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Food Tours Japan

Eat, Drink & Cook in Japan

Discover  Japan’s  best  gourmet  travel  experiences

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Tokyo Food Tours: 12 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

Kyoto Food Tours: 9 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

Food Tours Japan helps you discover the best gourmet experiences in Japan, the world’s number one food destination. Pack your chopsticks, and dive into elegant and harmonious cuisines developed from centuries of artistry, to deliciously addictive soul foods.

Start your journey in Tokyo, the world’s premier city for food-lovers with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. Savour the best of Japan’s cuisine and local delicacies on a Tokyo food tour .

Stroll around Shinjuku’s narrow back streets and taste sizzling yakitori in Memory Lane, or discover where the locals go out at night. Fun-seekers will love the Robot Restaurant’s sensory overload of action and lights, which is more cabaret show, than a place for serious foodies. Or, combine sightseeing with a culinary experience during the day.

Tantalise your taste buds with fresh-off-the-boat sashimi at Tsukiji Market and witness the drama of Tokyo’s famous tuna auction at its new home, Toyosu Market . After all that delicious sushi, wash it down with a sake tasting or brewery tour .

For a more hands-on culinary experience, learn how to cook ramen and gyoza, wagyu beef and more at a Tokyo cooking class .

Ranked number two in the world for the most Michelin star restaurants, Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most refined dishes. On a Kyoto food tour , experience the finest kaiseki multi-course meal and discover restaurants and bars in Kyoto’s geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho.

But don’t leave spotting a geisha to chance! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoy the company of Kyoto’s elegant and legendary entertainers at a geisha and maiko dinner show .

Or, take a break from shrines and temples with a sake brewery and tasting excursion in Kyoto’s quaint and pretty Fushimi district.

Osaka is a foodie paradise, and its people are famous throughout Japan for their love of food. They’re so passionate about cuisine, they have a saying kuidaore which means to ‘bankrupt oneself through extravagance with food.’

Osaka’s friendly and outgoing locals makes it a perfect place to experience delicious local soul foods like takoyaki and Japanese cuisine.

Take a food tour in Osaka and wander around Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets tasting food as you go at one of the many izakaya or standing bars. Or, why not visit Kuromon Market with its seafood-laden food stalls.

Taste the beauty of Japan on a culinary adventure and get a deeper insight into the nation’s culture. A Japan food tour is a must-do travel experience and one you’ll never forget!

Image: Sushi!!! / 鮨 by Toshihiro Gamo , used under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

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RESTAURANTS

La gueule de bois in Nakameguro

Japan is home to some of the best restaurants (food) in the world. With a UNESCO listed National cuisine (washoku) not to mention numerous Michelin starred restaurants in Japan, it’s no wonder people travel from far and wide just for a taste. Visitors are spoilt for choice with restaurants ranging from traditional Japanese to French , Italian and all in between. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to have a memorable meal here. Japanese chefs take pride in their food and some of your best meals may come from the most unexpected places. In order to help you find your way, we have compiled some of the best restaurants in Japan. Read below for more information.

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Tokyo's Best 30 Restaurants in Japan 2024

Here are the Best 30 Restaurants in Tokyo, as rated by locals. Enjoy Kappou / Small dishes, Kaiseki, Tempura, French, Sushi, Italian and more!

Matcha Admin

We have prepared for you 30 of the most popular and recommended restaurants in Tokyo. From sushi to ramen, discover the best restaurants Tokyo has to offer.

Disclaimer: Please note that this article is an automatic translation and may contain typos.

sushi 5-9-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo MC Building 3F

Provided by Autoreserve

"Sawada" with two Michelin stars is located in a prime location in Ginza. In a small shop with only 6 counter seats, you can enjoy flavors that are unique to Edomae sushi, such as Kohada and conger eel.

2. Nihonbashi Kakigaracho Sugita

sushi View Heights Nihonbashi B1F, 1-33-6 Nihonbashi Kakigaracho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Nihonbashi Kakigaracho Sugita is known as one of the most difficult restaurants in Tokyo to receive its first Michelin star in 2017. Mr. Takaaki Sugita trained at the long-established sushi restaurant Miyako Sushi in Nihonbashi. In addition to careful preparation and ingenious slicing, he never forgets the originality and ingenuity of inheriting tradition, such as using red vinegar and boiled soy sauce. This famous restaurant is frequented by many food connoisseurs in search of an unforgettable taste.

3. Pellegrino

Italian 2-3-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

"Pellegrino" is located in a quiet residential area of Ebisu 2-chome. Theater-type restaurant with 6 seats per day. The menu consists of only one omakase course. Using carefully selected ingredients from all over the world, our restaurant offers local cuisine from Parma, the capital of food. If you have the chance, please try it once.

4. Convivio

Italian 3-17-12 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Kamimura Building 1F

Italian restaurant "Convivio" is located in a quiet residential area of Sendagaya. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine based on traditional Italian cuisine prepared by a chef trained in Milan.

5. Lawtonne Akitsu Main Store

cake 5-13-4 Akitsucho, Higashimurayama City, Tokyo

The patisserie “Lawtonne Akitsu Main Store” is located about a 3-minute walk from Akitsu Station. You can enjoy a wide variety of artistic sweets made by pastry chefs who trained at famous restaurants in Setagaya and Paris.

6. Shinbashi Hoshino

Kaiseki / Kaiseki cuisine 5-31-3 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

"Shinbashi Hoshino" was opened independently in 2012 by Mr. Yoshiaki Hoshino, who trained for more than 10 years at "Kyoaji", a famous Japanese restaurant that represents Tokyo. The elegant and delicate cuisine, which draws out the power of the ingredients to the utmost, surprises visitors.

7. Ristorante Acquapazza

Italian Aoyama M's Tower Passage Aoyama 2F, 2-27-18 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

About a 2-minute walk from Gaienmae Station, this ristorante serves Italian cuisine made with plenty of seasonal Japanese ingredients. You can enjoy a wide variety of dishes a la carte or courses, including lunch during the day and the signature dish "Fresh Fish Acqua Pazza" at night.

8. ginkgo tree

coffee shop 1-28-14 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

The coffee shop "Icho no Ki" is located about 15 minutes on foot from Shinagawa Station and has a long queue. Creative shaved ice with seasonal fruits and glittering motifs is popular.

9. Jack37 Burger

hamburger 16-16 Kodemmacho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Jack37Burger is a popular hamburger shop that has been featured in various magazines and media. Baliness Burger, which uses the characteristic spicy sauce used in Indonesian and Malay cuisine, is popular.

10. Matsukawa

Japanese cuisine, small dishes Akasaka Terrace House 1F, 1-11-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Matsukawa is a Japanese restaurant located in Tameike Sanno, Akasaka, where embassies and offices of foreign companies are located. The owner of the restaurant is a talented chef who trained at Shofukuro, a famous restaurant in Shiga known only to those in the know. Its delicate and elegant seasoning is praised not only by gourmets but also by chefs. We want you to experience the taste of what is called the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine.

11. CAFE & BAKERY MIYABI Jimbocho

Cafe 2-1-13 Nishi-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

“CAFE & BAKERY MIYABI Jimbocho” is a cafe where you can enjoy sweets made with bread from the famous Kyoto bakery “MIYABI”. Located about a 5-minute walk from Jimbocho Station, the space is modern and stylish.

12. Sushi Arai

sushi Ruan Building B1F, 8-10-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

After training for 10 years at the long-established sushi restaurant ``Kyubei'' and 6 years at ``Sushi Sho,'' he opened his own restaurant in Ginza 8-chome at the tender age of 33. The one-of-a-kind sushi that adds character to old-fashioned Edomae sushi quickly became popular, and is now so popular that reservations have to be waited for six months.

13. Ristorante Da Nino

Italian Grand Maison Nogizaka 1F, 1-15-19 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

This is a long-established Italian restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Sicilian cuisine using carefully selected fresh seafood, pistachios and tuna dried mullet roe that are particular about the production area, and sea urchin that is made in Japan. The interior of the restaurant is lined with Sicilian pottery and plates, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of an Italian restaurant typical of Sicily.

14. Sushi Namba Hibiya

sushi Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 3F, 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

The second store of the popular sushi restaurant "Sushi Namba" in Asagaya, one of the most difficult to book restaurants in Tokyo. The owner, Hideshi Namba, became independent after training at a sushi restaurant in the city. Although it was an unknown start, it quickly became a hot topic due to its exceptional technical skills and sharp sensibility. It came to be said. The owner himself creates a unique world view for the second shop.

15. Taruichi Shinjuku Main Store

Izakaya 1-2-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo B1F

A 6-minute walk from the East Exit of Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line, this well-established restaurant with a history of more than 50 years, is popular for its whale dishes. In addition to whale sashimi, you can also enjoy oysters, sea squirts, and Kesennuma hormones delivered directly from Sanriku. The store has a spacious and calm atmosphere, counter seats, tatami mats, sunken kotatsu seats, and private rooms.

16. Minoru Hasegawa

innovative fusion 4-5-66 Minamiazabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo

Mr. Minoru Hasegawa, who was the owner and chef of the famous Italian restaurant "Ristorante Kaoru" in Hokkaido where gourmets gather together, named himself after himself and opened a restaurant in a renovated house in Hiroo. Starting with Mr. Hasegawa's hometown of Hokkaido, the highest quality ingredients that cannot be found in the market are sent directly from the producers, and the dishes that are served by making full use of the techniques he has learned on his own using the internet and literature. One plate of only one that can't be imitated. Due to its deliciousness, reservations flooded in immediately after the restaurant opened. Currently, it has become a popular restaurant with a two-year wait.

sushi 1-22-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Mr. Yasuhiko Mitani, who used to be the manager of the sushi restaurant "Rosan" in Isetan Shinjuku, named his restaurant after himself and opened "Mitani." He was one of the first to realize the potential of wine and sushi pairings, which is becoming more and more popular, and focused on sushi pairings.

18. La Rocha

Italian 3-6 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Samurai-do Building 3F

The Italian restaurant "Rocchadoro Kagurazaka" is located about a 3-minute walk from Iidabashi Station. You can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine using plenty of ingredients from Shimane, the chef's hometown, such as blackthroat seaperch and pine needle crab.

