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• RestaurantKatsu Midori (Mawashi-Zushi Katsu), Seibu ShibuyaShibuya · Conveyor-belt (kaiten) sushi · ¥¥
• RestaurantUmegaoka Sushi no Midori Sohonten (Shibuya)Shibuya · Sushi (large, value-for-money neta) · ¥¥
• RestaurantTsukiji Aozora Sandaime HontenTsukiji · Edomae sushi & seafood bowls · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantNemuro Hanamaru KITTE MarunouchiTokyo Station · Hokkaido conveyor-belt (kaiten) sushi · ¥¥
• RestaurantSakura-teiHarajuku · DIY okonomiyaki & monjayaki · ¥¥
• RestaurantJuwari Soba Tokyo BassoNihonbashi · 100% buckwheat (juwari) soba · ¥
• RestaurantShimokita ShimaiSangenjaya / Daizawa · Gluten-free patisserie & cafe · ¥¥
• RestaurantIndonesian Restaurant Cabe MeguroMeguro · Muslim-friendly Indonesian cuisine · ¥¥
• RestaurantTokyo Camii TC Cafe & Halal MarketYoyogi-Uehara · Muslim-friendly Turkish cafe & halal confectionery · ¥
• RestaurantSushi & Wagyu FUJIYAMA TOKYO (Shinjuku East)Shinjuku · All-you-can-eat sushi & A5 wagyu (halal course available) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantHalal SakuraOkachimachi · Halal-certified Uyghur & Japanese cuisine · ¥¥
• RestaurantMalaychanIkebukuro · Halal-certified Malaysian cuisine · ¥¥
• RestaurantUniversal Bakes and CafeShimokitazawa · Vegan bakery & cafe · ¥¥
• RestaurantTokyo Vegan Ramen CenterHarajuku · Vegan ramen · ¥¥
• RestaurantSasaya CafeKinshicho / Sumida · Vegan cafe / plant-based Japanese · ¥¥
• RestaurantMominoki HouseJingumae · Organic macrobiotic / vegan-vegetarian Japanese · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantNataraj ShibuyaShibuya · Indian vegetarian / vegan curry · ¥¥
• RestaurantNataraj OgikuboOgikubo · Indian vegetarian / vegan curry · ¥¥
• RestaurantKaisendon MarukitaTsukiji · Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) · ¥¥
• RestaurantTsukiji Sushisei HontenTsukiji · Edomae sushi (est. 1889) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantDaiwa SushiToyosu · Edomae sushi (omakase) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantKagurazaka IshikawaKagurazaka · Kaiseki (seasonal Japanese course) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantHakkokuGinza · Edomae sushi (omakase) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantTempura KondoGinza · Edomae tempura (seafood & vegetable) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantSoranoiro NIPPONTokyo Station · Ramen (with a gluten-free option) · ¥
• RestaurantGluten Free Cafe Little BirdYoyogi-Hachiman · Dedicated gluten-free Japanese cafe (gyoza, karaage, ramen) · ¥¥
• RestaurantRICE HACK Gluten-free BakeryHarajuku · Dedicated rice-flour gluten-free bakery · ¥
• RestaurantIse SueyoshiNishi-Azabu · Muslim-friendly kaiseki (Japanese course) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantSekai Cafe AsakusaIriya (Taito) · Muslim-friendly & vegan cafe · ¥¥
• RestaurantGyumon Halal Wagyu RamenIriya (Taito) · Halal-certified wagyu beef ramen · ¥¥
• RestaurantVeganic Monkey MagicIriya (Taito) · Vegan course (reservation-only) · ¥¥
• RestaurantVegan Bistro JangaraHarajuku · Vegan Japanese / ramen bistro · ¥¥
• RestaurantRestaurant 8ablishJingumae · Vegan, Mediterranean-influenced · ¥¥
• RestaurantBrown Rice by Neal's Yard RemediesJingumae · Organic vegetarian/vegan Japanese (macrobiotic) · ¥¥
• RestaurantNanatsumoriKoenji · Retro kissaten (coffee house) · ¥¥
• RestaurantKannonyama Fruit Parlour GinzaGinza · Fruit parlour / parfait · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantUmezono AsakusaIriya (Taito) · Traditional Japanese sweets (anmitsu) · ¥
• RestaurantFruit Parlour GotoIriya (Taito) · Fruit parlour / parfait · ¥¥
• RestaurantSukiyaki HiyamaNingyocho · Sukiyaki / shabu-shabu · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantDaikokuya TempuraIriya (Taito) · Tempura / tendon · ¥¥
