A curated guide to the most memorable bites from my 38-day journey through the trails, islands, and back alleys of Japan.
One of the best ways to discover Japan is through your stomach. Throughout my 38-day trip, I transitioned from high-end Yakiniku in Nagoya to simple, soul-warming eggs in a hot spring. Here are the 10 meals that I’m still thinking about.
1. The “Perfect Final Supper” – Fukuoka
Dish: Assorted Appetizers & Master-level Skewers
Shop: 居酒屋 酒日和
Memory: After 38 days on the road, I found a tiny, 8-seater shop run by a single owner. From the first appetizer to the final skewer, every bite was perfect. It wasn’t just a meal; it was the perfect punctuation mark to the end of a long journey.
→ Read the full story in Closing Kyushu in Fukuoka – Rainy Yufuin, Lucky Dinner & Last-Minute Shopping | Japan
2. Fresh Abalone & Sushi – Amakusa
Dish: Local Abalone Sushi
Shop: Amakusanada 天草洋
Memory: Amakusa is a seafood paradise. The abalone was delicate, sweet, and incredibly fresh—the kind of meal that makes a long, rainy drive through the islands completely worth it.
→ Read the full story in Steam, Sushi & Kyushu Secret Churches: A Rainy Drive from Shimabara to Amakusa and Akune | Japan
3. Kurobuta Yakiniku & Tonkatsu – Kagoshima
Dish: Kagoshima Black Pork (Kurobuta)
Shop: Tonkatsu No Taketei Tagami Branch とんかつ竹亭 田上店
Memory: Whether grilled (Yakiniku) or deep-fried (Tonkatsu), the local black pork is a revelation. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a true point of pride for Kagoshima.
→ Read the full story in From Akune to Kagoshima: Kyushu Porcelain, Peace, and Samurai Gardens | Japan
4. Seafood Yakitori “Surprise” – Hiroshima
Dish: Seafood-only Skewers (Squid, Prawns, Scallops)
Shop: やきうお処 ハル
Memory: We stumbled upon a hidden gem where the “Yakitori” wasn’t chicken, but seafood. No English menu, just a warm welcome from a bombastic-haired staff member and some of the best smoky, fresh skewers I’ve ever tasted.
→ Read the full story in A Day in Iwakuni: Bridges, Castles, and 100 Flavors of Ice Cream | Japan
5. Tuna Ochazuke – Kii-Katsuura
Dish: Raw Maguro (Tuna) with hot dashi/tea
Shop: Katsuura Gyoko Nigiwai-Ichiba
Memory: After finishing the Kumano Kodo, this simple market breakfast was a life-saver. The raw tuna was incredibly fresh, and the warm tea made it a soothing, soulful experience.
→ Read the full story in Kii Katsuura: Tuna, Whales, and Hot Springs | Japan
6. The “Must-Queue” Spaghetti – Miyama
Dish: Japanese-style Specialty Spaghetti
Shop: calm
Memory: Being a spaghetti aficionado, I couldn’t skip this. It’s a tiny town with a famous pasta shop that requires a wait, but the texture and local flavors are a refreshing break from traditional Japanese fare.
→ Read the full story in From Akune to Kagoshima: Kyushu Porcelain, Peace, and Samurai Gardens | Japan
7. Post-Hike Yakiniku at Jiji – Nagoya
Dish: High-quality Grilled Meats
Shop: JIJI
Memory: This was our “reward” meal after finishing the Nakasendo trail leg. The host was kind, the menu was accessible, and the food was exactly the high-energy fuel we needed after days of walking.
→ Read the full story in Three Cities, Three Towns, and Two Tired Backpackers~ Ochiai, Nakatsugawa, Ena, Iwamura, Nagoya | Japan
8. Pork Knuckle & Vinegar Ramen – Kumamoto
Dish: Ramen
Shop: Kumamoto Ramen Tonbi
Memory: Most people go for horse sashimi in Kumamoto, but for me, this ramen was the star. The vinegar cut through the richness of the pork knuckle perfectly—restorative and delicious.
→ Read the full story in From Kagoshima to Kumamoto: Kyushu Gardens, Castles & Unexpected Finds | Japan
9. The “Happy Mistake” Udon – Tokushima
Dish: Cold Udon with Fried Chicken
Shop: Yamashige
Memory: We walked into the wrong restaurant looking for ramen and walked out having discovered our favorite udon of the trip. Refreshing, chewy, and proof that sometimes the best travel moments are unplanned.
→ Read the full story in Tokushima: A Surprise Stopover with Dance, Food, and Whirlpools | Japan
10. Sea-Salt & Orange Soft Serve – Shimanami Kaido
Dish: Salt/Citrus Gelato
Shop: tanabe en+(タナベエンプラス)
Memory: At the start of Kumano Kodo, an orange-salt soft serve was the ultimate motivation.
→ Read the full story in On the Kumano Kodo: Tanabe to Takahara – Stamps, Steep Climbs & Scenic Views | Japan
💡 Wanderaime Pro-Tips for Foodies
- Trust the “One-Man” Shops: Some of my best meals (like in Fukuoka) were in tiny establishments with only one chef.
- Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask your hotel reception (like at the Smile Hotel or Blue Harbor) to help make a reservation.
- The Lunch Hack: Many high-end Yakiniku spots offer affordable sets during lunch hours!
👉 A complete 38-day Japan itinerary, including Nakasendo walking, Kumano Kodo hiking, Shimanami Kaido cycling, and a Kyushu road trip.
👉 Guide and tips for collecting Manhole Cards across Japan — click here to read more.
👉 Don’t miss Japan’s postcard-sending experience — read the full guide here.
Leave a Reply