Konnichiwa! Celebrating Japanese culture in Brisbane
Discover the richness of Japanese culture in Brisbane. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, Japanese gardens, and unique shops.
Do you want to feel like you're in the back streets of Tokyo or walking through one of Kyoto's beautiful gardens? We've compiled a list of Brisbane's best Japanese spots to explore for your next day or night out, without the need for your passport. From traditional or modern Japanese cuisine to picturesque gardens with cherry blossoms, we've got you covered!
Mountain River Patisserie, Runcorn
Just a short drive from Brisbane CBD, Mountain River Patisserie in Runcorn is the perfect place to pick up a sweet treat. Run by a husband-and-wife team since 2017, their dog-friendly cafe offers something for everyone. Make sure to try their Hokkaido cheesecakes and warm onigiri (Japanese rice balls).
Sushi Kotobuki, East Brisbane
In the riverfront suburb of East Brisbane, you'll find your new go to sushi spot at Sushi Kotobuki. Just across the road from Mowbray Park, they boast an expansive menu of authentic Japanese cuisine. From their mouth-watering, spicy karaage don rice bowl to their hand-rolled, cone-shaped temaki rolls, you're sure to find a new favourite!
Yoko Dining, Brisbane City
Itadakimasu! If you've ever spent an evening in Tokyo's music bars, you'll feel right at home at Yoko Dining at Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City. This split-level restaurant delivers a modern take on izakaya dining which is best enjoyed with a group of friends.
Start your evening upstairs enjoying specialty cocktails or yuzu slushies. Then head downstairs to try favorites like grilled prawns with kombu butter or market fish from the hibachi grill. For dessert, try the umani-packed, salted caramel miso soft serve!
Shunsai, East Brisbane
This East Brisbane restaurant is famous for its seasonal menu served in a cozy, compact space. The 18-seat Shunsai eatery is best enjoyed from the bar seating overlooking the kitchen. Watch Chef Shun Mori work his magic creating a true kaiseiki (a Japanese meal with a selection of small courses) experience.
DIY Japanese cuisine
If your wanting to try making your own Japanese-inspired meal, borrow a cookbook from your local Council library and embrace your inner Iron Chef. You can grab all the ingredients you need from one of three Genki Marts across Brisbane. Genki Marts have one of the biggest and best ranges of Japanese groceries in Australia.
Hanasho Florist
Experience true artistry with a visit to Hanasho Florist in West End. With pendant lights, hanging gift items, twig sculptures, and a maneki-neko welcoming you, Hanasho feels like a world of its own. But the true masterpiece is their expertly-crafted flower art. Their floral arrangements are a perfect gift for a loved one, or a great way to take your next event to a whole new level.
Japanese Garden and Bonsai House, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Step into another world as you walk through the Japanese Garden in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Originally part of the Japanese Pavilion at World Expo '88, the garden was given to Brisbane and opened in February 1989.
The sprawling garden contains a combination of native and exotic plants suited to Brisbane's unique climate. With single-trunked trees leaning over the garden's water features and pathways, it is unlike anything else in Brisbane. Designed by one of Japan's leading landscape architects, the late Kenzo Ogata, the theme of the garden is tsuki-yama-chisen or 'mountain-pond-stream'. It features the key elements of stone, water, arbours, paths, vegetation and ornaments.
Kazuyo's Collection
Explore some of Brisbane's most stunning Japanese art at Kasuyo's Collection in West End. This store offers affordable high-quality, handmade Japanese homewares and gifts for any occasion. Get involved with making your own art by joining their Stitch, it's Tuesday events, hosting the local community stitch club in store.
Zombster
If you have a love of all things anime and manga, head down to Zombster in Oxley to browse their extensive range. Zombsters is Brisbane’s top spot for anime and manga, where you can find favorites like One Piece and Attack on Titan.
Jacorey Sando and Dessert
One of Fortitude Valley's newest dessert hotspots, Jacorey Sando and Dessert is a flavour explosion for your tastebuds. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly service while you unwind with a signature ice cream latte or a Japanese Sando (teriyaki chicken and mushroom sandwich).
Don't stop exploring!
Brisbane always has more to see and do and this list is just the beginning. To keep exploring, jump on the Brisbane app to find your next adventure.