Foodie heaven! How can you not talk about the food in Japan?! Everyone we know told us how incredible the food would be — and they were absolutely right. Every meal felt like a little adventure, from simple convenience store finds to beautifully crafted dishes that looked almost too pretty to eat.
Our first meal, admittedly, wasn’t glamorous — it was from the local Family Mart after a late-night arrival. But even then, Japan impressed us. But wow, even the convenience store food impressed us! Great variety, quality, and prices — a win for this family of five. We grabbed a mix of fried chicken, sushi, onigiri, tomato and shrimp pasta, and those famous smoothies and iced lattes you mix yourself in the machines. Some were definite winners, others were… interesting. But everyone found something they liked, which was the main thing. We visited the convenience store often — especially for those early mornings where we wanted to get a head start for a jam-packed day of sightseeing.
Just as we’d heard, the fruit displays were stunning — perfectly packaged, almost like little luxury gifts. But so were the prices! Imagine paying $18+ for a single mango or peach. Even the grapes looked like jewels. Japan truly elevates presentation to an art form.
Our first proper meal out was a sushi bowl, unbelievably fresh, flavourful, and affordable. Then came the much-anticipated conveyor belt sushi experience at Sushiro, a well-loved chain across Japan. Because we’re a family of five, it took a solid 45 minutes to get a table — but that turned into the perfect rest stop for our jet-lagged crew. Once seated, the fun began! Plates gliding past, endless options, and the thrill of pressing buttons to order just what you want. It was a hit with everyone.
Before leaving Tokyo, we couldn’t skip the iconic bento boxes (or ekiben) — perfectly portioned train meals for our three-hour bullet train ride to Kanazawa. Each one was a mini work of art: rice, fish, pickles, and veggies all neatly arranged. Somehow, even “train food” in Japan feels special.
Random Foods We Sampled on our Travels
Shaved ice (mango and matcha) — light, refreshing, and absolutely necessary in the summer heat.
Candied strawberries (Tanghulu) — crisp and glossy, with syrup lighter than the candy apples we’re used to. They even make them with grapes!
Grilled octopus — including the version with a tiny quail egg tucked into the head (we passed on that one!).
Sashimi and tempura — perfectly prepared classics.
Black sesame and matcha ice cream — nutty, earthy, and a new family favorite.
Japanese omelette rice (Omurice) — fluffy omelet draped over rice and topped with a rich beef gravy.
Seafood Doria — a creamy baked rice casserole with shrimp and scallops (half-eaten before I remembered a photo!).
Chicken karaage — crispy, juicy perfection.
Mochi-style pastries with fruit fillings — soft, chewy, and almost too pretty to eat.
Everywhere we went, there was something new and delightful to try. Japan’s food culture is so amazing. I would come back just for the food!
If you love exploring local flavours, Japan will delight you. From convenience store eats to Michelin-starred meals (although this wasn’t in our budget!), it’s all made with care and precision. And trust me, even if you think you’re “not that adventurous,” there’s something here for you — and probably something that will completely surprise you.
One of my favourite dishes to try is the famous okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake). It’s one dish that absolutely deserves the hype.