• RestaurantTori SeiNakano · Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantKyorakuteiKagurazaka · Soba (buckwheat noodles) · ¥¥
• RestaurantKagurazaka ShimakinKagurazaka · Unagi (eel) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantNO OHAGIDaikanyama · Gluten-free & vegan ohagi / wagashi cafe · ¥¥
• Restaurantpremium SOWDaikanyama · Vegan & gluten-free patisserie / gelato · ¥¥
• RestaurantCafe KomayaRoppongi · 100% gluten-free cafe (lunch & sweets) · ¥¥
• Restaurant& OIMO TOKYO CAFE NakameguroNakameguro · Gluten-free sweet-potato cafe & dessert · ¥¥
• RestaurantNikoNiko Mazemen & CurryAkihabara · Halal Sri Lankan curry & mazemen · ¥
• RestaurantTendon Ginza ItsukiGinza · Halal tendon (tempura rice bowl) · ¥¥
• RestaurantShunpudouIriya (Taito) · Halal wagyu ramen & beef cutlet · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantNaritayaIriya (Taito) · Halal ramen · ¥
• RestaurantRainbow Bird RendezvousNakameguro · Organic vegan cafe · ¥¥
• RestaurantGopinathaNakano · Vegetarian/vegan set meals · ¥
• RestaurantTsuminaki Mapo Tofu (Mita)Mita · Plant-based Chinese (mapo tofu) · ¥¥
• RestaurantShojin Ryori DaigoAtago · Shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian kaiseki) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantSembikiya Fruit ParlourNihonbashi · Fruit parlour (parfaits & fruit desserts) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantHimitsudoYanaka · Kakigori (shaved ice) · ¥¥
• RestaurantMihashi UenoOkachimachi · Kanmidokoro (anmitsu & sweets) · ¥
• RestaurantTsukiji KannoTsukiji · Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) · ¥¥
• RestaurantBondy JimbochoJimbocho · European-style Japanese curry · ¥¥
• RestaurantNihonbashi OtakoNihonbashi · Oden (Kanto-style) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantMaguro-bito UenoOkachimachi · Standing sushi (tachigui) · ¥¥
• RestaurantChanko KirishimaRyogoku · Chanko-nabe (sumo hot pot) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantRasupuruKichijoji · Yoshoku / omurice · ¥¥
• RestaurantKaneko HannosukeNihonbashi · Tendon (tempura rice bowl) · ¥
• RestaurantAsakusa GyukatsuIriya (Taito) · Gyukatsu (beef cutlet) · ¥¥
• RestaurantHantei NezuYanaka · Kushiage (fried skewers) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantGluten-Free Kushiage SuGinza · Gluten-free kushiage (fried skewers) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantGodaime Wagyu Tokyo (Halal)Ginza · Halal wagyu steak & burger · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantChabuzen ShimokitazawaShimokitazawa · Vegan medicinal ramen & soup curry · ¥¥
• RestaurantUdon ShinShinjuku · Udon (handmade) · ¥
• RestaurantSarashina HoriiAzabu-Juban · Soba (sarashina) · ¥¥
• RestaurantGinza BirdlandGinza · Yakitori (premium) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantOkonomiyaki Kiji MarunouchiTokyo Station · Okonomiyaki (Osaka style) · ¥¥
• RestaurantAFURI EbisuEbisu · Ramen (yuzu shio) · ¥
• RestaurantUnagi Izuei HontenOkachimachi · Unagi (eel) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantChatei HatouShibuya · Kissaten (Japanese coffee house) · ¥¥
• RestaurantTonkatsu Maisen AoyamaJingumae · Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) · ¥¥
• RestaurantUobei Shibuya DogenzakaShibuya · Conveyor-belt (kaiten) sushi · ¥
• RestaurantNinja Yakiniku AsakusaIriya (Taito) · Halal wagyu yakiniku · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantAyam-Ya OkachimachiOkachimachi · Halal chicken-broth ramen · ¥
• RestaurantWe Are The Farm MeguroMeguro · Farm-to-table organic vegetables (GF options) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantHeavenly Island Lifestyle DaikanyamaDaikanyama · Hawaiian bistro (GF options) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantMr. Farmer OmotesandoJingumae · Vegetable-forward cafe (vegan & GF options) · ¥¥
