Top 16 Most Popular Street Foods in Japan

Crepes are a globally loved treat, and Japan is no exception. It's hard to imagine how many crepe stalls there are in Japan—some claim it's no fewer than 10,000! Wherever you find a crepe stand, it's sure to be bustling with customers. The main clientele is usually young people, such as students, because the price is affordable, and the flavors are incredibly diverse. Crepes can be filled with a variety of ingredients like fresh cream and chopped fruit, making them a healthy option. For an authentic experience, head to Harajuku, where you'll find two of the most famous crepe shops: Angels Heart and Marion Crepes.

Imagawayaki is a thick, round pastry often filled with a variety of fillings like red bean paste, custard, cheese, meat, potatoes, or curry. Each ingredient creates a new, unique combination of flavors. This treat goes by more than 20 different names, depending on the region of Japan, brand, or the filling used. Imagawayaki has become quite popular in many Asian countries, including Vietnam, particularly among cheese lovers who crave street snacks.

One of the highlights of Japan's commercial streets is the many food stalls selling bento boxes. During busy workdays, these bento boxes can sell out in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Bento is Japan's famous lunch box, similar to lunch boxes in other countries, filled with nutritious foods. A typical bento includes rice, vegetables, meat or fish, and fruits—everything designed to provide a balanced meal. What sets Japanese bento apart, however, is the meticulous and artistic presentation. Each box is a creative masterpiece, with ingredients arranged in harmonious colors and shapes, often depicting cartoon characters, animals, or scenic landscapes. Thanks to its beauty and nutritional value, bento has become a beloved dish, especially with the booming bento industry in Osaka.

Onsen Tamago is a unique Japanese dish where eggs are cooked using natural hot spring water (called onsen in Japan). The cooking process is slow and gentle, resulting in eggs with a texture similar to a soft, smooth custard.

Onsen Tamago is typically served with side dishes and soy sauce. While similar to soft-boiled eggs found in other countries, what makes onsen tamago particularly intriguing is the traditional preparation method using water from Japan's famous hot springs, adding a special touch to this simple dish.

Senbei is a traditional Japanese rice cracker, known for its ability to offer a wide range of flavors. These crispy, golden treats are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them a popular street food in Japan. Senbei has become so beloved that packaged versions are sold in convenience stores throughout the country.

Tourists from all over the world flock to try this snack, often buying it in large quantities to enjoy while sightseeing. For the best experience, try Senbei in the Kanto and Kansai regions.

Ichigo Ame is a Japanese candy made from strawberries, similar to the classic candied apple. The preparation is simple—fresh strawberries are skewered and coated in a layer of melted sugar. This treat is especially popular during strawberry season in Japan. The bright red strawberries covered in sugary sweetness are irresistible to many. You can even try making this delicious snack at home with the tutorial in the video below.

Kakigori is Japan's beloved shaved ice dessert, a classic treat that has remained a summer favorite for decades. This dish has kept its simple formula for over 50 years: finely shaved ice topped with colorful syrup. The creativity of the maker shines through in the unique presentation, with various syrups blended together to create diverse flavors and visually appealing designs. Some vendors even add condensed milk for those who enjoy an extra sweet touch.

Takoyaki is a popular Japanese snack made of dough with a savory octopus filling, cooked in a special takoyaki grill pan. The octopus is typically diced or chopped and sometimes combined with other ingredients, then seasoned with various spices and coated in a savory sauce. Takoyaki was first introduced in Osaka by a street vendor named Endo Tomekichi, who originally made beef-filled dumplings with soy sauce. However, after tasting akashiyaki in 1935, he switched to octopus as the filling, naming the dish takoyaki. Takoyaki became a favorite in the Kinki region and soon spread across Japan.

Before World War II, magazines started to feature takoyaki as a local specialty of Osaka, which led to more vendors making the dish. Initially sold from food stalls at festivals, by 1955, over 5,000 restaurants and eateries in Osaka were dedicated to serving takoyaki. Today, takoyaki is sold as ready-to-eat portions in supermarkets, and its popularity has even spread beyond Japan. Originally, takoyaki was eaten without sauce, but in 1948, after World War II, the dish began to be served with a specially crafted sauce, which varies by vendor.

