From cheesy matcha toppings to corn and mayo delights, pizza in Japan definitely invites creativity and imagination of flavors!
1. Cafe Restaurant Gusto
Apologies for the low-res image, but this was the best photo I could find in my collection, and the most significant one at that. Cafe Restaurant Gusto is a Japanese diner that specializes in mixed cuisine including Japanese, Italian, and American. Among their vast menu is a pizza range which includes the unique “matcha cheese pizza.” It may not sound so appetizing, but the matcha flavoring is very subtle and adds a slight bitterness to the cheese which is surprisingly pleasant! They are also available on Uber Eats which is super convenient for home delivery.
2. Bikkuri Donkey
Bikkuri Donkey might not be the first place that comes to mind for pizza, given their specialty in hamburger steaks. However, one of the best margarita pizzas I had in Japan was from Bikkuri Donkey’s “side menu.” The crust was perfectly baked to a crisp and the cheese was melted such that it was neat and tidy yet still had that brilliant stretch to it when you take a bite.
3. V-Drug Supermarket
Okay, this next place is not even a restaurant, but quite literally a supermarket (hear me out!). V drug is a popular supermarket-pharmacy hybrid that has one of the best deli sections I’ve seen in Japanese supermarkets. From baked buttery bread to ready-made fried shrimp burgers and, of course, delicious crispy pizzas, they have it all! In particular, their teriyaki chicken and mayo pizza is an absolute winner, coming with a certain tender succulence of texture and a wonderful intertwining of harmonious flavors.
4. Universal Studios Japan
Another one you probably didn’t expect on this list, but the pizzas at Universal Studios Japan are off the charts! Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor is a popular choice for visitors, featuring large American-sized slices with sides such as fries and wedges. I had the cheesy mushroom pizza with honey marinate which was one of the most unique and delicious pizzas I’ve ever had, combining sweet and savory in an epic fashion!
5. Dominos
Last but certainly not least is a global classic, Domino’s! As you’d expect, pizza at Domino’s Japan is a little different from the West, sometimes featuring outrageous items such as the boba (tapioca pearl) pizza! Well, personally what I really liked about Domino’s here were their ultra-thin crust options which let you embrace the full flavor of the toppings with minimal interference from the carby crust. Other unique options include giant prawn pizzas and a classic of Japanese pizza varieties – corn and mayo!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!