chicken skewers.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the chicken part and seasoning. Momo is thigh, negima is chicken and leek, and tsukune is meatball.
Where to look: Yakitori restaurant or izakaya.
What to check: Choose the chicken part and seasoning; thigh, chicken-and-leek and meatball skewers differ.

Pictured: chicken skewers cooking over a grill. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Yakiniku · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Small pieces of meat cooking on a table grill.

Cook a few bites at the tableYakiniku焼肉What arrives & how to order

Grilled meat, often cooked at a table grill.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check the cut, portion and price. Ask staff about cooking and which utensils to use.
Where to look: Yakiniku restaurant.
What to check: Ask staff how to cook the selected meat and use separate handling utensils as instructed.

Pictured: small pieces of meat cooking on a table grill. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Shabu-shabu · Kobe guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Okonomiyaki with sauce and a mayonnaise-style topping.

Cabbage & batter on the hotplateOkonomiyakiお好み焼きWhat arrives & how to order

A savoury cabbage-and-batter dish cooked on a hotplate.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the style and fillings. Ask whether staff cook it or you cook at the table.
Where to look: Okonomiyaki restaurant.
What to check: Check batter, filling, sauce and toppings. Osaka and Hiroshima styles differ.

Pictured: okonomiyaki with sauce and a mayonnaise-style topping. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Takoyaki · Hiroshima guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Takoyaki with sauce, seaweed and bonito-flake toppings.

Hot little octopus-filled bitesTakoyakiたこ焼きWhat arrives & how to order

Batter balls with octopus.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the number and toppings. Let the very hot, soft centres cool before biting.
Where to look: Takoyaki shop or stall.
What to check: Contains octopus in common versions; check batter and toppings. Let the very hot centre cool.

Pictured: takoyaki with sauce, seaweed and bonito-flake toppings. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Okonomiyaki · Osaka guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, The Art of Yoshoku · JNTO, Local Street Food Favorites · JNTO, Kansai Cuisine

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A hotpot with cabbage, tofu and other ingredients.

A warming pot to shareNabe鍋What arrives & how to order

An umbrella term for hotpot dishes.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check the ingredients, price per person and who does the cooking.
Where to look: Hotpot restaurant or izakaya.
What to check: Ask about broth, ingredients, who cooks and whether the price is per person.

Pictured: a hotpot with cabbage, tofu and other ingredients. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Shabu-shabu · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A shabu-shabu spread with raw meat, vegetables and a divided cooking pot.

Thin slices, briefly cookedShabu-shabuしゃぶしゃぶWhat arrives & how to order

Thin ingredients briefly cooked in a pot.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the meat and ask staff about the cooking sequence, utensils and dipping sauces.
Where to look: Shabu-shabu restaurant.
What to check: Ask about the meat, broth, dipping sauces and cooking instructions.

Pictured: a shabu-shabu spread with raw meat, vegetables and a divided cooking pot. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Sukiyaki · Kobe guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A sweet-savoury simmering potSukiyakiすき焼きWhat arrives & how to order

Meat and other ingredients cooked with sweet-savoury seasoning.

What arrives / ordering clue: Ask how it is served and cooked. Raw egg may be offered as a dip; you can ask about alternatives.
Where to look: Sukiyaki restaurant.
What to check: Check meat, seasoning and service style. Raw egg may be offered for dipping.

Pictured: sukiyaki with meat and vegetables. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Nabe · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Pick your favourite simmered bitesOdenおでんWhat arrives & how to order

Assorted ingredients simmered in broth.

What arrives / ordering clue: Point to the pieces you want and confirm the price. Ingredients share the simmering broth.
Where to look: Oden restaurant or izakaya.
What to check: Daikon, egg, tofu products and fish cakes may share the same broth.

Pictured: assorted oden ingredients simmering in broth. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Chawanmushi · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A plate of filled dumplingsGyoza餃子What arrives & how to order

Filled dumplings, often pan-fried.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check how many dumplings come on the plate. Rice may be a separate order.
Where to look: Gyoza shop, ramen shop or izakaya.
What to check: Check filling, wrapper, sauce and portion; rice is not always included.

