Dining in Japan

Savor the freshest sushi, tastiest noodles and lots of local specialties, all at affordable prices.

Kobe offers a wide variety of restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine, and it is also known for its authentic Western cuisine - foods from around the world, including Chinese, French, Indian, Italian and Korean cuisine.

Kobe beef - For those who would like to savor the ultimate Japanese gourmet experience, why not try world famous Kobe beef? There are many restaurants that serve this delicacy in the Kobe area. Please check with your hotel concierge or the Congress information desk for details.

To give you a general idea of how much you might spend when dining in Japan, please note the following sample menus.

Sushi and Sashimi- World famous and so fresh!
Lunch or Dinner.

Enjoy inexpensive, yet good quality, fresh sushi at “revolving Sushi Bars.” As much Sushi as you can eat will cost you only about JPY2,000 - 3,000 (USD20 - 30).

If you wish to experience the elegant simplicity and top quality of a Sushi restaurant where the chef personally prepares each piece in front of you, dinner would be approx. JPY10,000 – 20,000 (USD100 – 200).

LUNCH

Traditional “soba” – healthy buckwheat noodles enjoyed parboiled and cooled with a simple sauce by connoisseurs or hot with a variety of soups.

Refreshing cold “udon” - thick noodles with a savory sauce.

Japanese and Western “fast food” dishes – approx. JPY500 - 600 (USD5.00 – 6.00) Simple but satisfying hamburgers at convenient chain restaurants, some open until late in the evening.

“Gyudon” bowl - rice topped with sautéed shredded beef and onions.

Japanese set menu lunches – approx. JPY1,000 (USD10.00)
Many restaurants, both Japanese and Western, offer a set menu lunch, “teishoku,” including a main dish, rice or bread and coffee/tea. A great value, this is enjoyed by businesspeople, busy students and tourists alike. “Teishoku” menus are also available for dinner in some restaurants, for approximately JPY3,000 – 4,000 (USD30 - 40).

DINNER
Casual dinner at a Japanese traditional pub – approx. JPY 2,000 – 4,000 (USD20 – 40)
Have fun tasting a variety of dishes, such as “yakitori” (grilled chicken on skewers) in a casual atmosphere. You’ll be sure to meet local Kobe residents here.

Add a few drinks, such as refreshing Japanese beer or “sake,” and you can still enjoy dinner for around JPY3,000 - 6,000. (USD30 - 60).

For more information on Japanese cuisine and restaurants, please visit the Links page for recommended websites.