7 Japanese Foods You Need to Try
- Mitsu Itakura
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Japan’s food culture goes far beyond sushi and ramen. From homestyle comfort meals to bold regional delicacies, each dish reflects the country’s traditions and local flavors. Here are 7 must try Japanese foods, with detailed descriptions, price ranges, and where to find them.
Table of Contents
1. Tamago Kake Gohan (卵かけご飯)
At first glance, it may look too simple: hot steamed rice topped with a raw egg and seasoned with soy sauce. But when you stir it together, the egg coats each grain, creating a creamy, rich texture that feels like the ultimate comfort food. For many Japanese, this is a nostalgic breakfast that reminds them of childhood.
Price: ¥200 ~ 400 ($1.36–$2.72) Fun fact: Some restaurants even offer a “Tamago Bar,” where you can choose different types of eggs and soy sauces to customize your bowl.Tamago Kake Gohan 101: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kVAVbaiXHW0
2. Oden (おでん)
A winter favorite, oden is a slow simmered hot pot where ingredients like daikon radish, fish cakes, konjac, and boiled eggs soak in a soy-based broth for hours. Each item absorbs the flavors differently the daikon turns sweet and juicy, while the fish cakes become rich and savory. It’s one of those dishes that warms both your body and heart.
Price: ¥500 ~ 1,200 ($3.40–$8.16)Travel tip: Try dipping your oden in Japanese mustard (karashi) for a spicy kick.Japanese Oden: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HiUPIKa0aow
3. Tonkatsu (とんかつ)
Tonkatsu is a deep-fried pork cutlet coated with panko breadcrumbs. It’s crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and usually served with shredded cabbage, rice, and miso soup. The sweet-and-tangy tonkatsu sauce ties everything together perfectly. Some regions, like Nagoya, serve their tonkatsu with miso sauce (miso katsu).
Price: ¥1,000 ~ 1,800 ($6.80–$12.24)Fun fact: Tonkatsu was inspired by European cutlets but adapted to Japanese tastes in the late 19th century.https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EbSyY1891aAHow to cook Tonkatsu 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtgqMOi2Ze4
4. Basashi (馬刺し Raw Horse Meat)
Basashi is one of Japan’s most unique delicacies: thin slices of raw horse meat served like sashimi. Don’t let the idea scare you the taste is surprisingly mild, clean, and tender. It’s often paired with garlic, ginger, or onions to bring out the natural sweetness of the meat. In Kumamoto, it’s a proud local specialty, often enjoyed with sake.
Price: ¥1,500 ~ 3,000 ($10.20–$20.41)Travel tip: For first-timers, try a “basashi Mori”（Basashi platter) that includes different cuts lean, marbled, and even liver.
5. Konbini Food (コンビニ飯)
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are a cultural experience in themselves. From freshly made rice balls (onigiri) and fried chicken (karaage-kun) to sandwiches, desserts, and seasonal limited-edition items, konbini food is tasty, cheap, and endlessly convenient. It’s perfect for travelers on the go.
Price: ¥150 ~ 800 ($1.02–$5.44)Fun fact: Some konbini even offer regional specialties try Hokkaido exclusive ice creams or Okinawa-style snacks.Japanese convenience store Matcha hack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcDr_0hPlI0Famous Japanese convenience store Chicken: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KnOp1OPuc9k
(My favorite is Family Mart)
6. Shabu Shabu (しゃぶしゃぶ)
Named after the sound “shabu-shabu” made when swishing thinly sliced meat in hot broth, this hot pot is a fun, interactive dining experience. You cook slices of beef or pork at the table, dip them in sauces like sesame (goma-dare) or ponzu (citrus soy), and enjoy them fresh. Vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms round out the meal, making it both filling and healthy.
Price: ¥2,000 ~ 4,000 ($13.61–$27.21)
Travel tip: Many restaurants offer all-you-can-eat deals with
unlimited meat and drinks — perfect for groups.What is Shabu Shabu? : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAilcRTrwpk
7. Kaisen don (海鮮丼 Seafood Rice Bowl)
Imagine a bowl of rice topped with the freshest sashimi tuna, salmon, sea urchin, shrimp, and more. Kaisen don is a seafood lover’s dream, offering variety and quality in one dish. Unlike sushi, it’s often piled high and served in a hearty portion, making it a more casual but equally delicious way to enjoy raw fish.
Price: ¥1,200 ~ 2,500 ($8.16–$17.01)Best regions: Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, Hokkaido (Sapporo & Hakodate), Kanazawa fish marketTravel tip: Visit early in the morning at local fish markets for the freshest kaisen don experience.
A viral Kaisendon in Japan: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C-ZG5KXOScA
Final Thought
Japan’s culinary culture is a beautiful mix of simplicity, tradition, and innovation. From the homestyle comfort of tamago kake gohan to the adventurous flavors of basashi, each dish tells a story of the region it comes from and the people who enjoy it. Whether you’re savoring a steaming bowl of oden on a winter night, grabbing a quick bite at a konbini, or sharing a bubbling pot of shabu shabu with friends, Japanese food offers experiences that go far beyond taste — they connect you to the heart of everyday life in Japan.
So the next time you travel to Japan, step outside the familiar sushi and ramen, and give these seven dishes a try. Who knows — one of them might just become your new favorite comfort food.
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