Pictured: pan-fried gyoza dumplings. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Chicken karaage · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Agedashi tofu, fried tofu served with broth.

Tofu, chilled, warmed or crispTofu dishes豆腐料理What arrives & how to order

A family of dishes using tofu.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose chilled hiyayakko, gently warmed yudofu or crisp agedashi tofu; check broth and toppings.
Where to look: Tofu restaurant or izakaya.
What to check: Soy is the base; broth, fish flakes, coating and sauces vary.

Pictured: agedashi tofu, fried tofu served with broth. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Chawanmushi · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A delicate savoury egg custardChawanmushi茶碗蒸しWhat arrives & how to order

A savoury steamed egg custard.

What arrives / ordering clue: Expect a small savoury egg-custard cup, often as part of a set. Ask about the fillings.
Where to look: Set-meal or sushi restaurant.
What to check: Not dessert: check the egg, stock, seafood and other fillings.

Pictured: chawanmushi, a savoury steamed egg custard. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Oden · Nagasaki guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Little green beans to nibbleEdamame枝豆What arrives & how to order

Small dishes that can begin or accompany a meal.

What arrives / ordering clue: Remove the beans from the pods; the pods are not eaten. Order it as a small starter or side.
Where to look: Izakaya or casual restaurant.
What to check: Soybeans; ask about seasonings and remove the beans from their pods.

Pictured: edamame in their pods, ready to shell. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Tsukemono & natto · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Pickles & fermented flavoursTsukemono & natto漬物・納豆What arrives & how to order

Pickles and a route into flavours such as natto.

What arrives / ordering clue: Expect pickles as a side. Natto is a separate, sticky fermented-soybean food with its own toppings.
Where to look: Set-meal restaurant or food shop.
What to check: Ask about the pickling liquid and toppings. Natto is sticky fermented soybeans, not a pickle.

Pictured: an assortment of Japanese pickles. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Set meal · teishoku · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A warm, fluffy filled bunNikuman肉まんWhat arrives & how to order

A steamed bun with a meat filling.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the filling and number of buns. Freshly steamed fillings can be hot.
Where to look: Convenience store or steamed-bun shop.
What to check: Check the meat filling and wheat dough; different buns have different fillings.

Pictured: nikuman meat buns in a steamer. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Onigiri · Nagasaki guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A crunchy cracker stopSenbeiせんべいWhat arrives & how to order

Crackers, commonly rice-based.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose a flavour and texture. Check the seasoning even when the cracker is rice-based.
Where to look: Snack shop or market counter.
What to check: Rice-based does not mean gluten-free. Check soy sauce, coatings and other ingredients.

Pictured: a bowl of mixed Japanese crackers. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Dango · Nara guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Melonpan with its patterned, biscuit-like surface.

A little stop at the bakeryJapanese bakery favourites日本のパンWhat arrives & how to order

Melonpan, anpan, curry bread and savoury breads.

What arrives / ordering clue: Look for a tray and tongs. Ask about fillings; melonpan is not necessarily melon-flavoured.
Where to look: Bakery or bakery café.
What to check: Check wheat, egg, milk and fillings. Melonpan need not taste of melon.

Pictured: melonpan with its patterned, biscuit-like surface. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Coffee · Kobe guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A cooked baby-octopus skewer at Nishiki Market.

Choose a bite at the counterMarket & shop-counter snacks市場のおやつWhat arrives & how to order

A context card for locally sold prepared food.

What arrives / ordering clue: Ask what the item is and whether it is ready to eat. Use the vendor’s eating area if provided.
Where to look: Market or shopping-street food counter.
What to check: Ask what the item is, its ingredients and where to eat it; every stall is different.

Pictured: a cooked baby-octopus skewer at Nishiki Market. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Takoyaki · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Daifuku rice cakes with a sweet filling.

Soft rice cake with a fillingMochi & daifuku餅・大福What arrives & how to order

Rice-cake textures; daifuku is usually filled.

What arrives / ordering clue: Ask about the filling and portion size. Take small bites of sticky mochi and chew carefully.
Where to look: Sweet shop or café.
What to check: Check the filling and coatings. Sticky, chewy mochi needs small bites and careful chewing.

