10 Must-Try Japanese Foods in Tokyo & Osaka That Filipinos Love (With Exact Locations!)

Planning a Japan food trip from the Philippines? Good move. Tokyo and Osaka are culinary heavens - Tokyo for refined sushi and tempura, Osaka for street food and comfort eats. Below I list 10 iconic dishes Filipinos should try, with exact spots in Tokyo and Osaka that are popular, wallet-friendly, and Instagram-ready. I'm writing from a Filipino traveler's point of view, so expect tips on language, payments, and how to score the best bites without the stress.

1) Sushi - fresh, raw, unforgettable

Where to go:

• Tsukiji Outer Market (Ginza/Tsukiji area, Tokyo) - stroll the market stalls for nigiri and sushi bowls. Get your tickets here: Klook PH - Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking Tour
• Sushizanmai (multiple branches; famous one near Tsukiji/Asakusa) - reliable, open 24/7.

Why Filipinos love it: Filipinos appreciate fresh seafood and the ritual of good nigiri. Sushi at Tsukiji gives that unbeatable freshness and variety.

Tip: If you want an affordable sushi experience, head to the outer market stalls (not the inner auction line). Bring cash and try the "chirashi" (seafood rice bowl) for variety.

2) Ramen - slurpable comfort

Where to go:

• Ichiran Ramen (Shibuya or Shinjuku branches, Tokyo) - famous for solo booths and tonkotsu broth.
• Ippudo (multiple branches; try Ginza or Shinjuku) - modern chain with consistent quality.

Why Filipinos love it: Ramen hits the comfort-food spot - hearty, hot, and perfect after a day of sightseeing.

Tip: Look for vending machine orders at ramen shops - push the button with English or pictures, get a ticket, hand it to the staff. No awkward ordering needed.

3) Okonomiyaki - Osaka's savory pancake

Where to go:

• Mizuno (Dotonbori, Osaka) - longtime favorite inside Dotonbori's food maze.
• Okonomiyaki Chitose or Chibo (Dotonbori area) - great for groups.

Why Filipinos love it: Customizable, shareable, and filling. Okonomiyaki is like a mille-feuille of flavors - meat, seafood, and sweet-savory sauce.

Tip: Sit at the teppan counter so the chef cooks in front of you (or cook it yourself for fun). English menus are common in tourist areas.

4) Takoyaki - Osaka street-food classic

Where to go:

• Kukuru Takoyaki (Dotonbori, Osaka) - iconic stall in the heart of Dotonbori.
• Takoyaki Wanaka (near Namba/Dotonbori) - another crowd-pleaser.

Why Filipinos love it: Bite-sized, gooey, and perfect for sharing while walking the neon-lit Dotonbori. Filipinos love street snacks - takoyaki is an easy yes.

Tip: Eat carefully - the center is piping hot. Order with sauce and the traditional bonito flakes for the full effect.

5) Kushikatsu - deep-fried skewers from Osaka

Where to go:

• Daruma (Shinsekai, Osaka) - their So-Kushikatsu is a staple.
• Kushikatsu Tanaka (various branches) - reliable chain.

Why Filipinos love it: Comfort fried food done right. Crunchy, savory, and cheap - perfect for those who enjoy katsu variations back home.

Tip: There's a no-double-dip rule for the shared sauce. Use cabbage pieces as a dipper or a fresh skewer.

6) Tempura - light, delicate fry

Where to go:

• Tempura Kondo (Ginza, Tokyo) - Michelin-loved; expect to splurge.
• Tempura stalls in Asakusa (Senso-ji area) - tasty and wallet-friendly.

Why Filipinos love it: Textural contrast and fresh seafood/vegetables. Tempura proves frying can be light and elegant.

Tip: For budget travelers, try Asakusa tempura shops or market stalls. For special occasions, book ahead at Kondo.

7) Tonkatsu - pork cutlet perfection

Where to go:

• Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama (Harajuku/Aoyama, Tokyo) - famous for tender, juicy katsu.
• Tonkatsu Wako (many stations) - easy pick near train hubs.

Why Filipinos love it: Crispy exterior, juicy interior - similar comfort to Filipino fried pork but with a refined crunch.

Tip: Tonkatsu sets come with shredded cabbage and rice. Ask for extra rice (okamasu) if you're hungry - many places offer refills.

8) Conveyor-belt sushi / Kaiten-sushi - fun and fast

Where to go:

• Genki Sushi (Shibuya branch or Asakusa) - touchscreen ordering plus speedy conveyor.
• Uobei (Shibuya) - tech-savvy fast sushi experience.

Why Filipinos love it: Interactive and budget-friendly. Great for groups who want to try many pieces without the commitment.

Tip: Look for English menus and touchscreen ordering options - perfect if your Japanese is limited.

9) Gyoza - juicy pockets of joy

Where to go:

• Osaka Ohsho (various Osaka locations) - famous chain specializing in gyoza.
• Local izakayas in Tokyo and Osaka - many serve excellent pan-fried gyoza.

Why Filipinos love it: Similar to lumpia and pan-fried favorites - gyoza are shareable and pair well with beer or rice.

Tip: Order gyoza as a side with ramen or beer; many gyoza shops are small and cash-friendly.

10) Harajuku Crepes & Japanese Sweets - sweet finish

Where to go:

• Marion Crepes or Angel's Heart (Takeshita Street, Harajuku, Tokyo) - colorful and photogenic.
• Street dessert stalls in Dotonbori (Osaka) - matcha soft-serve, taiyaki, and more.

Why Filipinos love it: Filipinos love desserts and sweet street treats. Harajuku crepes are both a snack and a photo moment.

Tip: Try matcha-flavored sweets or taiyaki with custard for a uniquely Japanese sweet experience.

Practical tips for Filipino travelers

• Bring cash: Many Osaka street stalls and small Tokyo restaurants are cash-first. Exchange at the airport or use ATMs (7-Eleven accepts international cards).
• Mobile / SIM: Buy a tourist SIM or pocket Wi-Fi from Klook PH or at Narita/Haneda/Kansai airport. Google Maps + Japanese keyboard helps.
• JR Pass / IC Cards: If visiting multiple cities, consider a JR pass or just get SUICA/PASMO/ICOCA for convenience.
• Language: English is common in tourist areas (Shibuya, Dotonbori), but useful phrases in Japanese or Google Translate make ordering smoother.
• Tipping: Not needed. Service is included and staff can be confused by tipping.
• Food allergies & halal: Look up halal-certified restaurants in advance if needed. Many places list allergens or have English menus.
• Reservations: Popular places (Tempura Kondo, Tonkatsu Maisen, Mizuno) may need reservations - book early.

How to eat smart on a Filipino budget

• Go for markets and street stalls (Tsukiji Outer Market, Dotonbori) for great prices and variety.
• Share dishes (okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu) - cheaper and more fun.
• Combo sets (teishoku) at local shops give good value with miso soup and rice.

Why Tokyo and Osaka both matter

Tokyo offers refinement: high-end sushi, delicate tempura, and endless ramen styles. Osaka is Japan's kitchen - known for casual, flavorful street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Filipinos who love variety will want both on their itinerary.

Foodie reminder

Bring an appetite and energy for walking. Tokyo and Osaka require lots of strolling between bites, and every street corner can surprise you with a snack worth Instagramming - and savoring.

Happy travels, mga ka-food trip! Share this list before you go so your friends know where to eat in Tokyo and Osaka.

Check out https://stepbystepph.com for more articles.