If you’re having that kind of day – where only sushi or a hot, spicy bowl of ramen will do – OnBali’s experts have already found the best Japanese food in Bali. At first glance, Ubud, a town nestled in the central foothills of Bali’s Gianyar Regency, might not seem like the place for perfect sushi. But look a little closer, and you’ll find chefs in the jungle who handle tuna like it’s Tokyo and serve ramen you won’t want to share.
Japanese cuisine in Ubud isn’t just about fish and soy sauce – it’s about attention to detail and flavor balance that fits right into the island’s laid-back energy. This shortlist includes the best Japanese spots in town. “For everything else, check out OnBali’s guide to restaurants Ubud.
1. TYGR Sushi
📍 Jl. Penestanan Kelod No. 8, Ubud, Bali 80571
TYGR Sushi is what you go for when you’re craving sushi – without the white tablecloths or formal vibes. Already loved in Canggu and Berawa, the chain has made its way to Ubud with the same familiar formula: wide selection, fresh ingredients, fair prices, and a relaxed atmosphere you’ll want to linger in.
The menu covers more than 30 rolls – tuna, shrimp, jackfruit, avocado, plus vegan options that actually feel exciting. Add bowls, soups, noodles, and desserts like mochi or matcha cream doughnuts, and you have the entire spread. TYGR doesn’t try to be traditional – it just delivers some of the most approachable and satisfying Japanese food Bali has to offer.
The space is cool (literally – there’s AC), the service is fast, and the mood is laid-back. It’s where you come hungry, order freely, and leave full without thinking twice.
2. Kojin Japanese Restaurant
📍 Jl. Raya Desa Kenderan No. 88A, Kenderan, Tegallalang, Bali 80561
Kojin, located at Aksari Resort (and open to everyone), offers three distinct formats, depending on your curiosity and appetite:
- Teppanyaki, where the chef cooks everything in front of you – flames, truffle oil, flair included.
- Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner served with precision and grace.
- Irori, a rare sight in Bali, where food is slow-cooked over charcoal in an open hearth at the center of the room – aromatic, deliberate, and deeply satisfying.
The menu features wagyu, Tasmanian salmon, caviar-topped rolls, and desserts with yuzu and matcha. Every detail is considered – from textures to the plates they’re served on. The space blends warm wood, low lighting, and jungle views through glass. It’s peaceful without being stiff – great for anniversaries or a thoughtful dinner with friends.
Kojin isn’t just one of the top restaurants in Ubud; it’s also a love letter to Japanese cuisine written with the rhythm of Bali food – local, elegant, and full of intent. Advanced booking is a good idea, especially if you want to try the Omakase. There aren’t many seats, and those in the know tend to book early.
3. Kyoka Japanese Kitchen
Kyoka is a Japanese restaurant in Ubud where sushi, ramen, and cocktails all share the menu without stepping on each other’s toes. The cooking leans into Kyoto-style home comfort – nothing overdone, everything about balance and flavor. You’ll find warm salads, gyoza, rice bowls, avocado teriyaki, and a lineup of rolls that keeps things interesting without overcomplicating it.
OnBali’s author Mariia Ipatova says the real highlight is the bar: “One of the co-owners is a pro mixologist, and he’s having fun here. Everything from liqueurs to bitters is made in-house. Cocktails with yuzu, sake, ginger, and even shiitake aren’t there for show – they’re there because they taste amazing. And everything follows a zero-waste philosophy: citrus rinds become infusions, leftovers get fermented.”
Soft lighting, wood tones, quiet music, and a dining room that invites you to stay longer than you meant to – Kyoka isn’t loud. Still, it’s quietly one of the best restaurants in Ubud, Bali.
4. Mori
Jl. Bisma No. 68, Ubud, Bali 80571
Mori is ten seats around a teppanyaki counter, quiet conversation, a kitchen within arm’s reach, and a dinner that feels like watching a painting come to life. Located inside Bisma Eight, the restaurant runs a set-dinner format where every course is served to all guests at once – less like a typical meal but more like a private culinary rehearsal.
The menu changes with the seasons, but the tone stays the same: Japanese techniques, Balinese touches, and zero fuss. Expect an amuse-bouche with caviar, crab with sweet potato, seafood rice, or sake crepes. The set usually includes 6–8 courses, with the option to add lobster or scallops.
From 6 to 10 PM, they offer a solid reason to come early: two cocktails for just IDR 190,000. The space is warm wood, soft lighting, and rice fields through the windows. This isn’t a place you stumble into – it’s one you choose for a thoughtful evening. Or simply for some of the best food in Bali.
Conclusion
Japanese restaurants in Ubud impress with quality, but there are a few things worth knowing before you go:
- Book ahead, especially if you’re planning dinner after 6 PM. Even the smaller spots fill up fast – there are more visitors than tables.
- Ask about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions – some rolls include peanuts, sesame, or fermented sauces that aren’t always listed on the menu.
- Check for added tax and service fees – many menus don’t include them, so expect to add 15–21% to the final bill.
And suppose you’re ready to explore Ubud beyond sushi and ramen. In that case, OnBali has a full lineup of restaurants – pan-Asian menus, vegan lunches, wood-fired pizza, and cocktails.
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