Pictured: daifuku rice cakes with a sweet filling. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Dango · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Mitarashi dango in front, with other dango skewers behind.

Little dumplings on a stickDango団子What arrives & how to order

Small dumplings, often on a skewer.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the coating or sauce. Mitarashi has a sweet-savoury glaze.
Where to look: Sweet shop or stall.
What to check: Check the dumpling flour, coating and sauce; some are sweet-savoury.

Pictured: mitarashi dango in front, with other dango skewers behind. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Warabi mochi · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A soft cake with a sweet fillingDorayaki & taiyakiどら焼き・たい焼きWhat arrives & how to order

Filled pancake sandwiches; fish-shaped filled cakes.

Taiyaki, a fish-shaped filled cake. — **Taiyaki · fish-shaped cake**たい焼き

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the filling and number. Taiyaki is fish-shaped; the shape does not mean fish inside.
Where to look: Sweet shop or café.
What to check: Check cake ingredients and filling; taiyaki’s fish shape does not mean fish inside.

Pictured: a cut dorayaki showing bean paste and chestnut in the filling. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Manju & yokan · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A sweet bite with teaManju & yokanまんじゅう・羊羹What arrives & how to order

Filled buns/cakes; a firm bean-based sweet.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the type and portion. Manju is a filled cake or bun; yokan is a firm sweet cut into slices.
Where to look: Wagashi shop or tea café.
What to check: Manju is filled cake or bun; yokan is a firm bean sweet. Check exact ingredients.

Pictured: sliced yokan, a firm bean-based sweet. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Dorayaki & taiyaki · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Two styles of warabi mochi dusted with kinako, roasted soybean flour.

A soft, jelly-like sweetWarabi mochiわらび餅What arrives & how to order

A soft, jelly-like sweet, often with roasted soybean flour.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check the starch, coating and syrup. Warabi mochi has a jelly-like texture, unlike ordinary rice mochi.
Where to look: Sweet shop or tea café.
What to check: Starch ingredients vary. Kinako is roasted soybean flour; check syrup and coatings.

Pictured: two styles of warabi mochi dusted with kinako, roasted soybean flour. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Mochi & daifuku · Nara guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

A mountain of shaved iceKakigoriかき氷What arrives & how to order

Shaved ice with flavourings and toppings.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check the size, syrup and any milk or other toppings before ordering.
Where to look: Sweet café or seasonal stall.
What to check: Check syrup, milk, fruit and other toppings, and the size of the serving.

Pictured: matcha-flavoured shaved ice. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Purin & café desserts · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Pudding, parfaits & soft servePurin & café dessertsプリン・パフェ・ソフトクリームWhat arrives & how to order

Custard pudding, layered desserts and soft ice cream.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose the dessert and flavour. Check each layer or topping if ingredients matter to you.
Where to look: Café or sweet shop.
What to check: Custard commonly contains egg and milk. Check every layer of a parfait and soft-serve toppings.

Pictured: a caramel-topped custard pudding. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Kakigori · Sapporo guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Wagashi: A Delectable Art Form · Tokyo Wagashi Association, Types of Wagashi · MAFF, Japanese Sweets / Traditional Foods in Japan

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Pause for a good cupCoffeeコーヒーWhat arrives & how to order

A drink choice and a café experience.

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose hot or iced, black or with milk, and the size. Ask what a café set includes.
Where to look: Kissaten, coffee stand or café.
What to check: Check hot or iced, black or with milk, serving size and what a set includes.

Pictured: a small cup of black coffee. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Japanese tea · Kobe guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Breakfast Options to Fit Your Travel Plans · GO TOKYO Gourmet, Tokyo’s Kissaten Culture · JNTO, Kissaten: Japan’s Old-School Coffee Shops

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Find your kind of Japanese teaJapanese tea日本茶What arrives & how to order

Sencha 煎茶, hojicha ほうじ茶, genmaicha 玄米茶 and matcha 抹茶.

A matcha latte in a tall glass. — **Matcha latte**抹茶ラテ

What arrives / ordering clue: Choose brewed tea, prepared matcha or a café drink. A matcha latte may contain milk and sweetener.
Where to look: Tea café or sweet shop.
What to check: Sencha, roasted hojicha and rice-blend genmaicha are brewed; matcha is powdered. A latte may add milk and sweetener.

