If you have a passion for food, you need to get yourself to Japan. The country’s culinary scene has blossomed in recent years, supporting its rich history and cultural heritage as a major draw for tourists.
There are so many different types of food to try and cities to visit that it can be difficult to know where to start, though. To make things a little bit easier, with put together a guide to the absolute essentials you need for your next tour of Japan.
Tokyo
For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Japanese food is sushi. Whether you love it or you’ve never tried it, there couldn’t be a better place to try it than Tokyo – the home of the most popular type of sushi: nigiri-zushi. A trip to the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market will give you a chance to taste it in its freshest form.
The alleys of Shinjuku and Shibuya are the home of Tokyo’s street food scene. There are a host of small kiosks serving up phenomenal ramen, tonkatsu and tempura.
Kyoto
The former capital of Japan remains one of the country’s most culturally important cities.
Having initially emerged as part of the famous tea ceremony, kaiseki has developed into an exceptionally refined cuisine. It showcases top-tier ingredients, cooking techniques and presentation styles, delivering dishes that wouldn’t look out of place in any of the best restaurants in the world. The contents of the meal will vary depending on the season, but it’s an essential for anyone on a food tour.
Head to the tea houses in the Gion district for an iconic matcha green tea and to sample the traditional sweets known as wagashi.
Osaka
Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is famous for its incredible street food. Among the specialities are:
- Takoyaki: Crispy octopus balls best tasted at Yamachan.
- Okonomiyaki: Often returned to as Japanese pizza, these grilled savoury pancakes are an absolute delight.
- Kushikatsu: If you’re a fan of all things deep-fried, you can’t go wrong with some kushikatsu at Matsuba Sohonten.
- Mitarashi dango: Rice dumplings coated in a sticky-sweet soy glaze make for a delightful after-dinner treat.
If you’d prefer to discover the best places for yourself, simply go for a stroll in Dotonbori or Shinsekai.
Hokkaido
Should you want to escape the bigger cities and enjoy a more laid-back experience, Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido could be for you.
Crab and sea urchin are among the chief delicacies of this region. It’s even possible to catch the latter yourself and slurp them straight down from the shell. If you can only make it to Sapporo, take a trip to Nijo Fish Market to sample them for yourself.