• Restaurant2foods Ginza LoftGinza · Vegan cafe / plant-based · ¥¥
• RestaurantTamawaraiJingumae · Handmade juwari soba (100% buckwheat) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantPizzakaya RoppongiRoppongi · American pizza (gluten-free / vegan options) · ¥¥
• RestaurantGinza SwissGinza · Yoshoku & Japanese curry · ¥¥
• RestaurantSuzukien AsakusaIriya (Taito) · Matcha gelato & Japanese tea · ¥
• RestaurantGonpachi NishiazabuNishiazabu · Izakaya (soba, yakitori, tempura) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantGinza KojyuGinza · Kaiseki · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantYakiniku Champion EbisuEbisu · Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantNingyocho Imahan HontenNingyocho · Sukiyaki / shabu-shabu / wagyu · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantTonkatsu Tonki MeguroMeguro · Tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet) · ¥¥
• RestaurantMonja Kondo HontenTsukishima · Monjayaki · ¥¥
• RestaurantFuryu Okonomiyaki SometaroIriya (Taito) · Okonomiyaki · ¥¥
• RestaurantSARAY AkasakaAkasaka · Turkish (halal kebab) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantHalal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-teiShinjuku · Halal wagyu ramen · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantHalal Japanese Curry Yoshi's PassionIriya (Taito) · Halal Japanese curry · ¥¥
• RestaurantWagyu Yakiniku Panga AsakusaIriya (Taito) · Halal yakiniku / wagyu · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantItoshoAzabu-Juban · Shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantSasanoyukiUguisudani · Tofu & yuba cuisine · ¥¥
• RestaurantAIN SOPH. Soar IkebukuroIkebukuro · Vegan cafe / pancakes · ¥¥
• RestaurantAIN SOPH. GINZAGinza · Vegan / plant-based · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantVegan Ramen UZU TokyoToyosu · Vegan ramen · ¥¥
• RestaurantAndy's Shin HinomotoYurakucho · Seafood izakaya · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantKanda MatsuyaKanda · Soba (handmade buckwheat noodles) · ¥
• RestaurantNakiryuOtsuka · Ramen (tantanmen / shoyu) · ¥
• RestaurantNodaiwa Azabu-IikuraAzabu · Unagi (grilled eel) · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantTempura Tsunahachi (Ginza)Ginza · Tempura · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantSushi DaiToyosu · Sushi (Edomae) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantTempura Asakusa SAKURAIriya (Taito) · Tempura (gluten-free, halal) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantGluten Free T's KitchenRoppongi · Gluten-free comfort food · ¥¥
• RestaurantAsakusa Sushi KenIriya (Taito) · Halal Edo-style sushi · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantGyumon Halal Wagyu YakinikuShibuya · Halal yakiniku / wagyu · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantHonolu Halal Ramen (Shinjuku-Gyoenmae)Shinjuku · Halal ramen · ¥
• RestaurantSougoRoppongi · Modern shojin-ryori · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantKomaki ShokudoAkihabara · Shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) · ¥
• RestaurantFucha Ryori BonIriya (Taito) · Fucha-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) · ¥¥¥
• RestaurantFalafel Brothers ShibuyaShibuya · Vegan Middle Eastern / falafel · ¥¥
• RestaurantSAIDOJiyugaoka · Vegan creative Japanese · ¥¥¥¥
• RestaurantT's TanTan (Tokyo Station)Tokyo Station · Vegan ramen / tantanmen · ¥
• RestaurantAIN SOPH. Journey ShinjukuShinjuku · Vegan cafe & sweets · ¥¥¥
• GuideSay it in Japanese: a dietary & allergy phrase cardShow, don't struggle. Copy-ready Japanese phrases for vegetarian, vegan, halal, pescatarian and gluten-free diners — plus the hidden ingredients to name.
