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Must Try Food in Japan: Famous Iconic Japanese Dishes
Japanese cuisine is a unique culinary art form, renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. From the simple elegance of sushi and sashimi to the hearty comfort of ramen and tempura, Japanese food offers a diverse range of flavors and textures. Beyond mere sustenance, it's a cultural experience that reflects centuries of tradition and refinement.
We at Asia Odyssey Travel would love to introduce more unique regional gourmets and snack food in Japan. Here's your preview of Unique Food to Try in Japan's celebrated places to visit.
| Region | Dish | Description | Taste |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Edomae Sushi | Fresh seafood, vinegared rice | Delicate, fatty |
| Fukagawa Meshi | Clams, rice | Savory, umami | |
| Tsukudani | Pickled Small fish/veg | Sweet, savory | |
| Kyoto | Shojin Ryori | Vegetarian/vegan multi-course | Delicate, umami |
| Yatsuhashi | Sweet pastry | Sweet, aromatic | |
| Fushimi Sake | Rice wine | Smooth, complex | |
| Osaka | Takoyaki | Octopus ball | Savory, octopus filling |
| Okonomiyaki | Savory pancake | Savory, rich | |
| Hakozushi | Pressed sushi (mackerel, wooden box) | Mild, vinegary | |
| Nara | Chagayu | Rice cooked in green tea | Earthy, refreshing |
| Narazuke | Pickled cucumbers | Tangy, salty | |
| Miwa Somen | Thin, delicate noodles | Delicate, refreshing | |
| Hakone | Kuro Tamago | Black eggs | Sulfurous, slightly sweet |
| Kaiseki Ryori | Multi-course | Varied | |
| Yuba | Soy milk film | Mild, nutty |
1. Sushi: Authentic Iconic Dishes, Must-try Only in Japan
Sushi, being a popular dish all around the world, still stands as a unique Japanese dish. originated as a method of preserving fish in fermented rice, it evolved into a fresh dish featuring vinegared rice topped with raw fish, seafood, or vegetables. The taste is clean and delicate, somewhat akin to Western dishes like tartare but with subtler flavors. Sushi's uniqueness lies in its precision and freshness, with Japanese chefs expertly preparing each piece.
Yes, there are sushi bar literally everywhere you look outside Japan. But are they authentic? You must have asked that yourself before. That's why you need to try Sushi in Japan. Trying sushi in Japan offers a genuine taste of traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients, making it an essential culinary experience that connects you to Japanese culture.
Nigiri-zushi, Makizushi, Oshizushi, Chirashizushi, Scattered sushi, how to choose and where to try them in Japan? Simply contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel for foodie insider tips and on of kind travel ideas!
2. Ramen: Regional Variations are Must Try in Japan!
Ramen, a Japanese adaptation of Chinese noodle soup, features rich broths made from pork, chicken, or miso, paired with noodles and toppings like sliced pork, green onions, and egg. Its flavors are complex and savory, similar to hearty Western stews but with a distinct depth.
Did you know that Ramen in Japan boast countless varieties? Ramen's uniqueness is in its regional variations (Sapporo Ramen, Fukuoka Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen...) and personal touches from chefs. Sampling different styles in Japan reveals the versatility and craftsmanship behind the dish, making it a must-try for a true taste of Japanese culinary diversity.
How to plan your Japan trip to cover all the iconic Ramen at each destination with its special regional Ramen. Simply contact your travel expert at Asia Odyssey Travel for foodie insider tips and on of kind travel ideas!
3. Tempura: A Distinguished Portuguese-Japanese Fusion Dish Since the 16th Century
Tempura, a unique and special Japanese dish, was introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. It involves seafood or vegetables dipped in a light batter and deep-fried. The result is a crispy, airy coating that contrasts with the tender ingredients, similar to Western fried foods but lighter and less greasy.
Tempura stands out for its refined frying technique, using cold batter and hot oil to achieve a delicate crunch. This unique cooking skill results in tempura that is crispy on the outside and remarkably tender and juicy on the inside, as the heat of the oil essentially steams the ingredients rather than fully frying them. Experiencing tempura in Japan allows you to appreciate its artistry and historical significance, making it a key part of Japanese culinary exploration.
4. Sashimi: Unique Way to Savor the True Flavor of Japanese Ingredients
Sashimi, a quintessential Japanese culinary gem, features thinly sliced raw fish or seafood artfully presented. This unique Japanese food showcases the peak of freshness and quality, offering a pure, clean taste unlike any other. While Western cuisines boast raw seafood like ceviche, sashimi's special touch lies in its simplicity, highlighting the fish's natural flavors without overpowering marinades.
Sashimi embodies the heart of Japanese cuisine: precision and respect for ingredients. To truly savor this special food, experiencing it in Japan is essential. Especially given the ritual and dedication that Japanese chefs bring to its preparation and presentation.
