Sizzling, succulent, world-famous Wagyu beef is well worth the hype. Usually ordered by weight, there’s absolutely no shame in going small - just a few mouthfuls are all you need to experience what may be the most incredible steak you’ve ever had. The restaurants of Kobe and Hida offer some of the very best in the country. 

When in Hiroshima, make your way to Okonomi-mura, a multi-storey building home to around 30 vendors all serving the same star dish: okonomiyaki, Japan’s savoury pancake. Grab a seat around one of the giant communal hot plates - it’s a great way to meet locals - and watch your chef create a flavour explosion of shredded cabbage, yakisoba noodles, your choice of protein and batter, grilled just the way you like it. Fittingly, okonomiyaki literally means "grilled as you like it".

Octopus dumplings, or takoyaki, are the thing in Osaka - and trust me, they’re delicious. Served piping hot in boat-shaped bamboo trays, drenched in a rich, sticky sauce and eaten with a toothpick, they’re the perfect street food. Grab some as you wander the neon-lit streets of the city’s legendary Dotonbori entertainment district.

Even though the inner wholesale fish market has moved, Tsukiji Outer Market is still an absolute must for any foodie. Narrow alleys are packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, pickles, and Japanese snacks, the air buzzing with the sound of shoppers and chefs at work.

Amid the chaos, you can grab some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo - tuna that melts on your tongue and sea urchin bursting with flavour. Arrive early for the best experience and enjoy the deep dive into Japan’s legendary seafood culture and street food heaven.

Kanazawa is Japan’s city of gold, producing almost 100% of the country’s gold leaf for over 500 years. It also happens to consume more ice cream than anywhere else in Japan. While the streets sadly aren’t paved with gold, no visit is complete without trying an ice cream gilded in real (and 100% edible) gold leaf from one of the city’s many parlours. And if ice cream isn’t your thing (really?!), even the tea here comes sprinkled with delicate flecks of gold.

Tokyo is the city with the most Michelin stars in the world - and the best part? World-class dining isn’t just reserved for fancy restaurants. Ramen shops, tempura counters, and sushi bars have all earned Michelin recognition, proving that incredible food can be deliciously approachable.

Why so many Michelin-starred eateries? The city’s obsession with fresh, seasonal ingredients, a love of precision, and a cultural dedication to perfection keep chefs - and diners -on their toes. Make sure you plan ahead to take full advantage! Amazing food is everywhere in Tokyo, but snagging a table at the hottest spots often means booking months in advance.

For a truly traditional and immersive experience, stay at a ryokan and enjoy kaiseki style dining. While ryokans can be found throughout Japan, there is no better place to experience this time-honoured tradition than Kyoto, the country’s cultural heart. 

This exquisite multi-course meal highlights seasonal ingredients, from pristine sashimi to umami-rich broths, every course embodies Japan’s philosophy of harmony and balance. Dining at a ryokan isn’t just about eating, it’s a ceremonial experience that offers an insight into Japanese culture and traditions.

For something truly unique, head to Tokyo’s DAWN Avatar Robot Café. This inspiring social enterprise is staffed by robots remotely operated by people who struggle to leave their homes. Enjoy dinner and a friendly chat (reservations are essential), or simply stop by for a coffee; served, of course, by an expert robot barista.

A crispy breaded cutlet, usually chicken or pork, served with fluffy rice and a rich, mildly spiced, slightly sweet curry sauce, katsu curry is Japanese comfort food at its finest.

Beloved as a hearty, nostalgic meal, katsu curry embodies home-style cooking. It’s the dish people crave when they’re feeling run-down or under the weather; Japan’s answer to chicken soup. Filling, affordable, and found everywhere from specialist curry houses to humble train-station eateries, katsu curry is the ultimate pick-me-up after a long day on your feet.

Japan takes its train journeys seriously, and that includes the food. A must-try while traveling, Ekiben is the beloved train station bento boxes found across the country. Each one is a little masterpiece, showcasing local ingredients and regional specialties, from fresh Hokkaido seafood to Kyoto pickles and grilled meats. Perfect for long rides or a quick snack on the go, the self-heating ones - where pulling a string magically warms your meal - are an absolute revelation!