Japan Street Food Tour: 5-Day Eating Adventure

Do I need cash for street food in Japan?

Yes - most yatai stalls and market vendors are cash only. Carry 10,000-15,000 yen in small bills for daily street food. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards.

Is street food safe to eat in Japan?

Extremely safe. Japan has some of the strictest food hygiene standards in the world. Eat where you see a queue of locals - freshness is guaranteed.

What is the best street food city in Japan?

Osaka earns the nickname Tenka no Daidokoro (kitchen of the nation) for its variety. But Tokyo Tsukiji area and Kyoto Nishiki Market are equally unmissable for different styles.

When should I book hotels for this 5-day Tokyo / Osaka / Kyoto / Nara / Hiroshima trip?

For Tokyo / Osaka / Kyoto / Nara / Hiroshima, we recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks in advance for regular travel periods, and 6–8 weeks ahead during peak seasons (cherry blossom in March–April, Golden Week in late April–May, and autumn leaves in October–November). This itinerary is calibrated for budget accommodation (¥3,000–8,000/night), which is widely available in Tokyo / Osaka / Kyoto / Nara / Hiroshima — but the best properties at this price point book out quickly.