10 best Japanese restaurants in JB [Sep 2026] - Alo Japan

After developing a love for sashimi, I’ve been constantly craving its umami flavour paired with a refreshing touch of wasabi. For a while now, I’ve been on a quest to discover good Japanese restaurants in the city to satisfy my cravings, whether it’s sashimi, donburi, or ramen— basically, all types of Japanese cuisine you can imagine.

So, I’m excited to share my list of the 10 best Japanese restaurants in JB with those who, like me, have a passion for Japanese food. These spots are sure to satisfy your cravings until you can make the trip to Japan itself.

Name

Location / Area

Key highlight

Kyu Izakaya

Taman Pelangi

Seafood air-flown from Japan twice a week

Kyuten Robatayaki Japanese Izakaya

Taman Pelangi

Robatayaki skewers and private rooms for up to 20

Sumido Hikiniku

Southkey

Kyoto-inspired hikiniku with free-flow Japanese rice

Hut Dining Buffet

Tebrau

Buffet tiers from RM99++ with unlimited refills

Wagyu & Rice

Tebrau

San-Daime Shimomuragyu Beef and hands-on grilling

Tsukiji Sushi

Tebrau

Sushi from RM2 and prepared-to-order counter dining

Hanazen Japanese Restaurant

Mount Austin

Dishes such as Zaru Cha Soba from RM11.90

Kirishima Shuzou Japanese Restaurant

Taman Century

Japanese restaurant established in 1998

Sushi Mentai

Multiple locations

Conveyor-belt sushi from RM1.80

Warakuya Japanese Restaurant

Taman Pelangi

Broad menu covering sushi, sashimi, noodles and rice sets

1. Kyu Izakaya

Kyu Izakaya – Ambience

At Kyu Izakaya, one of the oldest authentic Japanese restaurants in town, the dining experience begins long before a dish reaches the table. First established in 2021 as Kyu Sushi, the intimate omakase restaurant has since evolved into Kyu Izakaya, bringing its Tokyo Edomae sensibilities into a more convivial à la carte setting.

Nearly all of its seafood is air-flown directly from Japan twice a week, sourced from premier fish markets and handled with meticulous attention to freshness, texture and flavour.

Kyu Izakaya – Food

Among its most prized offerings is Japanese Bluefin Tuna (Hon-Maguro), prized for its fine marbling, velvety texture and profound umami. Otoro is RM98 for 3 pieces, while Chutoro and Akami are RM38 and RM45 respectively. Sashimi platters offer a wider glimpse into Japan’s coastal bounty, from the Tsukiji Sashimi Platter (RM258) to Hokkaido (RM188), Kyushu (RM168) and Setouchi (RM128) selections.

The Zuwaikani Miso Donabe (RM98) combines sweet snow crab and crab miso with fragrant claypot rice, while the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Donabe (RM220) offers a richer interpretation. For something lighter, Mentaiko Chazuke (RM38) and Salmon Ikura Chazuke (RM26) bring understated comfort.

Those after a little indulgence can dig into Wagyu Bone Marrow (RM68), loaded with savoury toppings, or Kaisen Hosomaki (RM58), a neat roll of mixed sashimi.

For those who believe the best Japanese meals are less about spectacle than the quality of what arrives at the table, Kyu Izakaya makes a compelling case. Exceptional ingredients flown in at their freshest, cooking rooted in Japanese tradition, and a cosy setting — this spot is worth adding to your list.

46, Jalan Sri Pelangi 4, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6012 547 7886
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram

2. Kyuten Robatayaki Japanese Izakaya

Kyuten Robatayaki – Ambience

For Japanese food in JB that’s a little more interesting than the standard sushi-and-ramen fare, Kyuten Robatayaki takes a more izakaya-style approach, with premium sashimi, charcoal-grilled skewers and a few richer plates that are made for sharing.

The cosy 2-storey outlet also has private rooms for those who prefer a more intimate meal with loved ones, with the largest room accommodating up to 20 diners.

Kyuten Robatayaki – Food

Sashimi fans can start with one of the restaurant’s Sashimi Platters, priced from RM68 to RM288, with assorted seasonal cuts selected by the kitchen. If you prefer to pick your own, there’s Akami Sashimi (RM50), Chutoro Sashimi (RM70), Otoro Sashimi (RM118), Botan Ebi Sashimi (RM39) and Hotate Sashimi (RM60).

