Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made with vinegared rice topped with slices of raw fish or vegetables. You can enjoy a wide variety of sushi styles in Japan, including nigiri (hand-pressed), maki (rolled), and chirashi (scattered sushi in a bowl). Restaurants range from high-end sushi bars to casual family-friendly chains. Be sure to try sushi made with fresh local seafood, Chiba-grown rice, and regional soy sauce.

Ramen is a Japanese adaptation of the Chinese noodle dish la-mien, developed to suit Japanese tastes. While it may appear to be Chinese food, the uniquely Japanese ramen experience is not available in China. Ramen comes in a variety of flavors such as soy sauce (shoyu), miso, and pork bone (tonkotsu) broths. Chiba has its own regional ramen too—be sure to try Katsuura Tantanmen, a spicy and flavorful variation.

Yakiniku, or Japanese-style BBQ, lets you grill bite-sized meat and vegetables at your table. It’s typically served with dipping sauces and a variety of side dishes. While beef is most common, pork, chicken, and seafood are also popular. Yakiniku is a fun and social dining experience, ideal for groups.

Izakaya are casual Japanese-style pubs where you can enjoy a variety of small dishes along with drinks such as beer, sake, and shochu. Here, you can experience Japanese hospitality and enjoy a wide variety of traditional dishes, from sashimi and yakitori to fried foods and seasonal vegetables. Each izakaya has its own unique characteristics (some even have taps that dispense alcohol!), so try out a few different ones and find your favorite.

Japanese convenience stores (“konbini”) are everywhere — and surprisingly high quality!
Try bento boxes, onigiri (rice balls), and fresh salads — and don’t miss the wide selection of Japanese sweets like mochi, puddings, and seasonal desserts.
Note: Most do not have eat-in space, usually taken to-go.