3 Foods You Should NEVER Eat in Japan!!
I’ve traveled to dozens of places in Japan—Osaka, Okinawa, Fukuoka, Yufuin, and more—but there are foods I genuinely regret eating.
One of them is the Futomaki I had at Kintaro Sushi in Beppu (it's the first photo in this post!!).
The moment I took my first bite, a shiver went down my spine. Having traveled to dozens of countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Laos, my #1 favorite restaurant of all time changed in an instant!
This cozy, authentic sushi spot boasts generous portions and incredible value, making it my top recommendation in Beppu.
It's none other than Kintaro Sushi (!!).
And the absolute must-try dish there is the Kaisen Futomaki!
🍣 Kaisen Futomaki: This signature roll is packed with four or more types of fresh sashimi, like salmon and tuna. Don't bite it in half—stuff the whole thing in your mouth! The flavors will explode in your mouth like an orchestra. It might be huge and hard to eat in one go, but whatever you do, don't bite it. You have to eat it all at once to truly experience the magic. I guarantee this Futomaki will completely reset your restaurant rankings!!!
🧂 Sushi with Salt: Interestingly, they serve salt instead of soy sauce here. It might be confusing at first, but the moment you try it, you'll experience the incredible natural umami of the fish.
🥣 Hearty Set Meals: The sushi sets with mini udon or the premium assorted sushi are very reasonably priced for what you get. The clean udon broth makes it a hit even for families with children.
Fun Facts About Futomaki
Origin: It started in the late 1700s during the Edo period in the Kansai region as a food for good luck.
Ehomaki Tradition: On the day before spring (Setsubun), there is a custom of eating an uncut Futomaki in silence while facing the lucky direction of the year to keep good fortune from escaping.
Seven Blessings: Traditional Futomaki contains seven ingredients representing the Seven Lucky Gods, effectively 'wrapping up' good luck.
Flavor Balance: It’s a perfectly balanced dish of sweetness (egg), umami (eel/mushroom), and crunch (cucumber). The 'tail' ends, where the ingredients overflow like a kimbap, are the best part.
📌 Shop Info
Address: 7-63 Aoyamachō, Beppu, Oita 874-0902 Japan
Location: Near the Aoyama-cho residential area (Parking for about 4 cars available / Limited space, so visiting at opening time is recommended)
Hours: 12:00 ~ 14:30 / 18:00 ~ 20:30 (Closed every Tue & Wed)
Payment: Cash Only (Credit cards not accepted)
2. Tempura Bowl Specialty [Toyotsune]
The moment the uniquely crispy tempura met the 100-year-old traditional sauce, I simply couldn't stop eating.
Opened in the 1920s, this Beppu landmark has over 90 years of history. Once a refined dining spot for hot spring guests, it is now a gourmet pilgrimage site for travelers worldwide.
My recommendation is the Conger Eel Tempura Bowl (Anago Tendon)!
🍤 Special Soy Sauce: The soul of the dish is the 100-year-old secret sauce, refined daily since the shop opened. Its deep, sweet umami soaks into the tempura, keeping it flavorful without making it soggy.
🌸 Fan-shaped Crispy Batter: They use a unique technique to fry the batter thin and wide like a flower. It boasts a top-tier texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
📌 Shop Info
Address: 2-chōme-12-24 Kitahama, Beppu, Oita 874-0920 Japan
Location: 8–10 min walk from the East Exit of JR Beppu Station (On the way to 'YouMe Town Beppu' mall)
Hours: 11:00 ~ 20:00 (Closed every Tue & Wed)
3. Crispy Gyoza Specialist [Gyoza Kogetsu]
The combination of juices bursting from the crispy skin and an ice-cold bottled beer was pure happiness.
This tiny, legendary gyoza shop has only 6–7 counter seats, reflecting its deep history.
🥟 Bite-sized Premium Gyoza: The skin is ultra-thin and small, grilled to be crispy on the bottom and soft on top. Popping the whole thing in your mouth to catch all the juices is the way to go.
🌶️ Perfect Sauce Combo: The mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and the house-made chili oil (rayu) perfectly balances any oiliness. It’s a heavenly match with cold bottled beer.
💡 Visit Tip: Since the dumplings are small, I recommend ordering at least 1–2 plates (15–30 pieces) per person. They close early if they run out of ingredients, so try to arrive for the 2 PM opening.
📌 Shop Info
Address: 1-chōme-9-4 Kitahama, Beppu, Oita 874-0920 Japan
Location: 7–10 min walk from the East Exit of JR Beppu Station (In the alley near Takegawara Onsen)
Hours: Fri, Sat, Sun 14:00 ~ 19:00 (Closed Mon–Thu / Early closure if sold out)
1. Sushi Specialty: [Kintaro Sushi Beppu]
2. Tempura Bowl Specialty: [Toyotsune]
3. Crispy Gyoza Specialist: [Gyoza Kogetsu]
All three are affordable, high-value restaurants. However, their quality is absolutely outstanding. I guarantee you won't regret visiting!!