Then come the dishes that make the menu more memorable. Charcoal-Grilled Kanimiso With Buttered Toast (RM68) turns crab miso into a rich, savoury spread for crispy toast, while Unagi Foie Gras Sando (RM88) layers grilled eel with foie gras for a smoky, decadent combination.

At the robatayaki counter, the grill does most of the talking. A5 Japanese Wagyu Kushi (RM38) brings tender beef to the table, while Hotate With Bacon Yaki Kushi (RM28) wraps sweet scallops in smoky bacon.

For pork, there’s Kurobuta Belly With Leek (RM12), while Unagi Kushiyaki (RM20) keeps things simple with grilled eel coated in a sweet, savoury sauce. Vegetables aren’t forgotten either, with Japanese Sweet Potato With Kombu Butter (RM10) and Zucchini Mentai (RM6) adding something lighter between bites.

If you’re after something more substantial, Iberiko Don (RM68) pairs grilled Iberico pork with rice for a fuss-free bowl that rounds off the meal nicely.

Come hungry, order for the table, and let the meal wander a little. That’s probably the best way to appreciate Kyuten Robatayaki, where the fun is less about stopping on just one dish and more about trying everything between raw, grilled, smoky and addictive flavours.

No.04, Blok B, Pusat Komersial Pelangi, Jalan Sri Pelangi, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6016 708 4646
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram

3. Sumido Hikiniku

Sumido Hikiniku – Storefront

Forget everything you know about the typical Japanese hamburger steak. Sumido Hikiniku at Mid Valley Southkey takes inspiration from Kyoto’s hikiniku style, where juicy, high-grade beef patties become the centrepiece of a more interactive and premium rice meal.

With the original Hikiniku to Come recently arriving in KL, the hikiniku concept has been getting plenty of attention, and some Singaporean diners have even compared Sumido Hikiniku’s experience favourably to the original.

Sumido Hikiniku – Food

Here, the Japanese Hamburger arrives as individual 90g patties and a pasteurised egg yolk alongside free-flow Japanese rice, miso soup, house-made pickles, and signature sauces.

Akita rice is particularly used — best known for Akitakomachi — a premium Japanese short-grain rice prized for its glossy appearance, pleasantly sticky texture and subtle sweetness for a perfect bite.

You can start with Australian Beef (RM45 for 2 patties) or go all in with three patties for RM58. For a more premium option, the Wagyu (RM60 for 2 patties, RM80 for 3 patties) brings a richer, more intensely beefy flavour to the plate.

Not in the mood for beef? Chicken Patties are available in two or three 90g portions from RM35, while the Combo (RM72) brings together Wagyu beef, Australian beef and chicken in three patties.

There’s no single “right” way to eat it. Tear into a patty, mix it with the egg yolk, spoon it over warm rice, then add sauces or pickles to taste.

Other Japanese favourites such as Australian Beef & Wagyu Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki, Gyukatsu, and Wagyu Beef Sando are also available.

With its Kyoto-inspired approach, refined setting and no-pork, no-alcohol menu, Sumido Hikiniku is where you should be for an authentic Japanese hamburg meal in JB.

Lot-T044, Level 3, Mid Valley Megamall, Southkey, 80150 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6018 274 7699
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram

4. Hut Dining Buffet

Hut Dining Buffet – Ambience

Two hours can feel surprisingly short when there’s sashimi, sushi, seafood and Japanese specialities competing for your attention. Hut Dining Buffet in JB makes the most of that window with several buffet tiers, starting from RM99++, so diners can choose how much premium they want to pile onto their plate.

Hut Dining Buffet – Buffet

The RM99++ Classic Buffet is available during weekday lunch, while higher tiers come with a wider selection of premium ingredients. Depending on the package, these can include King Crab, Uni, Caviar, Abalone, Snow Crab, Matsuba Crab, Botan Ebi, Scampi and Shimomuragyu Wagyu.

All packages come with unlimited refills of food and beverages, although premium items are tied to their respective buffet tiers and requirements. Every dining session is limited to 2 hours.

The biggest draw is arguably the Premium Buffet’s Grand Platter. Once ordered, it comes with unlimited King Crab servings with no quantity limit, making this the tier to consider if crab is the reason you showed up in the first place. There’s also Wagyu for those who prefer something meatier between rounds of seafood.

For bigger gatherings, the JB outlet has private rooms that work nicely for family meals, celebrations, corporate events and group dining.

