Fia La Rose: Foods I've Enjoyed in Japan

At the time I was ecstatic to not only devour and drink the foods and drinks in Japan, but to share the world my eating experience while adventuring this beautiful country for 15 days.

But my Japan trip was in mid March 2020 -- the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

Circumstances prevented me to post about Japan. Japan closed its borders while my travel buddies and I were still in the country. We congregated to certain prefectures and districts not affected by COVID, yet. I carefully posted Stories on Instagram so that I truthfully prevented myself to avoid harsh criticism about my "bravery." When I returned to the States, I held back publishing on anything travel-related since it was labeled as taboo when the world was in understandable fear of COVID-19.

2 years and about 3 months later, and as of this writing, Japan reopened its doors for authorized tour groups. Slowly and surely I too reopened my doors of blogging -- this time on traveling. Not strictly on food. Traveling.

Even though this post does discuss about yummy things, I still need to share for those who are planning that awaited Japan trip. So allow me to assure you and them with the food I have enjoyed and thus recommend eating for the travel experience rather than feeling compelled on touristy activities.

Bear in mind that this post is lengthy, so either you can skim by looking at the photos, or have this saved on your Bookmarks and peruse later.

Without further ado, here are the foods and drinks I've enjoyed in this Japan adventure. Again, this occurred in March 2020, so there may be places that may not exist anymore -- but the food will still be found elsewhere.

Tokyo Prefecture (* means particular eats may be found in more than 1 location/district/prefecture):

Takoyaki from Gindaco*

Assorted Sushi from Uobei Sushi Belt (Shibuya)

Meaty Skewers from late night Izakayas* (warning: some of the joints permits indoor smoking, so keep that in mind whether or not this is important to you)

Matcha Boba Milk Tea from Toki Seven Tea* (one of the best boba drinks EVER, and don't mind my awkward hand-modeling)

Vegetarian soba noodle soup from a hole-in-the-wall joint in one of many underground subway malls

Brunch at Aoyama Flower Market Teahouse

Black Sesame Fried Mochi Balls from Seiryokuen (Chinese Restaurant)

Sangria and tasty vegan dishes from Ain Soph (of course I gotta find those goodies for my vegan homies)

Indian food deliciousness (Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and Garlic Naan) from Devi India

Yep, the Tokyo version of Taco Bell* (try before you say "pass," just sayin')

AMAZING Korean-reminiscent food from Tavern Rien/Lien Yakiniku restaurant

All You Can Eat breakfast at the APA Hotel in Shinjuku

Tsukemen from Rokurinsha at the Haneda Airport flying back to the states

Yamanashi Prefecture (northern section from Mt. Fuji):

Carbs and Tea at Lake Bake, which has a stunning, direct view of Mt. Fuji

All delicious plates and beverages from Kaori / Sakigake

Kyoto Prefecture:

Meat Skewers from street vendors at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

(Mango) Fluffy Pancakes at Bossche Cafe

Sakura and Matcha-crazy Soft Serve Ice Creams -- 1st one from Kyoto Station and the latter 2 near the Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Mochi Skewers also from the street vendors at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Seafood Skewers at the street markets following the Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Shrimp Tempura and Soba Noodle soup from a cafe inside the Kyoto Station

The Fukuoka Prefecture:

Tonkotsu Ramen at Ichiran Hakata Ramen*

Outstanding Amaou Strawberry Cheese Tart at Bake Cheese Tart inside the Tenjin Underground Shopping Center

Seafood Carbonara Pasta from an Italian-inspired indoor restaurant in one of many department stores (corner of Watanabe-dori Ave and Fukuhakudeai St near Fukuoka City Hall)

Sashimi Platter at Umeyama Teppei Shokuo

Kyushu beef deliciousness from Kiwamiya (the metal cylinder is a scorching, hot stone to grill the raw pieces of steak)

Iced Coffee and mini cake from FUK Coffee

Finally, anywhere in Japan:

Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki

From Mos Burger

Onigiri from Conbinis (convenience stores) like 7-Eleven or Lawson

(Ebi) Shrimp Patty Burger, Fries, and Strawberry Pie from McDonald's

Melon Pan (I got this close to the Meguro River)

Any Egg Sandos from the Conbinis (personal fave is from 7-Eleven)

Gyudon meal from Sukiya or similar restaurants

The beautifully presented Bento Boxes found all-over at train stations

Black Sesame anything, especially served in a Soft Serve

A multitude of Kit Kat flavors -- like these from 1 of many Don Quijote superstores

Finally -- and seriously -- the infamous vending machines (travel buddies and I would primarily purchase our beverages almost every day during our Japan travel)

Not pictured: Taiyaki (fish-shaped stuffed waffles); Instant Noodles from Conbinis; Hashbrowns from 7-Eleven; Garlic goodness from Ajoya in Sugamo, Tokyo; Sakura-infused foods and drinks (if you like flowery taste); and Croissants from il Forno del Mignon in Fukuoka