Ok. I've got a trip to Japan on the books so let's get this show on the road. I'm looking for a few great restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I know of a few sushi places so bonus points for non-sushi reccs. Lunch spots are needed, as well, especially in Osaka since that is a day trip to Sakai. Several of you have traveled there recently so I'm interested in hearing your thoughts. Gracias!!!! Or however you say that over there…

Domo arigato Mr. Roboto?

The only thing I learned eating in Japan was you don't eat the entire edamame pod. (20 years ago before I had seen them in the States.)

It is hard to go wrong! We went to Tokyo and Kyoto in summer 2025 and I can't wait to go back. I'm having a hard time remembering specific restaurant names, but I'll post as I come up with stuff. Everything we ate was amazing. Don't be afraid to eat street food at the big markets. It is awesome. Tempura Endo in Kyoto is excellent. It is a cool, historic restaurant in the Gion district and the food was incredible.

Obvious answers, CoCo and 7Eleven

Paging BiB! Paging BiB!

In Tokyo, you have to do Tempura Kondo. We also did Yotsuya Minemura. In Kyoto, I really enjoyed Nijojo Furuta. It's run by a husband and wife, and on the night we visited we were the only table. We spent several hours having conversations via Google Translate and drinking sake.

From Ginza, it's a short walk to Tsukiji Outer Market. They have all sorts of street food and matcha shops. I way overdid it on A5 skewers and uni.

I'll also second 7-11. I was skeptical until I tried it, but their egg salad lives up to the hype.

One thing to be aware of is that most restaurants don't take direct reservations from foreigners. You'll need to go through a reservation broker like Omakase or My Concierge Japan.

fuunji for tsukemen ramen

https://flavorfuljourneys.wordpress.com/2016/10/08/eating-tsukemen-dipping-ramen-fuunji-tokyo/

Make sure you try the whale meat!!!

Kyoto Engine Ramen!!!

JLN90 said:

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Make sure you try the whale meat!!!

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Yakitori alley in Tokyo and street food in Osaka

Wow! Whip me up some of that boiled tofu in hot water! I'm surprised at the price of the chicken wing (two please!) at a little over a buck.