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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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chasingjapanvibes

🇯🇵 Helping you explore Japan beyond the crowds
✨Off the beaten path & Ghibli vibes
🌸 Hidden gems, foodie eats, & boutique stays
POV: You love Japan so much, you brought your pare POV: You love Japan so much, you brought your parents… and your in-laws. 😅 We planned a 14-day, 4-city family trip for 8 adults.  Our first stop: Tokyo 🇯🇵 Our itinerary was packed with some tourist things, and some local experiences: * Stayed in Akasaka (not to be confused with Asakusa) * 7am sushi at Tsukiji Market, then a mochi + matcha break, before getting wowed at TeamLab Borderless — we packed in the highlights. * We explored a Edo Period Museum + Cooking Class + Professional photos at Hie Shrine with @alexleefilms * A Day trip to Hitachi Seaside Park * And a baseball game that stole the show for my dad 📍Tokyo was fun — but not everyone loved it right away. My mom didn’t feel the vibe… until the Omotesando neighborhood and Fluffy pancakes at A Happy Pancake changed her mind. 🥞 ✨Tip: If you’re planning a multi-generational trip to Japan, remember all of the walking can be difficult, so take a taxi when you can. Also don’t skip local neighborhoods like Omotesandō or even West Tokyo with its hidden charms. You’ll find hidden gems that just hit different. Follow for the PART 2 of our 14-day Japan family trip.  Dreaming of Japan? 🇯🇵✨ Don’t just dream it—make it real. We help you plan unforgettable trips beyond the crowded, viral spots. 🌸 #japantravel #tokyojapan #tokyoitinerary #japanitinerary #japantrip #traveljapan #traveljapan🇯🇵 #japanfoodie #tokyoandaroundtokyo #tokyotrip
Everyone raves about Japan’s trains (for good re Everyone raves about Japan’s trains (for good reason)… but no one talks about the ferries. 🚢✨ On our ferry from Beppu → Yawatahama, here is what we experienced:
🪟 Choose a cozy booth with an ocean view
🛌 Lay down in a tatami mat room (yes, you can nap!)
🪑 Relax in comfy seats or walk around on deck
🌊 Take in the most peaceful ocean views 🍘Grab snacks from the cafe (and vending machines) Honestly, this was one of the most relaxing ways to travel in Japan. Getting a tickets was easy and seamless. If you have the chance — try a ferry ride next time you visit! #JapanTravelTips #japanferrries #TravelJapanGuide #japantransportation #traveljapan #japantravels #japantravelguide #slowtravel
Dreaming of Japan? 🇯🇵✨ Let us help you tur Dreaming of Japan? 🇯🇵✨ Let us help you turn that dream into reality. From peaceful ryokans and hidden towns to unforgettable meals and breathtaking views—you don’t have to plan it alone. What we offer:
✔️ Travel itinerary & trip planning support
✔️ Guidance to hidden, authentic Japan
✔️ Tips & inspiration to make your trip smooth + unforgettable Our website is officially live! 🎉 You’ll find in-depth blog articles, curated travel ideas, and services to help with everything from inspiration to full trip planning. 📩 Comment “Dream” to Sign up for our newsletter + get the direct link to our website. We’re Ryan and Lauren, of Chasing Japan Vibes! We fell in love with Japan on our honeymoon and want to share the hidden japan experiences with you all. #japantravel #traveljapan #japantravelguide #japantravels #hiddenjapan #traveljapan🇯🇵 #japantrip
The best restaurants in Japan? 👀 They’re no The best restaurants in Japan? 👀 They’re not always the viral ones you see all over TikTok & IG — they’re the hidden gems you stumble upon, the places locals love. Here are a few of my favorites from across Japan: 🍽 Fukuoka – Eel Restaurant Yamamichi
 A literal hidden gem, tucked upstairs in a small building. Inside, the warm and cozy atmosphere makes you feel right at home. TIP: Google Maps will send you to the building next door — look carefully at the building photo! 🍜 Tokyo – Esoragoto Udon
 This tiny spot is standing-room only, where you order from a kiosk and slurp your noodles Japanese local style. The udon here is incredible — and gluten-free! I stop here every time I’m in Tokyo. 🔥 Ozu – Ozurobata Aburaya