• GuideSpecial-occasion Tokyo: starred tables a visitor can actually bookTokyo holds more Michelin stars than any city on earth. Here's how to choose, book and behave at a high-end Japanese table — and a few that genuinely welcome visitors.
• GuideOmotesando & Aoyama: stylish streets, quietly diet-friendlyTokyo's most elegant boulevard hides one of its best clusters of plant-based and produce-led dining — between the flagship stores, eat beautifully whatever your diet.
• GuideTokyo for Muslim travellers: certified, friendly, and what to askTokyo's halal scene has grown fast — certified wagyu, halal ramen, prayer rooms and Muslim-friendly kaiseki. Here's the difference between 'certified' and 'friendly', the seasonings to watch, and where to start.
• GuideMarket sushi: Toyosu & Tsukiji, eaten rightThe fish moves; the ritual stays. A friendly guide to eating sushi where it's landed — the wholesale energy of Toyosu and the street-food sprawl of the Tsukiji Outer Market.
• GuidePescatarian Tokyo: the easiest city in the world to eat fish-firstIf you eat seafood but not meat, Tokyo is paradise. Sushi, sashimi, grilled fish and seafood bowls are everywhere — here's how to order with confidence, plus the hidden meat to watch for.
• GuideTokyo on any budget, from ¥ to ¥¥¥¥Some of Tokyo's best eating costs a few hundred yen. How to feast well at every price — bowls, counters and splurges.
• GuideHow to book a table in TokyoWalk-in, Tabelog, Ikkyu or the concierge — how reservations really work in Japan, and why showing up matters.
• GuideFirst trip to Japan? 10 dishes to tryA friendly starter list of the dishes that define a first trip — what they are, and where on this site to go deeper.
• GuideSake, shochu & beyond: a drinks guideWhat to drink with Japanese food — from sake grades to shochu, highballs, beer and the teas that round out a meal.
• GuideHow to order and pay (without the awkwardness)Ticket machines, the otoshi charge, cash vs. card, and how to ask for the bill — the practical mechanics of eating out in Japan.
• GuideThe konbini guide: how to eat well at a convenience storeJapan's convenience stores are a genuine food destination — fresh onigiri, bento, oden and famous fried chicken, 24/7.
• GuideEating by the season: shun, Japan's culinary calendarJapanese cuisine is built on shun — eating each ingredient at its seasonal peak. Here's what to look for, spring to winter.
• GuideGinza dining guide: polish, from a cutlet to two starsTokyo's most refined district spans department-store institutions, a katsu-curry birthplace and a two-Michelin-star kaiseki counter — plus elegant vegan dining.
• GuideAsakusa food guide: old Tokyo, open to everyoneSenso-ji's temple town is the most inclusive food district in Tokyo — halal sushi, gluten-free tempura, vegan temple food and the world's richest matcha gelato.
• GuideVegan sweets & cafes in TokyoFluffy egg-free pancakes, plant-based puddings and the world's richest matcha gelato — dessert without compromise.
• GuideShojin ryori: Japan's original vegetarian cuisineBuddhist temple food was vegan centuries before the word existed. Meet shojin ryori — and the Tokyo tables that keep it alive.
• GuideGluten-free Tokyo: a coeliac's survival guideSoy sauce hides wheat, and so does soba — but Tokyo now has certified gluten-free kitchens. Where to eat, and what to avoid.
• GuideEditor's top picks for inbound dinersThe eight Tokyo restaurants we're sending friends to right now — spanning vegan, halal, gluten-free and the timeless classics.
• GuideWhere to eat in Tokyo, by neighbourhoodOld-Tokyo Asakusa, refined Ginza, buzzing Shibuya and Shinjuku — what to eat where, and which of our picks to book.
• GuideHalal in Tokyo: where to eat with confidenceFrom halal-certified sushi to A5 wagyu yakiniku and rich chicken ramen — Tokyo's halal scene has quietly become excellent.
