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Where to eat; cover photo at Japanese restaurant
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Where to Eat in Japan: Favorite Restaurants & Hidden Gems

Posted on:August 14, 2025August 14, 2025

Japan is a dream destination for food lovers that is more than sushi and ramen (though those are amazing too). From…

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Hi, I’m Lauren

This is your go-to for Japan travel tips, hidden gems, and inspiration. Each post is crafted by me (and sometimes my team!) to help you explore Japan with ease.

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  • Hotels & Stays
  • Inspiration
  • Restaurants

chasingjapanvibes

🇯🇵 Helping you explore Japan beyond the crowds
✨Off the beaten path & Ghibli vibes
🌸 Hidden gems, foodie eats, & boutique stays
I thought I’d never say this…but you don’t h I thought I’d never say this…but you don’t have to travel to Japan to get your Japan fix and reset. We didn’t make it to Japan this winter — so we found a quiet Japanese-style escape right here in Los Angeles. New Year’s Eve at the @miyakohotel felt like hitting pause. 
A spacious room, a deep soaking tub I happily disappeared into, and that calm, intentional Japanese hospitality that instantly slows you down. Dinner at Ise-Shima was comforting and thoughtful, and the next morning? A Japanese breakfast buffet with all my favorites — yes, even natto 🥢 
It felt familiar, grounding, and exactly what we needed. This stay reminded me that sometimes the reset you’re craving isn’t about going far — it’s about choosing experiences that let you rest, reconnect, and be present. ✨ Save this for when you need a Japan-style reset without leaving LA.
 Have you ever done a staycation that felt like a real escape? #slowtravel #japanvibes #japanlover #localgems
What if your Japan reset…didn’t require a flig What if your Japan reset…didn’t require a flight? 🇯🇵✨ We didn’t make it to Japan this winter — so we found a quiet Japanese-style escape right here in Los Angeles. New Year’s Eve at the @miyakohotel felt like hitting pause. 
A spacious room, a deep soaking tub I happily disappeared into, and that calm, intentional Japanese hospitality that instantly slows you down. Dinner at Ise-Shima was comforting and thoughtful, and the next morning? A Japanese breakfast buffet with all my favorites — yes, even natto 🥢 
It felt familiar, grounding, and exactly what we needed. This stay reminded me that sometimes the reset you’re craving isn’t about going far — it’s about choosing experiences that let you rest, reconnect, and be present. ✨ Save this for when you need a Japan-style reset without leaving LA.
 Have you ever done a staycation that felt like a real escape? #slowtravel #japanlovers #japanvibes #hotel #staycation
I’ve traveled to Japan 3 times this past year… I’ve traveled to Japan 3 times this past year… and these are the things most people miss. 🇯🇵✨ 1️⃣ The best places aren’t the popular ones.
The most memorable shrines, restaurants, and moments were the ones with no lines. Small, quiet places where you feel the heartbeat of daily life — not a photo op. 2️⃣ The best days have no plans.
Some of my favorite memories came from wandering with no agenda. Turning down side streets. Following curiosity. Letting the day unfold instead of rushing to the next stop. 3️⃣ Driving is wildly underrated.
Japan’s trains are incredible — but driving opened up a completely different world. Mountain roads, coastal towns, tiny villages… places most travelers never see because they’re not on a rail line. 4️⃣ Locals truly welcome you off the beaten path.
In lesser-visited towns, people were genuinely excited we came. Shop owners took time to talk, explain, and share their hometown pride. It felt human. Warm. Real. 5️⃣ Every region tastes different.
From flying fish on Yakushima to rich black miso in Nagoya; food is a way to understand a place. Each region tells its own story through flavor. 
 ✨We should do better next year! 💬 How do you plan to travel differently in 2026? If you’re craving a Japan trip that is more meaningful — beyond the Golden Route — this is exactly what we help create. 🧭 Follow for quiet places, hidden gems, and slow travel inspiration
🌿 Explore our trip planning services for Japan beyond the crowds
✈️ Or join us on an intimate Japan journey next year Comment JAPAN and I’ll send you information on how we plan trips like this. #hiddenjapan #traveljapan #japantraveltips #slowtravel #japantravels
All I want for Christmas… 🎄✨
is two slow, All I want for Christmas… 🎄✨
is two slow, magical weeks in Japan. Not rushing city to city.
Not chasing viral spots.
But savoring the moments in between: 🍜 soul-warming meals made by one shop owner
🏯 quiet shrines where time feels suspended
🛏️ ryokan stays that feel magical
🚶🏽‍♀️ wandering neighborhoods with no plan at all Japan isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. 
And once you experience it slowly, it stays with you. ✨ How about you—what’s on your Christmas wish list this year? 
🎁 A trip? A place? A feeling? 🧭 Follow for slow travel Japan, hidden gems, and soulful itineraries beyond the crowds. #JapanTravel #SlowTravel #JapanTrip #ChristmasWishes #japan
