Japan has emerged as a popular travel destination in the last few years. The increase in interest in Japanese culture and TV shows, including anime, has surged this interest, as well as access to easier travel to pages half way across the world and translation devices, which make it easier to communicate with those who have a completely different language.
Overall, this has led to many wanting to visit the country’s most famous cities, such as Tokyo and Osaka, to see temples and cultural landmarks alike; however, many tend to forget that there is another way to explore a country- through your taste buds.
Japanese food has become a staple in the West, with dishes such as sushi and the famous katsu curry being common for dinners in and out of the home; however, there is much more to explore when it comes to Japanese cuisine.
From the country’s 180 Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling night markets and incredible 7-Eleven convenience stores, which make you feel like you’ve entered a whole new world, Japan has so much to offer when it comes to cuisine.
So, if you fancy slurping rich ramen in Tokyo or takoyaki in Osaka, but you have no idea what route to take and where to start, this article aims to act as a guide to help you discover all of the flavours, cuisines, and must-trys that Japan has to offer from region to region, so you have no regrets when it is time to leave.
Tokyo: Street food and Izakaya hopping
Starting in the country’s capital, Tokyo, is the best start to your culinary experience. Apart from visiting the city’s most impressive and oldest Buddhist temple- the Senso-ji- and shopping in the bright streets of the city, there is plenty of food and cuisine ready to be tasted.
As one of the country’s largest and most famous cities, there is a variety of different cuisines around the city at different levels to be tried.
Tsukiji outer market
One of Tokyo’s most famous markets, the Tsukiji outer market is a bustling open-air food hall in the centre of Tokyo. With over 400 stalls and shops, visitors to the market can feast on all of the fresh food offered at the market, including its array of seafood straight from the Japanese seas as well as local delicacies such as the tamagoyaki, which is a Japanese omelette and the delicious Wagyu beef, which is a staple of Japanese cuisine.
If you want to buy your own cooking equipment, you’re in the best place, as the Japanese are renowned for their knives, which are some of the best in the world, and are available at this market.
Izakaya hopping
Izakayas are the local name for pubs that serve food. In these local restaurants and bars, you can enjoy yakitori, as well as the local draft beers. These unique spots act as more casual spots to try multiple dishes at once, for a truly local experience. For a night to remember, hop around to multiple of these pubs and eat and drink the night away in one of Japan’s best cities.
Osaka: Japan’s kitchen
Osaka is Japan’s second city and is known as the multicultural and entertainment capital, but it is also known for its food, making it a great place to head to after Japan, as it is only 2 and a half hours away by bullet train. Here are some of the best culinary experiences that you can have in the culinary capital:
Dotonbori district
This district in the city’s centre is the culinary heart of Osaka, lit by neon signs, making it a must-see when you visit Osaka. Here you must try Takoyaki, which are batter-fried octopus fresh from the grill and coated in savoury sauces and mayonnaise. After tasting all that the district has to offer, head to one of the district’s many bars and experience the electric energy that makes the area come to life.
Okonomiyaki
A local delicacy to the area, the okonomiyaki pancakes are a savoury street food which layers of cabbage, noodles and pork all topped with a rich umami sauce. This is available all over the city in stalls and restaurants all over Osaka and is a must-try for anyone visiting.
Kyoto and Kanazawa: traditional dishes
Nishiki Market
This must-visit market is located in the downtown area of Kyoto and is renowned as a steh place to find some of Kyoto’s most famous goods and food. Stretching 400 metres through the heart of the city, this market is a feast for the senses, lined with skewers, fresh seafood and sweets that look picture perfect.
You’d better come here hungry, as its adiffiult choice trying to choose just a few places to eat. Visit for lunch and try some freshly grilled unagi, juicy quail eggs and crunchy pickles with rice. To finish off your culinary experience, try some mochi and hand-brewed tea for a rounded experience.
Kanazawa
Famous for its affordable seafood and traditional tea ceremonies, Kanazawa is a step back in time to Japan’s culinary past. Attend one of the city’s traditional tea houses and taste the array of local teas before heading to breweries such as Fukumitsuya to see how local water shapes the sake profile and taste of some local produce.
Final thoughts
Eating your way through Japan is the eBay way not only to taste the local cuisines but to explore the real side of each city. Whether you’re touring through the markets of Tokyo or heading to a local izakaya, these culinary experiences will not only make your stomach happy but also make your experience unique and even leave you with a few recipes that you may want to take home and try yourself.
So, if you’re planning to go to Japan in the near future and want to swap your British citizenship with a Japanese one and explore the country like a true local, follow this guide, and you can truly see every side of the country, all with your taste buds
