Celebrating Japanese culture in Brisbane

Want to feel like you're in Tokyo's back streets or strolling through Kyoto's beautiful gardens? Check out our list of Brisbane’s best Japanese spots for your next outing — no passport required. From traditional or modern Japanese cuisine to picturesque gardens with cherry blossoms, we've got you covered!

Mountain River Patisserie, Runcorn

Mountain River Patisserie in Runcorn is perfect for 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 spicy karaage don rice bowl to hand-rolled temaki rolls, you’re sure to discover a new favourite!

Yoko Dining, Brisbane City

If you've enjoyed Tokyo's music bars, you'll feel 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 favourites 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 create an authentic kaiseki experience, a Japanese meal featuring a selection of small courses.

DIY Japanese cuisine

Want to make your own Japanese-inspired meal? Borrow a cookbook from your local Council library and embrace your inner 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.

Tokyo Shoten

If find yourself at the Alderley Genki Mart, pop next door to Japanese deli Tokyo Shoten. From fresh soba noodles to hand-made onigiri, this is a grab-and-go delight for frozen and fresh Japanese meals. 

Hanasho Florist

Experience true artistry with a visit to Hanasho Florist in West End. With pendant lights, hanging gift items, twig sculptures, and a welcoming maneki-neko, Hanasho feels like its own world.

But the true masterpiece is their expertly-crafted flower art. Their floral arrangements make a perfect gift for a loved one. They can also elevate your next event.

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. The garden was part of the Japanese Pavilion at World Expo '88 and was gifted to Brisbane in 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.

Kenzo Ogata, one of Japan’s leading landscape architects, designed the garden. Its theme is tsuki-yama-chisen, meaning ‘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 Kazuyo's Collection in West End. This store offers affordable high-quality, handmade Japanese homewares and gifts for any occasion. Join their 'Stitch, It’s Tuesday' events and create your own art with the local community stitch club in-store.

Zombster

Zombster is Brisbane’s top anime and manga spot, featuring favourites like One Piece and Attack on Titan.

Don't stop exploring!

Brisbane always has more to see and do and this list is just the beginning.

To keep exploring:

• read more Things to see and do articles
• jump on the Brisbane app to find your next adventure.