Best Food Experiences in Japan This 2025: A Traveler’s Guide

This year, I made it a point to experience Japan through its flavors—and what a ride it’s been. Forget just eating ramen in Tokyo or grabbing takoyaki in Osaka (though, yes, I still did those); what I found even more exciting were the hands-on culinary experiences and hyper-local food adventures popping up all over the country.

Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or returning to dive deeper, I highly recommend dedicating a portion of your trip to food tourism—it's one of the fastest growing travel trends in Japan this 2025, and it's not just about eating.

🍣 I Tried a Sushi-Making Class in Tokyo

One of the highlights of my trip was a sushi-making class I joined in Shinjuku. It was hosted by Washocook, a cooking studio that welcomes travelers who want to learn authentic Japanese cooking.

The instructor was kind and patient, and I got to make nigiri and roll sushi from scratch (yes, I struggled with the rolling part 😅). I left not only full, but proud—and with a better appreciation for Japanese food culture. You should totally try this.

A freshly rolled sushi, revealing vibrant green vegetables inside, on a wooden cutting board.

🧂 I Didn’t Expect to Fall in Love with Fermentation

In Gifu Prefecture, I joined a fermentation tour that included visiting a 100-year-old miso factory and tasting soy sauce aged in cedar barrels. I’ve never thought miso could taste that complex—it was deep, earthy, almost like wine. There’s even a term for this: fermentation tourism, and it’s becoming a thing.

It’s perfect for travelers like me who want to explore off-the-beaten-path Japan while supporting local artisans.

🌾 I Found Hidden Food Gems in Small Towns

While everyone’s rushing to Kyoto or Osaka, I spent time in smaller regions like Tottori and Yamagata. I joined a seasonal food trail where we picked fresh vegetables and then learned to cook them with local chefs.

In another town, I had vegan okonomiyaki made from local mountain yam and lotus root. It was unexpectedly delicious and proof that Japanese cuisine goes far beyond what we see online.

🌱 Fusion and Plant-Based Surprises

2025 seems to be the year Japan embraces plant-based creativity. In Tokyo, I tried matcha-infused vegan ramen (green and tasty!) and in Fukuoka, I had seaweed tempura paired with citrus soy glaze.

If you’re vegan or just looking for something different, Japan now has amazing options—and they’re beautifully presented, as always.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Japan’s food scene is evolving—and if you’re the kind of traveler who values experiences over snapshots, I promise that food tourism will take your trip to a whole new level. You won’t just eat—you’ll learn, connect, and appreciate culture in the most delicious way.