Japan is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, with a wide array of restaurants catering to various tastes and preferences. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the different types of Japanese restaurants you might encounter.
Sushi-ya (Sushi Restaurants)
Sushi-ya specialize in sushi, offering a range of sushi types including nigiri, maki, and sashimi. These restaurants can vary greatly in price, from affordable options to high-end establishments that can cost anywhere from 1,000 to 30,000 yen[1].
Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)
Kaitenzushi, or conveyor belt sushi restaurants, offer a unique dining experience where sushi is served on a rotating conveyor belt. Prices are generally more affordable, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 yen[1].
Soba-ya and Udon-ya (Noodle Restaurants)
These restaurants specialize in soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (thick wheat flour noodles). Both types of noodles can often be found in either type of restaurant, served in a hot broth or with a dipping sauce. Prices range from 500 to 1,500 yen[1].
Ramen-ya (Ramen Restaurants)
Ramen-ya focus on ramen, a Chinese-style noodle soup with various toppings. Each ramen-ya has its own unique soup recipe, which is crucial to the restaurant’s success. Additional dishes like gyoza and fried rice are also commonly available. Prices are typically between 500 to 1,500 yen[1].
Kare-ya (Curry Rice Restaurants)
Kare-ya specialize in Japanese-style curry rice dishes. These restaurants are often found near major railway stations and offer a comforting, affordable meal for around 500 to 1,500 yen[1].
Gyudon-ya (Beef Bowl Restaurants)
Gyudon-ya serve gyudon, a beef bowl dish that is one of the most inexpensive fast food options in Japan. Prices range from 500 to 1,000 yen, making them a popular choice for quick meals[1].
Yakitori-ya (Grilled Chicken Skewer Restaurants)
Yakitori-ya specialize in yakitori, grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal. These restaurants are popular among salarymen for late-night snacks and can cost between 1,000 to 2,500 yen[1][2].
Okonomiyaki-ya (Okonomiyaki Restaurants)
Okonomiyaki-ya focus on okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that can be customized with various ingredients. Some restaurants allow customers to prepare their own okonomiyaki on a hot plate built into the table. Prices range from 1,000 to 2,000 yen[1].
Tonkatsu-ya (Breaded and Fried Pork Cutlet Restaurants)
Tonkatsu-ya serve tonkatsu, deep-fried breaded pork cutlets. These restaurants offer a satisfying meal for around 1,000 to 2,000 yen[1].
Tempura-ya (Tempura Restaurants)
Tempura-ya specialize in tempura dishes, including tendon (tempura over rice) and assorted tempura. Prices can vary widely, from 1,000 to 4,000 yen[1].
Unagi-ya (Eel Restaurants)
Unagi-ya focus on unagi (freshwater eel) dishes, such as unajuu (grilled eel over rice) and unadon (eel over rice). These restaurants tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 yen[1].
Sukiyaki-ya and Shabu Shabu-ya (Hot Pot Restaurants)
Sukiyaki-ya and shabu shabu-ya specialize in sukiyaki and shabu shabu, respectively. These hot pot restaurants are often found in large hotels and can be quite expensive, with prices between 5,000 to 15,000 yen[1].
Teppanyaki-ya (Teppanyaki Restaurants)
Teppanyaki-ya feature chefs preparing meat, seafood, and vegetables on a large iron griddle in front of the customers. These restaurants are commonly found in nicer hotels and are known for their high prices, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 yen[1][2].
Shokudo (Casual Family Restaurants)
Shokudo are small, independently owned restaurants that offer a variety of Japanese dishes such as soba, udon, donburi, and curry. They are casual and affordable, often found around tourist sites[1][2].
Teishoku-ya (Set Meal Restaurants)
Teishoku-ya serve set menus (teishoku) that typically include a main dish, rice, pickles, and miso soup. These restaurants are numerous in business areas and popular during lunchtime, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yen[1].
Kissaten and Coffee Shops
Kissaten are traditional Japanese coffee shops that also serve sweets, sandwiches, and sometimes hot dishes. Chain coffee shops are also very popular and numerous in Japan, with prices ranging from 500 to 2,000 yen[1].
Kaiseki Ryori and Ryotei (Traditional Multi-Course Restaurants)
Kaiseki restaurants offer traditional multi-course meals in a formal setting, often featuring seasonal ingredients. These meals can be very fresh and healthy, and prices vary widely, from 3,000 to 20,000 yen[1][5].
Most Important Facts About Japanese Restaurants
Variety of Specializations: Japanese restaurants specialize in a wide range of dishes, including sushi, noodles (soba and udon), ramen, curry rice, gyudon, yakitori, okonomiyaki, tonkatsu, tempura, and unagi[1][2][5].
Price Range: Prices can vary significantly, from affordable options like gyudon-ya (500-1,000 yen) to high-end establishments like teppanyaki-ya (5,000-20,000 yen) and kaiseki ryori (3,000-20,000 yen)[1].
Unique Dining Experiences: Some restaurants offer unique experiences, such as kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi), okonomiyaki-ya (customer-prepared okonomiyaki), and teppanyaki-ya (cooking on a large iron griddle in front of customers)[1][2].
Seasonal Ingredients: Many Japanese restaurants emphasize the use of seasonal ingredients, particularly in kaiseki and other traditional settings[1][5].
Casual and Formal Options: There are both casual, family-friendly options like shokudo and more formal, traditional settings like kaiseki ryori and ryotei[1][2][5].
Late-Night Dining: Restaurants like yakitori-ya and ramen-ya are popular for late-night dining, especially after drinking[1][2].
Understanding these different types of restaurants can enhance your dining experience in Japan, allowing you to explore the rich culinary culture the country has to offer.
