30 Best Street Food You Must Try In Japan

street food in japan
Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 13 min read

For travelers, Japan offers many captivating experiences that make this island nation a unique and rewarding destination. Visitors can encounter historic Shinto temples, majestic mountain scenery, and old-world traditions. Showcased amongst all these wondrous diversions is a food landscape worth exploring. If you want to sample authentic local fare, then a great option is to delve into Japanese street food. A Japanese yatai - or small, mobile food stall - is a prime place to indulge in the country’s delicious and uncommon culinary scene. This country’s street food is a tasting wonderland, so if you’re game to try something different, scroll down to see the best street food you must try in Japan.

1. Oden (one-pot soup dish)

Oden, Japanese food for winter
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Froggieboy used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Popular during winter, Oden is a comfort food comprised of meat, tofu, fish, eggs, and vegetables stewed to absolute tenderness in a light, seasoned broth for an extended period. A bowl of oden is the ultimate dining option for warming yourself up on a cold night. Don’t forget to garnish the bowl with hot Japanese mustard to give it a nice kick. An oden yatai is often an energetic spot, so once you receive your bowl take a seat and enjoy the spirited atmosphere.to match this soul-warming meal.

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2. Jaga bata (grilled buttery baked potato)

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Source: Photo by Flickr user M Murakami used under CC BY-SA 2.0

How can something so simple be so unbelievably delicious? A street food packing lots of flavors is jaga bata. This dish is only a peeled and grilled baked potato bathed in plenty of creamy, melted butter. Straight-forward street cuisine that provides guaranteed satisfaction, jaga bata is basic comfort food that requires very little seasoning to taste out-of-this-world good. Some do choose to douse a bit of soy sauce and a pinch of salt. However, if the vendor is using premium butter, the dish is fabulous on its own.

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3. Kare pan (curry bread)

Curry-bun,curry-pan,katori-city,japan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user katorisi used under CC BY 3.0

Boasting a warm inside and a perfectly crisp, golden outside, kare pan is delightful street food. This is a bun made with slightly sweet dough that’s coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried. The center is stuffed with a generous serving of rich Japanese curry. Kare pan is a standout because the Japanese curry differs from the usual Asian curries in that it provides a subtle, mild flavor and is darker in color. Other versions of kare pan feature savory fillings like well-seasoned lentils, yummy barbecue, and fresh salmon.

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4. Bebi kasutera (mini sponge cake)


Often purchased at yatai food stalls or historic sites such as a shrine, bebi kasutera is a Japanese sponge cake that’s similar in texture to a pancake. Inspired by a Portuguese-style sponge cake called Castella, these miniaturized interpretations are a real treat and consist of basic ingredients: eggs, milk, flour, and honey. Baked while you wait, these bite-sized morsels are served hot and very fresh. Some are even presented in various characters like Pikachu or Doraemon. Bebi kasutera’s size makes it easy to overindulge, but who cares when they’re so tasty.

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5. Onsen tamago (soft-cooked eggs)

Onsen Tamago at Koya
Source: Photo by user ricardo used under CC BY 2.0

You’ve never had eggs like this. The street food onsen tamago is soft-boiled eggs prepared by a rare method of slow cooking a batch in a wonderful natural onsen hot spring. This unique preparation results in the eggs possessing a silky, smooth, and luscious custard-like texture that is mind-blowingly tasty. This dish is typically served in a clear light broth called dashi, along with a dash of robust soy sauce.

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6. Senbei (rice cracker)

Senbei iro iro
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Midori used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Offering more than one hundred different flavors of sweet and savory options from the most-popular soy sauce flavor to a spicy red chili pepper variety, senbei is a light rice cracker that’s a real crowdpleaser. But do yourself a favor and choose the warm, freshly prepared rice cracker at a yatai over any packaged choice on a store shelf. If you’re in the town of Nara, don’t be startled by the army of deer who boldly approach senbei carts expecting you to feed them your purchased rice crackers. Be aware, if you feed these animals they may never leave your side.

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7. Shioyaki (salt-grilled fish)

Shioyaki
Source: Photo by Flickr user ayustety used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Interested in a fish-on-a-stick treat? If you adore salty food then shioyaki is a top pick for your street food experience. This dish is grilled fish skewered on a stick and possesses a salt-infused flavor that rivals even basic table salt. Incredibly simple yet unbelievably flavorsome, shioyaki is typically comprised of mackerel - which is commonly caught off Japan’s coastline. The mackerel offers tasty, flaky meat and is prepared with just salt to enhance the fish’s fresh ocean flavor. Aside from street stalls, shioyaki is one of the main dishes in classic Japanese New Year meals.

