How I’ve been finding better local restaurants in Japan lately

After a few trips, I realized I actually eat better when I stop trying to hit the “famous” spots.

Now I just wander a bit. If a place is tiny and mostly locals, I’ll usually give it a shot.

If there’s a line of 6–8 business guys right when they open, I trust that more than TikTok.

I’ve also started getting off a few stops before or after the big hubs and just walking around. Those neighborhoods feel way more relaxed.

I learned the hard way that a 3.2–3.4 on Japanese review sites can still be really solid.

Some of my best meals were places where I couldn’t even read half the menu.

Curious how other people decide where to eat here?