Ranking
An editorial ranking of restaurants, cafés and bars: grades from A+ to F, price range, and the Tabelog score where one exists.
Places ranked: 2,446
Kanagawa · Fine Dining
A characterful Korean restaurant in Kawasaki, famed for its huge Maesawa beef harami steaks. The owner-hostess grills the premium, never-frozen meat at your table, creating a memorable performance.
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Hokkaido · Pâtisserie
A celebrated patisserie in Hakodate, famous for its signature '30-minute' crepes. Served warm with a uniquely soft and chewy texture, they are packed with seasonal fruit and best eaten immediately—a popular takeout treat for visitors exploring the…
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Tokyo · Casual Dining
A specialist in soupless tantanmen ramen near Kanda Station. Houkiboshi is known for its chewy house-made noodles and a signature crunch from peanuts and fried crisps, with a full set of condiments to customize your bowl.
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Aichi Prefecture · Dessert Shop
An Edo-era wagashi house in Nagoya's Sakae district, famous for its signature chilled warabi-mochi and traditional kakigori shaved ice served year-round. The calm, historic interior makes it a popular stop for a classic Japanese dessert.
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Hiroshima · Dessert Shop
One of Miyajima's oldest momiji manju shops, credited with inventing the chunky red-bean (tsubu-an) version. Visit for a warm, freshly baked cake straight from the griddle, which you can enjoy with complimentary tea.
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Hokkaido · Ice Cream Parlor
An acclaimed soft-serve shop in Sapporo's Miyanomori district, famous for its uniquely dense yet airy milk ice cream. A popular stop for its pure flavour and remarkable texture, with a rotating monthly special.
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Fukuoka · Izakaya
Experience authentic Hakata-style mizutaki (chicken hotpot) at this specialist in the Tenyamachi area of Fukuoka. Staff prepare the multi-stage meal at your table, allowing you to savour the broth as it develops in flavour.
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Fukuoka · Casual Dining
A tiny, six-seat counter in Fukuoka's Takasago district serving a focused menu of intense, runny spice curries. It's famous for its addictive heat, tender chicken, and the long queues of fans who say it's worth the wait.
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Hyōgo · Fine Dining
In a remote thatched-roof farmhouse in Tamba-Sasayama, Iwaya serves a memorable botan nabe (wild boar hotpot) cooked over a traditional irori charcoal hearth. A unique regional dining experience worth the journey.
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Nagano · Dessert Shop
A 200-year-old confectionery in the town of Obuse, specializing in traditional Japanese sweets made with local chestnuts. It's a landmark destination for its pure, intense chestnut flavour, particularly in items like dorayaki and yokan.
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Kanagawa · Pâtisserie
A small bakery in Yokohama's Rokkakubashi district, famous for its uniquely dense and chewy bagels. With a wide range of daily flavours and excellent value, it's a local favourite for breakfast and brunch, often selling out by midday.
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Nagano · Casual Dining
A popular ramen shop in Matsumoto's Minamimatsumoto district, celebrated for its tsukemen. Visitors come for the exceptionally chewy, house-made thick noodles and the intense, viscous pork and fish dipping broth.
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Fukuoka · Casual Dining
An intimate 12-seat robata grill in Fukuoka's Watanabedori area. Diners watch as chefs grill high-quality ingredients to order over charcoal, making it a great spot for a lively, interactive meal.
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Fukuoka · Casual Dining
A lively barbecue spot in Fukuoka's Watanabedori district where staff grill premium and rare cuts of meat over charcoal right in front of you. It's a theatrical, full-service experience focused on perfectly cooked meat rather than self-grilling.
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