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8. Bento (single-portion boxed meal)

Chicken - Buto syoga yaki, Cold Buckwheat Noodle Salad with Soy Dressing, Chicken Katsu - Izakaya Hachibeh AUD12
Source: Photo by user Alpha used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Served in a box-shaped container, bento is an efficient and convenient street food that’s very hearty and filling. A very popular meal in Japan, bento is found not just at street-corner vendors but in grocery stores, train stations, and even department stores. A bento box is a go-to choice for busy city dwellers and is usually assembled with fluffy rice, raw or cooked vegetables, and fresh fish or meat. A bento yatai usually sells out in less than 20 minutes during workweek lunchtimes!

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9. Yakitori (skewered chicken)

YakitoriM0826
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fg2 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

What’s not to love about yakitori? Grilled over charcoal, this street food features skewered, juicy chunks of chicken seasoned to perfection with ingredients such as wasabi, mustard, and plum paste, then slathered with ample amounts of savory sauce and a hint of salt. This is classic finger food. Usually, the thighs and wings of the bird are used in Japan, and you’ll come across a wide array of versions all over the country. Because yakitori is so popular, you’ll have no trouble finding numerous vendors at any street market. Even though chicken is the preferred meat, it can also be prepared with beef and pork.

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10. Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles)

YakisobaM0829
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fg2 used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Oozing with deep, savory flavors as it sizzles on the grill, yakisoba is a standard favorite among many throughout Japan. Ramen-style wheat noodles are stir-fried with tiny bits of pork and a selection of veggies such as carrots, onions, and cabbage in a seasonal sauce that coats the noodles with a distinctly spicy and tangy flavor. The entire mixture is then fried on a hot griddle. The dish is topped with fish and seaweed flakes, red pickled ginger, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and, on occasion, a fried egg. There’s also a version where the noodles are served in a bun!

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11. Ikayaki (grilled squid)

Grilled squid
Source: Photo by Flickr user suri used under CC BY-SA 2.0

For adventuresome diners, you must try ikayaki. A whole grilled squid on a stick may make picky eaters squirm, but this exotic snack has been perfected to tasty delight by expert Japanese street food cooks. Bringing out the best in a simple idea, they take fresh, tender squid and grill it over charcoal before giving it a considerable coating of rich soy sauce and a squeeze of lemon or lime, creating a heavenly and meaty meal in only minutes. You can’t ask for a more eclectic eating experience.

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12. Kyuri (salt-pickled cucumbers)

Sold Yamato-3jaku kyuri
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Uo3rt used under CC BY-SA 4.0

In Japan, there’s a firm belief that a cucumber cools down your body temperature, so kyuri makes the ideal street food on a hot summer night. This snack is a light and flavorful local delicacy and consists simply of a salt-pickled cucumber slathered with a bit of miso paste and placed on a stick for convenient eating. The fact that cucumber is a vegetable means you don’t have to feel guilty about splurging on this delicious, healthy snack.

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13. Takoyaki (ball-shaped pancake with octopus filling)

Takoyaki!
Source: Photo by user Rhona-Mae Arca used under CC BY 2.0

Originating from the city of Osaka, takoyaki is a ball-shaped pancake that looks like a hushpuppy and is completely addictive. Stuffed with a serving of octopus, tempura, onion, and pickled ginger at the center and fried until golden brown, this street food is a winner. These savory morsels are garnished with ginger pickles, Japanese mayonnaise, a pungent brown sauce like Worcestershire, green onions, and fermented fish flakes. Though usually found in upscale eateries, takoyaki is best eaten at low-key roadside stands where the method is surely an old family recipe.

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14. Nikuman (steamed pork bun)

The Japanese meat pie?
Source: Photo by user Lachlan Hardy used under CC BY 2.0

A plentiful street food found in Japan is nikuman - or meat bun. An expertly steamed, Japanese-style bun filled with juicy ground pork, nikuman is an appealing snack anytime but particularly in winter when the steaming warmth of the bun can give you a cozy feeling from the inside as you gobble it down. Nikuman is actually a Japanese term for the Chinese dumplings called baozi, and there’s easy access to these yummy, compact buns: street stalls and convenience stores.

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15. Mikan ame (candied mandarin)

Clémentines confites
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Véronique PAGNIER used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

A delicious variation of the carnival-style candied apple, mikan ame uses mikan - also known as mandarin oranges - as its main ingredient. A tiny, seedless, and easy-to-peel Japanese citrus fruit, this street food is a rare treat because it is only available during the mikan season: late spring and summer. So if you come across a food stall or truck selling these sweet-coated treats while exploring any of Japan’s amazing cities or towns, devour as many as humanly possible and, of course, buy a supply for later.