19. Ginza Shinohara

Kaiseki / Kaiseki cuisine Habiul Ginza 2 B1, 2-8-17 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

“Japanese Cuisine Shinohara”, which had a good reputation in Shiga Prefecture, is one of the most famous restaurants in Japan that is frequented by foodies from all over the country. In October 2016, Takemasa Shinohara, a master chef who trained at famous restaurants such as "Yamagencha", opened "Ginza Shinohara" in Tokyo. We want you to enjoy each dish prepared with seasonal ingredients from all over Japan.

20. Minami Aoyama Nanatorome

Yakitori Forest Building B1F, 7-13-13 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Although it is rare for a yakitori restaurant, "Minami Aoyama Nanatorome" received a Michelin star in its first year of opening. A well-known restaurant where you can enjoy Matsukaze free-range chicken and Kyo-Aka free-range chicken with carefully selected ingredients. There is only one course on the menu. A valuable restaurant where you can enjoy a full course of yakitori.

21. Maki Village

Kaiseki / Kaiseki cuisine MAKIMURA BLD 1F, 3-11-5 Minamioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Makimura is a famous Japanese restaurant located in a quiet residential area near Omori Kaigan Station. The restaurant is popular for its seasonal dishes made with seasonal ingredients and the warm hospitality of the husband and wife owner, and has been awarded three Michelin stars.

22. Long Kou Sake House Main Branch

Dim Sum/Dim Sum 1-3-1 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Hatagaya Golden Center B1F

There is no menu, only Chef Sachi Ishibashi's choice, and a unique ordering system where you have no idea what kind of dish will be served. You can enjoy simmered, grilled, and stir-fried dishes until you're full. It is a stop system, so you can enjoy the original taste of "Tatsukochi Sakeya" to your heart's content.

23. Ginza Arata

sushi 4-10-1 HOLON-GINZA 9F, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Ginza Arata is a small restaurant with only eight seats. This is an orthodox sushi restaurant that uses only fresh toppings selected from all over Japan. There are no unnecessary decorations in the store, and the counters with beautiful wood grain are lined up. Please visit us when you want to spend the best time with your loved ones.

24. Sushi Asaha

sushi 102 Les Fleurs Nishiazabu 1-4-35 Nishiazabu Minato-ku, Tokyo

Sushi Asaha is a sushi restaurant located about a 5-minute walk from Nogizaka Station. In a limited space with only 8 seats at the counter, you can enjoy traditional Edomae sushi prepared by the owner who trained at famous restaurants in Japan and overseas.

Yakitori 1-9-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Reservations are essential at this popular restaurant that serves exquisite dishes made with fresh chicken. Whether you order fresh charcoal-grilled chicken or a popular hot pot, you can't go wrong with anything you order here. The inside of the store has a homely and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home even if it's your first time.

Okonomiyaki 2F, 4-32-13 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Okonomiyaki specialty store. It is characterized by its voluminous, fluffy and light finish, and is served with a special sauce ordered from Kyoto. There are more than 30 kinds of toppings, so you can enjoy your own okonomiyaki. Monja is also popular, and there is a new sensation monja menu such as "Mentai Camembert Mochi" and "Chinja Oro Monja".

27. bee child

Western food 1-5-8 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Hachinoko is a long-established western restaurant that has been in business for over 70 years, located about a 3-minute walk from Shintomicho Station. Omurice and hamburger steak with orthodox flavors that make you feel nostalgic are popular.

28. full of flavor

Fugu WOO Building 1F, 3-8-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

A long-established pufferfish restaurant in Roppongi that stands out among the pufferfish restaurants in Tokyo in terms of popularity, quality, price, and difficulty in making reservations. We recommend the fugu fried chicken. People who have tasted it all say, ``If you eat the fried pufferfish over there, you won't be able to eat it at other restaurants.'' Due to its popularity, it is currently a referral system, but if you have the chance, please try it.

29. Eel Akasaka Ikine

eel Akasaka Residential Hotel 1F, 9-1-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

A high-class eel restaurant with a reservation system that has won one Michelin star. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere with counter seats and private rooms. Of all the eels that are produced in Japan, the Shinko and Hineko varieties are used. In addition to eel, there is also a course of pufferfish and soft shellfish, and the side menu is also popular at a high level. This is a famous eel restaurant that is difficult to reserve.

30. L'Effervescence

French 2-26-4 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo

"L'Effervescence" is located between Nishi-Azabu and Omotesando. The owner is Mr. Shinobu Namae, who has studied at three-star restaurants around the world. The dishes created by Mr. Namae have a strong message, yet are delicate. Making full use of Japanese and French cooking techniques, each dish that maximizes the goodness of the ingredients attracts many people.

Make Your Reservation with Autoreserve

Find a restaurant that piques your interest and make a reservation with Autoreserve . Autoreserve makes it easy for you to book a table at your favorite restaurant without calling. increase. https://autoreserve.com/?locale=en

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10 Best Restaurants in Tokyo for Solo Travelers

Bryce was born in California, but raised from the age of 3 near Seattle, Washington. He’s been living in Tokyo for about 7 years, and graduated from Temple University, Japan with degrees in economics and international business. He loves traveling of course, but also cooking, snowboarding, some video games as well. His biggest interest is songwriting/music production, more specifically electronic music… (think Skrillex, Marshmello, Daft Punk, etc.) He also has terrible humor as you’ll notice, but he hopes you’ll enjoy it!

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Tokyo , the vibrant heart of Japan , is surely on any traveler’s list of places to hit. For solo travelers, it is certainly a spot to check out. While the city offers an array of dining experiences, finding the perfect spot when you’re on your own can be a challenge. One might think that, being the most crowded city in the world, that “solo” is not exactly a word that Tokyo would be boasting. But, what visitors have to understand is, there’s a huge appeal for residents to have their own space; being shoulder to shoulder day by day with one another is often overwhelming. Besides, it’s not like every coworker commutes together, so there’s a lot of appeal to stop for a bite on their own on their way home or something. Anyways, this unique cultural aspect seems to have also paved an easy path for solo travelers. So fear not, fellow adventurer, for we’ve scoured the bustling streets of Tokyo to bring you the best restaurants for your personal adventure. These culinary gems not only offer delectable dishes but also provide a glimpse into Japanese culture. From the Ramen haven of Ichiran to the hidden Izakayas, we’ve got your solo dining escapades covered.

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3. yamawarau shabu-shabu, 4. yakiniku like, 5. shabu shabu “let us” naka-meguro, 6. tsurutontan udon noodle brasserie, 7. kintan akasaka, 9. kurazushi, 10. fukumori , japan wonder travel food tours , other articles you might be interested in:.

If you’re a Ramen enthusiast (who isn’t?), Ichiran is your holy grail. With locations all throughout Tokyo as well as the rest of the nation, this haven for noodle lovers allows you to savor your meal in individual cubicles. Not only are you able to stay separated from other diners, you’ll also hardly see your server through the small, waist-high window. Only the reception of your order ticket and the handoff of the food are points of contact, and even then you’ll only see their hands (and a deep bow, if you pay attention). Perfect for solo diners seeking solitude. Oh yeah, the  food: The broth is an Umami explosion, and you can customize your Ramen to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to slurp; it’s a sign of appreciation in Japan!

With the surprising origin of Canada, Kinka is a good choice for the solo diner, though not quite as secluded as Ichiran. This lively joint fuses Sushi and Izakaya -style dining. As a solo traveler, you’ll blend right in at the counter top. The atmosphere is actually quite fashionable; with stylish plates and tasteful lighting, the atmosphere is great for a refreshing meal or a place to invite someone. 

Shabu-shabu, a hot pot experience you won’t soon forget. At Yamawarau Shabu-Shabu, you’ll be able to enjoy the typical Shabu-Shabu experience, but without the process of choosing and sharing the ingredients with a group. Usually, Shabu-Shabu is somewhat family-style where plates are ordered and shared between the group. You get a pot of broths (maybe a variety, depending on your order) and whatever variety of meats and veggies you decide. It’s like Yakiniku, but wetter, and equally tasty. So just imagine that, but it’s all to yourself and proportionally sized, enjoy!

Speaking of Yakiniku, it’s time to indulge in the delightful world of Japanese barbecue at Yakiniku Like, with locations throughout Tokyo. If you’re a fan of freshly grilled meat and the whole Yakiniku experience- Their top-quality meat sets, marinated to perfection, practically sizzle with flavor. The interactive grill tables are perfect for solo diners; you can savor each bite at your own pace. Enjoying it for lunch is a great way to make an afternoon more exciting, somehow. Pair your meal with local craft beer for the ultimate experience.

Another hot pot gem, Shabu Shabu “Let Us” in Naka-Meguro, offers a cozy, intimate setting for solo travelers. With a classy interior that ensures a relaxing atmosphere, it’s a great spot to have some peace of mind and enjoy a healthy dish with a variety of flavors. The soups here come in a considerable variety, making it quite reasonable to come back multiple times, if the length of your trip allows.

For a quick and soul-satisfying meal, head to Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie. The menu boasts an array of udon noodles , served hot or cold. The prices are surprisingly affordable considering how fancy the interior is displayed. Slurp your way through a bowl of their signature Udon which comes in incredible variety- each just as tasty as the last. Solo travelers will appreciate the counter seating, perfect for quick bites in refreshing style.

Kintan Akasaka is a haven for meat lovers. This Yakiniku/Shabu-Shabu spot offers succulent cuts of beef and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Akasaka. Solo travelers will relish the interactive grilling/boiling experience and the chance to bond with locals over shared love for grilled goodness. Their classy lighting and presentation will ensure an executive dining experience that you’ll recall favorably and possibly show a friend sometime.

Oden is one of the best dishes to warm up with; this simmered dish is definitely a favorite. Enjoy an array of foods slow cooked in a savory broth. You’ll be able to pile your plate high with steaming skewers bursting with flavor. While it’s a dish that pairs the cold weather well, you are of course welcome to enjoy it year round. 

Sushi need not break the bank. Kurazushi, located in various locations across Tokyo, offers high-quality sushi at affordable prices and in the famed conveyor belt fashion. Grab a tasty roll or nigiri as it passes by or use the touchpad at your table to order your favorite dish. Complete with a tone of counter seats as well as proper tables for a group, this spot is versatile for any kind of frugal Sushi lover.

Hidden in the winding streets of Bakuro Cho, Fukumori is a hidden gem that solo travelers will adore. This cozy, stylish spot is an innovative addition to the evolving scene of Nihonbashi, primarily a business district. If you’re curious about food from Yamagata , then this is a spot that you can’t afford to miss. Designed for the solo diner in mind, Fukumori is a must try for anyone.