Special Tips: Some of the upscale restaurants that serve the best sashimi can be impossible for tourists to book. If you prefer an easily accessible Japanese fine-dining experience without breaking the bank, Contact us for insider tips & deals.
5. Yakitori: Truly Connect with the Distinct Japanese Social Culture Over Skewers
Yakitori, skewered and grilled chicken, is a beloved Japanese street food often enjoyed with various seasonings and sauces. The dish features tender chicken pieces grilled to perfection, resembling Western kebabs but with a distinct focus on flavor and seasoning.
Yakitori is uniquely tied to Japan's casual social life, especially after work. It's commonly enjoyed in izakayas, where people gather to relax and socialize over skewers of grilled chicken. This casual, communal dining experience reflects the importance of food in Japan's social culture, making yakitori a quintessential part of experiencing Japanese life and camaraderie.
To skip the touristy route and have an authentic Japanese cultural and food immersion, contact your travel expert. With a local guide, we'll lead you to mingle with Japanese locals in the most down-to-earth food settings.
Special Tips: The chicken skewers can be a bit raw in this unique Japanese cooking style, which is not common in many parts of the world. Talk to the restaurant staff if you would like it to be cooked differently.Contact your travel expert for more local foodie tips at Asia Odyssey Travel.
Must Try Food in Tokyo: Unique Food in Tokyo to Try
1. Edomae Sushi: Ingredients Fresh Out of Tokyo Bay for Sushi Gourmet
Edomae Sushi - Traditional Tokyo-style sushi, featuring fish from Tokyo Bay, known for its simplicity and focus on the natural flavors of fresh seafood.
The clean, delicate taste of Edomae sushi is unlike anything in Western cuisine, with a focus on freshness rather than heavy seasoning.
2. Fukagawa Meshi: Top Your Rice with Clams
Fukagawa Meshi - A hearty rice bowl topped with clams and miso, traditionally enjoyed by fishermen in Tokyo, offering a rich, umami-packed taste.
Its comforting, savory flavor could be compared to a seafood risotto but with a distinct Japanese twist from the miso.
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3. Tsukudani: Originated from Tsukadani District in Tokyo
Tsukudani - Small pieces of seafood, meat, or seaweed simmered in soy sauce and mirin, creating a savory, slightly sweet side dish often eaten with rice. It has a concentrated, intense flavor that might be somewhat similar to a savory jam or relish but with a distinctly Japanese umami profile.
What to Eat in Kyoto: Vegan Delicacy like Nowhere Else in Japan
1. Shojin Ryori: Exquisite Vegan Diet, Buddhism Temple Legacy in Kyoto
Shojin Ryori, though vegan dishes made by Buddhists is common in many parts of Asia. The Shojin Ryori is something else. It's a type of Buddhist vegetarian cuisine that focuses on simple, plant-based dishes like tofu, vegetables, and grains.
The flavors are pure and understated, offering a clean, wholesome taste experience that is reminiscent of rustic, farm-to-table meals but with a spiritual and meditative approach to cooking.
2. Yatsuhashi: Kyoto's Must-try Special Sweet Pastry
Yatsuhashi - A traditional sweet made from glutinous rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon, often filled with sweet red bean paste.
Its chewy texture and sweet, spicy flavor are somewhat similar to mochi, but with a distinctive cinnamon twist that makes it a unique Kyoto treat.
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3. Fushimi Sake: Must Try Drink in Japan
Fushimi Sake - Kyoto's Fushimi district is renowned for its sake, made from pure, soft water. Sake from this area is smooth and well-balanced, with a subtle sweetness, similar to fine wine but with a distinctly Japanese character.
It's a special experience to try Fushimi sake in Kyoto, especially near Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which worships the deity of harvest, making the connection between sake and the region's rich agricultural traditions even more meaningful.
What to Eat in Osaka: Osaka Food Specialties
1. Takoyaki: Osaka's Special Seafood Ball Loved by Everyone
Takoyaki - Ball-shaped snacks made from a wheat flour-based batter, filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions. Cooked in special molded pans, they have a crispy outside and a soft, gooey inside.
Similar to savory doughnuts, but with a distinctive seafood flavor and rich toppings like takoyaki sauce and bonito flakes.
2. Okonomiyaki in Osaka-style: Unique Iconic Food to Try in Japan
Osaka-style Okonomiyaki - A thick, savory pancake mixed with ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood, topped with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
It has a hearty, umami-rich flavor that's somewhat comparable to a loaded Western omelet but with a focus on rich, savory toppings. And rather than being folded, the okonomiyaki is open-faced with generous toppings.
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3. Hakozushi: Osaka's Unique Local Style Sushi. Trust Us, It's Different!
Hakozushi (Osaka-style sushi) - A box-shaped sushi pressed with vinegared rice, layers of fresh fish, and toppings.
The structured, layered look and slightly vinegary taste are different from the delicate hand-formed sushi of Tokyo, offering a denser, more robust flavor experience.
