Hokkaido Tokyo Osaka Kyoto Hiroshima Fukuoka Okinawa Japan

Famous Japanese Food to Try Across 9 Areas of Japan

Team Klook

Last updated 6 Feb 2026

Get ready to taste famous Japanese food!

Itadakimasu! Enjoy all the famous food in Japan!

The several prefectures of Japan provide a buffet of flavors, each reflecting the region's own culinary traditions and local ingredients. Every prefecture offers the opportunity to go on a culinary trip that includes your favorite Japanese foods. 🍣

Whether you're touring Tokyo's lively streets or Kyoto's calm temples, make sure to try the local delicacies and revel in the gastronomic delights that make Japan a foodie's paradise. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of famous Japanese foods so you may try the greatest flavors from each location! 🌸

1. Hokkaido: Fugu

Begin your culinary adventure of the famous foods in Japan in the Hokkaido prefecture! While a sushi platter sounds amazing, how about trying something new like puffer fish? 🐡 Locally referred to as fugu, this exotic fish is carved to show its delicate translucence that’s dipped in ponzu to enhance the natural umami.

Of course, don't pass on the velvety soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido's finest milk and the iconic Sapporo beer. 🍺

2. Tokyo: Fresh sushi and wagyu

Next stop: Tokyo, where food adventures never slow down. Between sightseeing, snack your way through classic street foods like takoyaki and charred yakitori, especially in lively neighborhoods like Shinjuku, where the energy stays high well into the night 🍢

And if you want to see a different side of Tokyo, join this Shinjuku food tour and walk through hidden alleys and local eateries and sample famous Japanese dishes like gyoza, fresh sushi, and crispy kushikatsu.

To round things out, head to the backstreets of Ginza for a more refined meal and try an expertly crafted sushi made with fresh fish or melt-in-your-mouth wagyu.

3. Osaka: Takoyaki and okonomiyaki

Often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan,” you’re guaranteed to find many famous Japanese foods in Osaka! The city is known for its street food culture, particularly the takoyaki. 🦑 These piping-hot octopus-filled balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a burst of flavors with each bite.

Another favorite food in Japan is the okonomiyaki, a savory pancake packed with cabbage, pork, and a variety of toppings.

To eat like a local, join this Osaka food tour in Shinsekai, where you’ll hop between hidden eateries and sample 13 different dishes in one go, including takoyaki, yakitori, and taiyaki as a dessert.

4. Kyoto: Kaiseki and yudofu

Taste the delicate flavors of kaiseki, a multi-course meal that showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, as you look for famous foods in Japan. Don’t forget to try yudofu, a comforting hot pot dish featuring silken tofu in a flavorsome broth.

And as you wander through Kyoto’s historic streets, keep an eye out for matcha-flavored sweets, such as matcha ice cream or traditional wagashi (Japanese confectionery). 🍵

Klook Tip: Try a classic kaiseki at Minokichi in Kyoto, a 300-year-old restaurant that serves various seasonal Kyoto-style kaiseki.

5. Hiroshima: Okonomiyaki and oysters

Hiroshima offers a unique twist on classic favorite foods in Japan. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki takes center stage here, a savory pancake layered with cabbage, pork, and noodles, and topped with a rich and tangy sauce that results in a delicious combination of textures and flavors. 🥘

Another culinary highlight you can’t miss in Hiroshima are the plump and juicy oysters that are best enjoyed grilled or served fresh, as well as the local sake that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture. 🦪

Klook Tip: For an easy way to try it all, join a Hiroshima night food tour and hop between hidden local spots that come alive after dark.

6. Nagoya: Hitsumabushi and Nagoya tebasaki

Nagoya’s claim to fame lies in its delectable hitsumabushi, a mouthwatering grilled eel dish served atop a bed of rice. The eel is expertly grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorsome morsels. It's no wonder why hitsumabushi is a favorite food in Japan!

You’ll never run out of fried foods here either, as the region specializes in miso katsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet crowned with a luscious red miso sauce, and the Nagoya tebasaki, which are succulent chicken wings seasoned with a tangy and spicy glaze. 🍱

Klook Tip: To taste these local favorites and more, join this Nagoya street food tour, where you’ll roam around Osu Shopping Street and try Japanese snacks like mochi and onigiri.

7. Fukuoka: Ramen

No culinary adventure through Japan would be complete without visiting Fukuoka! It’s the undisputed ramen capital of the country and home to one of the most famous foods in Japan. 🍜

Hakata ramen, a local favorite, has thin, straight noodles soaked in a rich, pork-based tonkotsu broth. Each bowl is topped with tender slices of chashu and garnished with green onions, seaweed, and pickled ginger. The symphony of flavors will surely captivate your senses. 😋

8. Hyogo: Kobe beef and sobameshi

Hyogo is famous worldwide for one thing: Kobe beef, one of Japan’s most luxurious foods. This premium wagyu is known for its rich marbling, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and incredible flavor when grilled simply.

Another local favorite is sobameshi, a hearty stir-fry of yakisoba noodles and rice that started as comfort food in Kobe. Together, they show two sides of Japanese cuisine: refined indulgence and everyday local charm.

Klook Tip: For a memorable food experience, treat yourself to a Kobe beef teppanyaki meal, where skilled chefs cook each cut right in front of you for maximum flavor and flair.

9. Okinawa: Goya champuru and sata andagi

The final stop on this list will take you to Okinawa’s distinct cuisine that’s influenced by its subtropical climate and unique cultural heritage. One must-try favorite food in Japan is goya champuru, a delicious stir-fry dish that includes bitter melon, tofu, and pork.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in sata andagi, Okinawa's beloved deep-fried doughnuts! And don't forget to make room for awamori, a traditional Okinawan distilled spirit. 🍶

FAQs about famous Japanese foods

What are the top 10 Japanese foods?

The top Japanese foods include sushi, ramen, tempura, udon, soba, yakitori, tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and Japanese curry. These dishes cover everything—noodles, rice bowls, fried favorites, and street food snacks. You’ll see them everywhere, in casual shops, train stations, and local restaurants.

Which food is most popular in Japan?

Ramen is one of the most popular foods in Japan today. It’s affordable, fast, and comes in many regional styles, so people never get bored. Sushi is also extremely popular, especially for special meals and celebrations.

What is Japan’s most famous dish?

Sushi is Japan’s most famous dish around the world. It’s known for its clean flavors, fresh seafood, and beautiful presentation. Many people associate sushi directly with Japanese cuisine.

What is Japanese traditional food?

Japanese traditional food is called washoku, which focuses on balance, seasonality, and simple flavors. Meals usually include rice, soup, fish or vegetables, and small side dishes. Ingredients are lightly seasoned to highlight natural taste. This style of eating values harmony and respect for nature.

Good food, good mood! 😋

Street snacks, regional specialties, and iconic dishes make famous Japanese foods a highlight of every trip. Each area offers its own flavors and food traditions that add something special to the journey. Travel with an appetite, follow the local favorites, and let every meal shape the experience, because in Japan, great food is always part of the adventure. 🍽️✨