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are traveling in, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo where you will have the chance to try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake along with your friendly English speaking guide! 

▶ Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour: Experience Tokyo’s Nightlife in Izakaya Check out the best spots in Shinjuku while bar hopping through the lively and vibrant area. Try some delicious local food and drink as you explore the narrow yet photogenic alleys that the town has to offer. Experience Japanese izakaya culture and drink in Shinjuku like the locals!

▶ Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the surrounding areas.

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The Most Extraordinary Restaurants You Can Visit in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the world’s most iconic and incredible cities. Home to nearly 10 million people, it’s visited by millions of tourists every year. Known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, bustling metropolis and Anime, it makes for an unforgettable getaway – no matter what season you visit. 

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, it’s a good idea to plan out where you’ll eat before you go. But with over 160,000 restaurants to choose from, how do you know where to start?

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience whilst in this fascinating city, here are some quirky and extraordinary options to check out: 

Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant 

Situated within Shinjuku City moments from the centre of Tokyo, Alice’s Fantasy Restaurant will have you feeling as if you’ve well and truly fallen down the rabbit hole! Join the Mad Hatter as you tuck into delicious delights from pasta to duck breast in the awe-inspiring dining room. 

With four different locations to choose from across Tokyo, including Alice in a Labyrinth, Alice in Fantasy Land, Alice in a Fantasy Book or Alice in an Old Castle there’s something for all tastes!

Boasting a variety of themed food and drinks (including cocktails such as the Cheshire Cat), you’ll feel as if you’ve entered the fictional lands, all whilst in the middle of the city!  

Price : ¥200 to 1,000

Ninja Akasaka 

Located in Chiyoda City, Ninja Akasaka is another extremely unique restaurant. Resembling a hidden village set in the Sengoku period, it has waterfalls, ponds and secret labyrinths to explore. Beloved by the likes of Stephen Spielberg and Lady Gaga, it’s certainly worth a trip during your Japan vacation. 

Upon entering this restaurant, you’ll be met by ninjas who will lead you through the ‘Ninja Village’ before showing you to your table. With Chinese, Japanese and French cuisine to choose from, it makes a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Tokyo. 

Price : ¥3,000 – 20,000 

Vampire Cafe

Love all things spooky? Then head to the Vampire Cafe . Frequently considered as one of Japan’s most scary and quirky restaurants, it’s a themed restaurant that will mesmerise you from the moment you enter. Not for the faint of heart, it’s adorned with deep red hues and a menu that’s truly out of this world.

From ghoulish cheese tart to melted witch risotto, the themed food and cocktails are perfect for both Halloween and other occasions throughout the year. Set in Chuo, this remarkable cafe is beloved by tourists that visit from all over the globe each year.

Price : ¥500 – 8,000

Kawaii Monster Cafe 

One of the main things that Japan is known for is it’s ‘cuteness culture’ called Kawaii. And there’s no better place to explore this than by visiting Kawaii Monster Cafe in Tokyo. Themed as a candyland with vibrant colours, rides and themed dining areas, this wacky yet amazing restaurant has to be seen to be believed. 

Offering fun and tantalising food (including rainbow pasta, mad BLT and chocolate chicken) those with a sweet tooth will love, it’s the ultimate place to capture unique photographs. It also features regular performances every 90 minutes by the staff.

Price : ¥700 – 3,000

Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Feeling homesick whilst on your travels? Then why not try the Aoyama Flower Market Tea House . Nestled in the buzzing ward of Shibuya, this beautiful eatery offers high tea, brunch and lunch delights – as well as a welcome break from the chaos of the city. 

A flower shop and cafe, it has various offerings from French toast to omelettes and flower parfait. A wonderful restaurant to visit during the summer months, the price tag is well worth it. Differing from other food that you’ll find in the city, it’s also ideal for fussy eaters due to the simplicity of the menu.

Price : ¥700 – 2,000

Final Thoughts

So, there you go! Those are the top 5 most extraordinary restaurants you can visit during your travels in Tokyo. Of course, which one you opt for is up to you – you’ll want to consider your budget first though as the city does tend to be quite expensive. 

But one thing’s for certain. And that is that whichever restaurant or cafe you choose, you’re guaranteed a remarkable afternoon or evening that will create memories that last far longer than your holiday! Tokyo is such an awe-inspiring place with so much to enjoy you’re bound to find an eatery that you love there.

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STORY Dining in Japan Explore Japan's varied culinary scene

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While sushi may be famous the world over, it is only the tip of the Japanese culinary iceberg

You should certainly have some sushi while you are in Japan, but for the full Japanese culinary experience, make sure to order a teishoku for lunch and splash out on some kaiseki for a luxurious dinner. Book a table at a top rated restaurant or drop into a local street vendor for some piping hot noodles.

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that is an experience for all of the senses. A kaiseki dinner will be reflective of the best foods of the season and local specialties. Each course is a balancing act of flavor, texture and appearance. This style of dining will give you incredible insight into Japanese culinary culture and the importance it places on presentation.

Highly rated restaurants in acclaimed guidebooks

Japan boasts many top rated restaurants that have been given stars by world-famous guidebooks, most of which are concentrated in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. While star-awarded restaurants may leave you wondering about the bill, fear not. They include a range of options, from high-end French, Italian and Kaiseki establishments to cheap street-side ramen noodles, and Japan is an excellent place to try them.

Teishoku is a set meal where all of the courses are served together. It includes white rice and miso soup. The main plate will be fish, pork, chicken or beef, and will include a variety of seasonal vegetables. Pickled vegetables, known as tsukemono, are also a staple of teishoku set meals. Tonkatsu teishoku is a popular set that includes a deep-fried pork cutlet, rice, miso soup, pickles and macaroni salad with spicy mustard and a savory-sweet barbecue sauce.

Teishoku are generally great value for money. Some teishoku restaurants are run in a cafeteria style, where diners buy a ticket from a vending machine and pass it over to the kitchen staff who put your teishoku meal together. Expect to pay around 1,000 yen for a filling and nourishing meal.

Udon and Soba

Ramen is not the only noodle dish in Japan. Soba noodles, made from buckwheat, and udon noodles, made from wheat flour, are a must try for any noodle lover. These noodles can be eaten wet or dry, hot or cold. The more traditional style has green onions, ginger and a broth flavored with soy sauce and fish stock or other ingredients.

Bento Box Lunches

Bento boxes are a huge part of Japanese life. They can be purchased at specialty lunch box stores, supermarkets and convenience stores. They come in a variety of styles and are not limited to Japanese foods. They will come packaged with utensils and a wet napkin for convenient eating while on the go — perfect for a day at the park or for your shinkansen ride.

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7 Best Buffet Restaurants In Tokyo You Can't Miss

Japan is known for its epic dining experience. Tabehodai, which means all-you-can-eat, and Nomihodai, which means all-you-can-drink. These options are often found at Izakaya, or Japanese pubs. Some restaurants offer both, and that’s what we’re here to talk about—the best buffet restaurants in Tokyo.

Tokyo offers a wide range of buffet options, from affordable all-you-can-eat places to fancy hotel buffets. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a luxurious dining experience, Tokyo has something for everyone.

Japan's delicious cuisine makes it a great destination for buffet lovers. Whether you're in the mood for high-quality wagyu beef, fresh seafood, or any other type of cuisine, Tokyo has you covered.

Best Buffet Restaurants In Tokyo

If you're looking for a place to indulge in endless lunch or dinner options, Tokyo has you covered. Here are the best buffet restaurants in the city:

1. Rokkasen

Address: 1 Chome−3−1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Open Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm daily

Rokkasen is one of the best buffet restaurants in Tokyo, known for its wide range of high-quality grilled meat dishes, particularly the yakiniku wagyu beef, which is a favorite among visitors. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood, including crabs, lobsters, scallops, and oysters, all of which are well-liked. Due to its popularity, it's advisable to book your visit ahead of time.

Located in the vibrant Shinjuku area, Rokkasen offers a delightful dining experience with its Japanese barbecue and seafood offerings. You can enjoy grilling their own food, adding a personal touch to their dining experience. With its lively ambiance and high-quality ingredients, Rokkasen ensures a memorable dining experience.

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ at Rokkasen Annex | Tokyo

2. taiko chaya.

Address: Nihonbashi Bakurocho 2-3-2, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Open Hours: 11.30am-1pm (last orders), 5pm-10pm (last orders), Sun 10.30am-2.30pm (1pm)

Taiko Chaya is a popular Japanese pub in Tokyo known for its fresh seafood and tasty dishes like sashimi. As they become the Tokyo buffet restaurants, they also put on a fun show where they cut big tunas right in front of you! You can spot the place by the big metal fish above the entrance.

Their buffet is only for lunch, but they have a regular menu for dinner. It's best to book ahead for lunch because it fills up fast. You get about 50 minutes to eat as much as you want. Even if you're not a fan of raw food, they have other yummy options like grilled dishes, salads, and more.

3. Hina Sushi Nishi Ginza

Address: 4 Chome−1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (Monday-Friday), until 10:30 pm on Saturday, 10:00 pm on Sunday.

Hina Sushi, one of Tokyo's best buffet restaurants, introduced its first outlet in Shibuya back in 1989. Renowned for its innovative all-you-can-eat sushi concept, patrons can indulge in a diverse selection of sushi options, meticulously crafted by skilled chefs. With curated ingredients, including favorites like fatty tuna, sea urchin, salmon, and shrimp, Hina Sushi promises a lavish sushi dining experience.

Furthermore, Hina Sushi offers monthly seasonal recommendations and limited-edition selections, ensuring a fresh and exciting culinary adventure with each visit. Their commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients directly from the fishing port daily underscores their dedication to quality and excellence.

Hinasushi Tokyo Unlimited Sushi Buffet and Various Drinks

Address: 20-8 WaMall 6f, Shinjuku 3 Chome, Shinjuku 160-0022 Tokyo Prefecture

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Sunday), 5:00 PM - 5:00 AM (Monday-Friday), 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Saturday).

All-You-Can-Eat Shabu-Shabu Onyasai Monzen-Nakacho Branch | Japan

If you’re a fan of hot pot, Onyasai is one of the best Tokyo buffet restaurants to visit. With several locations across Tokyo, this restaurant is renowned for its shabu shabu dining experience. Dive into a simmering pot of rich broth and enjoy a selection of fresh vegetables, thinly sliced meats, and delicious dipping sauces.

