Date published: 2 February 2026
Japan smashed a major milestone. For the first time ever, more than 40 million visitors arrived in 2025. And for many, they didn’t come just for the scenery. They came to eat. From fresh sushi and melt-in-your-mouth wagyu to the buzzing vibe of a late-night izakaya, food is still the main event of any Japan trip.
So where are travelers actually booking tables? On February 2, 2026, Rakuten Gurunavi revealed the Japan Trend Ranking Gourmet Edition 2025–2026, spotlighting the most-reserved restaurants among international visitors. The rankings are based on total reservations made in 2025 across Gurunavi’s foreign-language platforms, including English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean, plus external reservation services.
These are the restaurants people from around the world are really reserving. Backed by nationwide data from affiliated restaurants, the list highlights reliable picks that visitors trust when booking their meals in Japan.
No. 10: Rakutenchi Tenjin Honten (Fukuoka)
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A beloved motsunabe classic with over 40 years of history in Fukuoka, the birthplace of the dish
Kicking off the Top 10 is Rakutenchi Tenjin Honten, a true motsunabe legend that draws visitors from across Japan and abroad. Located in Tenjin, this long-running favorite is often the first stop for travelers eager to try Fukuoka’s signature hot pot.
Inside its retro-style dining room, diners gather around steaming pots piled high with fresh offal and vegetables, a scene that perfectly captures a classic Hakata night. Soak up the lively local atmosphere while enjoying the restaurant’s soy sauce-based broth, finished with a secret house sauce that has been carefully preserved for over four decades.
No. 9: Bucchigiri Sushi Uoshin Minami (Osaka)
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Jaw-dropping sushi with toppings up to three times the usual size
Uoshin in Namba, Osaka, a sushi spot famous for doing things big. Here, the toppings are said to be nearly three times the normal size, so large that you can barely see the rice underneath.
Signature styles like “hamachi tare nigiri” (yellowtail) and “ikura kobore nigiri” (salmon roe), where the toppings dramatically spill over the rice, make this place especially popular for photos. It’s pure Osaka-style food, served with bold flavors and an even bolder sense of fun.
No. 8: Yakiniku Roku-no Miya (Osaka)
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Exceptional quality made possible by whole-cow purchasing, showcasing the best of A5 wagyu
Yakiniku Roku-no Miya is in Osaka’s Minami area. By purchasing entire wagyu cattle, the restaurant can offer premium A5 Japanese Black beef, including rare cuts, at surprisingly reasonable prices.
The finely marbled beef delivers rich flavor from the first bite, making the quality immediately clear. With its refined atmosphere, this is an ideal place for diners who want to slow down and savor authentic wagyu at its finest.
No. 7: Unagi no Naruse Roppongi (Tokyo)
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Making Japan’s traditional unagi more accessible than ever
Ranked No. 7 is the eel specialty chain Unagi no Naruse, here at its Roppongi location. Known for changing the image of pricey unagi (eel) cuisine, the restaurant serves unagi bowls at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Prepared in the Kanto style, the eel is grilled until fragrant on the outside and tender inside, then finished with a signature sauce that brings everything together. Set in the international neighborhood of Roppongi, it is a rare spot where visitors can casually enjoy one of Japan’s classic stamina foods.
No. 6: Hinomaru Shinjuku (Tokyo)
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Outstanding value yakiniku in the heart of Kabukicho, Tokyo’s city that never sleeps
Taking No. 6 is Hinomaru, an all-you-can-eat yakiniku spot right in the middle of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district. Known for its sensational value, this restaurant lets diners enjoy generous portions of grilled meat at very reasonable prices.
Private rooms make it easy to relax and enjoy a lively meal with friends without worrying about the crowd around you. Often open late into the night, Hinomaru is a reliable go-to for travelers looking to make the most of Tokyo after dark.
No. 5: Seafood Buffet Dining Ginzahappo Shinjuku (Tokyo)
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A luxurious buffet experience in Shinjuku, perfect for a post-shopping dinner
Breaking into the Top 5 is Ginzahappo Shinjuku, a buffet restaurant with excellent access from Shinjuku Station. The spread is impressive, featuring premium ingredients like crab, Japanese Black beef, and sushi lined up in generous abundance.
Its convenient location makes it easy to drop in between shopping and sightseeing. As night falls over Shinjuku, diners can relax and enjoy the ultimate buffet experience, choosing exactly what they want and as much as they like for two hours.
No. 4: MAIDO Wagyu Yakiniku (Osaka)
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All-you-can-eat A5 wagyu right in the heart of Dotonbori
Coming in at No. 4 is MAIDO Wagyu Yakiniku, located in Osaka’s bustling Dotonbori district. This cozy restaurant lets diners enjoy top-grade wagyu in an all-you-can-eat format, a great combination in one of the city’s most popular sightseeing areas.
The beef is cut fresh after each order, ensuring excellent quality and flavor. With beautifully marbled wagyu that melts in your mouth, plus a good selection of side dishes, this spot is a great choice for families and groups looking to enjoy premium yakiniku together.
No. 3: Rakutenchi Hakata Ekimae (Fukuoka)
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A towering mountain of vegetables and a true taste of Hakata soul food
Taking the No. 3 spot is Rakutenti Hakata Ekimae, another branch of the famous Fukuoka motsunabe restaurant that also appeared at No. 10. What immediately catches the eye is the dramatic pile of chives and cabbage heaped high above the pot.
Simmered in the restaurant’s secret soy sauce–based broth, the fresh offal is tender, plump, and completely free of any strong odor. The finale is the champon noodles cooked in the rich, flavor-packed soup, a finishing touch many diners say is unforgettable. Located just steps from Hakata Station, the convenience only adds to its popularity.
No. 2: Isaribi (Osaka)
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A lively robatayaki experience with food grilled right before your eyes in Osaka
Just missing the top spot at No. 2 is Isaribi, a favorite from food-loving Osaka. Fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables are lined up at the counter and grilled dynamically over the robata right in front of guests.
One highlight is the classic performance where finished dishes are delivered to the counter using long wooden paddles, a moment that always draws attention. With its energetic atmosphere and hands-on cooking style, this is a great place to experience traditional izakaya culture while soaking up the buzz of an Osaka night.
No. 1: Seafood Buffet Dining Ginzahappo (Tokyo)
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An all-you-can-eat dream feast with premium ingredients in the heart of Ginza
Taking the top spot at No. 1 is Ginzahappo, located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district. What sets this restaurant apart is its remarkable lineup of premium ingredients, including crab, Japanese Black beef, and even chef-prepared sushi, all available in an all-you-can-eat format.
Dishes are prepared fresh in a live kitchen, making the experience as enjoyable to watch as it is to eat. For travelers thinking, “I want to try everything Japan is famous for,” this buffet delivers it all in one unforgettable meal, earning its reputation as a true food theme park in Tokyo.
It’s no surprise that the top spots are filled with restaurants where you can indulge in Japan’s most iconic foods, from wagyu and sushi to crab, to your heart’s content.
From the most popular, Ginzahappo, to the rest of the lineup, every restaurant on this list is highly sought after and well worth reserving in advance. For your next trip to Japan, be sure to book early and treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience.
Note for the overall ranking:
As of January 2026, this ranking includes information current as of January 2026 for restaurants that are registered with Rakuten Gurunavi and have agreed to be listed. For the latest operating status and reservation availability, please check each restaurant’s detail page.
Note for the annual reservation ranking:
The ranking is calculated based on the total number of reservations made in 2025 against available seats on Rakuten Gurunavi’s foreign-language platforms, including external reservation platforms (English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean).
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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