Pictured: prepared matcha in a tea bowl. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Dorayaki & taiyaki · Kyoto guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Breakfast Options to Fit Your Travel Plans · GO TOKYO Gourmet, Tokyo’s Kissaten Culture · JNTO, Kissaten: Japan’s Old-School Coffee Shops

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Something refreshing to drinkWater & other drinks飲み物What arrives & how to order

Water, soft drinks, beer, nihonshu and shochu.

What arrives / ordering clue: Check the drink, size and price. Ask whether water or refills are included; alcohol is optional.
Where to look: Café, restaurant or drinks counter.
What to check: Ask about size, sweeteners, refills and price. Beer, nihonshu and shochu contain alcohol.

Pictured: a bottle of ramune soft drink. Recipes and servings vary.

Next, try Coffee · Tokyo guide

Sources & photo credit

JNTO, Breakfast Options to Fit Your Travel Plans · GO TOKYO Gourmet, Tokyo’s Kissaten Culture · JNTO, Kissaten: Japan’s Old-School Coffee Shops

Photograph, creator and licence · Content reviewed 2026-10-23.

Similar names. Different dinner.

Oh, that’s the difference.

A few pictures can save
a lot of menu puzzling.

A tonkotsu ramen bowl with a dark topping.

Tonkatsu or tonkotsu?

Tonkatsu とんかつ is breaded pork cutlet. Tonkotsu 豚骨 means pork bone, commonly a ramen broth. One little letter changes dinner.

Tonkatsu · Ramen

Sushi or sashimi?

Sushi includes seasoned rice; its topping can be raw or cooked. Sashimi is sliced seafood without sushi rice and is usually raw.

Nigiri sushi · Sashimi

Ramen, udon or soba?

Ramen: wheat noodles with many broth styles. Udon: thick wheat noodles. Soba: buckwheat noodles, often mixed with wheat. Choose the serving style too.

Udon · Soba

Seven more useful comparisons

Soba, yakisoba & Okinawa soba

Soba often mixes buckwheat with wheat. Yakisoba and Okinawa soba usually use wheat noodles. Similar names are not an ingredient guarantee. See the food · Yakisoba

Donburi or teishoku?

Donburi is topped rice in a bowl. Teishoku is a set with several separate components. Read what the particular meal includes. See the food · Set meal · teishoku

Tempura or tonkatsu?

Tempura has a light batter around ingredients such as seafood or vegetables. Tonkatsu is pork cutlet in breadcrumbs. See the food · Tonkatsu

Nigiri or onigiri?

Nigiri is a form of sushi: seasoned rice with a topping. Onigiri is a shaped rice snack, often with a filling. See the food · Onigiri

Wagyu, yakiniku & teppanyaki

Wagyu describes a category of beef. Yakiniku means grilled meat, often at your table. Teppanyaki is cooking on an iron plate. Check the cut, preparation and price. See the food

Matcha or matcha latte?

Matcha is powdered green tea or tea made from it. A matcha latte may contain milk and sweetener. Ask what the café puts in yours. See the food

Kaiseki or kaisendon?

Kaiseki is a course-meal tradition. Kaisendon is a seafood rice bowl. Similar-looking words describe very different meals. See the food

Decode a few menu words

丼DonburiRice bowl

定食TeishokuSet meal

セットSettoCombination; check inclusions

単品TanpinOne item on its own

並・大盛りNami · ōmoriRegular · large serving

焼きYakiGrilled, surface-fried or baked, by context

揚げAgeFried

煮NiSimmered

豚・鶏・牛Buta · tori · gyūPork · chicken · beef

卵・玉子TamagoEgg

野菜YasaiVegetables; not a vegetarian guarantee

だしDashiStock; ask what it contains

醤油・味噌・塩Shōyu · miso · shioSoy sauce · miso · salt

無料・有料Muryō · yūryōFree · charged

おすすめOsusumeRecommended

本日・限定Honjitsu · genteiToday · limited offering

A good day needs a little pause

Coffee, tea
& something sweet.

A quiet kissaten, a little bakery, or tea with a sweet you have never tried. There is more than one way to take a break.