They are known for their wide variety of domestically sourced veggies, with around 60 options! Be sure to sample their delightful ponzu sauce, a citrusy accompaniment that enhances the flavors of the dishes. Onyasai promises a comforting and fulfilling meal that will leave you satisfied and happy.

5. New York Grill at Park Hyatt Tokyo

Address: 52F Park Hyatt Tokyo, 3 Chome-7-1-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 – 10:00 pm daily

Located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku, the New York Bar & Grill offers breathtaking views and a sophisticated ambiance. Guests must take two sets of elevators to reach the restaurant, providing a unique journey through the hotel. The restaurant's decor is elegant and understated, reflecting Japanese aesthetics. Visitors can enjoy live jazz music while dining, adding to the upscale atmosphere.

The buffet at the New York Bar & Grill is renowned for its selection of juicy steaks and sustainable seafood, making it a standout Tokyo buffet restaurant. While primarily offering Western cuisine, there are also Japanese influences in the buffet display. The restaurant provides a perfect dining experience, combining stunning views, live music, and delicious food.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku,Shinjuku-ku

USD 121,336

6. yakiniku gen-chan.

Address: 1-6-11 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Opening Hours: Daily from 7am to 6.30am the next day

Unleash your inner carnivore at Yakiniku Gen-Chan, a paradise for Japanese barbecue enthusiasts in Shinjuku and one of the best buffet restaurants in Tokyo. This yakiniku hotspot offers a premium all-you-can-eat meat extravaganza 24 hours a day.

Indulge in a variety of high-quality cuts, such as Wagyu beef and succulent pork, and sizzle them to perfection on the tabletop grill complete with charcoal to ensure that signature BBQ taste! With a casual ambiance and reliable service, Yakiniku Gen-Chan is the perfect place for an epic feast, any time of day or night.

7. Numazuko Kaisho

Address: Gomi Building B1F, 6-8-4 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo, 110-0005, Japan

Opening Hours: 11.30 am–10.30 pm (Monday-Sunday), Lunch: 11.30 am–3.00 pm

Looking for a budget-friendly alternative for your seafood craving? Consider Numazuko Kaisho, a strong competitor to Taiko Chaya! This buffet-style seafood restaurant offers an affordable, all-you-can-eat experience.

The wide array of seafood dishes available is both impressive and delicious. Additionally, they offer a variety of self-serve alcoholic drinks to complement your meal. If you're a fan of seafood and endless drinks, this is one of the best buffet restaurants in Tokyo to try!

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Kristen Abroad

Exploring everything Japan has to offer

5 Best Apps for Traveling In Japan To Check Restaurants Out

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You’re out exploring Japan.  Hunger hits, what do you do?  My number one suggestion is to pick a door and jump in, it’s the best way to explore. There are so many types of Japanese foods to try ! But maybe you’re wanting something specific, and are curious about what the best apps for traveling in Japan are.

Yelp’s what we use in the states, must be here, right?  Yelp is slowly getting bigger in Japan but only having launched in April of 2014, it has a ways to go in my opinion.  If you are looking for Japan’s answer to Yelp, you have a few options available to you for the best restaurant apps and websites in Japan.

Best Apps for Traveling In Japan To Check Restaurants Out

If you look up a specific restaurant or a random search on Google, you’ll see a variety of these websites pop up, here’s how to find them without pecking around the internet. All of them allow you to search by area or station, category, etc. All have pluses and minuses.  Give them a try and see which you prefer. This is a lay the cards on the table for you to see what’s out there!

Luckily, you don’t need to add too many to your probably already really full phone! Choose whether you’d like Japanese or the ease of English only and pick one of these two.

App is only in Japanese. Hot pepper is like Yelp in that it has rankings for other businesses in it as well.

Gurunavi is probably the best option for foreigners, its available in English , Chinese and Korean.  There’s a Japanese and English version of the Gurunabi App, so watch out for which version you download.  From the few tests I’ve done, they get you the same results but I tend to stick to Japanese only just incase.  Sometimes it doesn’t get translated over right away (but that may just be a fear I have). You can search by location, category, hours, prices and options like “English Menu” and “all-you-can-drink” if you’re looking for a good place to have a nomikai.

Best Restaurant Websites in Japan

While these options don’t have mobile apps but are still places to check!  You’re on your phone anyway, right? They have a huge amount of options to check out as well.

Tabelog is maybe my favorite.  They don’t have an app but that’s ok as it’s all in Japanese and though I love working on my reading skills, sometimes it just easier to let Chrome do it’s thing.

One thing Tabelog does different is they have the top 100 customer rankings per category.  Bring on the food quests!  They are all over the country so a nice thing to check if you’re in a different area.  Not quite a “let’s go to all the Michelin X stars”, but still fun.

For a site that’s already in English, there is bento.com but it’s not as extensive as the others.

For Vegans and Vegetarians – Happy Cow

Happy Cow is still going to be your best option for finding vegan/vegetarian specific options though you can filter down in the apps and websites by vegetable dishes. The list is far from complete though. If you need some in Yokosuka, check out my recommendations.

What’s the best apps to use in other countries?

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One of the Best Ways to Visit Japan Is Through a Culinary Train Tour

If you’ve ever traveled to Japan , you’ve likely marveled at its extraordinary and ever-present train system. Whether taking super-convenient rides around the Tokyo subway or traversing the country going 200 mph on the Shinkansen bullet train, the Asian nation's locomotives are ubiquitous and spectacular.

But Japan’s trains are so much more than just getting from place to place. There is a bevy of specialized trains that run throughout the country featuring everything from a Pokémon train and a Hello Kitty-designed locomotive to a literal Thomas the Tank Engine train. Some of the best specialty trains, though, combine sightseeing with the country's unrivaled food culture.

The first dining trains in Japan were introduced in 1899 by the privately owned Sanyo Railway. “This was the first dining car service in Japan," Ayumi Utagawa, the deputy director of tourism for East Japan Railway Company (JR East), told TripSavvy. "With the increase in train speed over the past decades and the development of onboard sales and ekiben (station box lunches), as well as the development of ekinaka (in-station food facilities), people began to prefer eating ekiben at their own seats rather than going to a dining car.”

Today, JR East and other train companies throughout the country operate a slew of culinary trains that combine culture, food, history, and tourism. These trains can sometimes be as little as two small cars traveling slowly through the countryside or behemoth bullets zipping along with multiple night stays. 

“JR East operates its ‘Joyful Trains’ based on the concept of making the train ride itself as enjoyable as reaching one’s destination," Utagawa said. "The trains are designed to allow passengers to fully appreciate the culture, experiences, and local hospitality of the region in which they travel and are operated in cooperation with local communities.”

Utagawa continued, “All of the ‘Joyful Train’ culinary trains feature the use of local ingredients, local cuisine, and local beverages including sake, cider, and mikan (mandarin orange) cider. Chefs come from famous restaurants and ryotei (traditional inns) along the line and cook in ‘live’ kitchens where passengers can see them at work. It is fun to watch a sushi chef at work on the train.”

Prepare to hop on board for some of Japan’s most interesting, and tastiest rides around the country.

Journey on the Coast

One of JR East’s ‘Joyful Trains’ is called the Kairi train , where passengers can delve into Niigata and Shonai cuisine as it coasts along the Sea of Japan. Utagawa said that the Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, which feature seafood and mountain produce, have unique cuisines. "Departing from Niigata, passengers can enjoy a Japanese box lunch from a long-established and famous ryotei restaurant in the Niigata Furumachi Hanamachi district," said Utagawa. "In the itinerary, passengers can enjoy an edible jewel of Shonai Italian cuisine supervised by a top Japanese chef who focuses on native crops and ties with local producers that have been cultivated in the Shonai region for generations and are familiar to the local people.”

Courtesy of Kyushu Railway Company

Eat Like a King

If you’re looking for a high-end luxury dining and train experience, check out the Seven Stars train on the island of Kyushu. As its name implies, Seven Stars is a beyond exceptional experience. The train offers multiple itineraries that range from one to three-night experiences as it traverses all seven prefectures in Kyushu. But the food is the most over-the-top part of the journey. Cuisine is always seasonal as Kyushu chefs switch between Japanese, French, and Italian styles while dabbling in foods from Hakata, Satohama, Unzen, Shippoku, and other regions of the island. There’s also a full bar (included in the price) and a tea room on board. Applications fill out almost instantly, so plan ahead. 

Drink Like a Fish 

Another JR East train, the Koshino Shu*Kura is all about the sake . Niigata Prefecture is known for its sake producers and the train offers a five-course sake tasting to get a feel for the whole region. The train’s name pays homage to the journey itself as the JR East site explains: the name “Koshino Shu*Kura” was inspired by the image of Echigo's sake breweries and rich nature. (Koshino = Echigo, Shu = sake, Kura = brewery, * = rice, snow, flowers.) Guests are also given small bento boxes with snacks to accompany the sake tastings. 

Sushi on the Go

The Belle Montagne et Mer (beautiful mountain and sea) is the French-named JR West train that travels along the Toyama Bay and through the mountains of Toyama. What sets this train journey apart is the daily-changing sushi menu that’s based on what is freshly caught in the bay. Opt for the Petite Toyama Bay Sushi Set which includes five pieces of sushi and local Himi tea and combine it with the Tipsy Set that includes different snacks from cities along the line as well as your choice of local sake.

The Sweetest Way to Travel

Fukushima Prefecture is a region of Japan north of Tokyo and bordering the eastern coastline of the country. This area is known for its fruit and the FruiTea train , operated by JR East, leans heavily into the sweet bounty of its produce. The menu varies depending on the season, but pastry chefs offer up original desserts made with the local fruit including grapes, peaches, apples, pears, and more. The sweet sets include dessert, fruit juice from the region, and tea or coffee.

And if you’re still hungry for Japanese train cuisine and scenery, here are a few extra options:

• The Setsugekka train offers views of the Sea of Japan along with gourmet French bento boxes, sake, and wine.
• The Anpanman train is great for kids who love the Anpanman anime. The trains are designed like Anpanman and come with Anpanman-shaped bento boxes. 
• The Rail Kitchen Chikugo has a pizza oven on board and gives guests an immersive dining experience. 
• The Restaurant Train Tohoku Emotion is known for its open kitchen. Here, guests can watch their meals being prepared while also gawking over the beauty of the Japanese countryside. 
• Another fine dining experience in Kyushu is on the Aru Ressha or "Train of Dreams," with a culinary program overseen by renowned chef Yoshihiro Narisawa, who also helms the two-Michelin-starred Les Créations de Narisawa in Tokyo.
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Family restaurants

• Published on : 09/05/2019
• Add to favorites

A Gasto family restaurant

Max choice, mini price

Originally created to satisfy a varied clientele, family restaurants are very popular in Japan. What are they and where can you find them? Here's an introduction to six well-known family restaurant chains beloved by the Japanese.

