A Taste of Japan – Best Itinerary for first time visit to the Land of the Rising Sun ✨🇯🇵
March 2020
Well, here we are in March 2020 and most of the world is in lockdown, adjusting to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, I’ve been hunkering down in Maryland, working from home, and trying to stay sane amid the uncertainty.
With travel on pause for the foreseeable future, I found myself reflecting on past adventures, especially my time in Japan, a place that holds a special spot in my heart—and my stomach. As the cherry blossoms began blooming in my neighborhood, it instantly transported me back to springtime in Japan during my childhood.
Spring in Japan is truly something else. The entire country seems to pause and appreciate the fleeting beauty of the sakura (cherry blossoms). People gather in parks for hanami (flower viewing) picnics, enjoying sake, seasonal bento boxes, and soft, pink mochi under the petals. There’s a poetry to it all—a perfect balance of nature, culture, and community.
In honor of that, I wanted to revisit some of my favorite Japanese dishes, street snacks, and food memories. If you can’t get to Japan right now, maybe this will bring a little taste of it to you.
2025 update: With the pandemic behind us, it seems like there is a resurgence in interest to visit Japan from a lot of my friends. When I tell people I’ve lived there, I inevitably get asked the question, “where should I go?”. That, of course very much depends on what you like and your preferred style of vacation. As well as your palette.
I hope this itinerary and food guide can give some folks some pointers when it comes to planning a trip to Japan from someone that has spent a couple years traveling around the country. 🙂
🍣 🍜🍙 What to Eat
Sushi & Sashimi:
As a pescatarian, Japan is paradise. Sushi and sashimi are world-famous for a reason. What stands out is the incredible freshness and simplicity. Japanese sushi prioritizes quality over quantity, which is a big contrast to the oversized sushi rolls you see in the U.S. Whether it’s otoro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), or a perfect slice of mackerel, each piece is crafted with care.
Ramen:
Rainy day in Tokyo? There’s nothing better than ducking into a tiny ramen shop tucked down a back alley. You might spot a line out the door—that’s always a good sign. The Mom & Pop ramen joints are the best: rich, steamy broths, chewy noodles, and that magical soft-boiled egg. Add a side of gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and you’ve got comfort food on another level.
Motsunabe:
A less-known gem is Motsunabe, a hearty hot pot featuring pork or beef intestines in a flavorful broth. It’s savory, rich, and surprisingly delicate, especially paired with garlic chives and cabbage. Definitely one of those dishes you have to try to understand.
🍽️ Street Food, Snacks & Surprises
Japanese Curry:
Another go-to is katsu curry – a golden fried chicken or pork cutlet smothered in thick, rich curry sauce and served over rice. Unlike Indian curry, Japanese curry is milder, almost stew-like, and packed with umami. Perfect after a long day exploring temples or catching a bullet train to your next stop.
Yakitori:
There’s something magical about wandering the streets at night and grabbing grilled skewers (yakitori) from a smoky stand. Whether it’s chicken thigh, shiitake mushrooms, or bacon-wrapped cherry tomatoes (yes, it’s a thing and it’s delicious), these bites are cheap, satisfying, and often washed down with a cold Asahi.
Okonomiyaki:
Think of it as a savory pancake meets seafood stir-fry, topped with kewpie mayo, teriyaki sauce, and bonito flakes that dance from the steam. Stuffed with cabbage, squid, scallions, and sometimes pork, okonomiyaki is heavy, indulgent, and great for sharing.
🌏 A First-Time Japan Itinerary – 7 to 10 Days of Food & Culture
If you’re planning a first-time trip to Japan, here’s a rough outline I usually recommend:
Day 1-3: Tokyo
- Explore Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku
- Eat fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market
- Visit a ramen vending machine shop in Shinjuku
- Night izakaya hopping in Golden Gai
- If you like gardens and temples, Tokyo and the surrounding towns have plenty of options.
- Other ideas if you’re feeling adventurous: baseball game, sumo match, local festivals
Where to Stay in Tokyo:
I love staying in Shinjuku for its energy and great train access. Shibuya is also a fun base for shopping and food. For a more traditional, slower-paced vibe, Asakusa is a great spot with ryokans and easy access to temples. Get a Suica or Pasmo card to make subway and bus travel seamless—Google Maps works great for directions.
Day 4-5: Hakone or Mt. Fuji Area
- Traditional ryokan stay with kaiseki dinner
- Soak in an onsen and eat a black sulfur egg at Owakudani
- Take in views of Mt. Fuji—an absolute must-do, especially during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage.
- I highly recommend checking out Mt. Fuji, it’s incredible!
Where to Stay in Hakone:
Opt for a ryokan with a private or communal onsen—there’s nothing like it. Look for places that include meals (kaiseki dinner + Japanese breakfast). Get the Hakone Free Pass for a stress-free trip from Tokyo with access to cable cars, trains, and boats in the area.
Day 6-8: Kyoto
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (the red torii gates) and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Take a day trip to Nara to feed the friendly deer and see Todai-ji Temple
- Stroll Gion and the bamboo forest in Arashiyama
- Enjoy matcha sweets in Uji
- Try tofu specialties and yuba (tofu skin) dishes
Day 9-10: Optional Countryside Escape
If you want to get off the beaten path, consider a day trip or overnight stay in Japan’s hill country or one of the small towns known for sake brewing and traditional temples. Places like Takayama or Kanazawa offer a slower pace, scenic landscapes, and a deeper connection to Japan’s rural charm and craft heritage.
In my opinion, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto are absolute must-dos, especially for first-time visitors who want the perfect mix of nature, food, and culture. And if you can, make time for Fushimi Inari’s red gates, Kyoto’s temples, and a short trip to Nara, to see the deer—they’re all well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Japan is one of my favorite countries to visit and I absolutely love the food and culture. You can’t go wrong anywhere you go in Japan. It’s one of the best foodie travel spots in the world (in my opinion) with superior quality and far ranging variety. Japan is just in a league of its own when it comes to food and has so much to offer with natural beauty as well.
I hope you get the chance to visit someday and try an authentic Japanese meal first hand. Or if you have already been, drop a comment with your favorite dish or meal and where was your favorite spot you visited.
Til next time! I hope you are able to get out and see some cherry blossoms or at least experience the spring bloom! 🌸🌱🌿
Stay safe, stay inspired.