Mitarashi Dango is one of the most affordable street foods in Tokyo. Not only is it inexpensive, but it's also a delicious and iconic dish that represents Japan.

Mitarashi Dango is made from rice flour and grilled over charcoal. Once cooked, the vendor skewers 3-5 rice dumplings onto a bamboo stick and coats them in a glossy, sweet soy sauce glaze. The dish is known for its shiny coating and smoky, charred aroma. Mitarashi Dango originates from the Kamo Mitarashi Tea Room in the Shimogamo area of Kyoto's Sakyo District. While you can find it in convenience stores, authentic homemade Mitarashi Dango is best enjoyed at local street food festivals or fairs.

Tamagoyaki is a traditional Japanese rolled omelette made by cooking several layers of beaten eggs in a special rectangular pan called a makiyakinabe or tamagoyakiki. The eggs are then rolled into a square shape.

To enhance its rich and distinctive flavor, chefs often add a touch of Dashi broth, made from ingredients like dried bonito flakes and kombu seaweed. Tamagoyaki is a popular dish in Japan, especially in bento boxes, making it a common find in convenience stores. It's also quite affordable, typically priced around 21,000 VND per serving.

Dorayaki is a traditional Japanese treat. It consists of two soft, fluffy, round pancake-like layers filled with sweet red bean paste made from adzuki beans. The texture is rich and smooth, and the flavor is both sweet and savory. Nowadays, there are various innovative versions, such as those with chestnuts, fresh fruit, or matcha ice cream, offering more options for visitors to enjoy.

The cake has a shape similar to a bao, with honey-glazed dough baked to encase the filling. Dorayaki is not only delicious but also has an adorable appearance, making it a popular street snack perfect for leisurely city strolls. However, it is a bit pricier compared to other snacks, costing around 43,000 VND per piece.

Grilled corn and roasted potatoes are popular street foods in Vietnam, right? In Japan, there's a similar treat called Yaki Tomorokoshi. It's a grilled corn on the cob, typically brushed with soy sauce, miso, or butter. The combination of the sweet corn and savory soy sauce makes for an irresistible flavor. Just the smell of roasted corn is enough to tempt anyone!

If you're attending the Obon Festival in Japan, you'll see many people in yukata, enjoying the festivities while holding skewers of grilled corn. This is a tasty snack that's perfect for munching as you walk. Isn't that a unique experience?

Shioyaki (salt-grilled mackerel) is a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for snacking or pairing with drinks. Fresh mackerel (saba) caught off the coast of Japan is lightly salted and seasoned before being grilled over an open flame. This dish is commonly found at food stalls and traditional markets, often enjoyed with a glass of sake to enhance the flavors.

Don't miss the chance to try this iconic dish when you visit Japan. It’s sure to impress your taste buds!

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is especially popular in Tokyo. It originated as a way to use up leftover ingredients, which is why the fillings vary widely, adding to the dish’s appeal. One of the most common versions, known as 'matsuri,' features thick slices of smoked bacon, neatly presented in an attractive package. Other variations, like the 'chopstick' version, involve wrapping the pancake around a chopstick, making it convenient to eat. The best place to enjoy Okonomiyaki is on the bustling streets of Osaka and Hiroshima.

Cotton candy is undoubtedly one of the most beloved sweets worldwide, and Japan is no exception. However, the Japanese have their own unique and creative take on this treat. In Japan, cotton candy is known as watame, and it's often sold in colorful plastic bags adorned with images of J-pop bands or famous cartoon characters. This eye-catching packaging makes these watame treats irresistible, drawing the attention of passersby and tempting them to stop and make a purchase.

Yaki Imo refers to roasted sweet potatoes, a popular treat in Japan, typically cooked over an open flame. Small trucks selling Yaki Imo can be frequently spotted driving around Japanese streets, often with a large pile of firewood and sweet potatoes on the back. The sound of a loudspeaker blaring 'yakiimo... yaki imo... yaki imo' adds to the charm of the experience. Some find the sound irresistible, prompting them to buy the sweet potatoes on the spot, while others might consider it a bit noisy. Despite the mixed reactions, Yaki Imo remains a beloved street food in Japan, and with its long history, it is regarded as a traditional Japanese delicacy.