• GuideVegan & vegetarian Tokyo: the complete guideTokyo is far easier than its reputation — if you know about dashi. Where to eat, what to watch for, and the phrases that help.
• GuideJapanese dining etiquette: the essentialsChopstick rules, why there's no tipping, the hot towel, and 'itadakimasu'. The customs that make dining out feel easy.
• GuideRamen, the right way: ordering and slurpingBuy your ticket at the machine, slurp without shame, and finish while it's hot. How to order ramen with confidence.
• GuideHow to eat sushi like a localHands or chopsticks? Dip the fish, not the rice. A clear, friendly guide to enjoying sushi the way it's meant to be.
• Dish🍣 스시（Sushi）초밥과 바다의 진미가 만나는, 두 입의 예술.
• Dish🍜 라멘（Ramen）국물과 면, 그리고 주인장의 집념이 담긴 한 그릇.
• Dish🍤 텐푸라（Tempura）해산물과 채소를, 레이스처럼 가벼운 바삭함으로.
• Dish🌰 소바（Soba）메밀 면, 고소하고 조용히 우아한.
• Dish🍲 우동（Udon）굵고 쫄깃한 밀 면——순수한 위안.
• Dish🍢 야키토리（Yakitori）숯불 닭꼬치, 닭 한 마리를 통째로.
• Dish🥩 와규（Wagyu）일본의 마블링 소고기——야키니쿠·뎃판·스키야키로.
• Dish🍱 우나기（Unagi, 장어구이）숯불에 구운 민물장어, 윤기 흐르고 부드러운.
• Dish🍱 가이세키（Kaiseki）일본의 제철 코스, 한 접시 한 접시.
• Dish🪷 쇼진 요리（Shojin ryori, 정진 요리）불교 사찰 요리——'비건'이라는 말이 생기기 전부터의 비건.
• Dish🍶 두부와 유바（Tofu & yuba）대두의 솜씨——비단결 같고, 감칠맛 나며, 무궁무진한.
• Dish🏮 이자카야（Izakaya）일본의 선술집——작은 접시, 사케, 그리고 좋은 동행.
• Dish🍵 말차와 와가시（Matcha & wagashi）저어 낸 녹차와 보석 같은 제철 과자.
• Dish🐟 사시미（Sashimi, 회）더없이 신선한 생선회——바다의 가장 맑은 맛.
• Dish🐖 돈카츠（Tonkatsu）황금빛 빵가루를 입힌 돈가스——일본의 바삭함.
• Dish🥞 오코노미야키（Okonomiyaki）직접 식탁에서 굽는 고소한 부침개.
• Dish🍳 몬자야키（Monjayaki）도쿄의 걸쭉한 철판 명물——긁어서 음미하다.
• Dish🐙 타코야키 (Takoyaki)겉은 바삭 속은 사르르 녹는 문어 경단, 철판에서 갓 구워 뜨겁게.
• Dish🍲 스키야키 (Sukiyaki)달콤한 와리시타에 끓인 와규를 날달걀에 적셔서.
• Dish🥟 교자 (Gyoza)바닥은 바삭하고 속은 육즙 가득한 군만두.
• Dish🍛 일본식 카레라이스 (Kare raisu)걸쭉하고 순하며 마음을 달래주는 카레덮밥.
• Dish🍶 사케 (니혼슈)일본의 쌀로 빚은 술—한 끼의 분위기를 잡아주는 한 잔.
• Dish🍚 치라시즈시 (Chirashizushi)초밥용 밥에 그날 가장 좋은 생선을 흩뿌린 한 그릇.
• Dish🍚 규동 (Gyudon)달콤짭짤하게 졸인 소고기 덮밥—빠르고 사랑받는 한 그릇.
• Dish🍳 가쓰동 (Katsudon)돈가스와 달걀 덮밥—승리를 부르는 한 그릇.
• Dish🥘 샤부샤부 (Shabu-shabu)종잇장처럼 얇은 소고기를 뜨거운 국물에 살랑살랑, 찍어서 한입.
• Dish🍢 오뎅 (Oden)무, 달걀, 어묵이 국물에 폭 밴 겨울의 위안 냄비.
