For anyone visiting Japan, no trip would be complete without exploring Tokyo. Bustling and modern meets traditional and historic in this popular city. For Foodies, Tokyo, and Japan in general, is a dream with so many options to tantalise your taste buds.
Tokyo has a lot to offer such as the Imperial Palace, the Waterfront Odaiba and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Throw in incredible food, culture, temples, and skyscrapers and you’ll never be bored here.
After exhausting what Tokyo has to offer (which might take a while!) you might be thinking of alternative places to go in Japan. Why not try the less touristy but still spectacular Kyushu?
Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan and is broken down into seven prefectures (regions) each with compelling reasons you should visit. There’s a few airports in Kyushu and it is only a 2 hour flight from Tokyo making it very easy to get to. Single flights can be found for as little as £40.
Check out these amazing interactive 360 videos comparing food Kyushu and Tokyo provided by Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Drinking Shochu in Kagoshima
You are spoiled for choice with spectacular views in Tokyo and what better way to enjoy them than with a drink in your hand. Fish Bank Tokyo has the views you seek and has luxurious spaces for you to enjoy them in. You can also try R Restaurant & Bar, Deva, C Maj 7, The Peak Bar and TwentyEight.
If you’re looking for a more authentic drinking experience try Kagoshima. The city is overlooked by a volcano and is home to many shochu distilleries. This local liquor is made from rice, wheat and sweet potato. Most distilleries will have tastings and or you can head to an izakaya.
Miyazaki Chicken
Arguably one of the best ways to eat chicken, Yakitori (grilled chicken on skewers) and one of the best places to do that in Tokyo is Gonpachi aka The Kill Bill restaurant. The movie was not filmed here but the inspiration for the set is evident and tourists flock to this incredible izakaya.
Want to try something a little different? Get off the beaten track in the Miyazaki prefecture. This semi-tropical locale is renowened for Miyazaki chicken which is served in a variety of ways and popular across the whole of Japan.
If you’re in the area be sure to also check out Aoshima Island and Heiwadai Park.
Seafood in Oita
For seafood lovers Japan is a dream. Grilled Eel (Unagi) is a traditional Japansese dish and a must try if you are in Tokyo. Try Eel Cuisine Oedo where Eel is flame grilled in the restaurants secret sauce. Check out the experience in the video above.
Over in Oita you can experience fresh mackerel and horse mackerel brought in at Saganoseki Port. Being so close to the Bungo Channel (where the fish is caught) you’ll know it is as fresh as can be.
Food Stalls in Fukuoka
For centuries, Soba Noodles have been a popular dish in Japan and now the wider world. Depending on your preference you can eat Soba hot or cold and there are plenty of places to eat them in Tokyo. Try sumptuous Soba made by culinary masters at Kanda Matsuya, Kyorakutei and Osoba no Kouga. The best budget option for Soba is Sagatani which is open 24 hours a day.
If food stalls are more your thing than look no further than Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. The open air food stalls (Yatai) can be found all over be predominantly in Nakusu where you’ll find a cluster by the water’s edge. The food stalls typical seat 7-8 people and provide a cosy, outdoorsy feel in which to enjoy your meal. Expect dishes such as Yakitori, Oden, Hakata Ramen!
Whatever your tastes Japan has culinary treats to suit everyone both in Tokyo and outside of the capital.
Amar was born and raised in England and embarked on an 11-country round-the-world gap year after graduation and then became well and truly hooked. The first gap year inspired a second, which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. Since then, Amar has spent the last 14 years traveling the 7 continents.