Best Dishes From Japan: A Culinary Journey Through the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is a country renowned for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of sushi, ramen, or tempura, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This article will take you on a culinary journey through Japan, showcasing the best dishes that the country has to offer. From traditional dishes to modern twists on classic recipes, you’ll discover the rich and flavorful world of Japanese cuisine.

🍣 Sushi

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, sushi is perhaps the most well-known dish. Made from vinegared rice and a variety of fresh seafood, sushi comes in many different forms. From nigiri sushi, which consists of a slice of raw fish on top of a small ball of rice, to maki sushi, which is rolled in seaweed and filled with a variety of ingredients, there’s no shortage of sushi options to try in Japan.

Types of Sushi

There are many different types of sushi to try in Japan, each with its own unique flavor profile:

Type of Sushi
Description

Nigiri sushi
A slice of raw fish on top of a small ball of rice.

Maki sushi
Rolled in seaweed and filled with a variety of ingredients.

Temaki sushi
A cone-shaped sushi roll filled with a variety of ingredients.

Chirashi sushi
A bowl of sushi rice topped with a variety of raw fish and other toppings.

Inari sushi
Fried tofu pockets filled with sushi rice.

Where to Try Sushi in Japan

There are many different places to try sushi in Japan, from high-end restaurants to casual sushi bars. Some of the best places to try sushi include:

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
Sushi Dai in Tokyo
Sushizanmai in Tokyo
Uobei in Tokyo

🍜 Ramen

Another popular dish in Japan is ramen, a noodle soup that typically consists of broth, noodles, and a variety of toppings. Ramen has become a worldwide sensation in recent years, with many different variations popping up all over the world. However, the best place to try authentic ramen is in Japan.

Types of Ramen

There are many different types of ramen to try in Japan, each with its own unique flavor profile:

Type of Ramen
Description

Shoyu ramen
A soy sauce-based broth with curly noodles and various toppings.

Miso ramen
A miso-based broth with curly noodles and various toppings.

Shio ramen
A salt-based broth with curly noodles and various toppings.

Tonkotsu ramen
A pork bone-based broth with curly noodles and various toppings.

Where to Try Ramen in Japan

There are many different places to try ramen in Japan, from small ramen stands to high-end restaurants. Some of the best places to try ramen include:

Ippudo in Tokyo
Afuri in Tokyo
Rokurinsha in Tokyo
Kikanbo in Tokyo

🍤 Tempura

Tempura is a dish consisting of battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables. It’s a popular dish in Japan, and many restaurants specialize in serving tempura dishes. The batter used to make tempura is light and crispy, which allows the flavors of the seafood or vegetables to shine through.

Where to Try Tempura in Japan

There are many different places to try tempura in Japan, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries. Some of the best places to try tempura include:

Tenichi in Tokyo
Tempura Kondo in Tokyo
Tempura Yamanoue in Kyoto
Tempura Matsu in Kyoto

🍱 Bento

Bento is a convenient and delicious lunch option in Japan. A bento box typically consists of rice, meat or fish, and a variety of sides, such as pickles and vegetables. Bento boxes can be purchased at many convenience stores and train stations throughout Japan, making them a popular option for people on the go.

Where to Try Bento in Japan

There are many different places to try bento in Japan, from convenience stores to high-end restaurants. Some of the best places to try bento include:

Ekibenya Matsuri in Tokyo Station
Makunouchi bento at Ginza Kagariya in Tokyo
Ekiben Hitoritabi in Kyoto Station
Hiroki in Kyoto

🍙 Onigiri

Onigiri is a popular snack in Japan that consists of rice balls filled with various ingredients. Onigiri can be found at many convenience stores and train stations throughout Japan, making them a convenient and delicious snack option.

Where to Try Onigiri in Japan

There are many different places to try onigiri in Japan, from convenience stores to specialty shops. Some of the best places to try onigiri include:

Lawson convenience stores
Seven Eleven convenience stores
Omusubi Gonbei in Tokyo
Musubi Cafe Iyasaka in Kyoto

🍰 Wagashi

Wagashi is a type of traditional Japanese sweet that’s typically served with green tea. Made from ingredients like mochi, sweet bean paste, and rice flour, wagashi comes in many different shapes and flavors. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Where to Try Wagashi in Japan

There are many different places to try wagashi in Japan, from specialty shops to high-end restaurants. Some of the best places to try wagashi include:

Toraya in Tokyo
Higashiya in Tokyo
Nakamura Tokichi in Kyoto
Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten in Kyoto

🐟 Sashimi

Sashimi is a dish consisting of thinly sliced raw fish or meat. It’s typically served with soy sauce and wasabi, and is a popular dish in Japan. The key to enjoying sashimi is to choose the freshest seafood possible.

Where to Try Sashimi in Japan

There are many different places to try sashimi in Japan, from high-end restaurants to casual eateries. Some of the best places to try sashimi include:

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
Sushi Dai in Tokyo
Jukusei Sushi in Kyoto
Sushiyoshi in Osaka

🍛 Curry Rice

Japanese curry rice is a dish that’s become popular all over the world. It’s made from a roux-based sauce and served over rice, with a variety of toppings. Japanese curry is a comfort food that’s perfect for a cold day.

Where to Try Curry Rice in Japan

There are many different places to try curry rice in Japan, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants. Some of the best places to try curry rice include:

Coco Ichibanya in Tokyo
Karafuneya in Tokyo
Curry House CoCo Ichibanya in Kyoto
Katsu Curry Kan in Kyoto

🍢 Yakitori

Yakitori is a dish