At Hut Dining Buffet, restraint is probably the last thing on your mind once that first platter of sashimi and seafood hits the table. With 3 outlets across Malaysia, it’s easy to see why this remains a crowd favourite when it comes to delicious Japanese buffets.

S45, Second Floor, AEON Mall Tebrau City, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
016-925 6881
Daily: 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

5. Wagyu & Rice

Wagyu & Rice – Ambience

If you like your Japanese meals with a little more beef in the picture, Wagyu & Rice is one to know in JB. The Japanese-style dining brand centres its menu around San-Daime Shimomuragyu Beef, a prize-winning Japanese Black Wagyu raised by Shimomura Ranch in Aichi Prefecture. The Wagyu has also picked up 10 championship wins in competitions, giving it a little pedigree beyond the name.

At the JB outlet, the signature Homemade Wagyu Hamburg Steak topped with rich yolk is a natural starting point. Diners can choose to have it grilled by the chef or take over the grilling themselves for a more hands-on experience. Counter seats are connected to the kitchen too, giving you a front-row view of the chefs at work.

For a more substantial meal, set options start from RM38.80, with each set coming with one complimentary refill of steamed rice, miso soup, and sauces. The beef is known for its rich umami profile, with glutamic acid content of up to 30 times that of ordinary Wagyu. Beyond hamburg, the menu also includes an Unagi Series, giving non-beef diners another reason to browse.

The restaurant keeps things convenient with selected reservations, while walk-ins can use the QR code queue system to get a queue number and minimise physical waiting. The menu is also updated periodically, so it’s worth checking its social media for the latest dishes and offerings.

Come hungry, leave with a new appreciation for just how much mileage a good piece of Wagyu can have at Wagyu & Rice.

S45, Second Floor, AEON Mall Tebrau City, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6016 930 6881
Sun to Thu: 10am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 10.30pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

6. Tsukiji Sushi

There’s something refreshing about a Japanese restaurant that doesn’t make sushi feel like a once-in-a-while treat. Tsukiji Sushi takes a more accessible approach, with sushi starting from RM2 and a menu that gives diners plenty of room to choose according to their appetite and budget across multiple outlets in Malaysia.

Tsukiji Sushi – Ambience

The JB outlet has an Omakase-inspired dining setup, with counter seats facing an open kitchen. Watching the chefs work while your food is prepared to order gives the meal a little more character, especially if you enjoy sitting close to the action.

Tsukiji Sushi – Food

Sushi is naturally the main draw, but don’t stop at the usual nigiri. The menu also covers Premium Crab Leg Selections, Sashimi Selections, Specialty Sushi Rolls, Hand Rolls and Donburi, so there’s enough variety to keep a group with different cravings happy. Selected dishes also feature Shimomuragyu Beef, a prize-winning Wagyu, while seasonal ingredients and monthly specials are introduced regularly, which will be updated on their socials beforehand.

Tsukiji Sushi is all about making quality Japanese food feel within reach, whether you’re dropping by for a few pieces of sushi after work or sitting down for a fuller meal with friends. For convenience, selected reservation slots are available, while walk-in diners can scan a QR code to get a queue number.

If you’re looking for Japanese food in JB that feels easy to enjoy without overthinking the occasion, Tsukiji Sushi is a solid one to have on your list.

S45, Second Floor, AEON Mall Tebrau City, Jalan Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+6016 930 6881
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram | Website

7. Hanazen Japanese Restaurant

Hanazen Japanese Restaurant – Store front

The understated facade of Hanazen Japanese Restaurant often goes unnoticed amidst the lively street of Mount Austin. However, beneath its unassuming exterior lies a treasure trove of affordably-priced Japanese delicacies.

Hanazen Japanese Restaurant – Various dishes

The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes that are not extravagant, yet delightful in their own right. One of my personal favourites, Zaru Cha Soba (RM11.90), stood out for its excellent flavour. The soba noodles were served with a dipping sauce accompanied by raw quail egg, grated radish, spring onion, and crispy tempura bits, adding a unique texture to the dish.

For rice enthusiasts, Hanazen Omu Rice (RM18.90) is a must-try, featuring a Japanese curry with a rich gravy that truly whets the appetite. It is topped with an omu egg that adds a fragrant touch to the dish. Alternatively, indulge in their signature Salmon Volcano Roll (RM24.90), where salmon maki is artfully stacked into a pyramid shape, drizzled generously with cheese sauce and lightly torched for a subtle, aromatic finish.