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16. Ramen (from USD 125.0)

GyuTan Miso Ramen - top - Meshiya AUD6.80
Source: Photo by user Alpha used under CC BY-SA 2.0

There’s no excuse for not trying ramen when you visit Japan. Because this dish is as accessible in Japan as rice, it is easy to take an impromptu, self-guided street food tour and sample some hearty ramen. Like an oden yatai, you will find ramen trucks equipped with tables and chairs for maximum dining comfort, because it’s quite inconvenient to stroll the streets with a bowl of hot ramen in your hands. This famed soup dish is synonymous with Japan and is comprised of wheat noodles in warm meat or fish broth. Flavoring can be derived from either soy or miso sauce. To complete this dish, toppings include chopped green onions, juicy pork, and fresh seaweed.

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Tasting 6 Mini Bowls of Ramen at 3 Award Winning Shops

Duration: 3hours

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17. Imagawayaki (mini-stuffed pancake)

Imagawayaki 002
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ocdp used under CC0

Imagawayaki is comprised of a thick, fluffy pancake filled with ingredients that include either red bean paste, cheese, meat, custard, curry, or potatoes. Be aware, the best imagawayaki is served fresh and hot from the griddle, so avoid those served chilled or at room temperature. Unfortunately, this dish goes by many names depending on which area of the country you are touring, so just look for a hot, circular, and sandwich-style pancake and you should be fine.

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18. Kakigori (shaved ice)

Lemon-kakigori
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Darkware used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Around for more than 50 years, kakigori is an absolute summer staple in Japan. This splendid Japanese shaved ice is usually topped with a mixture of flavored syrups along with condensed milk to give this classic treat a rich creaminess. For tourists to Japan, it is a must-eat summer treat. Sweet and refreshing, kakigori flavors range from traditional cherry and lemon to eclectic tastes like green tea and melon. Most vendors are happy to mix flavors upon request!

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19. Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake)

taiyaki
Source: Photo by user Takanori Nakanowa... used under CC BY 2.0

Taiyaki is a fish-shaped cake stuffed with an array of decadent fillings like luscious chocolate, silky custard, simple red bean paste, or marvelous matcha. If you’re not in the mood for a sugary delight, then try a taiyaki stuffed with nutritious vegetables, juicy sausage, gooey cheese, or warm potatoes. Taiyaki’s recipe is simple: the batter is composed of flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar and is baked in elaborate, fish-shaped molds to give the treat its distinctive and attractive appearance.

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20. Crepes

Crepe Harajuku
Source: Photo by user Janine used under CC BY 2.0

Crepes are everywhere in Japan. A good estimate of the number of charming crepe shops - usually housed in colorful street stalls or trucks - is at about 10,000! But it shouldn’t be a surprise given how in-demand this delectable street food is. Though the original French crepe is softer than the Japanese version, the country has managed to make the crepe uniquely their own by fashioning these deliciously thin, rolled up snacks in an unforgettable manner that’s a delight for your taste buds as well as your eyes. Usually, crepes are filled with fruits or eggs, but Japanese vendors take things a step further and offer them in vibrant and elaborate displays.

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21. Daifuku (sweet rice cake)

Strawberry Daifuku 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Douglas Perkins used under CC0

A form of mochi with a cake-like consistency, daifuku is a delightful confection made from a glutinous rice mixture and can fit nicely in the palm of your hand. The process of creating this sweet-filled Japanese dessert involves grounding, steaming, and then pounding the mochi into a sticky ball. Daifuku is typically dusted with powdered sugar or potato starch so it is less sticky in your hands. There are many varieties of daifuku, and they are not only found in street stalls but tea ceremonies, temples, markets, and eateries.

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22. Choco banana

Choco banana
Source: Pixabay

If you love bananas and chocolate, then combining the two is a no-brainer. In Japan, they have elevated it to an art form with the choco banana. This scrumptious treat is a banana on a stick dipped in chocolate, topped off with colorful sprinkles, then set aside to harden. Some vendors go full force to grab your attention by getting creative and decorating choco bananas in the image of animated TV or movie characters or attaching cookies and candies. As pretty as it is tasty, this sweet treat should be at the top of any tourist’s exploration of prime street foods in Japan.

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23. Yaki imo (roasted sweet potatoes)

Yakiimo
Source: Photo by user Hajime Nagahata used under CC BY 2.0

Yaki imo is a delicious Japanese sweet potato prepared over a toasty wood fire from what is known as yaki imo trucks. This street food is the go-to choice during cold winter months. The trucks are equipped with wood stoves, and vendors travel city streets throughout Japan making their presence known via a loudspeaker. A treat from a bygone era, these soft, chewy, and filling potatoes provide an irresistible caramel flavor and wonderfully sweet aroma. A throwback food of ancient Japan, don’t miss the chance to sample this street food that’ll make your taste buds explode with delight.