Varied menus at low prices

Commonly known as famiresu   (ファミレス), family restaurants are for everyone. They appeal to both students and retirees, and are frequented by both families with children and office workers alike.

The key to their success? A recipe that has proven itself:  offering plenty of choice to customers , while ensuring unbeatable prices in the catering market.

Japanese hamburger steaks for less than 600 yen, pasta for pennies, and ice cream at low prices, these chain restaurants offer the opportunity to eat a complete meal for less than 1,000 yen (under $10 USD) per person.

It's a formula that has greatly contributed to their success throughout the country, just like the huge variety on their menus.

You'll find absolutely everything at a  famiresu!  From Japanese specialities like katsudon  to classic Western dishes like pizza, you'll always find something to tempt you.

Especially since  the   menus change regularly, as they adapt to offer  seasonal items or those celebrating events in the Japanese calendar.

• Related: Eating cheaply in Japan

Jonathan's special ''strawberries'' menu for March

Ideal for those on a budget , family restaurants also offer great value add-ons , such as their '' drink bar '' option at less than 300 yen, which lets you enjoy unlimited soft drinks from a self service counter in a corner of restaurants.

The ''drink bar'' sometimes even offers soups, which all customers can enjoy if they order one of the many "menus of the day" offered by the chains.

• See more: Go out, eat and drink in Tokyo

A drink bar at a "Jonathan's"

6 big famiresu chains

Often open 24 hours a day, family restaurants take the form of chains outlets seen throughout the country. They are found both in the city and in the countryside, and they often work together to offer discounts at partner restaurant chains.

There are now around fifteen main family restaurant chains in Japan (some of which are specific to certain regions of the country), and 6 of them are ubiquitous in the world of famiresu :

With more than 1,300 locations across the country, Gasuto is probably the most popular family restaurant chain in Japan. It offers different menus each month, and makes sure to keep prices low all year round.

Saizeriya サイゼリヤ

Surfing the popularity of Italian cuisine in Japan, Saizeriya offers pizza, pasta and other beloved Italian specialties (with a Japanese twist!) at low prices.

A Japanese "hamburg" at Gasuto

Japanese food at Denny's

Denny's デニーズ

Denny's is a well-known American family restaurant chain that offers both American dishes and more local Japanese specialties.

Jonathan ジョナサン

A little more expensive than some of the others, Jonathan  is popular with customers looking for more original and good quality dishes. There are many salads and a nice dessert menu.

Joyfull ジョイフル

With just  700 restaurants , Joyfull is an outsider in the world of family restaurants. Yet this 'small' chain has much to offer, since the menu boasts many meat dishes for less than 1,300 yen , such as American burgers and steaks.

Bamiyan バーミヤン

Specializing in Chinese food , the Bamiyan chain has fewer than 300 locations throughout the country. It's a favorite for lovers of fried noodles and other specialties of Japan's neighboring country.

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Tokyo restaurant etiquette: the ultimate guide to dining in Japan’s capital

Apr 1, 2024 • 10 min read

Simple chopstick etiquette and some general know-how are all you need to dig into Tokyo's dining scene © Kiattipong / Shutterstock

Want to take a deep dive into Tokyo’s famous (and famously amazing) dining scene , but worried about committing some unforgivable gaffe? Here's all you need to know to eat like a local. Hint: it’s not as hard as you might have feared. In fact, once you nail the logic of eating in Tokyo, it all makes a lot of sense.  

1. Tokyo restaurants are small

Really small. This is the most important thing you need to know about dining out in the city. A restaurant might literally have only 12 stools at the counter, and maybe two tables that can each seat up to four.

And this set-up is not at all unusual. Many Tokyo dining etiquette conventions stem from the specific requirements of keeping such small enterprises afloat. The dining scene is also highly competitive. For that reason, most restaurants are run on extremely tight margins.

2. Restaurants are terrified of no shows

If you have in mind the image of a chef-run restaurant with seating for 20, you can imagine the impact that a party of four skipping out on their reservation would have on the restaurant's haul for the night.

Especially if the chef made a special trip to the market that morning just to buy ingredients for your meal.

Unfortunately, there is a widespread belief among Tokyo restaurants that overseas guests are more likely to flake on reservations than local diners.

There may be some truth to this: after all, it can be stressful to ring up a restaurant where no English is spoken (and out-of-towners don't have to worry about never being able to show their faces there again).

More likely it’s a case of a few examples blown out of proportion. But every no-show amplifies the echo chamber and makes it harder for overseas visitors to get reservations.

There are now a handful of restaurants that will only accept reservations from foreign travelers through the intermediary of a hotel concierge; others require you to give a local phone number.

Third-party reservation websites and apps, such as TableCheck and OpenTable , however, are somewhat filling the gap, making it easier for non-Japanese speaking diners to arrange (and cancel) reservations on their own at participating establishments.

Whatever the case may be, if you just can’t make it, please find a way to communicate that to the restaurant, ideally the day before (your accommodation can usually help with this). Note that no-shows are sometimes expected to pay a cancellation fee, which may be as much as the cost of a whole meal.

3. Do I even need to make a reservation?

Good question! The short answer: generally, no. Many casual places don't even take reservations, with popular spots enjoying the free advertising that a long line out front creates.

For these places, your strategy should be to show up outside of peak meal times, which is roughly 11:30am to 1pm and 6pm to 7:30pm, but not in the middle of the afternoon (when restaurants are often closed).

Now the exceptions: for any restaurant that counts as a destination in and of itself, at which you have your heart set on eating, absolutely make a reservation (if the restaurant takes them).

High-end places expect you to make a reservation, though they will graciously accept walk-ins if they have the space and ingredients. This is also an opportunity to discuss any dietary restrictions (high-end places are the most flexible with regards to this).

Tokyoites tend to make reservations for pretty much any planned meet-up at any restaurant that falls in or above the broad mid-range category.

That doesn't mean you have to, though it may mean you don’t get a table at your top choice. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, but Tokyoites are out all nights of the week.

It really comes down to which you prefer: being locked into a fixed dining schedule but getting to eat where you want, or having to work it all out on the fly. If you’re flexible and up for spontaneous decisions, going reservation-free is totally fine – as long as you’re not a large group.

4. Party size matters

It is usually easy for a restaurant to find seating for two, trickier for a group of four (you’ll have to wait until a table opens up) and significantly more challenging for groups larger than four. In fact, some restaurants require parties of five or more to call ahead.

At quick and casual joints, like noodle counters, consider breaking your group into pairs to move things along faster (which will make the restaurant happier).

The good news for solo travelers is that Tokyo is a city that embraces the lone diner, where everyone at the counter will squish together to make room for you. Servers may even offer you a coveted table, if one is available, so that you can eat and read your book in peace with dignity – just don’t stay too long.

5. Consider the menu

If you're used to requesting changes to menu items beyond standard options already set out by the restaurant, you should note that Japan does not have a culture of menu modifications.

In fact, staff and other diners may be wondering why you are ordering a dish you don't want to or can't eat in the first place.

Depending on the kitchen set-up, the restaurant may not be able to accommodate such changes even if they wanted to. 

Japan can be a challenging destination if you have allergies or other special dietary requirements that prevent flexibility on this, so it's worth spending the time to research restaurants in advance to scout out suitable dishes or eateries that are accustomed to catering to specific dietary needs.

If making a reservation, it's best to communicate dietary requirements at this time to avoid disappointment.

Awareness of diverse food needs is increasing, however, and some no-reservation casual and fast-food eateries have even introduced "allergen free" menu items that don't include some of the major allergens and are stored separately in sealed packaging, making it easier to find something safe to eat in a pinch.

Carrying an allergen card in Japanese (variations of which can be found online) that outlines what you can and can't eat will make the process a lot smoother. 

6. Familiarize yourself with "the form"

Some restaurants have a clipboard with a list at the entrance, which incoming diners are expected to fill out.

This is often misinterpreted by foreign travelers that a reservation is required, but is simply so staff know the order of arrival and how many people in each party, and therefore tables can be organized accordingly.

You should complete this form even if no one else appears to be waiting, unless staff direct you otherwise.

Typically, the form asks for a name (名前) and number of diners (look for the character 人). Depending on the type of establishment, it may also ask you to circle the kind of seating (席) you would like, such as table (テーブル) or counter (カウンター), and there's usually an option if either is fine (どちらでも), in which case you'll get the one that becomes available fastest.

Specifying smoking (喫煙席) or non-smoking (禁煙席) seating may also be an option, although this is far less frequent now that Tokyo has more smoke-free venues than smoking ones thanks to a 2020 ordinance put in place ahead of the Olympics.

If possible, writing your name in katakana (a Japanese script with comparatively simple straight lines and curves used for words of foreign origin) will help put your host at ease as it will tell them how to pronounce it. That said, writing in Roman alphabet ( rōmaji ) is perfectly acceptable.

In restaurants with this system, there is often a small area with seats for waiting diners, but expect to be standing at busier times. Tokyo's quick turnover usually means the queue moves more quickly than you'd think, so don't be put off dining somewhere simply because there are a number of names ahead of you.

Sometimes staff will offer menus and even take your order before being seated to reduce waiting times.

That being said, if you decide it's really taking too long and you haven't ordered yet, politely return to the form and put a line through your name (and the entire row you wrote on), to alert staff that you no longer require a table. 

7. Be mindful of the time

Second to no-shows, restaurants’ biggest concern is adequate turnover. This is especially true at lunch.

It’s no secret that lunch is Tokyo’s great bargain, but restaurants can only offer such great prices because they anticipate a high turnover. And Tokyo is not a city with a long lunch break culture.

Restaurants get grumpy if you hold onto a table too long, sipping tea without ordering anything more. Lingering at noodle counters is also a big no-no. Tokyoites know that if they want to carry on chatting they should move on to a nearby cafe.

And, yes, Tokyo’s thousand-odd cafes seem to defy all logic (we don't understand how they stay in business either).