Find your cup →Choose a sweet →

The kissaten

A coffee-house pause, often with toast, sandwiches or a light meal. Each has its own character.

The coffee stand

A quick cup or a specialist brew. Check sizes, milk options and whether there is seating.

Tea & a sweet

Plain brewed tea, powdered matcha or a sweetened latte? Check the actual drink and sweet filling.

The morning set

A breakfast combination, especially associated with Nagoya cafés. Read the times and what is included.

At the counter: hot or iced · eat-in or takeaway · set or single item · check refills and seating rules.

JNTO, Breakfast Options to Fit Your Travel Plans · GO TOKYO Gourmet, Tokyo’s Kissaten Culture · JNTO, Kissaten: Japan’s Old-School Coffee Shops · Visit Nagoya, Retro Cafes and Morning Combos

04 / Let the next place surprise you

A taste of where you are.

Pick a place for a small local discovery.
A dish to recognise before you arrive.

Where are you heading?

Browse all 20 regional starting points

Sapporo

Miso ramen or soup curry

Rich noodle soup or a separate bowl of spiced broth and ingredients with rice. Check the heat level.

JNTO, Hokkaido

Hakodate

Shio ramen & seafood

Salt-seasoned ramen is a local association. For seafood, check which toppings are raw.

JNTO, Hokkaido

Tohoku

Three very different stops

Kitakata ramen in Fukushima; little bowls of wanko soba in Iwate; gyutan, grilled beef tongue, in Sendai.

JNTO, Tohoku’s Local Flavours

Tokyo

Everyday meals, endless variety

A set meal, rice bowl or sushi lunch is a useful starting point. Choose by format and menu, not reputation alone.

Hakone

Dinner at your ryokan

A stay may include a multi-part meal. Confirm the plan and tell the inn about dietary needs before booking.

JNTO, Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine

Kanazawa & Hokuriku

Seafood bowls & Kaga vegetables

Learn which seafood is in the bowl and how it is prepared. Seasonal menus change.

Nagano & Niigata

Soba & rice country

Try a noodle meal or rice-based set. Soba can include wheat, and sauces still need checking.

Takayama & Hida

Hida beef & hoba miso

Hoba miso is cooked on a magnolia leaf; the leaf is not for eating. Ask what accompanies it.

Nagoya

Miso katsu, kishimen & morning sets

Cutlet with miso sauce, broad wheat noodles, or a café breakfast. Check which breakfast items are included.

Visit Nagoya, Retro Cafes and Morning Combos

Kyoto

Yudofu & little obanzai dishes

Warmed tofu and home-style small dishes. Vegetable dishes can still contain fish stock.

Osaka

Hotplate food & octopus bites

Okonomiyaki and takoyaki are useful names to recognise. Let the soft, hot takoyaki centres cool.

Kobe

Beef, bakeries & a café pause

Kobe beef is a particular branded beef, not a cooking method. Check the cut, portion and price; bakery cafés offer another route.

Nara

Kakinoha-zushi & a sweet stop

Pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. Unwrap the leaf before eating; ask about the fish preparation.

Hiroshima

Layers from the hotplate

Local okonomiyaki is often layered with noodles. Watch the cooking and check the chosen fillings.

Sanin

Izumo soba & seasonal crab

Small soba bowls can be stacked. Ask about serving instructions; crab availability and prices are seasonal.

JNTO, Shimane Cuisine

Shikoku

Udon, fish cakes & seared bonito

Sanuki udon, fried jakoten fish cakes and katsuo tataki are different discoveries. Tataki may be raw inside.

Fukuoka

Hakata ramen, soft udon & yatai

Kaedama means another helping of noodles for the broth you have, not a new bowl of soup.

Fukuoka City, Food

Nagasaki

Champon & castella

A topped noodle bowl, then perhaps a slice of sponge cake. Champon commonly combines meat and seafood.

Kagoshima

Kurobuta pork, your way

A local pork association: choose the actual preparation, such as cutlet or shabu-shabu, and check what is included.

Okinawa

Okinawa soba & goya champuru

Okinawa soba uses wheat noodles. Goya champuru is a bitter-melon stir-fry; other ingredients vary.