Food & Drink
How eating in Japan works before you worry about what to order: how to enter, how to pay, and what to do with a dietary requirement.
Ramen Types Explained: A Guide for First-Timers
Shoyu, miso, shio, tonkotsu — Japanese ramen comes in many styles. Here's what each one is and how to order your perfect bowl.
Sushi Guide for Beginners
From conveyor-belt spots to high-end counters, here's how to enjoy sushi in Japan — the types, the etiquette, and how to order.
Must-Try Japanese Dishes for First-Timers
Beyond sushi and ramen — here are the essential Japanese dishes every first-time visitor should try, from tempura to okonomiyaki.
Japanese Convenience Store Food Guide
Japan's konbini are a budget traveler's secret weapon — cheap, delicious, 24/7 food. Here's what to buy and why konbini are so good.
Japanese Drinks Guide: Sake, Beer, Whisky and More
From sake to world-class whisky to vending-machine teas, here's a guide to drinking in Japan for first-time visitors.
What to Eat in Osaka: The Nation's Kitchen
Osaka is Japan's street-food capital. Here are the must-eat dishes — takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu — and where to find them.
Where to Eat in Tokyo: Best Areas and Food Experiences
Tokyo is one of the world's greatest food cities. Here's where to eat — the best districts, market, and food experiences for visitors.
Where to Eat in Kyoto: Best Areas and Local Specialties
Kyoto's refined cuisine ranges from kaiseki to street snacks. Here's where to eat, from Nishiki Market to Pontocho Alley, and the local specialties to try.
Izakaya Guide: How to Enjoy a Japanese Pub
The izakaya is Japan's beloved pub — small plates, drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Here's how they work and how to enjoy one as a visitor.
Food Tours in Japan: Are They Worth It?
Food tours can be a great way for first-timers to eat well and learn. Here's what to expect and when a guided food experience is worth booking.
Japanese Food Guide for First-Timers
Japan is a food lover's paradise. Here's an overview of what to eat, how dining works, and how to navigate Japanese food as a first-time visitor.
How to Order and Eat in Japan
Ticket machines, plastic food models, and no tipping — here's how ordering and eating actually works in Japanese restaurants, step by step.
Vegetarian and Dietary Needs in Japan
Vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies? Japanese food has hidden fish stock and ingredients. Here's how to navigate dietary needs as a traveler.