13 Must-Try Japanese Street Food on Your Next Trip

Planning your next trip to Japan? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the country's vibrant street food scene! From savory grilled skewers to delectable sweet treats, there's a world of flavor waiting to be discovered beyond sushi and ramen. But with so many options, finding the must-try Japanese street food can be overwhelming.

Our customer, Emily Galler, also experienced this firsthand during her 10-day trip to Japan last year. She was amazed by the deliciousness of street foods there but also found it a bit daunting to choose between many selections. That’s why in this article from TravelThru, we'll share some of Emily's experiences with street foods in this beautiful country and guide you through the best ones you should try.

1. Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

Takoyaki, or octopus balls, are a must-try for any foodie, and they definitely deserve a top spot on any Japanese street food list.

"The first time I saw takoyaki being made, I was mesmerized by the chef's swift movements," recalls Emily. "The aroma wafting from the stall was irresistible – a mix of savory batter, tangy sauce, and smoky bonito flakes. When I finally got my hands on a steaming hot portion, I couldn't wait to take a bite. The crispy exterior gave way to a soft, almost creamy center filled with tender octopus pieces and bits of tempura."

Takoyaki is typically drizzled with a Worcestershire-like sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, and topped with katsuobushi (bonito flakes). Its crispy exterior and soft, gooey interior make it a delightful afternoon snack or a tasty pairing with beer.

You can usually find takoyaki for ¥500-¥700 in many yatai (mobile food stalls in Japan). If you want to try a popular takoyaki chain, Gindaco is a great option.

2. Kakigori - Best Japanese Street Food for Summer

This summer dessert takes shaved ice to new heights with additions like condensed milk, sweeteners, and flavored syrups. These simple enhancements transform ordinary shaved ice into a light, fluffy, and heavenly sweet treat. While it delivers the rich sweetness of ice cream, its airy texture leaves you feeling guilt-free.

Kakigori's popularity dates back to 11th century Japan, and it's so beloved that it has its own holiday, Kakigori Day, celebrated on July 25th. You can find this refreshing treat at street food stalls, summer festivals, and even specialty Kakigori shops throughout the country.

3. Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancake)

Okonomiyaki, often called "Japanese pizza," is a popular savory pancake in Japan. It’s typically filled with cabbage, meat, and egg, then topped with sauces and various condiments. You'll find two main varieties: Hiroshima-style and Osaka-style.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is layered, including a crepe-like base topped with cabbage, meat, egg, and other ingredients. Osaka-style, on the other hand, combines everything in the batter – veggies, meat or seafood, egg, and tempura scraps – creating a delicious, all-in-one pancake.

The name okonomiyaki means "grilled as you like it," reflecting the endless possibilities for customization. Common toppings include okonomiyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce), Japanese mayonnaise, katsuobushi (dried fish flakes), and aonori (dried seaweed flakes).

For Emily, okonomiyaki is best enjoyed in chilly weather, when the warmth radiating from the griddle creates a cozy atmosphere. "It's the perfect comfort food on a cold evening," she says.

4. Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers)

Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, is a popular Japanese street food loved for its portability and variety. You'll find skewers with different chicken parts, like tender thigh meat (momo) or crispy wings (tebasaki). Other favorites include chicken meatballs (tsukune) and negima, a combination of chicken and spring onion.

Adventurous eaters can try more unusual options like gizzard (sunagimo), cartilage (nankotsu), or liver (reba). Yakitori can be found at street food stalls in markets and izakaya bars all over Japan.

We highly recommend pairing your yakitori with a cold Japanese beer for a truly authentic experience.

5. Yakisoba (Stir-fried Noodles)

Our top pick for Japanese street foods in Tokyo is the smoky aroma and sizzling sounds of yakisoba being prepared on a hot griddle.

Yakisoba features stir-fried noodles tossed with pork and vegetables like cabbage, onions, and carrots. It's generously coated in a savory sauce and finished with toppings like fish flakes, seaweed flakes, and pickled ginger.

If you crave a unique carb-on-carb experience, try yakisoba-pan, a bun filled with these delicious stir-fried noodles. You can find yakisoba sold by street vendors throughout Japan, typically priced between ¥350 and ¥700.

6. Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Pastry)

Despite the fish shape, Taiyaki has nothing to do with seafood. This sweet treat is particularly common in Tokyo but can be found in tourist towns throughout Japan. Often enjoyed as a dessert or snack, vendors typically fill these golden fish-shaped pastries with red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or cheese. Whether you prefer the classic red bean filling or the more adventurous custard or chocolate varieties, taiyaki is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Named after the red sea bream fish, ‘tai,’ which it resembles, Taiyaki sparks a playful debate in Japan about the best way to eat it: head first or tail first? The choice is yours to make. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide the best way to enjoy this delicious Japanese street food.