Must-try Food & Drinks in Nara: Nara Specialty Food
1. Chagayu : Tea Porridge?! One of the Kind Dish in Japan
Yes, porridge and tea. That seems to be quite a bizarre combination. But we do have Chagayu (Tea Porridge) in Nara - Rice porridge cooked with roasted tea, creating a comforting dish with a gentle, smoky flavor.
Its taste is mildly earthy and soothing, somewhat reminiscent of a savory rice pudding, but with the distinct, subtle bitterness of tea.
2. Narazuke: Traditional Nara Way to Preserve Food Like Pickling
Narazuke - Vegetables pickled in sake lees, giving them a rich, deep flavor with a slightly sweet and alcoholic taste.
The texture is firm, and the taste is unlike anything in Western pickling, offering a unique, complex blend of sweetness, umami, and a hint of bitterness.
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3. Miwa Somen: Nara's Traditional Vegan Food Option
Miwa Somen - Thin wheat noodles served cold with a dipping sauce, originating from the Miwa region.
The light, refreshing taste of these noodles is refreshing and burden-free in every way, making it a perfect dish to try in a Nara day trip.
What to Eat in Hakone: Unique Japanese Hot Spring Food
1. Kuro Tamago: Sulfur Egg? Wired, but Iconic Cooked in Hot Spring in Hakone
Kuro Tamago - Eggs boiled in the sulfuric hot springs of Owakudani, which turn the shells black and impart a slight mineral flavor.
The taste is similar to a regular hard-boiled egg but with a subtle hint of sulfur, making it a unique and locally famous snack while you soak in the famous Onsen (hot spring) in Japan.
2. Kaiseki Ryori: Japanese Fine-dining Delicacy, Ideal to Try in Hakone
Kaiseki Ryori is a refined Japanese culinary experience showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients.
This multi-course meal is a harmonious blend of flavors and artistry, often compared to a Western tasting menu. Traditionally rooted in Kyoto, Kaiseki has become synonymous with luxury and is celebrated in renowned ryokans nationwide, including Hakone.
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo & Travel Around Hakone
3. Yuba: Famous Tofu Skin Cuisines to Try in Hakone
Yuba is a unique Japanese delicacy crafted from the thin skin formed on the surface of heated soy milk. With a silky texture and subtle, creamy flavor, it's often compared to a lighter, more delicate version of fresh mozzarella.
Enjoy it fresh or simmered in a flavorful broth. Hakone is renowned for its exceptional Yuba, produced using local spring water and time-honored techniques.
How to Plan a Foodie Tour in Japan
Day 1-2: Tokyo, Try Street Food and Unique Kanto Dishes
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Sample fresh Edomae sushi and street food in this bustling market, known for its seafood and traditional Japanese food stalls.
- Asakusa: Try Ningyo-yaki and explore traditional sweets near the iconic Sensō-ji Temple, famous for its historic charm and vibrant shopping street, Nakamise-dōri.
- Shinjuku: Enjoy Monjayaki and late-night ramen in this lively district, which offers a mix of shopping, entertainment, and the bustling nightlife of Kabukichō.
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Day 3-4: Hakone, Hot Spring Fine Dining
- Owakudani Valley: Try Kuro Tamago (black eggs) in this volcanic area, known for its geothermal activity and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Hakone Yumoto: Enjoy Yuba and Kaiseki fine-dining in this hot spring resort town, which offers relaxing baths, beautiful natural scenery, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Day 5-6: Kyoto, Sake Tour
- Gion District: Enjoy a Kaiseki meal and taste Yudofu in Kyoto's historic geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and the nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- Fushimi Inari: Drink Fushimi sake and explore local sake breweries around this iconic shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates and scenic hiking trails.
Day 7: Nara, Must Try the Tea Porridge
- Nara Park: Experience Chagayu and try Kakinoha Sushi while enjoying the serene atmosphere of Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer and historic temples like Todai-ji, which houses a giant Buddha statue.
- Naramachi: Sample traditional sweets like Yatsuhashi in this preserved Edo-period district, where you can wander through old merchant houses and quaint shops.
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Day 8-9: Osaka, Must Try Everything in Japan's Kitchen
- Dotonbori: Savor Takoyaki and Osaka-style Okonomiyaki in this famous entertainment district, known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Shinsekai: Try Kushikatsu at local izakayas in this retro neighborhood, which features Tsūtenkaku Tower and a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of post-war Osaka.
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Discover Japan's Culinary Treasures with Asia Odyssey Travel
Yes, everyone has tried Japanese food before. But the true and unique gastronomic universe of Japan can only be fully experienced firsthand, on-site, in Japan, when it's freshly cooked. Sushi, ramen, and tempura are just the beginning.
Let's delve deeper into special Japanese delights: Authentic yakitori in a local izakaya pub, exquisite Kaiseki fine dining at a boutique hot spring inn, and all the special local variations of iconic Japanese food await your exploration!
From Tokyo to Nara, every destination offers its own unique cuisines and street food. Join us for a truly authentic foodie adventure!
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