Everyone rushes to the same places in Japan—Aras Everyone rushes to the same places in Japan—Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Meiji Jingu, Dotonbori…� But the truth?�Those viral spots are crowded, rushed, and honestly not the most memorable part of Japan. �When we started exploring beyond the typical Golden Route and over listed places, we found experiences to be amazing:� ✨ A tiny Edo-period museum where you can walk into Edo-period homes. and the guides passionately bring history to life � 🎢 An indoor VR theme park where adults can be kids again � 🚗 Rent a car to gain freedom to find real hidden gems such as breathtaking shrines, temples and quiet country roads with views you’ll never get from a train window. � 🏯 Beautiful historic merchant houses with serene gardens. There all around Japan! �🍵 The nostalgic charm of Nakazakichō in Osaka where you can explore cute cafes and shops. These small, local moments have become some of our favorite memories—the ones we still talk about. �If you want to plan a Japan trip that’s meaningful, crowd-free, and full of hidden gems, we’re here to help.� Drop a “PLAN” in the comments and I’ll send you my details about our trip planning services and products. #japantravel #japantraveltips #japan #japanitinerary #japantravelguide
Everyone rushes to the same places in Japan—Aras Everyone rushes to the same places in Japan—Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Meiji Jingu, Dotonbori…� But the truth? Those viral spots are crowded, rushed, and honestly not the most memorable part of Japan. �When we started exploring beyond the typical Golden Route and over listed places, we found experiences that hit deeper:� ✨ A tiny Edo-period museum where you can walk into Edo-period homes. and the guides passionately bring history to life � 🎢 An indoor VR theme park where adults can be kids again � 🚗 Rent a car to gain freedom to find real hidden gems such as breathtaking shrines, temples and quiet country roads with views you’ll never get from a train window. � 🏯 Beautiful historic merchant houses with serene gardens. There all around Japan! �🍵 The nostalgic charm of Nakazakichō in Osaka where you can explore cute cafes and shops. These small, local moments have become some of our favorite memories—the ones we still talk about. �If you want to plan a Japan trip that’s meaningful, crowd-free, and full of hidden gems, we’re here to help.� Drop a “PLAN” in the comments and I’ll send you my details about our trip planning services and products. #japantraveltips #japan #japantravels #japanitinerary #hiddenjapan
Most people think “matcha” just means a latte… but Japan has an entire world of matcha. Here are the 3 matcha experiences I genuinely love and always recommend to anyone visiting Japan. 💚 1️⃣ Matcha Ice Cream Treat
One of my favorite finds — a tiny, charming Japanese sweets + gift shop in Ozu that feels like stepping back in time. Their matcha ice cream was perfection: rich, lightly sweet, topped with matcha powder, red bean pieces, crunchy rice puffs, and a drizzle of syrup. Truly a matcha lover’s dream. 2️⃣ Matcha Pancakes (Gluten-Free) in Tokyo
Fluffy, cloudlike pancakes made with matcha?! Yes please.
Rizablo Kitchen in Tokyo nails it — gluten-free, airy, and served with strawberries, fresh cream, and a scoop of matcha ice cream. This is one of my go-to treats whenever I’m in the city. 3️⃣ Matcha Class + Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
This one is special. You learn the real difference between high-quality and low-quality matcha, and a personal ceremony. It’s slow, meditative, and so unforgettable.
✨ Fun fact: the matcha class lets you grind your own tea leaves to turn into matcha for the tea ceremony! Save this for your Japan trip — and comment “MATCHA” if you want the link to the Kyoto matcha class + ceremony! 🍵💚 #japantravelguide #matchajapan #matchalovers #matcha #japantraveltips
I used to think I knew matcha… until I tried it I used to think I knew matcha… until I tried it in Japan. And wow — it’s a completely different world. It’s richer, smoother, earthier, and treated with so much intentionality. Here are the 3 matcha experiences I genuinely love and always recommend to anyone visiting Japan. 💚 1️⃣ Matcha Ice Cream Treat in Ozu
One of my favorite finds — a tiny, charming Japanese sweets + gift shop in Ozu that feels like stepping back in time. Their matcha ice cream was perfection: rich, lightly sweet, topped with matcha powder, red bean pieces, crunchy rice puffs, and a drizzle of syrup. Truly a matcha lover’s dream. 2️⃣ Matcha Pancakes (Gluten-Free) in Tokyo
Fluffy, cloudlike pancakes made with matcha?! Yes please.
Rizablo Kitchen in Tokyo nails it — gluten-free, airy, and served with strawberries, fresh cream, and a scoop of matcha ice cream. This is one of my go-to treats whenever I’m in the city. 3️⃣ Matcha Class + Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
This one is special. You learn the real difference between high-quality and low-quality matcha, and a personal ceremony. It’s slow, meditative, and so unforgettable.
✨ Fun fact: the matcha class lets you grind your own tea leaves to turn into matcha for the tea ceremony! Save this for your Japan trip — and comment “MATCHA” if you want the location for Kyoto matcha class + ceremony! 🍵💚 #japantraveltips #matchalover #matcha #teaceremony #japanmatcha | 3 Best Ways to Try Matcha in Japan

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