8. Read the room

The truth is, restaurants aren’t as fussed by the normal tourist gaffes as you might think. Sure, the chef might secretly die a little inside if you pour soy sauce over an already-seasoned dish – the same way chefs in other parts of the world might do if you salt your food before you taste it.

There are only two things you can do that are likely to freak people out, and that is to stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or to pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another. Both are similar to Buddhist funeral rites.

Tokyo does have a handful of famously fastidious chefs but they are most definitely a minority. Far more would rather you enjoyed the food than worry about the proper order in which to eat it.

Pro tip: a compliment, like ' oishii desu! ' ('this is delicious!') can make up for pretty much anything.

Really, to avoid embarrassment, you just need to do what the Japanese do: read the room. Each restaurant has its own culture set by its owner and the regular customers it attracts.

At some you have to scream to be heard over the din; others are hushed, sober affairs. Any Tokyoite who enters a restaurant for the first time would do a quick mental sweep of the place and adjust accordingly.

9. Don’t knock the chains

If all of the above sounds like a giant hassle, know that many locals share that opinion. That's why there are plenty of chain restaurants staffed by part-timers who aren't bothered if you don't show up, order too little, overstay or leave puddles of soy sauce all over the table.

Chain restaurants are usually big and can more easily accommodate larger groups. They're also more likely to have English menus, children’s meals, allergens listed as standard, and distinct smoking and non-smoking areas (or be completely smoke-free). They're cheap and usually pretty good.

Some chains, particularly those known as "family restaurants", offer a 'drink bar' (ドリンクバー) option for just a few hundred yen.

The drink bar gives you unlimited refills from a self-serve drink station (usually with a range of juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee from a machine) and is convenient for when you want some extra time to relax without the pressure of up and leaving right away.

This article was first published Jan 24, 2019 and updated Apr 1, 2024.

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Nina Parker's guide to Japan

By Nina Parker

This January I escaped London to discover another culture on the other side of the world. I have always been intrigued by the lifestyle and food of Japan and was thrilled to finally get the chance to visit this truly inspiring part of Asia. Before I left, I binged on countless TV programmes and talked to as many people as possible to make sure that I didn’t waste a second.

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I was overwhelmed at the Japanese generosity and kindness and nothing will ever truly prepare you for the incredible cuisine. You could spend months in Tokyo discovering new areas and you would still be left wanting more. The late chef, Anthony Bourdain once said, ‘If I had to agree to live in one country, or even one city, for the rest of my life, never leaving it, I'd pick Tokyo in a second.' Bourdain knew a good thing when he saw it. I have only just scratched the surface with this guide but I hope it helps you out now and then, and gets you ready for the incredible, mind-blowing, life-experience, that is Japan.

Tokyo Station Hotel , Tokyo

1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Tokyo Station Hotel first opened its doors back in 1915 and it is well-known in the area for its iconic Western façade, and heritage. The building joins onto Tokyo Station which makes this a desired location. You can catch the highly efficient Metro within seconds and jump on a bullet train out of town in less than three minutes. This district is walking distance from the designer Ginza area and The Imperial Palace. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted by a crowd of friendly bowing staff that are ready to help you with any request. The interiors are elegant with soft lighting, white orchids and marble floors. There are 150 rooms with striking city views, European features and high-vaulted ceilings. They even offer a complimentary mobile phone that you can use for maps which is a real lifesaver. You’ll want to avoid Tokyo data roaming at all costs.

The hotel has an astounding seven restaurants under one roof which makes it a perfect stop for a business trip when time is of the essence. Head to The Atrium for breakfast and feast on sashimi, tempura and mini wagyu burgers. I seriously loved trying something completely different for the morning and it was all delicious. They do offer familiar Western dishes too such as poached eggs and French toast but, when in Tokyo, I can’t help but want to eat the sushi.

Kappabashi / Kitchen Town

Kappabashi or Kitchen Town, is a street in Tokyo between Ueno and Asakusa which is almost entirely populated with shops supplying the restaurant trade. You can see windows packed with plastic food samples and buy cheap ceramics to take home. This was my favourite part of town to take photos of the cityscape. The architecture had a retro style and some streets felt like you could have been in a Japanese movie from the Seventies. The buildings are pastel coloured and this area has a more peaceful atmosphere. Definitely worth visiting.

Subway and trains

You can get Ubers quite easily in Tokyo but I loved taking the subway. The Japanese metro system runs like clockwork and you could eat tofu off the floor it’s so clean. It’s very tourist friendly and the names are written often and clearly. The commuter trains are also impeccable and have large windows on either side of the carriage giving an almost panoramic view of the exotic countryside. Most people will take a train out to Kyoto or Osaka (around four hours from Tokyo) but my trip was fleeting so we headed to Izu which is a large mountainous peninsula on the west of Tokyo.

Ekibenya Matsuri (bento boxes)

Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−１, JR Tokyo Station, 構内 グランスタ内 (in 6 and 7 platform area)

Izu is a two-hour train ride out of Tokyo and for this you will need a lunch to go. The Japanese don’t do sandwiches but instead they have these incredible takeaway meals called bento boxes. These parcels are packed with an array of fare, including chicken tonkatsu, crab and egg, sushi and beef. Most of them come with rice and you can ask for it to be heated. These boxes are a bit of lucky dip but I think that’s part their charm. They are reasonable quality and the perfect takeaway lunch for the train. Also look out for the white chocolate matcha KitKats.

Abba Resorts , Izu

１７４１ Yawatano, Itō, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0232, Japan

Izu is a coastal region west of Tokyo and home to stunning retreat, Abba Resorts. The hotel is nestled into a cliff-side surrounded by green foliage and tropical red flowers. The bustle of Tokyo leaves you completely behind and you are transported to a slower pace of life here. The interiors give a nod to a more traditional Japanese style with wooden villas, ponds filled with coy carp and the staff wear kimonos. On arrival you are greeted with azuki sweets and a hot cup of matcha tea. Abba is famous for having an onsen (hot spring) and they have built many hot baths for their guests to enjoy. Some of the villas even have their own private onsen and plunge pool. Rooms feature bamboo room-dividers, Bulgari bath products, a Dyson hairdryer and woven flooring. Every room looks out onto nature and even monkeys have been known to swing by on occasion.

Abba offers fantastic breakfast options of either Asian or Continental meals. On the first day I tried the Japanese menu which consisted of warm silken tofu, sticky rice, marinated soya enoki and a fried egg. This was amazing. The Continental was more standard and filled with pastries, juices and eggs cooked any style. If you are staying for just one night then I would suggest the marinated mushrooms and rice combination. I would also urge you to partake in a sacred Japanese tradition; a tea ceremony. Abba offer this unforgettable experience and you get to dress up in a kimono. This is a huge part of Japanese culture and it is a pleasure to witness the theatre that goes into making the perfect bowl of matcha.

Mount Omuro and the Jogasaki Coast

If you fancy getting out and about, you can explore the local neighbourhood by bike, or go for a hike across the volcanic landscape of the Jogasaki Coast and Mount Omuro (sister to Mount Fuji).

The views are breathtaking and you can spend a day visiting all the nearby beauty spots. Izu is of course lovely during the blossom season and has an unmissable Cherry Blossom Festival.

Omurokeisyokudou

This is an amazing udon noodle restaurant right by the chair lift that takes you up Mount Omuro. Everything is served on delicate ceramics with wooden ladles and the restaurant is unassuming but beautiful. The menu has a small selection and I ordered the pork udon with a side of seaweed. You also get a few amuse-bouche with the meal in the form of deep fried tofu, cooked daikon, egg potato ball and crunchy seaweed. I loved this place.

Shizuoka Pref. Itoushi Futo 1317-10560557518069

Ennokama is a pottery school and ceramic shop on a road side about 10 minutes drive from the Mount Omuro chair lift. Seriously off the beaten track! We visited the little shop and stayed for ages to photograph the interiors after we had bought most of their bowls. The owner had plastered the walls herself and decorated in light pastel tones, green velvet sofas and mid-century sideboard cupboards. She even gives classes on how to set the perfect table using her bowls. Go with cash and lots of space in your suitcase.

Ramen Rokurinsha

Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda, Marunouchi, 1−9-1 (in Tokyo station)

Once we arrived back in Tokyo, it was time to find a great noodle spot. Ramen Rokurinsha was recommended to me by a few people and is located under Tokyo Station in the basement (BIF Yaesu, South Exit). There is a whole world on the lower ground floor filled with restaurants and shops, even a Ramen Street. The queue starts forming for Rokurinsha at 12 but it’s organised and moves fast. We were there on a Thursday and waited about 20 minutes. You have to order your ramen through a vending machine that only takes cash. I recommend the shredded pork with an egg. This type of ramen is called tsukemen where it arrives in two bowls; the hot broth and the cold noodles. You add the noodles to the broth in mouthfuls and are supposed to eat it quickly. You definitely need a bib and remember that it’s perfectly polite to slurp. This was so tasty.

Hotel Gajoen

Tokyo, 1 Chome-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0064, Japan

After bucketfuls of ramen, we headed to our next destination; Hotel Gajoen. This is located in the Meguro district which could maybe be described as the more hip and cool part area. Gajoen has 30 rooms and combines old and new styles. They have an ancient museum of Japanese dolls in the oldest part of the building and host an enormous number of weddings in their event rooms. Pre-war Japanese artwork can be seen around every corner and in particular, the blossom paintings in the Chinese restaurant are impressive. In contrast to all this history, the rooms are modern with an elegant finish and the bathroom has its own steam room with jacuzzi. Gajoen also offer matcha tea ceremonies and breakfasts with overwhelming views. The property runs along the canal and during cherry blossom season it is right next to one of the most famous walkways in Tokyo. Apparently when the trees are in bloom it is incredible.

Tonkatshu Masien (Tokyo Department Store)

Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−１

There are a few Tonkatsu Maisens in Tokyo and we went to the one on the seventh floor of Tokyo Department Store by the Shibuya crossing. There is often a queue but it moves fast with a simple slick formula. This is where you can order some signature tonkatsu of deep-fried pork with panko breadcrumbs. I ordered the lean pork and it comes with all you can eat shredded cabbage, sticky rice, miso soup, pickled cabbage, barbecue sauce, wasabi and soya sauce. It’s amazing value and feels like a locals hangout. Not something I could eat everyday, but when in Tokyo. The combination is so simple but with the cabbage, pickles and sauce, total heaven.