• Dish🍙 오니기리 (Onigiri)소박하고 완벽한 주먹밥—손안에 담긴 일본.
• Dish🥣 미소된장국과 와쇼쿠 (Misoshiru)모든 일본 식사의 중심에 자리한, 깊은 정성의 한 그릇.
• Dish🍃 유바 (Yuba)두유에서 떠올린 비단결 막—교토와 사찰의 별미.
• Dish🫘 낫토 (Natto)끈적끈적 실을 늘이는 발효 콩—일본의 대담한 아침 슈퍼푸드.
• Dish🍡 와가시 (Wagashi)계절의 맛이 깃든 팥소 과자.
• Dish🍱 벤토 (Bento)한 끼 식사를 아름답게 담아낸 도시락.
• Dietary🌱 비건동물성 재료 일절 없음 — 일본에서는 ‘다시(육수)’가 가장 큰 함정.
• Dietary🥬 채식고기·생선을 먹지 않음 — 다만 일본에선 ‘채식’에도 생선 육수가 들어가기 쉽다.
• Dietary🕌 할랄이슬람 율법에 따른 음식 — 돼지고기·알코올, 미림·맛술에 주의.
• Dietary🌾 글루텐프리밀·보리·호밀을 피함 — 사실 일반 간장에도 밀이 들어 있다.
• Dietary🐟 페스코해산물은 OK, 고기는 NG — 일본에서 가장 먹기 쉬운 편.
• Dietary✡️ 코셔Permissible under Jewish law — strictly kosher dining is rare; plan ahead.
• Dietary🥛 유제품 프리No milk, butter or cheese — traditional Japanese food is largely dairy-free already.
• Dietary🥜 견과류 프리Avoiding peanuts/tree nuts — relatively easy, but check sauces and desserts.
• TermOmakase (おまかせ)“I'll leave it to you” — a chef's-choice course, common at sushi and kaiseki counters.
• TermTeishoku (定食)A set meal: a main dish with rice, miso soup and small sides. The everyday lunch.
• TermOkonomi (お好み)“As you like it” — ordering à la carte, piece by piece (vs. a set course).
• TermOtoshi / Tsukidashi (お通し／突き出し)A small starter served automatically at izakaya, carrying a modest seat/cover charge.
• TermTabehoudai (食べ放題)All-you-can-eat for a fixed price and time limit.
• TermNomihoudai (飲み放題)All-you-can-drink for a fixed price and time limit, common with course menus.
• TermOkawari (おかわり)A refill or second helping (often free for rice, cabbage or soup).
• TermOkaikei / Oaiso (お会計／お愛想)“The bill, please.” Many counters total up at the end; some shops pay up front.
• TermRyouri (料理)Cooking / cuisine. You'll see it in names like washoku-ryori (Japanese cuisine).
• TermIzakaya (居酒屋)A casual pub serving small shared plates with drinks — Japan's after-work hub.
• TermShokudo (食堂)A simple, affordable diner serving home-style set meals.
• TermKappo / Ryotei (割烹／料亭)Refined Japanese restaurants; kappo is counter-style, ryotei is a formal private-room establishment.
• TermKissaten (喫茶店)A traditional coffee house — hand-drip coffee, toast and a retro calm.
• TermTachigui (立ち食い)Stand-and-eat shops (soba, sushi) — quick, cheap, no seats.
• TermYatai (屋台)A street food stall, common at festivals and night-time food alleys.
• TermDepachika (デパ地下)A department-store basement food hall — a dazzling world of prepared foods and sweets.
• TermKonbini (コンビニ)A convenience store — surprisingly good onigiri, bento, oden and snacks, 24/7.
• TermYaki (焼き)Grilled or pan-fried (yakitori, yakiniku, teriyaki, okonomiyaki).
• TermAge (揚げ)Deep-fried (tempura, karaage, agedashi, tonkatsu).
• TermNi (煮)Simmered in seasoned broth (nimono, nikomi).
• TermMushi (蒸し)Steamed (chawanmushi, the savory egg custard).
• TermNabe (鍋)A communal hot pot cooked at the table (sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, motsunabe).
• TermTeppan (鉄板)An iron griddle; teppanyaki is food grilled on it before you.