7. Mitarashi Dango

Mitarashi Dangos are adorable rice dumplings that offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Made from glutinous rice flour, these little balls are skewered and grilled over charcoal, giving them a signature smoky taste. They're then coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze that combines savory and sweet notes.

These chewy dumplings are a popular and affordable snack, typically costing around ¥100 to ¥150 per stick. You can find them at traditional Japanese confectionery shops (wagashi shops), near temples, or at festivals.

8. Crepes - Great Japanese Street Food for Dessert

Although sweet crepes are often linked to the crepe shops in Tokyo’s Harajuku neighborhood, they are also a favorite at street festivals. These crepes are simple yet delicious: thin pancakes made of wheat flour and folded into a cone. You can choose many sweet fillings like chocolate, fruit, custard, and more. The best part? The paper wrapping keeps your hands clean as you stroll and savor every bite.

9. Ikayaki (Grilled Squid)

This simple yet delicious snack allows you to savor the freshness and delightful chewiness of the squid, simply seasoned with soy sauce. While the recipe may be basic, a skilled vendor can transform the squid into a tender, flavorful masterpiece.

"Honestly, the first time I saw Ikayaki at a yatai in Yokohama, it kind of freaked me out! A whole big squid on a stick? But the smell was just too tempting to resist," Emily recalls with a laugh. "And boy, am I glad I tried it! The tender flesh, the slightly chewy tentacles, the crispy grilled skin – it was like a symphony of textures and flavors in my mouth. It totally stole my heart."

Ikayaki is a pretty affordable street food in Japan, with prices typically around ¥500. So, the next time you find yourself in Japan, don't miss the opportunity to try this surprisingly delicious dish. It might just become your new favorite street food!

10. Karaage

If there's one dish that defines Japanese comfort food for us, it's definitely this dish. Imagine biting into a piece of juicy, tender chicken encased in a crispy, flavorful crust. That's Karaage.

The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of mirin, garlic, soy sauce, and rice wine, then lightly coated in potato starch for a satisfying crunch. Perfect with drinks, this addictive dish is perfect for when you want something light yet delicious. You can find Karaage for around ¥300 to ¥400 almost everywhere in Tokyo, including convenience stores.

11. Yaki Imo (Roasted Sweet Potato)

There's nothing quite like the aroma of yaki-imo wafting through the crisp autumn air in Japan. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying street food – just roasted sweet potatoes, but oh so much more. The potatoes are slow-cooked over charcoal until their skins are charred and their flesh becomes incredibly tender and sweet.

During the winter, it's common to see and hear trucks with wood-fired ovens slowly driving through neighborhoods, playing music and announcing "satsumaimo, ishiyaki satsumaimo," which means they're cooked on hot stones.

If you spot someone selling freshly cooked yaki-imo at a winter festival, give it a try for a warm snack. You can also stop a passing yaki-imo truck or pick one up at many supermarkets, where they are kept warm all day.

12. Imagawayaki

You might recognize these bean-filled pastries as Taiwanese wheel cakes or red bean cakes, but they actually originated in Japan as imagawayaki. These pancake-like desserts are cooked in special cast-iron molds until crispy, traditionally filled with sweet azuki bean paste. Today, you can find them with a variety of fillings, from sweet options like vanilla custard, fruit custard, chocolate, and matcha, to savory ones like curry, potato, and cheese.

Imagawayaki are popular at festivals in Japan, but you can also find them in shops. My Japanese friend recommends Gozasoro as the best place to get them.

Interestingly, the name for these treats varies depending on the region. In Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto region, they're called imagawayaki, but in the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara), they're known as kaitenyaki or obanyaki.

13. Korokke

Korokke, the Japanese version of croquettes, is a dish introduced to Japan by the French in the late 19th century.

To make korokke, various chopped meats, seafood, or vegetables are mixed with mashed potatoes or a white sauce. The mixture is then coated in wheat flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs before being deep-fried to a golden brown.

Korokke is a popular and convenient snack found throughout Japan, you can find it at grocery stores and convenience stores (konbinis).

>>> Read more:

• How to Get Around in Japan: 8 Convenient Ways to Travel
• The 19 Best Cities to Visit in Japan with Stunning Scenery

Japanese street food is more than just a meal; it's a cultural experience that will leave you with lasting memories. So, next time you find yourself in Japan, don't hesitate to wander through a bustling market or street fair and indulge in the deliciousness that awaits you. Your taste buds (and your Instagram feed) will thank you!

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