5 Meals in Japan I Still Think About Years Later

Kikanbo in Kanda has been a staple for me over the past few years. This oni-themed ramen shop specializes in spicy ramen with a rich tonkotsu-based broth, and it doesn’t hold back.

You can customize your spice levels with both chili heat and Sichuan pepper numbing spice. If you’re feeling brave, you can even go full “Oni level” (devil level). It’s incredibly flavorful, but be warned, it’s also incredibly intense.

They also serve fantastic spicy tsukemen if you prefer dipping noodles.

There’s usually a line in the evenings, but it moves quickly. Like many ramen shops in Japan, it’s expected that you eat and move along to make room for others, but the experience is absolutely worth it.

If you love spicy food, this place is a must.

Sanuki Udon Iwai is a small udon shop located in the Higashi-Jujo area of Tokyo. Visiting this neighborhood feels like stepping away from the chaos of the city and into a more local, lived-in side of Tokyo. Small shops line the streets, and the pace is noticeably slower.

The owner, Iwai-san, is a larger-than-life personality and an absolute joy to interact with. His food is simple, but it’s done exceptionally well.

The menu lets you customize your bowl with different portion sizes, broth temperatures, and sides like tempura. My go-to order is a standard portion of hot udon with tempura on the side to dip into the broth as I eat.

This is one of those places I make a point to visit every single time I’m in Japan.

Located inside the Ryogoku Tourist Information Center, Takisaburo Tsukuda is a sushi spot I visit at least once every trip.

The owner is a gentle giant who genuinely loves sharing his food with anyone who walks through the door. That warmth alone makes the experience memorable, but the food backs it up.

The sushi is incredibly fresh, and there are a variety of set meals that let you try a wide range of items without breaking the bank.

What makes this place even more unique is the setting. The restaurant is part of a larger Edo-style complex, complete with a sumo ring exhibit, which adds a cultural layer to the experience.

Great food, fair prices, and genuinely kind people, it’s hard to beat that combination.

This might be my favorite restaurant name on the list, and it delivers exactly what it promises: Okinawan food and drinks.

Tucked into a narrow building overlooking the Takase River near Kyoto’s Gion district, this spot easily has the best view of any restaurant on this list. Sitting by the water with trees lining the river while you eat is an experience in itself.

The owner is… memorable. He has a bit of a rockstar vibe and a very direct personality that can come across as blunt depending on what you’re used to, but that’s part of the charm.

The menu features a variety of Okinawan dishes, with my personal favorite being the Spam yakisoba. Prices are very reasonable for the area, especially considering the location and atmosphere.

It’s a small space, so be prepared to wait if it’s full, but it’s well worth it.

World Meatball Classic is a place I never would have planned to visit. My wife and I stumbled across it after a night out in Shinjuku, and honestly, the name alone made us laugh enough to come back later.

That turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip.

The owner welcomed us in and was genuinely interested in hearing our story, which immediately made the experience feel personal.

The menu features meatball dishes inspired by flavors from around the world, along with great sides, drinks, and a surprisingly cozy atmosphere. It’s a stark contrast to the energy of Shinjuku at night.

We came for the name, but now it’s a spot we return to for the food and the conversation.