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Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city on earth. Explore Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast sushi, ramen alleys in Shinjuku, and the izakayas of Shibuya. Don't miss a depachika (department store basement food hall) for incredible prepared foods and sweets.
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Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is the home of kaiseki, Japan's refined multi-course haute cuisine. Nishiki Market — nicknamed 'Kyoto's Kitchen' — is a must for tofu, pickles, and street snacks. Try matcha everything in the Gion district and look out for seasonal obanzai home-style cooking.
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Osaka, Japan
Osaka is Japan's undisputed street food capital, famous for takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes). The Dotonbori district is a neon-lit food lover's paradise open late into the night. Kuromon Ichiba Market is perfect for fresh seafood, wagyu skewers, and local produce.
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Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima is famous for its own distinct layered-style okonomiyaki, quite different from Osaka's version — try it at Okonomimura, a building packed with okonomiyaki stalls. Fresh oysters from Hiroshima Bay are a local obsession, served grilled, fried, or raw. It's also a short trip to the island of Miyajima for maple leaf manju sweets.