Eddie's Ice Cream , Tokyo

Eddie’s is in the middle of the Harajuku district down a back street and makes some over-the-top ice cream. It is mainly aimed at school girls but many tourists like to come and get their sweet fix. I enjoyed the experience but the ice-cream itself was average and expensive. It’s worth popping by to see when wandering around this area as it’s fun to get involved in the Harajuku madness.

6 Chome-2-４ Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Gyoza-Ro are making some of the best gyoza in the city - hands down. They have a simple menu and their pork dumplings are delicate with a mild chilli dipping sauce. If you are wandering round the Harajuku area then you have to stop by and grab some.

Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

If you are visiting the Harajuku area then the Yoyogi park is worth checking out. It’s a pretty wilderness among the hustle and bustle with some of the tallest trees I’ve ever seen. Many people walk to see the ancient sake barrels displayed outside the Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Roppongi Robataya

4 Chome-4-3 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Robataya is an incredible experience and certainly a more fancy way of enjoying yakitori (grilled foods on a skewer). It is expensive but if you have dined out on street food and shopping mall eateries then you’d have earned it. From the minute you walk in there is this wonderful show with the chefs throwing vegetables onto the grill and impressing with their impeccable knife skills. Guests pick from the amazing display of vegetables, wagyu beef and live seafood to go on the grill. The restaurant has a unique old-world charm.

New York Bar, Park Hyatt Hotel , Tokyo

3-7-1-2, Nishishinjuku, Tokyo 163-1055, Japan

I don’t think there is anything that can prepare you for the view here - a panoramic eyeful of Tokyo from the New York Bar on the 52nd floor is spectacular but be warned, it might give you vertigo. I went for a last cocktail after dinner to soak up the sights and lose myself in the live jazz. This is the bar that features in Lost In Translation and you can easily imagine Bill Murray sipping away on a whisky at the bar. They say that on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji in the distance and I bet the sunsets up here are other-worldly.

Follow Nina here @antoninaparker

Hotels organised through Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Japan Airlines do double daily flights between London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda.

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Japan Likes Tourists, Just Not This Many

The country has politely handled travelers for years, but as international visitors spill into previously untouristed spots, some residents are frustrated.

By Yan Zhuang

The writer spent several days elbowing through crowds in Kyoto and Fuji City, Japan.

On two recent occasions, a foreign tourist walked into Shoji Matsumoto’s barbershop, through a front door that grates loudly when opened more than halfway, wanting a haircut.

One was Italian, the other British. Mr. Matsumoto, who is 75 and speaks neither of their languages, didn’t know what to tell them. He picked up his scissors and began to cut, hoping that his decades of experience would carry him through the stilted encounters.

Tourists, propelled in part by a weak yen that makes their money go further in Japan, have been pouring into the country ever since it eased its coronavirus-related entry restrictions in 2022. Some officials, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, have raised concerns about overtourism. In March, there were more than three million international arrivals, a monthly record, and a more than 10 percent jump compared with March 2019.

Nearly two thirds of international visitors tend to be from South Korea, Taiwan and China. Last year, spending from foreign tourists made up about 9 percent of Japan’s gross domestic product.

Popular sites in cities like Kyoto, Japan’s ancient royal capital, feel increasingly unmanageable. Visitors are spilling into previously untouristed places, like small towns near Mount Fuji or the commercial district of Kyoto where Mr. Matsumoto cuts hair.

“Before, it was normal to see tourists in certain spots,” Mr. Matsumoto said from a low chair in his barbershop on a recent Saturday. “But now, they’re spreading out to random and unexpected places.”

That influx is testing the patience of a generally polite society.

In Kyoto and other heavily visited cities, some residents grumble about being priced out of hotel rooms or crowded out of buses and restaurants. Others say that tourists sometimes disrespect local customs by, say, chasing after geishas to photograph them or eating while walking, a behavior that is considered rude in Japan.

One day last month, it took Hiroshi Ban six hours — twice as long as usual — to visit Kyoto’s Heian Jingu shrine. Mr. Ban, 65, attributed the delay partly to tourists who hold up buses by counting out coins for the fare.

“Every day feels like a carnival here,” said Mr. Ban, an event organizer. “We can’t enjoy our daily lives in peace.”

Even those who directly benefit from tourism revenue worry that it might be unsustainable.

Hisashi Kobayashi, a taxi driver in Kyoto, said business was so good that taking a day off felt like passing up easy money. But many tourism-related industries were struggling to keep up with demand as they recovered from pandemic-era labor shortages, he said.

“When Japanese people come here, they feel they’re in a foreign land because there are so many tourists,” Mr. Kobayashi, 56, added as his taxi approached a bottleneck near a popular temple. “It’s not Kyoto anymore.”

Some rural locations are feeling the strain for the first time. One is Fuji City, about 200 miles by road east of Kyoto in Shizuoka Prefecture.

After a bridge with a direct view of Mount Fuji started to become popular on social media late last year, Shizuoka’s tourism department said on Instagram that it was a good spot for “beautiful, dreamlike pictures.” Left unsaid was that the bridge sat in a residential area with no visitor parking spaces, public toilets or garbage cans.

Many visitors littered, parked in driveways and in some cases dodged traffic to take photos from the bridge’s median strip, residents said in interviews.

Over a public holiday last month, about 300 tourists arrived daily for four days, standing in a line for photos that coiled down the street, said Mitsuo Kato, 86, who lives by the bridge.

“They just park here,” Mr. Kato said outside his home on a recent Sunday, as groups of tourists from South Korea diligently took photos of clouds that were obscuring Mount Fuji. “So we had to put up signs.”

Officials across Japan have been responding to the tourism surge with varying degrees of efficacy.

In Fuji City, the authorities erected a makeshift six-car parking lot and started to build a larger one that would fit 15 cars and include a bathroom, said Motohiro Sano, a local tourism official.

In a neighboring prefecture, Yamanashi, officials in the town of Fujikawaguchiko put up a billboard-size screen last month to deter tourists from photographing a Lawson convenience store whose blue awning sits beneath the mountain and became a staple of social media posts. The screen is now dotted with holes large enough to fit a phone camera lens, the local news media reported .

In Shibuya, a heavily visited area of Tokyo, officials announced plans to ban drinking alcohol outdoors at night in an attempt to curb bad behavior by young people and tourists.

And in Kyoto, where signs in train stations ask visitors to “mind your manners,” the government began running special buses for tourists this month.

At the city’s Nishiki market, where some residents have complained of finding grease stains on their clothing after squeezing through throngs of snacking tourists, Yoshino Yamaoka gestured to two signs hanging outside her barbecue eel restaurant.

Both said in English, “No eating while walking.” One had a larger font, and its text was underlined in red.

“People weren’t following it, so I put up this one with a stricter tone,” Ms. Yamaoka, 63, said of the bolder sign. But she wondered whether her new approach was too strict.

“Business depends on the tourists,” she said.

To beat the crowds on a recent weekend, some tourists visited popular Kyoto sites at sunrise or waited 40 minutes to eat at a popular ramen joint at 11 p.m. A few complained about the congestion they had helped to create.

“It’s a disaster,” said Paul Oostveen, 70, a tourist from the Netherlands, after leaving the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a popular attraction.

From his empty barbershop, Mr. Matsumoto said that he had successfully cut the hair of his two foreign clients and that he wouldn’t turn away others who stumbled through his door.

But he worried about providing good quality service to customers he couldn’t understand, he said, and would prefer that non-Japanese speakers go elsewhere.

Even though tourism is good for the nation, he added over the drone of a radio, “There’s a part of me that’s not fully content.”

Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news. More about Yan Zhuang

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15 Underrated Places to Travel This Summer, From Kosovo to Quebec

By Jamie Spain

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

From islands to national parks , here are 15 underrated summer travel ideas, perfect for avoiding the crowds while you explore someplace new.

Domestic destinations:

Finger Lakes, New York | Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota | Isle Royale National Park, Michigan | Catalina Island, California | San Juan Islands, Washington | Crystal River, Florida

International destinations:

Kosovo | Budapest, Hungary | Copenhagen, Denmark | Buenos Aires, Argentina | Sardinia, Italy | Mauritius | Kyoto, Japan | Bora Bora | Quebec, Canada

Domestic destinations

Finger Lakes, New York

A fan-favorite of New York City residents, the New York Finger Lakes are unquestionably idyllic. The perfect destination for a summer weekend , or a weeklong trip with the family, this region is home to some of the most beautiful waterfronts. Dotted with adorable small towns , the 11 long, slender lakes that make up this area are exactly what East Coast summer dreams are made of. Spend your trip navigating nearby state parks; hiking, biking, and exploring; and enjoying everything that lake life has to offer, from jet-skiing to swimming.

Where to stay: Check out the Gould Hotel , a modern boutique property in Seneca Falls; book a night at The Lake House on Canandaigua for an airy, design-forward stay; or head east to the Inns of Aurora .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Completely immerse yourself in nature at Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park. This gorgeous destination is ideal for getting in some of the best stargazing you could ever imagine. Just like dozens of other national parks , this one has an International Dark Sky Park certificate, designating it as a location that is particularly good for viewing the night sky and stars. Unlike the others, however, Voyageurs is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, meaning you'll be able to truly connect with nature and enjoy seclusion. It's ideal for boat rides and swimming, as it's primarily made up of waterfronts and islands—almost 40 percent of the park is water.

Where to stay: Nearby Cantilever Hotel is great for those interested in exploring the park, but not wanting to stay too far away from civilization. Those who are a little more daring will enjoy the Kettle Falls Hotel , a property that is only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you're really looking to be one with nature, you can rent a canoe and camp at a tent site.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

If you're looking for a summer vacation where you can explore an area relatively untouched by civilization, look no further than Isle Royale National Park . A favorite of my family, this park is uniquely difficult to get to (the main island is best reached by ferry), so the only other travelers you'll find here are extreme adventurers and in-the-know locals. It's best to visit during the summer months since Lake Superior is quite cold and foggy throughout the rest of the year. My family heads to this park in the summer months in hopes of spending a few days backpacking , canoeing, and hiking through the near-untouched environment—admiring the nature and wildlife along the way.

By Niccolo Serratt

By Caitlin Gunther

By Caitlin Morton

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Where to stay: While the actual park is best experienced through camping, those who aren't interested in totally roughing it can stay at the Rock Harbor Lodge , centrally located on the main island. Or, book this nearby rustic Airbnb cabin with panoramic views of Lake Superior for the days leading up to your national park visit.

