Aronia de Takazawa, Tokyo

The coolest restaurant I've been to.  Ever.  Incentive, creative food with flashes of theatre that provides a bit of humour, invokes memories and provides plenty of smiles.  The intimacy of the venue allows the chef and his partner on the floor to interact with guests on a personal level, where you can sense their passion and warmth for the dishes and you, as if treating you like old friends.  This is what sets this place apart from other places I've been to.  Truly honoured, privileged and lucky to have been selected for a seat.  An amazing experience.

つけめん 六厘舎 (Rokurinsha), Tokyo

The most intense tsukemen I've ever had, the rich dipping sauce clings effortlessly onto the welcoming noodles.  Eating it was like a marathon through flavourtown, hitting the wall before a second wind to polish it off.  http://www.followmefoodie.com/2014/01/follow-me-foodie-to-tokyo-japan/

Tendontenya (天丼てんや 新宿東口店), Tokyo

Cheap, fast, tendon and tempura.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13054989/dtlmap/

Italian Tomato Café Jr, Sunshine City, Tokyo

It took 30 mins to wait in line, order, wait while seated, for this Hoji tea latte to arrive.  Positive?  Cheap way to rest your feet...

松六家 (Matsurokuyo), Tokyo

A slow lunch that's worth the wait.  Fine slices of flavoursome, melt in the mouth Kuroge Wagyu, in a set that's one of the best value meals ever.  http://www.tokyoeats.jp/matsurokuya/

Kyushu Jangara Ramen, Tokyo

Not my favourite char siu, but an excellent pork, chicken, veg stock ramen.  http://www.kyusyujangara.co.jp

Sushi Kanesaka, Tokyo

First Michelin star sushi restaurant.  That feeling of having been in economy all your life then getting a taste of business class.  Can't go back now..... http://www.sushi-kanesaka.com  

Toritake (鳥竹), Tokyo

If your parents were salary persons, this could have been their go to place.   http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13001702/  

Tsurutontan (つるとんたん 六本木店), Tokyo

Very good udon.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1307/A130701/13001859/

MOS Burger, Tokyo

It's boss.  MOS > Maccas

Ramen Jiro, Tokyo

OK, prefer others.  

Fancy Oriental Chinese Restaurant, Box Hill

Singapore Chilli Crab - it's all about the crispy vermicelli.

Yama No Chaya, Hakone

Atmospheric ryokan, sublime kaiseki dinners, and breakfasts make sure you start the day well.

Gionhitsujikafe (祇をん ひつじカフェ), Kyoto

Wasabon sugar crispy puff; Hoji tea ice cream ; Just the right amount of sweetness.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26019132/

Kyoto Gogyo (京都 五行), Kyoto

Burnt... miso... ramen... ?  Sounds crazy but good in a rich, bold, in your face kind of way. http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260201/26002029/

Katsukura (名代とんかつ かつくら 京都駅ビル店（なだいとんかつ かつくら)), Kyoto

It just melts in your mouth.  http://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26001923/

Hakata Gensuke, Melbourne

Tsukemen would have been alright if I hadn't been spoilt by the standards in Japan only 2 weeks ago... Just not quite the same. Interesting idea with the hot pot option though.

Sukiya (すき家 円町店), Kyoto

Not again, but i suppose the chain of shops says it ain't that bad.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260203/26018445/

Akagakiya (赤垣屋), Kyoto

The local.   http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260302/26001072/

Salon De The Au Grenior D'or, Kyoto

Cute, petite desserts.  http://www.ladyironchef.com/2013/10/kyoto-best-dessert-shops/

Nobu, Melbourne

It's been a while... And they still got it.

King of the Roast, Oakleigh South

Generous, quality roasts, served with a side of charm.

Daiichiasahi Honke (第一旭本店), Kyoto

A clean, soy based ramen that's very tasty.  http://thecitylane.com/kyoto-food-guide/ ; http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260101/26000873/

Ootoya, Universal Studios, Osaka

BAU goodness - katsu don, egg just cooked.  

Osaka Takoyaki Museum, Universal Studios, Osaka

Threesome: original, salt, tempura crisps.

Mel's Drive-In, Universal Studios, Osaka

Classic theme park burger.

Japan Food Map 2015 and Quick Tips

This is the map I used for my recent trip to Japan bit.ly/1KX7ASU.  It was created using various sources on the net.  Most points have additional information such as the sourced site.  Please check tabelog.com to confirm opening hours, estimated costs and exact location.  

Also, other quick tips:

- Get a SIM or a pocket WiFi device, made traveling Japan so much easier!

- With the GPS and internet, Google Maps got us around

- Google Translate app saved my non speaking ass

- Hyperdia is awesome for navigating the train system

Hope you find this useful!  :D

Gyunabe M (Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M), Osaka

Matsusaka beef is freakin awesome.  http://www.matsusaka-projects.com/english/place.php

Gion Kinana (祇園きなな), Kyoto

Kinana ice cream - roasted soy bean mmmmmmm  http://www.ladyironchef.com/2013/10/kyoto-best-dessert-shops/

Omen (おめん 高台寺店), Kyoto

Classic udon and seasonal noodles.  http://s.tabelog.com/en/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26018201/  

Royal Hawaiian, Osaka

Do the steak, not the roast beef.

Kyuushuuramenkiou (九州らーめん 亀王 梅田総本店), Osaka

A less intense tonkotsu broth but it's the caramelisation on char siu that makes it so good. http://s.tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270101/27001911/

Genrokuzushi (元禄寿司 道頓堀店), Osaka

Cheap sushi train, about average. http://s.tabelog.com/en/osaka/A2701/A270202/27017693/

Dotonbori Konamon Museum, Osaka

Tourist fun.  http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/facilities/cat3/post_403.html

Kawafuku (川福 本店), Takamatsu

Tasty, well seasoned udon.

TM Chicken, Takamatsu

Kaarage, fresh, crispy.

Kinzanseimenjo (欽山製麺所), Takamatsu

Chicken ramen, a little spicy. http://s.tabelog.com/en/kagawa/A3701/A370101/37007785/

Bakery Lamp, Himeji

Old school burgers and funky bakery.

Dantotsu (ダントツラーメン 岡山一番店), Okayama

Thick cut pork, hand made el dente noodles, soy based garlicky broth... A ramen that ranks right up there.  http://foodietopography.net/dantotsu-ramen/

Aeon Mall, Okayama

Bunkered down to avoid Typhoon Nangka.  

Hassei, Hiroshima

The table is really hot.  http://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/hiroshima-s-10-great-cultural-restaurants-local-eats-and-fine-dining/  

 

Ueno (うえの), Miyajima

Anago goodness.  http://tabelog.com/en/hiroshima/A3402/A340202/34000065/  

Hakata Ippudo, Hiroshima

It's a good chain.  

KFC, Hiroshima

Just once, underwhelming hot and spicy.  

Nigata Style, Hiroshima

Onigiri setto.

Okonomi-mura, Hiroshima

Local fun.

Yering Station, Yering

Stunning views.  Entrees > Deserts > Mains