 This izakaya is a must in the historic castle town of Ozu. Sit at the bar and watch the grill master prepare your food right in front of you — he even hands it to you on a paddle when it’s ready. One of my favorite food memories in Japan. 🐟 Yakushima – お食事処 樹 (Oshokujidokoro Itsuki)
 Here I tried flying fish for the first time! The fried fish set comes with rice, small sides, and a creamy savory egg custard (Chawanmushi) that instantly became my new favorite dish in Japan. 🌿 Aso District – Senomoto Chaya
 A traditional tatami mat restaurant serving delicious soba (buckwheat noodles). Comforting, authentic, and everything here is under $10 per person — such good value! ✨ Save this post for your next Japan trip — the real gems aren’t always the ones online. #JapanFood #HiddenGemsJapan #JapanTravelTips #japantravel #japantravels #foodiejapan #japanrestaurant #japantravelguide
These 4 places in Japan feel like stepping into a These 4 places in Japan feel like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie. ✨ 1. Kurokawa Onsen — Minamioguni
A sleepy mountain town with lantern-lit streets & steaming baths. (Feels like: Spirited Away’s bathhouse scenes.) 2. Tokiwa Hotel — Kofu
Traditional tatami room in a yukata, with Mt. Fuji views. (Feels like: From Up on Poppy Hill’s cozy home scenes.) 3. Trolley Train — Kagoshima
A charming, vintage train ride through quiet streets. (Feels like: Spirited Away’s sea train journey.) 4. Garyu Sanso — Ozu
A riverside villa with a wooden engawa overlooking serene gardens. (Feels like: The Wind Rises’ quiet, reflective moments.) Which one would you wander into first? 📌Save for your Ghibli bucket list ↗️Share with your favorite travel buddy #traveljapan #japantravel #japantravels #hiddenjapan #ghiblivibes #ghiblifan #studioghibliaesthetic #japan
You don’t come to Japan for the busy crowds and You don’t come to Japan for the busy crowds and viral spots — you come for the quiet, everyday magic. For me, it looks like: 🛁 soaking in a private onsen at a ryokan 🍜 enjoying a steaming bowl of udon in a tiny family-run shop, where one owner makes everything by hand ⛩️ hiking up to a shrine in Ozu and taking in the view of the city below 🍵 savoring the most delicate matcha sweet from a local wagashi shop Sure, I love the 7-11 konbini life (don’t get me wrong, the onigiri’s are yummy) — but this… this is the Japan I’ve always dreamed of. Do you imagine Japan like this too? 🌿 #JapanTravel #HiddenGemsJapan #TravelDreams #hiddenjapan #slowtraveljapan #slowtravel #japanlife #japanonsen #traveljapan
The first time I came to Kyoto, I didn’t enjoy i The first time I came to Kyoto, I didn’t enjoy it. I expected too much and it quickly lost its appeal from the touristy vibe. Gion was crowded. The buses were packed. I left feeling... underwhelmed. But the second time, I slowed everything down. I wandered through less-popular neighborhoods, explored a cafe hidden in the forest, went to Gion only at night for Maiko experience. I let the rhythm of Kyoto carry me, instead of chasing an idea of it. Finally, I saw the beauty that people truly love in Kyoto. One little tip that helped was avoiding the buses whenever possible, and just take a taxi through the busy areas… 💖 I’m Lauren, sharing off-the-beaten-path Japan travel tips so you can experience the magic beyond the tourist crowds. #slowtraveljapan #kyoto #mindfultravel #japanvibes #solotraveljapan #japantravel #slowtravel
Tucked away near Lake Saiko is a village that feel Tucked away near Lake Saiko is a village that feels frozen in time. Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba is a restored traditional thatched-roof village with one of the most breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji you’ll ever see. I visited during sakura season, wandering between craft shops and tea houses while Mt. Fuji quietly towered in the background. 🌸 Even on a warm spring day, the breeze here is crisp—so bring a jacket. If you’re in the Fuji Five Lakes area, this is the perfect slow-travel escape. Would you spend a day here? 💖 I’m Lauren, sharing off-the-beaten-path Japan travel tips so you can experience the magic beyond the tourist crowds. #japantravel #traveljapan #traditionalvillage #traditionaljapan #japantravels #japan #thingstodojapan #hiddenjapan #slowtraveljapan #mountfuji #mountfujijapan

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