Catalina Island, California

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Los Angeles , Santa Catalina Island is quite literally heaven on Earth. Hopeful travelers can either take the one-hour Catalina Express ferry over to the island (it departs daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point) or charter a private yacht to get them there in style. Whether you're looking to hike the Trans Catalina Trail or simply indulge in some tasty seafood while wandering through the quaint town of Avalon, Catalina Island is a great break from the hustle and bustle of LA. Head a bit farther inland to explore El Rancho Escondido , the acclaimed Arabian horse ranch that's also home to Rusack Vineyards.

Where to stay: For day-trippers or those who plan to extend their vacation to include a stay in Los Angeles, there are a variety of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection , The Malibu Beach Inn , and the luxe Chateau Marmont Estate on Airbnb. If you're hoping to stay on-island, the plush Bellanca Hotel is the way to go.

San Juan Islands, Washington

A 2019 Readers' Choice Award winner, named one of the best islands for beautiful scenery, this collection of more than 400 islands off the coast of Washington is ideal for a Pacific Northwest weekend getaway. The three most popular (and largest) islands to explore are Orcas , San Juan, and Lopez—all easily accessible by ferry. Travelers can enjoy a laidback vacation with comfortable temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere: hop on a bike and explore the area; spend time sailing, hiking, and fishing; or take a walk to admire all of the islands' natural beauty, from the mountains to the lakes.

Where to stay: Glampers, campers, and regular hotel-goers will all adore the Lakedale which has accommodations for every type of traveler.

Crystal River, Florida

Home to one of the best beaches in Florida , Crystal River is unlike most other cities you'll find in the Sunshine State for one major reason: It's one of the only places in the world where people can swim alongside manatees . If you've ever wanted to truly get up close to these gentle giants, this is the city to visit. Head to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge to see your fill of the endangered animal, and spend some time taking in the natural beauty of the nearby springs and parks.

Where to stay: The Plantation Resort on Crystal River is home to a variety of different activities including a 27-hole championship golf course and a family-friendly resort with 196 accommodations.

International destinations

There's a reason Kosovo is on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, and it has everything to do with the jaw-dropping scenery that can be found in every corner of this country. Outdoorsy folks who want to spend their time hiking and biking through untainted valleys, mountains, and countryside will appreciate the chance to explore the newest European country. Travelers who who are looking for a taste of the young nation's history can head to the national museum; afterward, explore the streets of Prizren taking in the architecture as well as the historic mosques and churches.

Where to stay: Book a night at the Hotel Gracanica in the quiet suburb of Prishtina, or pamper yourself at the luxe Ujevara e Drinit Resort near Peja. For something a little more traditional, enjoy tasty Kosovo dishes as well as classic comforts at the rural Ariu Guesthouse . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Kosovo for even more recommendations.)

Budapest, Hungary

Skip Western Europe and instead head to the beautiful capital of Hungary . Luxuriate in the mineral-rich thermal baths you'll find around the city , or spend your days exploring the historic Castle District, walking along the Danube, and meandering through the city streets. You can even take a faux hot air balloon trip to enjoy the best view in the city. If you plan your trip for August, it may coincide with the Sziget Festival , one of the largest music and cultural festivals in all of Europe.

Where to stay: Book a night at 2024 Gold List winner, The Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest , or spend a few nights at the adults-only Hotel Clark Budapest . (Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Budapest for more recommendations.)

Copenhagen, Denmark

There's no better time to visit Copenhagen than during the summer months when the weather is warm, the days are exceptionally long, and the waterfront views are breathtaking. Aside from being ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world , sustainably-minded travelers will appreciate how eco-focused the place is, and enjoy a trip to CopenHill, the multi-use waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe. It's also worth checking out the Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and the picturesque Nyhavn harbor .

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Copenhagen , including the grand and historic Hotel d'Angleterre , the Nimb Hotel which was originally built as a castle in 1909, and the modern Villa Copenhagen .

Buenos Aires, Argentina

From awe-inspiring museums to culture-packed tours to dance halls perfect for learning to tango , there's no shortage of amazing things to do and see in Buenos Aires . Whether you're spending the day simply walking the streets and taking in the sights; exploring the colorful La Boca; watching a soccer match; learning to tango; or going to the Colón Theatre to see the opera, this will be a trip to remember.

Where to stay: Some of our favorite hotels in Buenos Aires include the luxe Palacio Duhau ; the Jardín Escondido , once home to Francis Ford Coppola; and the Faena Hotel Buenos Aires located right by the water in Puerto Madero.

Sardinia, Italy

There's so much more to Sardinia than just a beautiful coastline and wonderful beaches. While the long, warm days are perfect to spend by the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who want a little more substance to their vacation can head inland to experience the island's charming towns, rustic cuisine, and ancient ruins.

Where to stay: Rest your head at the Cascioni Eco Retreat , set on a 90-acre nature reserve with gorgeous views of the surrounding land. The colorful Su Gologone Experience Hotel is another great option, as is the luxurious, high-end Hotel Cali de Volpe .

Another location on our list of the Best Places to Go in 2024, Mauritius is about 1,200 miles east of Madagascar . From its gorgeous coastlines with pristine beaches to the luxury accommodations and unparalleled nature, this island destination is nothing short of paradise. Head here during the Northern Hemisphere's summer months to avoid wet season. Your main activities on Mauritius will be water-based, from diving and snorkeling to sitting on the beach and admiring the coastline. If you need a break from relaxing, take a trip to the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve, the Botanic Gardens, or the capital city of Port Louis.

Where to stay: Check out our favorite hotels in Mauritius , including the four-time Readers' Choice Award winner and two-time Gold List winner, One&Only Le Saint Géran . You can also book a stay at the legendary resort, Lux Belle Mare , or the kite-surfers' paradise of Riu Palace Mauritius .

Kyoto, Japan

Instead of heading to the mega-popular Tokyo or the bright and lively Osaka, consider touching down in Kyoto , one of the best cities to experience traditional Japanese culture. Spend the day exploring the temples and shrines that are dotted throughout the city; take a walk through Gion, the “Geisha District;” or while away a few hours in the Kyoto National Museum. The best times to visit Japan are at the very end or beginning of summer when the season overlaps with spring and fall, and while it'll certainly be a bit warmer during the peaks of summer, it's no less beautiful.

Where to stay: From the Ace Hotel to the Shinmonzen , there is no shortage of great hotels in Central Kyoto. If you're interested in something a little different, tour guide Sara Aiko from Traveler 's Ask a Local series recommends taking a trip to Moksa , a gorgeous property in the north of Kyoto surrounded by temples and nature.

Nothing says romance like staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora. The winter in French Polynesia corresponds with the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning June, July, and August experience less humid and more comfortable temperatures. This time period also falls during Tahiti 's dry season, so you don't have to worry about being rained out. You could easily spend your days simply lounging in your bungalow and slipping into the crystal waters whenever you feel, but Bora Bora is also ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking a boat or a 4x4 island tour.

Where to stay: Bora Bora is particularly known for its luxury overwater bungalows. Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a more private option with exceptional snorkeling and coral, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is perfect for honeymooners and families alike, and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is home to over 100 bungalows, fine dining, and an exceptional spa.

Quebec, Canada

When you think of summer travel, your first thought is probably an island getaway or a far-flung destination that you've only read about in books. But, don't overlook all of the beauty that our northern neighbor has to offer. Quebec City is home to all the same type of charm you'll find in Europe but without the exceptionally long flight to get there. Spend some time in Old Quebec City —home to some of the oldest streets in North America—taking in the history and culture that make this city worthy of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Or, head to Montreal , where you can enjoy a variety of museums, the open-air market, and great culinary options. Don't forget to explore the nature and French architecture found in the greater province.

Where to stay: For a wonderful stay in Quebec City, Hotel 71 is a six-time Readers' Choice Award winner while Auberge Saint Antoine Quebec City and Le Germain Hotel Quebec are both five-time winners. For a wellness-focused retreat , head to Monastère des Augustines . In Montreal , check out the Auberge du Vieux-Port on the St. Lawrence River, or Hotel William Gray in Old Montreal.

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These Are the Top Sushi Spots in the U.S., According to Yelp

Which roll do you love most?

Ken Redding/Getty Images

Be it a California roll, a rainbow roll, or a spicy tuna, Americans love their sushi. A lot. According to a 2023 study by Sakuraco , the U.S. is the second-most sushi-obsessed country on Earth, following just behind Canada. If you are one of the millions searching for the best sushi spots in the nation each month, we've got some good news: Yelp has released its Top 100 Sushi Spots in America. 

The site released its list, identifying the top businesses in the nation in the sushi category. It ranked its list using several factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews by its users, parsing through millions of comments in the process. 

"There's no denying that Americans love sushi. The Japanese dish — made with perfectly seasoned and vinegared rice and fresh raw (or cooked) seafood, and sometimes vegetables or meat — is one of the top-growing U.S. dining categories, according to Yelp's 2023 State of the Restaurant Industry Report," Yelp shared in a blog post. "Yelp reviewers have identified the best places to find expertly made sushi all across the country, from a food truck in Hawaii to an intimate sushi bar in New York City." 

After looking at the data, it named Kauai Sushi Station , a food truck on the island of Kauai, Hawaii , as the number one best spot — a slot it has held for two years in a show.  

"We make sushi with aloha from the heart," sushi chef and owner James Jithitikunchai shared with Yelp. 

Joining Kauai Sushi Station at the top of the list is Imari Sashimi and Sushi from Upland, California, in second place. The takeout-only spot took the runner-up spot thanks to its more than 250 5-star reviews. It's followed by another California sushi destination, Hamachi Sushi Express in La Habra, in third. That's followed by Taneda Sushi in Kaiseki in Seattle and Omakase by Korami , a prix-fixe 15-course tasting menu restaurant in New York City, rounding out the top five. 

As for what Yelp believes makes these spots stand out, it credits their "specially sourced delicacies," with many of the top spots sourcing directly from Japan, along with their "wide variety of preparations," offering diners nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls, hand rolls, and poke bowls to choose from for their meal. 

And finally, Yelp noted many also offer a "chef's-choice experience," known as an omakase. 

"When you order omakase, the chef will present a selection of the freshest, best-tasting items chosen for that evening," Yelp explained. "Reviewers especially praise restaurants where the chefs explain each taste, tell stories, offer sake pairings, and provide a fun experience." 

See all of the top 100 Sushi Spots in America at yelp.com and make a reservation closest to you ASAP. 

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