28, Jln Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+6011 2055 6506
Daily: 12pm – 4pm & 5pm – 10pm
Facebook | Instagram

8. Kirishima Shuzou Japanese Restaurant

Being a steadfast presence in JB, Kirishima Shuzou Japanese Restaurant is well-known among locals, including the older generation. Established in 1998, it pioneered JB’s Japanese dining scene, offering excellent dishes on the first floor of Crystal Crown Hotel.

The sushi at Kirishima Shuzou features premium ingredients, with signature dishes like the President Roll (RM37.10), maki topped with sashimi, and the Volcano Roll (RM24.38), grilled maki with cheese and homemade sauce. Both dishes include 6 pieces of maki, making them perfect for sharing.

Their sashimi selection offers various options, with the standout being the Hamachi (RM42.40), or yellowtail. This dish includes 5 pieces of hamachi, known for its rich, buttery flavour and firm texture, making it ideal for sashimi. Notably, the restaurant also serves Kobe Beef Steak (RM190.80), featuring stone-roasted Japan A5 Wagyu with garlic sauce, sure to please your palate.

1st floor, Crystal Crown Hotel, 117 Jalan Tebrau, Taman Century, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
+607 276 2838
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm & 6pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mon
Facebook | Website

9. Sushi Mentai

Established in 2011, Sushi Mentai has consistently been a popular Japanese spot favoured by students for its affordable prices. Over the years, it has expanded its footprint from the south to the west, and even to the East coast and Sarawak, marking its popularity among locals.

The restaurant features a conveyor belt with various types of sushi and other offerings. Similar to most sushi restaurants, the prices of dishes on the belt are tiered, with the most affordable ones priced at RM1.80. Choose from an array of 25 sushi types including Ebiko, Inari Mentai, Chuka Kurage, Cheese Chu Maki, Takoyaki, and more!

The second tier goes up to RM2.80, offering sushi dishes like Salmon, Shiro Maguro, Ebi, Unagi, Hotate Mentai, Hana Ebiko, and 19 other tantalising options. Sushi at this price— what more could you ask for? The eatery also offers agemono (deep-fried dishes), menmono (noodles), donmono (rice-based dishes), and sashimi beyond sushi.

For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website

10. Warakuya Japanese Restaurant

Credit – Mr Yang via Google Reviews

Tucked away in Taman Pelangi, Warakuya Japanese Restaurant’s menu spans sushi, sashimi, donburi, grilled dishes, tempura, noodles and Japanese-style sets, making it easy to find something for different appetites around the same table.

Credit – Warakuya Japanese Restaurant

For sushi, the Salmon Nigiri (RM11.90) and Ebi Mentai Nigiri (RM10.90) make easy starting points, while the Unagi Nigiri (RM18.90) offers something richer. There is also a sizeable selection of rolls, including the Dragon Roll Maki Mango (RM31.90) and Special Warakuya Roll (RM26.90).

Those leaning towards sashimi can opt for Salmon Sashimi (RM29.90) or Megajiki Sashimi (RM52.90), while the Chirashi Sushi (RM52.90) brings a little of everything together in one bowl.

Beyond raw seafood, the menu ventures into comforting Japanese fare such as Unagi Kabayaki (RM36.90), Tempura Mori (RM25.90) and Okonomiyaki (RM24.90), alongside noodles and rice sets for something more substantial.

The breadth is arguably Warakuya’s greatest strength. It is an unfussy spot for when the group wants Japanese food but everyone has a different idea of what that means, with enough variety to keep both sushi loyalists and comfort-food seekers happy.

43, Jalan Kuning 2, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
+607 332 0789
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Facebook

How to choose a Japanese restaurant in JB

Choose based on the type of Japanese meal you want rather than sticking to one style. Kyu Izakaya suits sashimi-focused meals and traditional flavours, while Kyuten Robatayaki Japanese Izakaya works for sharing grilled skewers and seafood. For beef, Sumido Hikiniku offers interactive hamburg meals, while Wagyu & Rice focuses on Wagyu and hands-on grilling. Hut Dining Buffet is more suitable for groups wanting seafood and unlimited refills, whereas Tsukiji Sushi and Sushi Mentai offer easier, more casual sushi options. Warakuya Japanese Restaurant works when diners have varied cravings.

*This post contains branded content.