Japan has long been known as a popular destination for foodies, with everything from Michelin-starred eateries to tasty street food options making it something of a culinary paradise. This status was affirmed by the recent results of the Food & Wine 2024 Global Tastemakers list, which rounds up some of the best food-based experiences from around the world. The list is based off votes from an expert panel of judges, so there is a level of prestige associated with it.
Tokyo took out number one spot on the Top International Cities for Food and Drink list, with the city praised for the fact that finding a top-notch meal is both an "exquisite pleasure and always within reach." Japan's capital also got kudos for its commitment to culinary techniques, quality ingredients, and tradition, something that many visitors to the city would undoubtedly concur with.
Tokyo wasn't the only Japanese city that received praise on the list for its quality foodie culture. Osaka came in at 9th place, with local fare like takoyaki (octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep-fried and skewered meats and vegetables), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) getting by-name mentions. Osaka is no slouch on the Michelin front, either, with close to 100 restaurants making that list.
Interestingly, recent data from Statista on the primary motivation of travelers to Japan had food-based experiences in top spot. The results of the Food & Wine Global Tastemakers list definitely seem to align with this perception of Japan as a great destination to treat your taste buds!
Do you have a favorite foodie destination in Japan? If you've already visited Tokyo and Osaka, which city do you feel comes out on top? Feel free to let us know in the comments!