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24. Dango (sweet dumpling)

Hanami dango by gochie- in Seiryu-cho, Kyoto
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user gochie* used under CC BY 2.0

Served on a stick, dango is a Japanese dumpling made with mochiko - a sweet rice flour - and dipped in salty soy and sweet sugar sauce. The dumplings are formed in water and rice-flour mixtures that become glutinous and are then boiled until firm. Some dango are even grilled. To kick it up a notch, street vendors may coat them with panko (bread crumbs) for a bit of extra flair and a nice, subtle crunch. You can purchase dango outside Shinto shrines, so as a tourist you’re sure to encounter these flavorful, bite-sized balls.

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25. Japanese curry rice

Japanese curry rice
Source: Photo by user Joy used under CC BY 2.0

Move over ramen and sushi, because one of the bestselling street foods in Japan is Japanese curry rice. A large mainstay of the everyday Japanese diet, curry rice is usually made with meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions plus seasoned with herbs and spices. Residents are crazy about this cuisine that ladles generous amounts of mild curry sauce - similar to a fiery gravy - over the dish to create a satisfying meal. A popular version of this dish is called katsu kare - a typical Japanese curry rice but with a nice cut of golden, deep-fried pork cutlets placed on top.

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26. Watame (cotton candy)


Japanese go for American-style carnival treats in a big way. And what’s not to adore about mouthwatering candied apples and light, fluffy, and colorful cotton candy? Watame is cotton candy that’s classically packaged in a plastic bag adorned with either popular cartoon characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Despicable Me’s quirky minions, popular anime characters, and Hello Kitty. Such eye-catching displays make Watame a big draw for kids. This is typically sold not only on the street but also at festivals.

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27. Korokke (croquet)

Croquette
Source: Photo by user Leng Cheng used under CC BY 2.0

Inspired by French croquettes but infused with Japanese flavors is korokke. Prepared by blending chopped meat or seafood with mashed potatoes or cream sauce then coating with crunchy panko and deep-frying until crispy and golden brown, this snack is so great it’s impossible to eat just one. Many locals enjoy korokke with a delectable, peppery tonkatsu sauce - a thick Worcestershire-type concoction - for dipping. Korokke is usually shaped into balls or patties and is wrapped in a handy paper holder so your fingers don’t get greasy. True comfort food at its most enjoyable.

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28. Tomorokoshi (grilled corn)

Food stand; Grilled corn
Source: Photo by user Lisa Pinehill used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re seeking a healthy snack to nibble on, then your best bet is tomorokoshi. This flavorful item boils fresh corn on the cob then grills it with miso, soy sauce, and butter. Tomorokoshi is handily placed on a stick so it’s easily portable street food. Some versions offer shichimi togarashi seasoning that is comprised of ground chili pepper mixed with a variety of standout ingredients like ginger, garlic, seaweed, sesame, and even citrus. The flavors are very appetizing, so don’t pass up a chance to try this snack you’re sure to fall in love with.

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29. Okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pizza)

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
Source: Photo by user Austin Keys used under CC BY-SA 2.0

A classic Japanese street food, okonomiyaki is a savory, pancake-like snack that many refer to as Japanese-style pizza. The base of this dish consists of flour, eggs, and cabbage and is baked on a hot grill. Toppings are whatever you fancy, but this dish is usually piled with plenty of vegetables and various meats. Kimchi, thick-cut bacon, chicken, cheese, and even squid can be found on okonomiyaki. The best place to find this tasty street food is in Osaka or Hiroshima. However, if you’re nowhere near these cities, then any street vendor more than likely sells a delicious version.

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30. Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings)

Japanese pan fried gyoza
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adryan R. Villanueva used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Originally a favorite food of the Chinese, gyoza has surged in popularity in Japan. These tempting dumplings are pan-fried and traditionally filled with an appealing blend of ground pork, sesame oil, green onions, chives, garlic, ginger, cabbage, and soy sauce. This snack is served with a unique dipping sauce that mixes soy sauce and vinegar. Gyoza boasts a nice, chewy, and thicker skin than a classic wonton and is a wonderful variation of the ever-popular Chinese potsticker. Once you take a bite of one of these flavorful dumplings, you won’t be able to stop.

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Japan's street food delights

The street food scene is a great place to start a Japanese food adventure. Street vendors offer an easy and scrumptious collection of on-the-go foods that are affordable, tasty, and top-quality. Whether you’re adventurous and eager to try grilled squid or want something more familiar like a savory dumpling, vendors offer a large variety of culinary pleasures to soothe any hunger pangs.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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