• TermSumibi / Robata (炭火／炉端)Charcoal grilling; robatayaki is a country-style charcoal hearth.
• TermKaraage (唐揚げ)Japanese-style fried chicken, marinated and lightly coated.
• TermHashi (箸)Chopsticks. Never stand them upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
• TermOshibori (おしぼり)The hot/cold hand towel given before a meal — for your hands only.
• TermYakumi (薬味)Aromatic condiments (grated ginger, scallion, wasabi, shichimi) to add as you like.
• TermOtsumami (おつまみ)Small snacks to go with drinks.
• TermItadakimasu (いただきます)Said before eating — “I gratefully receive.”
• TermGochisousama (ごちそうさま)Said after eating — “thank you for the meal.”
• TermGohan (ご飯)Cooked rice — also the general word for “a meal.”
• TermDonburi (-don) (丼)A rice bowl topped with something: gyudon (beef), katsudon (cutlet), unadon (eel), kaisendon (seafood).
• TermTeuchi (手打ち)Hand-made (noodles) — a mark of quality at soba and udon shops.
• TermKake / Mori / Zaru (かけ／もり／ざる)Noodle styles: kake = hot in broth; mori/zaru = cold with a dipping sauce.
• TermKaedama (替え玉)An extra portion of noodles for your remaining ramen broth (order before it runs low).
• TermJuwari (十割)100% buckwheat soba (no wheat) — sought by gluten-avoiding diners (confirm cross-contamination).
• TermNeta / Shari (ネタ／シャリ)Neta is the topping (fish); shari is the vinegared rice.
• TermNigiri (握り)Hand-pressed sushi: a slice of fish over a small mound of rice.
• TermGunkan (軍艦)“Battleship” sushi: rice wrapped in nori to hold loose toppings like roe.
• TermMaki / Temaki (巻き／手巻き)Rolled sushi; temaki is a hand-rolled cone.
• TermToro (とろ)Fatty tuna belly; otoro is the richest, chutoro medium.
• TermHikarimono (光物)“Shiny” silver-skinned fish like mackerel and gizzard shad.
• TermNikiri / Gari (煮切り／ガリ)Nikiri is the brushed-on seasoned soy; gari is pickled ginger eaten between pieces.
• TermDashi (出汁)The foundational stock (often bonito + kelp) behind most savory dishes — the key thing vegetarians/vegans must ask about.
• TermUmami (うま味)The “fifth taste” — savory depth from kombu, bonito, miso, mushrooms and tomatoes.
• TermShoyu (醤油)Soy sauce — usually brewed with wheat (a gluten note); tamari is a wheat-free type.
• TermMiso (味噌)Fermented soybean paste, the base of miso soup; some types contain barley.
• TermMirin / Ryorishu (みりん／料理酒)Sweet rice wine and cooking sake — they add gloss and depth, but contain alcohol (a halal note).
• TermTare (タレ)A sweet-savory glaze/sauce (for yakitori, eel, gyudon) — often soy + mirin + sugar.
• TermPonzu (ポン酢)A bright citrus-soy dipping sauce, classic with hot pots and grilled fish.
• TermShio vs. Tare (塩／タレ)At yakitori, choose shio (just salt) or tare (sweet glaze). Shio is often the gluten/alcohol-safer pick.
• TermNihonshu / Sake (日本酒)Rice wine. Grades: junmai, ginjo, daiginjo. Served chilled, warm or room temp.
• TermShochu (焼酎)A distilled spirit (from barley, sweet potato or rice), drunk straight, on the rocks or with water.
• TermChuhai / Highball (酎ハイ／ハイボール)Chuhai is shochu + soda + flavor; highball is whisky + soda — light, popular izakaya drinks.
• TermNama biiru (生ビール)Draft beer — the classic first order, “toriaezu nama.”
• TermOcha / Matcha (お茶／抹茶)Green tea; matcha is the whisked, stone-ground powder of the tea ceremony. Often free with a meal.
• TermMugicha / Hojicha (麦茶／ほうじ茶)Caffeine-light roasted teas: mugicha (barley, chilled in summer), hojicha (roasted green tea).