But I don't like seafood.....

Food in Japan

One thing we've heard repeatedly is the concern of what to eat while in Japan.

What if you have dietary needs? What is you simply don't like seafood?

Can you even manage to order without Japanese language skills!?

...Fear not, Japan has you covered. See a few recommendations below.

Kura Menu (1)

Example of tablet ordering at chain restaurants - language options are presented- this one being Kura Sushi

Kura Menu (2)

Example of tablet ordering at chain restaurants - language options are presented- this one being Kura Sushi

Pokémon Cafe menu

Example of tablet ordering at chain restaurants - language options are presented- this one being Pokémon Cafe

Fluffy Pancake

Key's Cafe Akihabara - https://www.keycoffee.co.jp/store/keyscafe/

Unagi

Unaju - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2344.html

Curry

Curry comes in different spicy levels with different protein - famous chain restaurant - https://www.ichibanya.co.jp/english/

Kids meal

Typical "kid's meal" in Japan - you can locate these on many casual restaurant menu's and in "food courts" of shopping malls - seen here is karaage (chicken nuggets), rice, edamame and "hot dogs" - these always come with a toy or two as well!

Ekiben

Often filled with local ingredients, pick these up in train stations to eat on longer reserved train and shinkansen - https://www.jrpass.com/blog/guide-to-ekiben-the-best-bento-box-for-on-the-train

Kirby Cafe

Roast beef dish from Kirby Cafe

Gyudon

Beef bowl - also easy to locate in food courts and casual restaurants - https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2345.html

Okonomiyaki

These "cabbage pancakes" can be grilled in front of you, served on a plate and even sometime grilled by you! Look for restaurants with big teppanyaki grills to satisfy your needs. If ever in Hiroshima, don't miss their shopping hall dedicated to this dish - https://www.byfood.com/blog/hiroshima/okonomimura-restaurants-hiroshima-okonomiyaki-village

Pokémon Cafe - Eevee plate

Hamburg steak, spaghetti and salad on this kids plate

Ramen

Much like curry, ramen comes in different spicy levels with many different protein options! This one was Tonkatusu 0 https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2042.html

Soba dinner set

Many traditional and casual restaurants will sell "sets", including your protein, noodles, miso soup, tea and salad. This one focused on cold soba and tempura!

Egg omelet

Tamago (egg) rolled omelet - this one in the shape of a train

Tempura and hamburg steak set

Shrimp tempura and a "hamburg" steak

Tofu dinner set

Check out special tofu restaurants to experience the dish in a way you never imagined - https://tousuiro.com/en-home

Unagi and rice

Unagi and rice - beautiful presentation and melt in your mouth flavor

Overall Advice

Above are just a few examples of the wide arrange of food Japan has to offer you. For menu's, we always try to see if they have a website for easy Google translation, however walking in and using "Google Translate- Lens mode" to live translate the names works well. Many restaurants also offer plastic displays of their menus (picture credit) you can check out before heading inside! Take a picture and show the waiter/waitress what you want to order, it's just that simple. Keep in mind some simple steps such as asking "Mizu onegaishimasu" some water (tea is often the default) and you will be all set. Contact us for even more detailed advice when it comes to eating in Japan.