If you like exploring a new country through its food scene, this article is for you. We've made a list of the best food in Japan so you can try them on your trip. Japan boasts the second-highest number of Michelin stars globally, so get ready to dive into exquisite delicacies, from sushi to wagashi!
Sushi
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Sushi is a classic for a reason. This Japanese dish is popular globally! It is made with vinegared rice, usually with sugar and salt and other ingredients like seafood and vegetables. Experience authentic sushi on your trip to Japan. You can find top Michelin-star sushi restaurants here.
Sashimi
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Sashimi is the name given to fresh raw fish or meat slices, often eaten with soy sauce and, sometimes, wasabi and ginger. It’s one of Japan's most popular foods. We recommend checking this Japan guide for a breakdown of sashimi types.
Ramen
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Ramen is another typical Japanese food. It is a comforting dish of Chinese-style wheat noodles in a broth with a variety of toppings. It has a fascinating history, as it was likely introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants.
Udon
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If you love noodles but want something thicker than ramen, udon is for you. Udon is a thick Japanese noodle made from wheat flour. It’s often used in soups but can also be used in other dishes such as Yaki udon, a stir-fried udon noodle dish. You can find a list of udon places to check out in Tokyo here.
Tempura
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If you love fried food, tempura is one of the best foods to try in Japan. It consists of seafood and vegetables coated in batter and fried. Fun fact: Tempura was influenced by Portuguese people in Nagasaki in the 16th century.
Yakiniku
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Yakiniku refers to grilled meat cuisine but generally describes cooking bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables over small grills. It is similar to the popular Korean BBQ, and historians argue that yakiniku was introduced by Koreans living in Japan. However, they have differences, such as the type of meat cuts and flavor profiles.
Okonomiyaki
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Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake dish made of wheat flour and ingredients like cabbage and meat. There is a wide variety of okonomiyaki, but the two most popular variations are the Osaka and the Hiroshima styles.
Gyoza
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Gyozas are popular Japanese dumplings often filled with meat, vegetables, and aromatics. They were introduced from China but have since developed particularities, like a thinner wrapper. Here is a guide to Tokyo's best gyoza.
Wagashi
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If you like sweets, you'll love wagashi. They are usually made with plant-based ingredients and served with green tea or matcha. Sweet bean paste, sesame paste, and rice flour are common ingredients. You can find a list of some wagashi types here.
Matcha
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Although not technically food, matcha is an essential part of Japanese culture. Matcha is powdered green tea served during tea ceremonies, where the host prepares tea for the guests. The ceremonies are influenced by Zen Buddhist principles such as harmony and respect and can last multiple hours.
Japanese food is much more than the ones listed here, but this article is a great starting point. The best food in Japan will depend greatly on your taste and the restaurants or vendors you visit, but one thing is sure: experiencing it abroad will create the ultimate experience.
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