Japanese food is among the most delicious cuisines in the world, but Japan is also home to many non-Japanese restaurants you simply must try!
There are plenty of delicious non-Japanese restaurants in Japan, and they’re great options for when you need a break from sushi and ramen.
The following list shows five of the best non-Japanese restaurants you’ll find across Japan. Keep in mind, these are just the places I visited, so you’ll find restaurants of these same cuisines wherever you go in Japan!
1- Red Chili (Indian)
It was a cold night in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, and I had just finished an amazing onsen hot tub session. It was a rare occasion where I wasn’t craving Japanese food, but rather something with a bit of a kick to it.
Indeed, I wanted my mouth to feel the burn, so I looked up the nearest Indian restaurant and came across a place called Red Chili, a name that did not disappoint. I found a rather abundant menu of spicy Indian curries with naan bread varieties, rice, and delicious samosas!
2- Saizeriya (Italian)
Saizeriya is a dedicated yoshoku (Western restaurant) franchise that is immensely popular across Japan. While they market themselves as specializing in Italian cuisine, they do a whole lot more than that, offering steaks, sausages, and chicken wings in addition to pizza and pasta.
The best part about Saizeriya is the incredibly low prices which makes it one of my favorite non-Japanese restaurants in Japan! A large plate of pasta only costs 500 yen and you can enjoy unlimited refills on drinks for just 200 yen!
3- Pedal Chicken (Korean)
Pedal Chicken is a Korean fried chicken restaurant chain with establishments across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kitakyushu. They offer classic favorites such as snow cheese chicken, yangnyeom, and honey butter.
More than just a fried chicken shop, you can also get kimbap (think of them like Korean sushi rolls) sets and rice dishes. Pedal Chicken is takeaway and delivery only, so be sure to have your feasting location sorted out before making your order!
4- Rikuto’s Place (Chinese)
I know what you’re thinking, “This isn’t a Chinese restaurant, it’s just a burger joint!” Yes and no, Rikuto’s Place is a Chinese burger and fried chicken establishment located in the heart of Osaka a short walk from Dotonbori.
They offer burgers with Chinese flavors and seasoning as well as some Chinese classics such as spicy sausage and oolong tea. I’m not Chinese, but my friend who is attests to how delicious this little-known burger shop actually is!
5- Baden Baden (German)
Speaking of my Chinese friend, he insisted on trying German cuisine in Japan because apparently “it’s a thing.” Baden Baden is a popular German restaurant franchise that specializes in sausages and pork.
I personally don’t eat pork, but I did enjoy the pizza and pasta options available! For those who do eat pork, my friend gave his pork roast and sausage meal the big thumbs up, so maybe you will too!
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!