food spots curated by rwu
mostly japan, regularly updated. 31 entries.
Elem
Tokyo: Godaime Hanayama Udon
award-winning flat udon. lines form early, noodles can sell out, get a number first thing in the day.
Osaka: Patisserie Grenier
puff pastry and french-style baked goods. solid dessert stop, two osaka locations.
Kyoto: Hikiniku to Come
best meal of the trip. charcoal-grilled hamburger steaks cooked in stages. reservations open 7 days ahead at 9am, book or expect a long line.
Osaka: Unagi Kushiyaki Izumo
unagi and egg bowl in umeda. portions are big, order half rice.
Osaka: Odoridako Dotonbori
takoyaki with a whole octopus inside. tasty but plenty of other stalls nearby worth trying too.
Tokyo: Age 3 Ginza
deep-fried stuffed sandwiches. the creme brulée filling is the standout. expect a line.
Tokyo: HATCOFFEE
custom 3D latte art. they made pong come to life in foam. fun novelty stop.
Kyoto: Pontocho
narrow riverside alley with restaurants and nightlife. best after dark.
Tokyo: Pizza Marumo
japanese-inspired pizza with fermented dough. the umami one tasted distinctly 'japan'. reservations open way in advance.
Tokyo: Roast Beef Ohno
wagyu roast beef volcano bowl. went back just for the broth.
Tokyo: I'm Donut
11/10. long lines but absolutely worth the hype. multiple locations, sells out early.
Kyoto: Tendon Makino
tempura rice bowls. long lines, only the hostess speaks english, but the food's good.
Tokyo: AMAM DACOTAN
popular bakery in kita-aoyama. long line, visually striking breads and pastries.
Tokyo: Tsukiji Yamacho
tamagoyaki on a stick at tsukiji. popular morning stop, expect a line. simple and satisfying.
Kyoto: Nakatonidou
famous mochi shop in nara (day trip from kyoto). live mochi pounding is the show, time it right.
Osaka: Daiki-suisan Kaitenzushi Dotonbori
conveyor belt sushi in dotonbori. casual, reliable, good value. easy walk-in while exploring.
Kyoto: Gion Komori
traditional sweets shop, famous for warabi mochi. big midday lines, quieter near closing.
Kyoto: MOTOI Gyoza
gyoza by a michelin-starred french chef. papa gyoza and celery gyoza were the highlights.
Tokyo: Mukai
best sashimi of the trip. cash only. arrive before opening or just after lunch rush.
Tokyo: Cois Espresso Club
creme brulée cheesecake and creme brulée espresso. VERY sweet, expect a line.
Tokyo: Kitsuneya
very popular beef rice bowl stand at tsukiji market. arrive early.
Kyoto: Gion Duck Noodles
duck ramen specialty shop with an emoji-only menu. line is real, worth it.
Kyoto: Hoho Hojicha Uji Main Store
hojicha-focused brand in uji. distinct roasted tea flavor, different from all the matcha-heavy spots nearby.
Tokyo: Menya Sho Honten
local-approved ramen near our shinjuku stay. solid non-touristy choice.
Kyoto: Masuda Chaho
specialty tea shop in uji. the uji matcha soft serve is the move. pairs well with other uji tea stops.
Tokyo: Azuki to Kouri
shaved ice specialty shop in yoyogi. reservations open 7 days ahead at 9pm JST. order three portions, not two.
Osaka: Rikuro’s
the famous fluffy cheesecake. not very sweet, popular souvenir-style dessert.
Kyoto: Tsuen Main Branch
oldest teahouse in japan. matcha latte is the call. restaurant side may be closed.
Japan: Gyukatsu Motomura
deep-fried beef cutlet you grill yourself on a hot stone. melts in your mouth without being heavy. multiple locations.
Kyoto: Maccha House
famous for matcha tiramisu. reliable, high-quality matcha sweets across multiple cities.