If you live in the Netherlands and suddenly miss real Japanese food, Düsseldorf is the answer.
In just a few hours, you can eat proper sushi, shop for Japanese groceries, buy manga, and be back home by Sunday night.
I’ve done this trip many times, and honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying and easy weekend trips from the Netherlands.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to get from Amsterdam (or anywhere in the Netherlands) to Düsseldorf
- Where to eat authentic Japanese food
- Where to buy Japanese groceries and manga
- A simple one-day or weekend itinerary
- Whether it’s actually worth it
Why Düsseldorf Is Perfect for Japanese Food Lovers
Düsseldorf has one of the largest Japanese communities in Europe.
Because of that, the quality of Japanese food here is on a completely different level compared to most European cities.
You’ll find:
- Authentic sushi and ramen
- Japanese bakeries with fresh melon pan
- Supermarkets selling real Japanese ingredients
- Bookstores filled with manga and magazines
Most of this is concentrated around Immermannstraße, making it incredibly easy to explore on foot.
How to Get from the Netherlands to Düsseldorf
Traveling from the Netherlands to Düsseldorf is surprisingly simple — and you don’t need a car.
For most people, the train is the easiest and most comfortable option.
- Travel time: around 2–3 hours from Amsterdam
- Direct or one-transfer connections
- No airport stress
- City center to city center
If you’re planning your weekend food trip, I recommend checking train schedules early. I usually book via NS International because it’s simple, available in English, and lets you compare routes in one place. Booking in advance can also help you get better prices — especially for weekend travel.
🚆 Planning your trip?
Compare train schedules and ticket prices from the Netherlands to Düsseldorf on NS International. It’s one of the easiest ways to organize your weekend getaway in just a few minutes.
👉 [Check train tickets to Düsseldorf here]
Weekend trains can fill up quickly — especially on Friday evenings — so booking early makes the trip smoother and often cheaper.
Ready for a sushi weekend in Düsseldorf?
Check train times and prices on NS International and secure your ticket before fares increase.
Best Japanese Food in Düsseldorf
Let’s be honest — this is the real reason to go.
Düsseldorf is widely known for having some of the best Japanese restaurants in Europe.
You’ll find:
- Sushi restaurants with high-quality fresh fish
- Ramen shops run by Japanese chefs
- Traditional set-meal restaurants
- Casual lunch spots popular with locals
Even the “average” places here are often better than Japanese restaurants in many other European cities.
If you truly miss Japan, this trip hits differently.
Japanese Bakeries and Cafés
Don’t skip the bakeries.
Japanese-style bread, matcha desserts, and soft cream-filled pastries are easy to find near Immermannstraße.
They’re perfect for:
- Breakfast after arriving
- An afternoon break between shopping
- Bringing snacks back home
Where to Buy Japanese Groceries and Manga
This is where Düsseldorf becomes dangerous (for your wallet).
Japanese Supermarkets
You can stock up on:
- Soy sauce, miso, and dashi
- Japanese snacks and sweets
- Instant ramen you can’t find in Dutch supermarkets
- Frozen foods and ready-made bentos
The selection is excellent by European standards.
Manga and Bookstores
Several stores sell:
- Japanese manga
- Art books
- Stationery
- Magazines from Japan
If you’re studying Japanese, this is honestly one of the best places in Europe to browse physical material.
One-Day or Weekend Düsseldorf Itinerary
Option 1: One-Day Trip
- Morning: Train to Düsseldorf
- Late morning: Sushi or ramen lunch
- Afternoon: Japanese supermarket + manga shopping
- Early evening: Light dinner or bakery stop
- Evening: Return to the Netherlands
It’s a full but very doable day trip.
Option 2: Relaxed Weekend Trip
Day 1
• Arrival and lunch
• Explore Immermannstraße
• Sushi dinner
Day 2
• Bakery breakfast
• Final grocery shopping
• Afternoon train back
Staying overnight lets you eat more and rush less.
Is Düsseldorf Worth It for a Weekend Trip?
If you live in the Netherlands and:
- Miss authentic Japanese food
- Want a simple international getaway
- Prefer trains over flights
- Love food-focused travel
Then yes — Düsseldorf is absolutely worth it.
The combination of short travel time, high-quality food, and concentrated shopping makes it one of the easiest cross-border trips you can take.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I crave sushi, Japanese groceries, or manga, I don’t overthink it — I go to Düsseldorf.
It’s close, convenient, and consistently satisfying.
If you’re planning your trip, it’s worth checking train prices early so you can lock in the best option for your schedule.
👉Compare train options and prices to Düsseldorf here
(Simple booking, English interface, and easy digital tickets.)