Japan.
562 hand-picked restaurants, cafes, bars, and attractions across 6 cities. From Michelin-starred omakase in Tokyo to ramen stalls in Kyushu.
6 cities · 562 places · Curated by TJ KawamuraClick any pin to explore - or pick a city below
Tokyo
東京The world's greatest food city. From standing sushi bars in Tsukiji to Michelin-starred temples in Ginza, with izakayas, ramen shops, and cocktail dens in between.
Osaka
大阪Japan's kitchen. Kuidaore - eat until you drop - is the motto, with takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and some of the country's most generous portions.
Kyoto
京都Ancient capital of refined kaiseki, matcha culture, and quiet neighborhood cafes. The spiritual heart of Japanese cuisine tucked between temples and bamboo groves.
Nagoya
名古屋Underrated and fiercely local. Nagoya meshi means miso katsu, hitsumabushi eel, tebasaki wings, and kissaten morning sets.
Kanazawa
金沢The Little Kyoto on the Sea of Japan coast, prized for pristine sushi, Omicho Market seafood, Kaga cuisine, and one of Japan's best-preserved samurai districts.
Kyushu
九州Southern Japan's food frontier - birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, home to Kagoshima black pork, Hakata street stalls, and volcanic hot spring towns.
The Tokyo Guide
A city where there's always something new no matter how many times you revisit the same block. Where to eat, drink, see, and stay across Tokyo's neighborhoods.
Read the guide →Tokyo deep dives
A rotating shortlist of the Tokyo restaurants I'm most excited about right now, across categories and neighborhoods.
The Tokyo ramen shops I keep going back to, from artisanal counters to dipping ramen and beyond.
From world-renowned omakase counters to affordable standing sushi bars and Toyosu Market favorites.
Tokyo tonkatsu worth seeking out, from carefully sourced pork and crisp panko to the set meals and specialist counters that define the dish.
Handmade buckwheat noodles in Tokyo, from neighborhood counters to refined kaiseki-style spots.
Where to eat unagi in Tokyo, from historic specialists to charcoal-grilled eel served over rice in the classic unaju style.
A personal shortlist of Tokyo izakaya for shared plates, seasonal cooking, good drinks, and the energy of a great neighborhood night out.
Italian, French, Chinese, and other non-Japanese standouts in Tokyo.
Field tools
Jihanki Atlas
A curated map of Japan's strangest vending machines. Pokémon stands, fresh-pressed orange juice, edible insects, ¥500 cans of Tokyo air.
Open Jihanki Atlas →Writing about Japan
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